Quote:

Is this considered acceptable/desirable?

Sarah,
The fact that the dog in question was chosen not just once but three years in a row (2001/'02/'03 Select Champion) would suggest that not only is it acceptable, but that judges find it preferable.

Competitors offer what judges reward...(true for any sport, from gymnastics to schutzhund)

I think AKC/CKC judges (generations of them) have seen only that type dog in the ring for so long they've "grown Accustomed to her Face" as the song lyrics go... to the point of accepting this type angulation as completely normal, and seeing dogs without it as abnormal.

If a judge were to go into a show ring and actually judge each dog independently against the Standard, adhereing to all the required angles, etc, instead of against each other in the ring, there would likely be shows where NO dog would win. Obviously, that will never happen, as it would be the last judging assignment that person would ever get!

And no, it doesn't hurt the dog as the long bone structure allows for such a stance. It can make for a wobbly walk. Like a guy wearing spike high heels <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

The term is sickle hocked. My dog Axel is Am showlines and has the rediculous angle on his hock. He cannot straighten his legs out. However he can run and run and run, which I didn't think would be possible with the extreme angle of his hock. He is beautiful from the side!