Hi all, I have a show puppy of 8mths - tonight at ringcraft he is going close behind which he hasn't done before - usually very parallel front and back.

I just wondered why this might be and if I can remedy it.

Don't know the breed but it may be the growth stage. If it is that when moved at speed the feet are centerlining under the body that is as it should be but if the legs are just too close then the pelvis is not broad enough and that could correct once the pup is mature but may not. Is he standing correctly when free stood, if so it could just be a phase but I don't think you can do much about it as it is usually a matter of the dogs construction.

Best way is to speak to someone of experience in the breed who will give you an honest opinion.

Thanks for the reply Nova. 

I have a few of this breed and have never had one that has changed so much in so short a time - he is really  keeping me on the edge of my seat!

I booked him in very confidently into a champ show when he was looking good, only for him to look terrible now.

Would you agree with a 'wisdom' written in one of our breed books, that if a pup looks good at 3 mths old - angulation, front fill, length, it will finally become the balanced pup it began as.

The old adage is what is there at 6 weeks 'should' be there at 6 months.

It is the case once you enter for a champ show things change..where a puppy is concerned....this can be for the better sometimes but also the opposite can happen....just typical! We have all been there

As has already been suggested, see what some who are well experienced in the breed say.

Just noticed it is a male, have his testis recently dropped - it could be he is a bit uncomfortable in this region as he enters his puberty we expect and accept it when bitches are a bit off at this time but I am sure that some males feel uncomfortable and confused as well.