Page 223 - ShowSight - June 2020

THEIR GATE DENOTES
POWER & STRENGTH”
HISTORY OF THE ENGLISH MASTIFF
JUDGING THE MASTIFF
Anyone wishing to judge our beautiful breed is encouraged to attend the Mastiff 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. The Mastiff is a large, massive, symmetrical dog with a well-knit frame. The 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. The 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 Mastiff denotes, the dog should be massive, heavy boned, with a powerful struc- ture. Great depth and breadth are desirable.
The 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 flat 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. The brows or
superciliary ridges are moderately raised. The 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]. The 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 Mastiff is a working breed. Their gate denotes power and strength. The 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 Mastiff’s correct demeanor. Judges may find a Mastiff to be rather aloof, but should not condone shyness or vicious- ness. Conversely, judges should also be aware of putting a premium on showiness. The Mastiff 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. There are three colors (fawn, apricot and brindle), all judged equally with no prefer- ence for color.
When judging the Mastiff your exami- nation in the ring should include the fol- lowing: (1) View the Mastiff in profile, access that balance and proper depth in profile are in balance with proper head type. (2) The head viewed from the front, profile and above are in proportion 1:2 (1 part muzzle to 2 parts skull) massive and breadth greatly desired. (3) Feel for a well defined 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- file, the elbow should be directly under the withers. (5) The chest is extending at least to the elbow, denoting the dog has sufficient 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 firm topline maintained whether stand- ing or moving.
Judging the Mastiff 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 benefit of being shown to their full- est potential. The Mastiff Club of America is always eager to answer your questions. Please visit our website at mastiff.org. Information submitted has come directly from the Mastiff history and standard judges’ presentations.
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