154 THE MASTIFF IN THE IQT1I CENTURY. 



English mastiff, but was not at all impressed with the " big 

 boned, loose jointed, badly made foreigners," as lie used to 

 term them. 



In later years Crabtree was not roused to emulation either 

 by Mr. Thompson or others winning with descendants of his 

 dogs at shows as they sprung up. With to a certain extent 

 limited means, lie bred his mastiffs for keeper's work; muscu- 

 lar power and activity was his ideal, combined with a vast 

 head, but such points as squareness of muzzle and pendulosity 

 of lips, he had no idea of cultivating. 



He seemed to have no idea of again resorting to the 

 Trentham kennel for a cross, although lie considered it was 

 due to Ackroyd's Dan (who came from Trentham) that the 

 breed was so much improved in head, in Bully and his 

 descendants. 



In later years the Kirklccs mastiffs became somewhat small, 

 and although short in head, and very small in ear. with great 

 muscular development, and a high bred appearance, yet were 

 somewhat too pointed in muzzle and weak in jaw, defects 

 Crabtree admitted at once on seeing my Champion Empress, 

 who he nevertheless said was not full enough in the skull to 

 his liking. John Crabtree may justly be regarded rather as 

 a sustainer or conservator of the English mastiff than as a 

 restorer, talented or enthusiastic breeder. His idea was to 

 keep and breed the- pure, mastiff on which he prided himself 

 having no idea of crossing with the bulldog. 



The late J. \\ . Thompson left the following anecdote ui 



the Kirkiees strain behind him in a brief M.S : "The Kirklccs 

 mastiffs have always as a rule maintained their traditionary 

 reputation for courage and gentleness. In years gone by 



