'SPNUIFTJEF UIFEPHTIPVMECFXFMM angulated in the rear; have medium shoul- EFSBOHVMBUJPO EFHSFFTUPUIFIPSJ[PO - tal); a strong forechest, and a chest of excep- tional depth so that it lets down below the elbows. Th e back and topline should be as level as possible for a dog with such a deep and powerful chest. So it is quite common to see a slight dip between the shoulder blades and then a rise toward the rear. But again, the condition should be the result of the depth and breadth of the chest, not due UPXFBLQBTUFSOTPSTUSBJHIUTUJnFT As the dog moves around the ring, you will notice that as the trot quickens the head tends to drop, and the topline inclines, accentuating that “built low to the ground” look. Th e tail should now be level or slightly above level with the back, and still straight. Watch for a good extension of the forelegs; out beyond the
nose. Th e movement of the DDB has been described as similar to that of a lion because it is powerful and low-to-the- ground, yet quite easy and graceful for the %%#TTJ[FBOENBTT As the dogs line up for final inspection and selections, there are many components of the individual dogs to consider. While we should judge for the complete package; for overall balance, correct proportions and soundness. We must be mindful in making our selections that we do a great disservice to a breed if we put up dogs that do not capture the essence of the breed. So while there is room for some dis- agreement among judges on weighing the technical aspects of a breed, we should remember and be in agreement on what characteristics make up the essence of a CSFFE PS CSFFE UZQF .PTU FYQFSUT JO UIF breed will agree that a DDB is a confident,
muscular, powerful dog that is built low to the ground and has a massive head of proper proportions and expression. With- out these primary characteristics, you do not have a good DDB and therefore these are the most important points to remem- ber in judging the breed. BIO Cindy McElderry, along with her hus- band Mark were early pioneers of the Dogue de Bordeaux in the United States. Operating as Northland Bordeaux for over 20 years, Mrs. McElderry has amassed an impressive show record at competitions in North America and Europe with her dogs. Th e McElderry’s played a major role in the e ff ort to achieve AKC acceptance of the breed, including formulating the first AKC Standard. Th ey are also the AKC’s only Breeder Judges for the Dogue de Bordeaux.
“THE MOVEMENT OF THE DDB HAS BEEN DESCRIBED AS SIMILAR TO THAT OF A LION because it is powerful and low-to-the-ground, yet quite easy and graceful for the DDBs size and mass.”
t4 )08 4 *()5 . "(";*/& " 13*-
Powered by FlippingBook