Page 278 - Showsight April 2013

slow look down the entire entry, giving
priority and taking notice of the silhou-
ette and breed-defining type. Leg to body
ratio, the length and arch of the neck, the
depth of the chest, the tail set, the angula-
tion, the overall condition and quality of
coat are all noted. I make a mental note
of who I like, and then proceed on to the
individual examinations. Will my favorites
hold up when it comes to the hands-on
examination and show me their best and
“ask for it?” Or will the plain-Jane sleeper
suddenly turn it on and dare me not to
notice the breed-winning performance?
While TMs are not to be judged with
a premium placed on showiness, one can
hope and pray for a glimmer of anima-
tion and expression! Head type is every bit
as equal in importance as the silhouette.
When approaching the Tibetan Mastiff,
I pause to take in the quality of the head
and give the dog time to notice me and to
anticipate the introduction. I always ask
the handler if I may touch the dog and
to show me the bite, and then to secure
the head forward as I go over the head
and front. It is not uncommon for some
TMs, especially those being owner-han-
dled to extend their home-based guardian
instincts to their perceived turf and charge
in the show ring, and you are entering their
space as far as they are concerned. Better to
be safe and not expect this primitive breed
to behave like its man-made counterparts.
And don’t get me wrong, it is still your
ring on your terms, but think of it more as
striking a treaty rather than expecting the
dog to stand for the compulsory examina-
tion that other breeds accept with ease. Let
your fingers and hands do the talking as
you make your way down the sides, shoul-
der assembly and topline to the tail. Dogs
who are not thrilled with the judging pro-
cess may not hold their tail up. Check for
the length, type of curl and profuseness (is
that a word?) of feathering, and look for
the tail to be carried in the upright posi-
tion at least once while moving.
As for color, pick a color... any standard
color. If color comes into your decision
making process, you either have a great
entry and your favorite color can be the
tie-breaker, or you have a small or lack-
luster entry with faulted or disqualified
colors. The shades of gold (pale gold to
rich red-gold) correspond directly to the
shades of tan on the tan pointed black/tan
dogs. Personally, I give preference to an
outstanding, typey example of the breed
with faults over the generic, safe choice
who is a solid working dog. It must be
a proper looking Tibetan Mastiff before
it can be a correctly moving, preferred-
colored Tibetan Mastiff.
(Left to Right) An ideal outline; Mature male in correct coat.; 3-year-old male with desired type and expression;
Top-winning European TM “Harish” with myself handling him to BOB at Crufts 2011.; “Dom”; “Leo”.
“The shades of gold
(pale gold to rich
red-gold)
corrESPoNd
dIrEcTly
to the shades of tan on
the tan pointed
black/tan dogs.”
278 • ShowSight Magazine, April 2013