'Chest dropping'

[Kipawa]

For those here in the know… I have heard the terminology 'the basenji's chest dropping'.

What exactly does this mean? At what age does it happen? Any other info you can share?

thanks!

[Shaye's Mom]

I'd also like to know if that's something we dont know about.

[lisastewart]

I've never heard that used with basenjis. its used when referrring to whippets. In whippets its the age when thier brisket has finally filled out. I would imagine in basenjis it also refers to when they are nicely filled out in the chest. Gambit filled out by age 6 months. It took till 10 months for Tempest and they are litter mates. Some do not ever fill out, or do so at 18 months or so.

[DebraDownSouth]

That is also what it means with rotties and chows– the chest broadens, matures and fills out.

[lisastewart]

Here are two photos of Tempest, the first at 7 months, the second at 10, you can see the difference.

[tanza]

Well done Lisa, that is it exactly. It is the same in all breeds. If you notice from Lisa's picture of Tempest, in the first as a baby, her ribcage is above the point of her elbow (top of the front leg), in the second you can now see how it has dropped and just about even with the point of the elbow.

Some take time for this to happen, some just mature faster… and some never have it happen.

[Kipawa]

@lisastewart:

Here are two photos of Tempest, the first at 7 months, the second at 10, you can see the difference.

Lisa, thanks for posting the pictures. It gives me a good visual reference.

[Patty]

It takes pictures I think to describe the 'dropping' and Lisa's show it perfectly. I've tried to explian it to novices and never had suitable 'before' and 'after' photographs of the same dog. With your permission, Lisa I'd likre to refer questioners to this post, please.

[DebraDownSouth]

WOW did Tempest mature fast! Remarkable difference!

[lisastewart]

Sure, feel free to use it. I was just happy that she did fill in. My first show dog never developed the nice deep chest that both his parents had. Tempest won a 5 pt major the day after the 7 month photo was taken. Even though she was still very much a puppy, so we're the other ten competitors:)

[DebraDownSouth]

Well I know you are proud, but can I be a bit proud FOR you. I love the red and whites, and seeing such presence and beauty in one that young makes my heart go pitter-patter.

[lisastewart]

Thank you. My goal is to show her at Eukanuba next year. Just need that second major so we can start working on the GCH. She really turns on the charm in the ring.

[DolceMomma]

Tempest is beautiful!

[Patty]

Good luck with Tempest's show career. She looks a lovely bitch. Thank you for your permission.

[dmcarty]

One other note about chest 'dropping' (and why did dog people start using that term - it sort of conjurs up visions of dog parts falling off in the yard) One the the biggest problems in basenjis fronts right now is those that are too narrow and have a concave area between the front legs. I'm NOT advocating a front like a bull terrier but there needs to be some 'fill' there to have a good front but it's not the fill it is the actual structure of the bones in the shoulder and upper arm that - if not correct- actally pull the 'front' too far forward. A quick visual scan from the side - if the deepest part of the brisket is well behind the legs - the front is too far forward. We need to pay attention to the actual shoulder structure to make sure we are not continuing to double up on dogs with a short upper arm. That limits front reach, and creates a not efficient side gait. So go catch your dogs and do a quick check - measure from the top of the wither to the point of shoulder (the most prominant bone in the chest.) then from that point to the point of the elbow. They should be the same. if they are not - stand up your dog and put your hand between the front legs - if you hand is IN FRONT OF THE FRONT LEGS - great - if your hand is between the front legs the front on your dog is too far foward.
More than you ever wanted to know probably - LOL