---------------------------------------------------------------(Jadranko Terzic)

A subject of many conversations and polemics among the dogo argentino admirers, (in)correct upper line.

A part of the official breed standard (FCI Standard No. 292 / 29. 01. 1999), together with comments and photos, sharpen the picture.

Upper line : Level, ...

- (Comment: Even the standard says “level” it does not mean that the back is flat. To be more precise, a requirement follows)

... the withers and the pin bones of the croup are at the same height, constituting the highest points.

Back : Large and strong, with fully developed muscles forming a slight slope towards the loins.

Loins : Strong and hidden by the developed lumbar muscles which form a median furrow along the spine. Slightly shorter than the dorsal region, rising very slightly to the top of the croup. The development of muscles in the parts of the upper line causes the dogs to show a slightly depressed profile without being actually so, which is enhanced in adults due to the fully developed dorsal and spinal muscles.

Croup : Of medium length, large and muscular; slightly showing the tips of both ilium and ischium. Its width is equal or a bit less than that of the thorax; the angle to the horizontal is of about 30°, thus the upper line falling in a slightly convex slope towards the insertion of the tail.

- (Comment: Even the standard is very precise in regards to the breed's upper line, judges who are not specialized for dogos make common mistakes. Every experienced judge knows that dogo's back line shows a slightly depressed profile without being actually so - it is a result of the fully developed dorsal and spinal muscles. Unfortunately, because of incorrect interpretation, many dogs who have, so called, a "saddle" back (as a result of incorrect spine) win at the dog circuits and take place in breeding.
Also, unfortunately, so called "roached" back passes unnoticed by the unlearned judges as a result of the poor interpretation of the standard. These judges forget the fact that the roached back line is an example of incorrect development of the spine. (Often, in this case, one of the vertebrae is the highest point of the dog's back which is completely opposite to the standard which says the the withers and the pin bones of the croup are constituting the highest points). The development of MUSCLES causes formation of the slight slope towards the loins.

Several photos describe the article above.