Topline
|
|
Topline- Stands lower at the withers than at the loin with no indication of softness or weakness. Attention is particularly called to this topline as it is a distinguishing characteristic of the breed.
Even though the fully coated mature OES may look like a lot of hair just piled over the topline, keep in mind that they must have a correct topline underneath the coat-THIS IS A BREED CHARACTERISTIC! Above, one can see on the clipped dog against the coat with the correct topline.
When examining the topline, it should feel firm and strong. When the OES moves, the topline should remain strong looking, EVEN IF THE COAT FALLS DOWN. It should never bounce or sag.
 |
Whether on lead(left) or unrestrained(right), the topline should be very obvious.