The Short Loin and Other Myths: A Comedic Canine Conundrum

Ah, the Lhasa Apso, a breed as mysterious as the myths that surround it. One of the most persistent legends in the dog world is the tale of the "short loin." You’ve heard it all before: "The Lhasa should have a long body and a short loin." But where did this idea come from? Certainly not from any breed standard, which universally calls for a rectangular outline—"longer than tall." So, let’s dive into this myth and have a little fun along the way.

1. Where Exactly is the Loin, and How Does One Measure It?

First things first, let’s locate this elusive loin. The loin is the section of the spine consisting of seven lumbar vertebrae, nestled between the thoracic vertebrae and the sacrum. Think of it as the dog’s flexible midsection, the yoga master of the canine spine. Measuring it is simple: count seven vertebrae from the last rib to the pelvis. Voilà, you’ve found the loin!

2. What Determines Loin Length?

The length of the loin is determined by the length of the lumbar vertebrae. It’s like trying to change the length of a hot dog by stretching the bun—it just doesn’t work. The spine is a continuous structure, so if you have a long-bodied dog, you’ll have a relatively long loin. It’s all about proportions, people!

3. If It Should Be "Short," Why?

Here’s where things get interesting. Some folks believe a short loin equals strength. But let’s think about this: if you were a gymnast, would you want a rigid midsection or a flexible one? Flexibility is key for agility and movement. A short loin would make your Lhasa about as flexible as a brick.

4. If It Should Be Long, Why?

A longer loin allows for greater flexibility and agility. Imagine trying to do a cartwheel with a stiff back—ouch! The loin’s flexibility is crucial for a dog’s movement, especially for a breed that needs to navigate mountainous terrain. So, a longer loin is not just okay; it’s desirable.

The Anatomy Lesson You Didn’t Know You Needed

The dog’s axial skeleton is a marvel of engineering. The thoracic vertebrae and ribs form a rigid box to protect vital organs, while the loin provides the flexibility needed for movement. The first nine ribs are attached to the sternum, making the chest cavity a fortress. The last rib floats freely, adding a touch of whimsy to the otherwise structured ribcage.

The Myth of the Short Loin

So, where did the short loin myth come from? It’s a mystery worthy of Sherlock Holmes. No breed standard calls for a short loin, yet the myth persists. Perhaps it’s a case of mistaken identity, confusing the loin with the flank. Or maybe it’s just one of those things that sounds good in theory but falls apart under scrutiny.

The Final Word

In the end, the length of the loin is just one piece of the puzzle. What matters most is the overall balance and strength of the dog. So, the next time someone tells you a Lhasa should have a short loin, feel free to chuckle and share this little anatomy lesson. After all, a well-balanced dog is a happy dog, and that’s no myth.

And remember, if you’re going to measure the loin, do it right. Otherwise, you might as well be measuring the length of a piece of string—pointless and a bit silly. So, let’s put this myth to rest and celebrate the Lhasa Apso for the flexible, agile, and wonderfully unique breed it is.