It’s easy to determine where the dog’s withers are. This is the area between the shoulder blades on top. The highest seat on the back. The height of the withers measures the growth of the animal. The size of the dog is of great importance for some calculations.
Why dog withers
The withers are a combination of muscles and joints of the neck, forepaws and back of the dog. These muscles coordinate the motor functions of the animal. The stronger the withers, the better the pet is physically developed. Some service breeds are trained at the withers, forcing them to carry weights (as, for example, to bull terriers and Staffordshire terriers: heavy tires are hung around their necks). The strength of the back and legs depends on the power of the withers.
How to measure an animal
In order to measure the height of the pet at the withers at home, you can make yourself a simple device. It will take two wooden cubes, one twenty-five centimeters in size, and the other five centimeters. Wooden parts are glued to each other in the shape of the letter "G". A shorter tape, along it, you need to glue a tape measure. For ease of measurement, a weight can be glued to the bottom. Now we need to call a dog to ourselves (it is better to manipulate with an assistant), put the pet in a calm position and put on the withers a measuring device with a long part. It is important that the measuring device is positioned strictly upright.
You can measure the height without special devices. For this, a centimeter is applied to a pet standing on a flat surface, to the highest point of the scapula, where the withers of the dog are located, and the lower part of the measuring tape is lowered to the floor. The result obtained is the height of the animal. If the dog is long-haired, extend the hairline to the skin and then apply a measuring tape.
It’s even easier to measure your pet’s height by placing a measuring board on it.
Why you need to know the height of the dog
Why do you need to know where the withers of a dog? What are dog sizes for? There are breeds in which growth is the main difference. For example, a royal poodle, a small and a dwarf poodle .
First of all, the parameters of the animal are taken into account at exhibitions, where the height at the withers is the basis for determining many factors. For example, the ratio of the length of the dog to the height (index of extension) is calculated. Also, massiveness, long-leggedness, long-headedness and other parameters of animals are calculated. To calculate these values, you need to know the height at the withers. Then, comparing these sizes, the panel of judges will find out if this specimen meets the standard of the required breed. The required dimensions, according to the exterior, can be found in the dog club or on the Internet.
The exact place on the body where the withers of the dog, the photo below demonstrates quite clearly.
Size matters
If you can determine where the withers of the dog, you can calculate the size of clothing for the pet. Overalls for animals are sewn taking into account their growth and other parameters. Carriage for the pet is also chosen by the size of the dog at the withers.
The dimensions of the pet are also important for calculating the construction of a booth or aviary. The height of the withers and the width of the animal is a connector entrance to the booth.
The withers of the dog, where the shoulder blades, is the area by which you can grab the beast and move to another place in case of emergency. For example, if you want to put your pet on the table of a veterinarian.
It is necessary to know where the withers of the dog are, in order to give injections to this area of the body if necessary. Some drugs are administered intramuscularly for better absorption and absorption. Subcutaneous tissue at the withers of a dog is the most inaccessible place for an animal. It can not be reached with either a paw or teeth. Therefore, drops from ticks and fleas are most often applied to the withers. The withers are also a vulnerable area in which bloodsucking insects suck. During the competition of service and hunting dogs, the dimensions of the test animal also matter. The height of the dog for hunting dogs on the exterior is an important quantity. Knowing the size at the withers, the judges will find out whether this dog is suitable for grazing on the beast or not, whether it is worth sending it for testing.
Having learned the growth of his pet at the withers, the dog breeder can easily care for the pet.