Mastiff Breed Magazine - Showsight

HISTORY OF THE ENGLISH MASTIFF

THEIR GATE DENOTES POWER & STRENGTH”

When judging the Masti ff your exami- nation in the ring should include the fol- lowing: (1) View the Masti ff in pro fi le, access that balance and proper depth in pro fi le are in balance with proper head type. (2) Th e head viewed from the front, pro fi le and above are in proportion 1:2 (1 part muzzle to 2 parts skull) massive and breadth greatly desired. (3) Feel for a well de fi ned breastbone extending in front of the foremost point of the shoulders (prominent prosternum) as skin and muscle can make it appear that it is prominent. (4) In pro- fi le, the elbow should be directly under the withers. (5) Th e chest is extending at least to the elbow, denoting the dog has su ffi cient layback which establishes the rectangular proportion and assures that overall height will come from depth of body rather than length of leg. (6) Moderate rear angulation is determined by visually dropping a plum- line from the ischium (furthermost point of the hindquarters) that will pass in front of the foot. (7) Proof of proper construction is shown on the move with a straight, level and fi rm topline maintained whether stand- ing or moving. Judging the Masti ff should an enjoyable experience. However, bring your spit towel and be prepared to put up with those of us who love and show our own beautiful dogs without bene fi t of being shown to their full- est potential. Th e Masti ff Club of America is always eager to answer your questions. Please visit our website at masti ff .org . Information submitted has come directly from the Masti ff history and standard judges’ presentations.

superciliary ridges are moderately raised. Th e proportion of the head is 1:2–one (1) for the muzzle [tip of nose to stop] and two (2) for the skull [stop to occiput]. Th e muzzle is short and broad with only a slight taper to the end of the nose. Black mask, colored the blacker the better. Scissors bite is preferred but a moderately undershot jaw should not be faulted providing the teeth are not visible when the mouth is closed. It should be not- ed that judges should examine the occlu- sion of the mouth to ensure a wry mouth is not present. While the head is an important com- ponent of the overall conformation of the breed, the Masti ff is a working breed. Th eir gate denotes power and strength. Th e rear legs should have drive, while the forelegs should track smoothly with good reach. In motion, the legs move straight forward. As the dog’s speed increases from a walk to a trot, the feet move in toward the center line of the body to maintain balance. When judging temperament it should be a combination of grandeur and good nature, courage and docility. Dignity, rather than gaiety, is the Masti ff ’s correct demeanor. Judges may fi nd a Masti ff to be rather aloof, but should not condone shyness or vicious- ness. Conversely, judges should also be aware of putting a premium on showiness. Th e Masti ff is not typically a “showy breed.” Please do not penalize a dog for his/her reti- cent attitude. As long as the dog tolerates an examination, it is an acceptable attitude. Th ere are three colors (fawn, apricot and brindle), all judged equally with no prefer- ence for color.

JUDGING THE MASTIFF Anyone wishing to judge our beautiful breed is encouraged to attend the Masti ff Club of America’s judging education pro- gram given annually at the national special- ty. Judges are provided with presentations on the breed history, the standard, hands-on judging, and ringside mentoring by MCOA approved mentors. To attend, interested judges may contact Jessica Watson at oak- lair@att.net . Th e Masti ff is a large, massive, symmetrical dog with a well-knit frame. Th e impression is one of grandeur and dignity. Dogs are more massive throughout. Bitches should not be faulted for being somewhat smaller in dimensions while maintaining a proportionally powerful structure. A good evaluation considers positive qualities of type and soundness with equal weight. Th e height of the dog should come from the depth of body rather than from the length of leg. Proportion is rectangular; the length of the dog from the forechest to rump is somewhat longer than the height at the withers. As the name Masti ff denotes, the dog should be massive, heavy boned, with a powerful struc- ture. Great depth and breadth are desirable. Th e head in general outline giving a massive appearance when viewed from any angle. Breadth greatly desired, eyes set wide apart, medium in size, color the darker the better. Ears should be v-shaped, small and in proportion to the head. Skull is broad and somewhat fl at between the ears. Forehead slightly curved with a fur- row up the center of the forehead, show- ing marked wrinkles which are particularly distinctive when at attention. Th e brows or

SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, JUNE 2020 | 221

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