This has been a long-time question that basically asks which is more important: type or soundness. A great, great many years ago Bob Forsyth (one of the greatest handlers of all time) and I wrote dueling articles on this very question – and for me, the answer has not changed. I don’t believe it is an either/or. If a breed’s standard describes proper movement, then movement is a part of type (not all breeds describe movement – i.e./ Beagles). There is a saying attributed to Anne Rogers Clark that says “first find the best type and then choose the soundest of those.” I agree with that to a certain degree, but I do not believe movement (soundness) can be separated from type.

A judge should be judging according to the breed standard, and so to some degree this has a bearing on this question. Understanding the breed’s function plays into this. For example, side gait on a Brittany is of extreme importance, and so a Brittany with poor side movement should not win – no matter how “pretty” he may look. For example, side gait on a Brittany is more important than side gait on some Toy breeds (this is not to say that Toy breeds do not have proper movement).

Silhouette, balance, substance, head, coat, color, etc. all come together to define a breed’s type. And movement should be included in those items. A judge’s eyes and hands tell him how the dog’s structure fits the breed standard. Movement then confirms or denies what his eyes and hands have told him. Movement is the proof of the true dog that even the best handler cannot hide or show – except for moving the dog at the proper speed (and faster is NOT better).

About the judge: Mr. Sid Marx is an AKC judge with 50+ years judging experience.  He currently judges the Sporting, Hound, & Terrier Groups, Best in Show and Jr's.  He also writes a wonderful column for Dog News titled, The Judge Marx the Spot.