Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure

Introduction to
Cow Hocks and Structure
Updated March 18, 2010
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure” is a
TICA Judging School created by
Vickie Shields, Approved Allbreed
Judge, Judging School Instructor,
and Ring Training Instructor, The
International Cat Association (TICA)
Successful completion of this Judging School will
earn 2 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for the
TICA Judging Program
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
This seminar has been approved by:
Adriana Kajon, PhD, Research Scientist,
Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute,
and a TICA Approved Allbreed Judge,
member of TICA’s Genetics Committee,
a Genetics Instructor, Judging School
Instructor and Ring Training Instructor
Brian Bailey, DPM, Podiatric Physician
and Surgeon, Professor of Anatomy,
Physiology and Podiatric Medicine, and
Ragdoll breeder, Adorablerags
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
Johan Lamprecht, MD, Medical Faculty,
University of Stellenbosch, and All Breeds
Judge, South African Cat Council (SACC)
and World Cat Federation (WCF)
Terry Curtis, DVM, MS, Veterinarian, and
Small Animal Behaviorist specializing in
the social organization of cats
Thank You to the members of the
International Ragdoll Congress (IRC)
for requesting this seminar be created
for their Ragdoll Congress Show in
Chicago, Illinois, March 2008
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
What you will learn today:
1. What is a hock?
2. What are cow hocks?
(cow hocks are sometimes called x-legs or calf-knees)
3. What is toeing-out in front?
(toeing-out is sometimes called easty-westy)
4.
Why is structure important?
5.
Examples of good conformation
6.
Judging, how can you see conformation?
7.
Test your knowledge of structure
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
1.
What is a hock?
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
Human
heel, hock
Feet have evolved many forms depending on the animal'
s
needs.
One key variation is where on the foot the animal'
s weight
is placed.
In addition to humans, other mammals such as raccoons,
bears, and armadillos walk with the heel on the ground.
This is called “plantigrade” posture.
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
The plantigrade posture is good for walking,
but not for running.
(Armadillos don’t run away, they roll up)
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
Dog - run
Cats run
and jump
Running mammals tend to be built to run on
their toes
The feet are naturally held in this position with the heel off the ground - and only the toes
maintain contact with the ground
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
Human
heel
Cat
hock
Dog
hock
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
Because such mammals are running on their
toes (digits), this is called “digitigrade” posture.
Digitigrade mammals are also often good at
moving quietly.
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
Cats walk
on their toes
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
“Unguligrade” animals (termed ungulates) are those
which walk on the tips of their toes, typically on hooves.
This even further increases their stride length and thus
their speed. Examples include horses, deer, antelope,
goats, pigs and sheep.
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
Human sprinters try to "run on their
toes,” because the greater stride length
allows for more speed.
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
2. What are cow hocks?
(Cow hocks are sometimes
called “calf ankles,” or “x-legs”)
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
Cow hocks are a
misalignment of
the back leg joints.
The hocks come
together in the
back.
The knees and
toes point outward.
Knees are more
difficult to evaluate
on longhair cats.
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
Not actually
cow hocked,
these people
are standing
with their toes
and knees
pointing
outward.
This gives you
an idea of how
the feet point
outward on a
cow hocked cat.
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
Rear View of Horse
"Cow Hocked" - The hocks of the back
legs turn inward (toward) each other
when viewed from behind
"Bow Legs" - The hocks of the back
legs turn outward (away) form each
other when viewed from behind
"Stands Close Behind" - The back legs
are too close together. This is common
in a narrow-bodied, flat-ribbed animal
(including cats)
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
Cow hocked dogs have
weak thrust, poor stability, and
diminished lateral strength
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
Dogs with cow hocks require more surgical
intervention (C-sections) during birth than
dogs with good conformation.
Perhaps this is true with cats, also?
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
Can x-rays determine cow hocking?
• No, because of the positioning of the legs.
• Looking while cat is standing is accurate.
Right lateral
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
Ventrodorsal (frog-leg) position
March 18, 2010
The Newfoundland dog breeder who bought the above Maine Coon writes,
“An irresponsible breeder is one that will take an affected dog or cat from
a litter that has any of the inherited leg anomalies and breed it, or will breed
the same two animals repeatedly producing the same anomalies.
