Loin short, wide and muscular. The body should not present a tucked-up appearance. The entire front gives the impression of strength without heaviness. Shoulders are sloping and clean. Elbows close set.
Sound hindquarters are of great importance to provide swimming power and drive.
They should be as high or slightly higher than the shoulders, powerful and muscular, with well developed upper and second thighs. Hips wide, stifles moderately bent, hocks low set and moderately bent. Rear angulation is moderate, and balance of front and rear angulation is of paramount importance. Tail should be set on low enough to give a rather rounded appearance to the hindquarters and should be carried nearly level with the back. At the root it is thick and covered for two or three inches with short curls.