The shape of the body is largely determined by the
ribs. As the ribs move outward from the spine, they should form a broad back, then flatten
to form the deep body. This shape enables the dog to have adequate room for heart and
lungs and still maneuver in tight underground spaces.
The drawing in the middle above represents a cross-section of the correctly-shaped Scottish Terrier rib cage. The drawing on the left above illustrates a flat-sided rib cage while the drawing on the right above illustrates a too-round rib cage.
It is also important that the ribs be carried well back, extending beyond the halfway point of the body. Shortness of body must never be gained at the expense of good ribs. |
