In analyzing the movement of this dog the first thing to look at is the overall forward progress. You will notice it is smooth. The leash is loose enough that it is exerting no pressure on the dog's neck, but taut enough to maintain communication between dog and handler. The handler does not have to "help" the dog keep his head and neck at the correct carrying angle of 45 degrees.
The next thing to notice is the lack of vertical movement of the topline. This is a breed which developed at very high altitude, where oxygen is only about half of what it is at sea level. Animals and people have to use their energy efficiently. A lot of bouncing up and down does not get one from here to there, but only wastes a lot of calories and oxygen - not typical movement for this efficient Tibetan breed.
The third thing to note is the reach in front. This is the keynote of a correctly placed and functional shoulder blade. On this dog, you can see the blade rotate to permit the long reach in front, and then rotate around an equal arc to carry the body forward over the stationary foot. Some apsos have a more vertical shoulder, which does not permit the degree of forward reach and rotation exhibited by this dog.
Fourth, watch the rear. Many Apso fanciers like to see a high action in the rear end, and are critical of a dog "moving under itself". They neglect to realize that "drive" only takes place "where the rubber meets the road" - while the rear foot is in contact with the ground. Drive, or forward power, indeed begins when the center of gravity passes over the stationary rear foot, but more importantly, it stops as soon as that foot leaves the ground. The length of stride, or the actual distance that the foot is able to push the body is dictated by how far under the dog the foot is placed, as well as how far the dog's body has moved forward before the foot is picked up again. So when we see a dog taking many small quick strides with a flurry of hair and rear feet in the air, we should not misinterpret that as "drive".
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