Exercise geeks among us know the importance of “core” strength.  They know it supports the spine and improves balance. It also relieves the burden of supporting one’s body weight entirely on one’s bones. Very often, people suffering back pain are advised to “improve their core strength.”

Dogs aren’t all that different, and for that reason, we should never underestimate the importance of a dog’s top line, or what goes into a good one. The strength and health of a dog’s back is determined by proper structure at both ends of the dog, to be sure, but because a good topline involves muscles that support the spine, core strengthening exercises can improve both a dog’s movement and topline. This is important for all dogs, but it’s especially important for dogs that work, show dogs, and athletic dogs who need to be able to make hard, fast turns. These dogs all need to be able to combine speed and accuracy, and having a strong core not only improves spinal stability, it reduces the risk of injury.  

Woefully, a good top line can’t be bred for on its own, and good breeders pay attention to balance at both ends of the dog. Put another way, a dog that isn’t built right, won’t move right. Top-line issues are usually symptoms of problems somewhere else in the dog’s structure,  though we should point out that top lines can be breed specific. What is correct in a Cesky Terrier or Chesapeake Bay Retriever may be far from what’s ideal in a Doberman Pinscher or Gordon Setter (and to clarify, the topline is the area from the base of the dog’s neck to the base of her tail).  The length of the dog’s back, as well, is breed specific, and much depends upon the dog’s purpose. A square dog is usually a smooth trotter, and being slightly longer than tall increases speed. “Long and low” decreases the length of stride and speed which made some breeds ideal for people hunting on foot.

Chesapeake Bay Retriever Of Maryland by Joe Barsin is available as a print here.
Doberman Studies by giselleukardi. Support this artist and find more of her work here.