These irresponsible breeders are doing all this for the wrong reasons and it
makes them equal to the puppy mills.”
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
4.
What is toeing-out
in front?
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
Toeing out in front
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
“Toeing-out.” Toes face
out, elbows turn inward.
Another bad front structure.
Feet are turned in, elbows
are turned out (“bow-legs”
or “O-legs”).
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
Toes point outward
on front legs
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
Excellent front
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
Ankles together,
left toe pointing out
March 18, 2010
Together at
ankles, and
toeing out
Cow hocks
and narrow
hips often
accompany
this type of
front
structure,
for some
reason
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
Front feet are
together at the
ankles
March 18, 2010
Front View of Horse
“Toeing Out” - Hooves of the front legs
are turned outward and away from
each other. This is common in narrow
chested animals (including cats).
"Pigeon Toed" - Hooves of the front
legs are turned inward and toward
each other.
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
Dropped pasterns
Toeing out in front
Narrow front
Cow hocked
Narrow rear
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
Post legs, no good hock angle
(no “shock absorbers”)
Pictures of structure
problems in llamas,
which are also
occasionally seen
when judging cats,
like in the next
examples
March 18, 2010
Legs too vertical in front
Correct
angles
Post legs, too straight, not good angulation,
lacks “shock absorbing” ability
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
Narrow front
Narrow chest, ankles together
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
5.
Why is structure
important?
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
What do cat show judges do?
Why do we show pedigreed cats?
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
Judges are the “custodians of the breeds.”
This is an important concept in the dog world.
Judges are the Quality Control Department,
experts who give informed, honest evaluations.
Excellent
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
Judges have an important responsibility –
their decisions help select the future breeding
cats, because the highly-awarded cats are
often used more for breeding
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
Sometimes 30%, or more, of the pedigreed cats
at cat shows are cow hocked, which suggests we
have an opportunity for improvement
Judges and breeders need to have very high
standards, and evaluate the cats thoroughly for
the benefit of the breeds, and know which
imperfections are important
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
What is important?
1. Health
Correct body structure, conformation, breathe through nose,
see clearly without watery eyes, condition, etc. Functional
things are important to the cat itself for a good life!
2. Temperament
Most kittens will become pets, and show cats also need
good personalities in the show hall
3. Breed Type
Big ears, small ears, round eyes, etc., for the breed
4. Color
The easiest to change, and the least important to the cats’
quality of life
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
Health
Temperament
Breed Type
Color
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
Health
Temperament
Breed Type
Color
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
Health
Temperament
Breed Type
Color
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
Health
Temperament
Breed Type
Color
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
“Build the barn
before you paint it.”
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
“The single most important
decision we can make for our
puppies is to determine
whether each puppy is
structurally sound enough
to do what we will ask of it
in its lifetime.”
- Pat Hastings, American Kennel Club (AKC) Judge and Conformation
Evaluation Consultant who evaluates the structure of over 300 litters of
puppies every year
Soundness is the ability to move and live
painlessly, efficiently and productively.
It requires good condition, good health,
and a firm structural foundation.
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
Cow hocks are a disqualifying defect in
rabbits in the show ring and for breeding
because it is a functional problem
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
We love our cats, and want them to live long,
healthy, happy, pain-free lives.
At cat shows, functional excellence should be the
highest priority, as it is at dog shows, horse shows,
llama shows, rabbit shows, and so on.
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
Did you know
TICA’s Standards of Perfection
require correct conformation
in every breed of cat!
(but not the Household Pets, of course)
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
Where it is located in every
breed’s Standard
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
See Show Rules, ARTICLE SIXTEEN for more comprehensive rules
governing penalties and disqualifications.
Where I think it should be
located because of the
importance of functional health
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
What it says:
“See Show Rules, ARTICLE SIXTEEN
for more comprehensive rules governing
penalties and disqualifications.”
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
TICA Show Rules
ARTICLE SIXTEEN – Judging Procedures
216.12
Many abnormalities which are detected in judging are
not breed specific, but, rather occur in all cats.
Responsible breeding aims to conserve our breeds
while maintaining their health which means focusing
on reducing or eliminating these abnormalities.
