Page 236 - Showsight March 2013

Let’s explore the “slight rise over the
loin.” Close behind the shoulders there should
be a slight downward curve to the back grad-
ually rising to the top of the loins. If you
feel along the spine you will note that the
vertebrae begin to change direction at the
first lumbar vertebra, just past the last rib.
It is a gentle rise. If the rise begins before
the first lumbar then you have an incorrect
camel back.
A sway back is also incorrect as it starts
at the loin and goes straight uphill to
the tail. Of course, a dog that has a flat
back without the distinctive rise over the
loin is incorrect. It is very important to
understand the top line. Please take the
time to evaluate it properly as it is vital to
the silhouette.
The large square head with the distinc-
tive bat ears is made up of many compo-
nents that come together to typify our
breed and its personality.
The Head
Move to the front of the table to view
the head. The head should be large and
square. The top of the head between the ears
is flat with the forehead slightly rounded. The
standard says the head should be in harmony
with the short heavy body.
The eyes should be round and dark and
set low on the head without any visible
white when looking straight ahead. They
have an expression of intelligence and curi-
osity. A bulging eye or almond shape is not
desirable. In lighter colored dogs a lighter eye
is acceptable – but never a “ light” eye.
The bat ear is distinctive for the breed –
anything other than a bat ear is a disquali-
fication. The ears are broad at the base and
elongated, open to the front and have round-
ed tips. They are set high on the head and
carried erect. The ears are properly set at
the 11:00 and 1:00 o’clock position. Judge
the ears as the dog is moving and when he
returns to you. It is a disservice to the dog
to attempt evaluation of the ears while on
the table.
The muzzle should be broad, deep and
well laid back with the muscles of the cheeks
well developed. The standard says the under
jaw is deep, square, broad, undershot and
well turned up. Use your hand to feel the
curving sweep of the jawline. There should
be a square appearance to the head not
round. Shallow cheeks or narrow jawlines
are not desirable.
Be careful in examining the mouth.
Use your thumbs to flip up the lips to
view the undershot bite. Don’t attempt to
pry the mouth open. When the mouth is
closed, neither the tongue nor teeth should
be seen. Flews black, thick and broad, hang-
ing over the lower jaw at the sides, meeting
the underlip in front and covering the teeth,
which are not seen when the mouth is closed.
A wry mouth is undesirable as it will dis-
This is an example of proper ear set.
An example of topline and silhouette.
Headshot
“It is very important to
UnDERSTAnD ThE TOp lInE.”
236 • ShowSight Magazine, March 2013