A Brief Study on Sitting

This morning, I rose at dawn to take care of the dogs. It was a peaceful morning with little barking and a big sunrise. Usually, the dogs are running in circles, woofing, growling, and causing a ruckus. This morning, after I fed, everyone settled back on their haunches and just watched. It was at this moment that I noticed how each dog sat: equally balanced on both back legs, with a straight back and head held high. Every single dog in the kennel, sitting perfectly.

Zion

I paused to think back over the dogs I've known in my life and very few have sat this nicely. Most dogs I've encountered will sit with a "slouch". They might start with a straight back, but eventually they'll shift onto one hip and lean to one side. I've noticed this especially in Labradors...odd. Of course, my curiosity grew and I had to do some research.
The leaning to one side is called a "puppy sit". Dogs will switch back and forth, taking turns with each hip. It is the lazy man's sit; the step right before laying down. Basically, if I was a dog and had to sit, I would do it this way. In obedience school, dogs are trained to sit back straight, balancing the weight on both hind legs. This just means that the dog has correct posture. Most dogs have a hard time holding this position for longer than 3 minutes. Lo and behold, my dogs hold it for hours.
My sled dogs were never properly trained to sit pretty, they were just trained to run. I think that as an extension of running, their hips and joints are so muscular and strong that sitting straight just works better for them. They'll still lay down with one leg tucked underneath them, but sitting is all about looking good.

Lynx and Attla after a run

This also gives me high hopes for a reduced chance of hip dysplasia. While hip dysplasia is mostly hereditary, a frequent sign is how the dog sits. Off to one side usually means that there is some pain lingering in their hips. Hopefully, my dogs all stay healthy and sitting straight. I'll keep a careful eye on them, as usual. One more thing for me to watch out for. When you've got 37 dogs and 37 personalities to keep track of, life can get a little overwhelming. Good thing that all they need to be happy is running and licking!