Angulation of the German Shepherd

Figure A - Overangulated hindquarter - relatively common example of an overlong lower thigh [tibia].

Figure B - Typical of today's 'well angulated' German Shepherd Dog; slight curved lumbar spine [lower placed hip/knee position] in the context of a slightly curved lumbar spine correct hindquarter angulation - balanced upper thigh [femur] and lower thigh [tibia]

Figure C - Much less common than it once was and disappearing fast ; straight level lumbar spine [higher hip/knee position] and in that context correct hindquarter angulation - short croup, and of course like 'E' standing a touch overstretched and you must be able to account for that.

Figure D - Underangulated hindquarter - straight level lumbar spine, slightly short and slightly flat croup, correct length of upper thigh, slightly short lower thigh. Underangulation is typified by a straight line to the thigh as opposed to a curve.

Figure E - Imbalanced overangulated hindquarter - extremely long lower thigh with too short upper thigh and short steep croup

Figure F - Imbalanced hindquarter angulation ; Whilst not ideal, better than 'A' and increasing in its genetic frequency; slightly curved lumbar spine, overlong upper thigh and short lower thigh