To control the process of growth and development of young dogs, to determine their proportions for compliance with breed standards, their sizes are measured. Measurements are an objective complement to eye assessment and are also taken during dog shows. The height at the withers is one of the main measurements when evaluating a dog for compliance with standards.
It is necessary
- - a special measuring ruler;
- - measuring square.
Instructions
Step 1
If you don't have a ruler that you can use to measure your dog, make your own measuring square. Take two bars measuring 20-25 cm and 5 cm, glue them at right angles to each other in the shape of the letter "L", along the short bar, glue a measuring tape so that its zero mark is at the level of the lower plane of the long bar. To increase the measurement accuracy, attach a small plumb line to the inside of the short bar - a weight on the cord.
Step 2
Choose a place where you will measure the height of the dog at the withers. She should stand on a level surface - on the floor, on a table (if it is a small breed dog) or on a site with firm and level ground. If you are taking regular measurements of a young dog to monitor its development, then always take them at the same time of day, before feeding.
Step 3
Stand the dog up straight. Determine where the withers are - the highest point of the back if the dog is standing still. It is formed by the first five vertebrae of the dorsal spine. Visually, it can be defined as a slight elevation between the dog's neck and back.
Step 4
If you are taking measurements for the first time, let the dog sniff the instruments so that he does not worry. After the dog is convinced that they do not pose any danger to him, proceed to the measurements. To do this, place a measuring ruler or angle against the dog's withers. Place the tool exactly on the withers, attach it so that it touches the dog's body, but does not press on it. In a long-haired dog, parse the hair in this place. Make sure that the ruler is in a strictly upright position. If measurements are made with a corner, the tape should not touch the plumb line, it should be parallel to it and strictly vertical.
