The Forelimb

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172 – August, 2021

By Wendell Sammet

The Thoracic Limb

The dog’s functional components consist of the forelimb and the hindlimb. The limbs are comprised of bones of many shapes and sizes. Some bones are long or short, and some are thick or thin. Some bones are straight, and many of them are curved. Whatever the case, they are all joined together by either a hinge or ball-and-socket joint, with one outstanding exception:

The Scapula or Should Blade

The primary feature of the forequarter assembly and the justified obsession of breeders and judges is undoubtedly the shoulder blade (scapula). It also claims the distinction of being the only bone that is not attached by any joint. This is a broad, flat, thin bone anchored to the body by many complex overlapping layers of muscle. Its shape reflects its function as the major point of muscle attachment of the thoracic limb and the trunk.

Approximately equal in length to the upper arm, its outer surface is divided down the center by a prominent bony ridge, the spine, running along its length. This anatomical landmark is often referred to as “the layback of shoulder.” The scapula’s inner smooth surface is attached to the shoulder by the brachiocephalic and the trapezius muscles, which govern the movement of the limbs and trunk.

The forequarter assembly is perfectly designed to receive and stabilize 60 percent of the dog’s body weight, and the ribcage which protects the major body organs.

The Humerus or Upper Arm

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172 – August, 2021

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