How might a dog bred purely for tenacity underground differ structurally?
Answer
Slightly shorter legs or a heavier bone structure
The physical traits favored during the initial working phase often emphasized function over aesthetic appearance. A dog bred strictly for tenacity and the ability to follow quarry into narrow dens underground might possess structural features optimized for durability and fitting into confined spaces. This focus on underground capability could lead to characteristics like slightly shorter legs, which might provide better leverage or stability, or a heavier bone structure to withstand impacts, contrasting slightly with conformation requirements favored in the show ring.
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