STANDARD .

MOVEMENT-- "The dog shall move smoothly, covering the ground with free, easy strides, fore and hind legs should move parallel to each other when viewed from in front or behind. The forelegs reaching out well and the hind legs moving smoothly at the hip and flexing well at the stifle and hock. The dog should move compactly and in one piece but with a typical jaunty air that suggests agility and power."

Discussion

A Bull Terrier which is made well is likely to move well, and it is in motion that the animal passes the true test of construction. From the front (coming toward) the forelegs should be perfectly straight, with the feet the same distance apart as the elbows. If the shoulders and elbows are not properly constructed the elbows will visibly turn outward and the feet will be closer together than the elbows. Any deviations in the straightness of the forelegs will be noticeable, and these are often accompanied by a crossing or weaving gait. From the rear (going away) the hind legs should also be parallel. Bowed-out stifles and hocks will cause the hind feet to turni n and they will sometimes actually cross as the dog puts one in front of the other. "Cow-hocks", or hocks which turn in toward the center line, will cause the stifles and hind feet to turn out with a resulting loss of impulsion or drive. From the side, animals with straight shoulders will usually show some slackness or a dip behind the withers. A straight hind leg and a badly made croup will cause the hind end to be higher than the front, giving the impression that the animal is "running downhill." Because the standing Bull Terrier can be cleverly "stacked" to minimize these basic construction problems, it is essential for breeders and judges alike to familiarize themselves with the ideal Bull Terrier in motion. It is in the movement phase of assessment that the crucial tests are met and passed or failed, and a Bull Terrier which moves correctly should be recognized and rewarded both in the ring and in a progressive breeding program.