Household Pets are excepted from this rule because
they are not the result of planned breeding programs.
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
Except as otherwise stated in this rule,
judges shall penalize or disqualify,
depending upon severity,
championship cats, non-championship
kittens, Advanced New Breeds (ANB),
and New Traits Class (NT) [see TICA
Standing Rules 701.4.3], and shall
penalize championship alters for the
following:
…
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
216.12.7
Inability to bear or support
weight or to walk normally.
216.12.8
Abnormal positioning of
the legs and feet while
standing.
Excellent
Examples include, but are not limited to, bowed or
Cow hocked legs, splaying of the feet, or obvious
toeing in or out of the feet.
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
216.12.7
Inability to bear or support
weight or to walk normally.
216.12.8
Abnormal positioning of
the legs and feet while
standing.
Excellent
Examples include, but are not limited to, bowed or
Cow hocked legs, splaying of the feet, or obvious
toeing in or out of the feet.
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
“judges shall
penalize or disqualify
depending upon severity”
Penalize
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
Disqualify
March 18, 2010
In horses and other livestock, cow hocking is known
that the imbalance of weight leads to painful
arthritis, and a reluctance to walk
Dogs also try to compensate
for misalignments, which
causes improper wear
and pain in nearby joints
There is a strong relationship
between the rear leg and
the general health and
soundness of the foot
Excellent
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
What happens when you
breed a very cowhocked
cat to a cat with good
structure?
You can get a range from
bad to fairly good.
After using a severely
cowhocked male because
he had a beautiful pattern,
a Bengal breeder told me
it took her 5 generations
of breeding to good legs
to return to uniformly
good legs in the kittens.
But it can be bred out.
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
Domestic cats are both predator and prey.
They need escape speed, jumping, landing stability,
plus functional maneuverability and agility.
Powerful and stable back legs are important
to the cats themselves.
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
This is an example of the areas where I work in
western U.S. Over the past eight years, I have seen
hundreds of cats on ranches, farms and rural homes
like this. I have never seen a cow hocked cat. Why?
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
Unfortunately, I think the cow-hocked cats are so
physically handicapped, they get eaten by coyotes
or other predators because they cannot escape.
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
A feral ranch cat. These cats survive without human assistance,
and they have a difficult life. They need to be physically able to
catch food, and avoid being caught and killed by predators.
They need good structure to change positions quickly, for lateral
side-to-side movement, and for stability.
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
Try this at home
Get 2 chairs, 2 toys, and 2 cats (one cow hocked, one not)
Then, have both cats jump up-down, up-down, up-down…
The cow hocked cat falls behind very quickly, because it has
both less stability on landing, and less power on the jump
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
Structure is important for function
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
Structure is important for function
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
Structure is important for function
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
A few words about…
Hip Displaysia
• Hip displaysia (“displaysia” means “poor development”)
is not necessarily associated with cow hocks
• Judges cannot accurately determine if a cat has hip
displaysia, according to the veterinarians I talked to
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
A few words about…
Pateller Luxation
Patellar luxation (trick knee, floating kneecap), when
patella dislocates or moves out of its normal location.
It is sometimes noticed when judging, if it is higher
grade of severity. When the cat is on its back legs,
they are wobbly, like it is doing a hula dance.
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
To easily check your own cat
easily at home, if the cat can
walk a few steps when all the
way up on its toes, this means
their knees are fine, according
the a veterinarian I asked.
Resting down on the
hocks like these cats is not
the same demonstration of
excellent knees; they need
to be up on their toes
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
Luxating patellas can be associated with bow-legs (also
called O-legs) in dogs. Perhaps also in cats, although I
have rarely seen bow-legs on cats, for some reason.
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
6. Examples of good
conformation
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
Munchkin
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
Excellent
knees
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
Devon Rex
kittens,
good legs
are already
visible
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
Great legs
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
Some examples
of wild cats
Notice their
excellent, strong
structure
Cougar
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
Lynx
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
Sand Cat
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
Legs look excellent, front and rear.
Shoulders, back, neck, too.
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
Powerful thrust!
