Page 213 - SHOWSIGHT - JULY 2020

JUDGING THE BELGIAN MALINOIS
scissors or level bite is acceptable. I prefer to have the mouth
checked at the end of the exam. The owner should show you the ” front bite as well as lifting the lips on both sides so you may view
for full dentition. Although it is rare that a dog is missing teeth
other than premolars, we do want judges to check for full denti-
tion, but do not pry open their mouths—simply lifting the lips
usually offers the necessary information. The standard reminds
us, “An overshot or undershot bite is a fault. An undershot bite
in which two or more of the upper incisors lose contact with two
or more of the lower incisors is a disqualification. One or more
missing teeth is a serious fault.” You may see short center incisors,
which are not a disqualification in an otherwise correct bite.
I appreciate a beautiful neck, medium long and slightly arched. Proper neck arch is more evident when the dog is allowed to look forward naturally rather than up at its owner-handler. We do desire a well laid back shoulder, with the scapula and upper arm being of equal length. As a breeder, I realize it is hard to consistently produce dogs with correct angulation in a square silhouette, but it is the ideal and what we want. I like the dog to feel muscled, but never bulky. Correct feet thrill me nearly as much as a correct head! They should be cat-footed, not turned in or out, tight, and well padded. Good feet are what a herding dog works on.
The rear should balance the front—moderate, well muscled, but not over angulated or stilted. The hocks should be set rather low for efficient working ability and moderately bent. I want a level back that is straight with a short loin, flowing into the croup which slopes toward the tail. The last vertebra of the tail should reach the hock. A cropped or stump tail is a disqualification. This can be checked efficiently when running your hands over the back, then down the tail to the hock. When standing at rest, the tail is dropped (never held by the handler). The tail is lifted when the dog is in motion, and ideally is a fluid line continuing from the back. I’m not fond of a tail carried gaily above the back, nor one that is tucked between the legs. It is not uncommon to see young males carry their tail too proudly; that I can forgive in an otherwise cor- rect dog. A tail carried too high, or curled over the back can ruin the elegant look we strive for. >
“IF YOU NOTICE A DOG LOOKING AWAY FROM THE HANDLER INTO THE CROWD,
CHANCES ARE HE HAS FOUND HIS OWNER; THEY ARE VIGILANT IN KEEPING AN EYE ON
THOSE THEY KNOW.
SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, JULY 2020 | 211