Score 1-5

Score of 1

• Individual short ribs have a thin covering of flesh.
• Bones of the chine, loin, and rump regions are prominent.
• Hook and pin bones protrude sharply, with a very thin covering of flesh and deep depressions between bones.
• Severe depression below tail head and between pin bones. Bony structure protrudes sharply, and ligaments and vulva are prominent.

Score of 2

• Individual short ribs can be felt but are not prominent.
• Ends of ribs are sharp to the touch but have a thicker covering of flesh.
• Short ribs do not have as distinct an "overhanging shelf" effect.
• Individual bones in the chine, loin, and rump regions are not visually distinct but are easily distinguished by touch.
• Hook and pin bones are prominent, but the depression between them is less severe.
• Area below tail head and between pin bones is somewhat depressed, but the bony structure has some covering of flesh.

Score of 3

• Short ribs can be felt by applying slight pressure.
• Altogether, short ribs appear smooth and the overhanging shelf effect is not so noticeable.
• The backbone appears as a rounded ridge; firm pressure is necessary to feel individual bones.
• Hook and pin bones are rounded and smooth.
• Area between pin bones and around tail head appears smooth, without signs of fat deposit.

Score of 4

• Individual short ribs are distinguishable only by firm palpation.
• Short ribs appear flat or rounded, with no overhanging shelf effect.
• Ridge formed by backbone in chine region is rounded and smooth.
• Loin and rump regions appear flat.
• Hooks are rounded and the span between them is flat.
• Area of tail head and pin bones is rounded, with evidence of fat deposit.

Score of 5

• Bony structures of backbone, short ribs, and hook and pin bones are not apparent; subcutaneous fat deposit very evident.
• Tail head appears to be buried in fatty tissue