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
Excellent
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
Excellent
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
7. Judging
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
I believe it is easier to be a good dog show judge
than it is to be a good cat show judge, because
when the dogs are moving their structure is easy
to see
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
How can cow hocking be seen
when judging cats?
Let’s look at several methods
This cat has fabulous conformation, balance, angulation, and power, a good reference
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
Checking can be done on the table, with the weight off the feet so their feet aren’t sliding
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
I might check this cat more closely; both the hindfeet and forefeet appear slightly out
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
Holding the cat at the top of its thighs, let the legs hang naturally,
gently let feet touch the table (so the cat relaxes) and then take
some weight, notice where the toes and hocks are pointing,
whether ahead or out, like on a clock at 10AM and 2PM
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
Allow the cat’s legs be relaxed in your hands, and notice
where the toes point, like this cat which has good legs,
the toes point down and straight ahead
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
Excellent
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
This cat’s toes appear to be pointing outward, but tail is hiding
knees, so I would try him on the table, like in the previous photo,
to verify. Being in the air, you can see his legs are not relaxed
like when they are touching the table
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
Excellent
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
This is also an excellent way to notice the back legs.
The cat is relaxed. Toes and knees are facing forward.
Everything is visible, and the cat is happy.
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
When judging dogs (and cats), it is important to look at them
when they are standing naturally.
Structural problems or discomfort are evident if they shift weight
from one foot to another, or move one back foot forward to
adjust stability, or shift their body weight to the front or the back.
"Treat a work of art like a prince: let it speak to you first.“ – Arthur Schopenhauer
“Treat cats like royalty: let them speak to you first.” – Vickie Shields
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
Knees aligned, and point straight ahead
Notice curling down of back toes to hang
onto the judges hand, which cow hocked
cats can’t perform
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
Cats curling their back toes to hang on
is equivalent to people picking up
something with their toes.
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
Fishing Cat
• Front paws can
rotate inward and
grasp objects
• Correct back legs,
making tripod using
tail
• Chest and front legs
excellent
This ability to rotate the front paws and grasp
is important for cats
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
Catching a ball
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
Catching a toy
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
Dogs cannot
catch and hold
with their paws
like cats can, so
they catch and
hold with their
mouths instead
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
8. Test your knowledge
of structure
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
Test 1
Which Singapura is cow hocked?
A
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
B
March 18, 2010
Test 1
Which Singapura is cow hocked?
A
B
Correct!
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
Test 2
Which Singapura is cow hocked?
A
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
B
March 18, 2010
Test 2
Which Singapura is cow hocked?
A
B
Correct!
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
Test 3
Which cat is cow hocked?
A
B
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
Test 3
Which cat is cow hocked?
A
B
Correct!
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
Test 4
Which horse is cow hocked?
A
B
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
Test 4
Which horse is cow hocked?
A
B
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
Correct!
March 18, 2010
Test 5
Which dog has the best front structure?
A
B
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
Test 5
Which dog has the best front structure?
A
B
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
Correct!
March 18, 2010
Test 6
Which dog has the best structure?
A
B
C
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
Test 6
Which dog has the best structure?
A
B
C
Cow hocked
Correct!
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
Too narrow
March 18, 2010
Test 7
A
Which cat has the best front?
B
C
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
D
March 18, 2010
Test 7
A
Which cat has the best front?
B
C
D
Correct!
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
Test 8
What do you observe about these two cats?
A
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
B
March 18, 2010
Test 8
What do you observe about these two cats?
A
B
Cow hocks, front ankles together, elbows out, and probably shoulder blades
nearly touching on top, instead of having a finger distance between them
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
Test 9
Which dog is cow hocked?
A
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
B
March 18, 2010
Test 9
Which dog is cow hocked?
A
B
Correct!
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
Test 10
Which dog is cow hocked?
A
B
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
Test 10
Which dog is cow hocked?
A
B
Correct!
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
Congratulations!
You have completed the TICA Judging School,
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure”
For comments, questions, or to contribute photos, please email
Vickie Shields, vshields@spinn.net
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
Questions?
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010
The End
(Notice the excellent
conformation!)
“Introduction to Cow Hocks and Structure,” TICA Judging School, by Vickie Shields
March 18, 2010