POINTS OF THE MASTIFF. 47 



physical proportion and dignity of manner, and which are essential features of a Mastiff of the 

 present day. 



The Mastiff always has been the special guard of man's person and property ; and the 

 qualities demanded to fill that position of trust are: size, to impress with fear; the symmetry of 

 well-proportioned parts evidencing a combination of strength and activity ; a disposition watchful 

 and keen, but confident in its own strength ; dignified and calm, save the warning bark, which fills 

 every echo within its reach with its full tones, so unlike the yelping of the noisy cur. 



As he is now also more used as a companion and personal guard than at any time in his 

 history, his general appearance becomes more important ; for nothing looks worse than a poor 

 shambling, weak-loined, cow-hocked dog. Therefore he must have size to give him a commanding 

 appearance ; a well-knit, compact frame, which gives symmetry ; and the perfect condition shown 

 in the firm flesh, clean and bright coat ; while the superior feeding, grooming, and general care 

 bestowed upon him now adds greatly to his beauty ; and all combined make him the useful guard 

 and ornament he is. 



The Head is, in the Mastiff, even more than in most other dogs, a most prominent feature ; 

 and a dog with a bad head is at once condemned. The head is decidedly large, even in pro- 

 portion to the immense carcase, although it does not now present the great contrast to the 

 body to be seen in old prints, modern breeders having improved the dog in body from a gaunt 

 and wolf-like to a square-built, massive animal. The head should be broad across the skull ; 

 the brow should be flat and not abrupt ; the eyebrows rather prominent ; the muzzle should 

 be a medium length, cut off square, broad rather than deep ; the lips should be full, but not so 

 hanging as in the Bloodhound ; and the teeth, which should be white and strong, ought to meet 

 as level as possible. Many good specimens are slightly undershot, which is however a 

 decided blemish. Whilst on this point we may refer to some remarks once made by the Rev. 

 G. F. Hodson, after he had judged this breed at the Alexandra Palace. On that occasion, Mr. 

 Hodson, who had most properly turned out of the ring all the cow-hocked and undershot speci- 

 mens, remarked that he was convinced good Mastiffs were to be had without these defects, and 

 he was determined not to be a party to the awarding of prizes to dogs so malformed. Subsequent 

 events have proved the soundness of his decision. 



The Eye should be a medium size ; it is generally a light brown or hazel. A deeply sunken 

 eye is objectionable, as it gives a sullen look ; and if the haw is shown, it creates a suspicion 

 of Bloodhound cross. 



The Ears should be small, smooth, thin, and pendent ; and if black, as the mask should also 

 be, it adds to the dog's beauty. 



The Neck should be strong, muscular, and of fair length, and having no dewlap on the 

 throat. 



The Chest, Back, and Loin. The chest should be deep and moderately wide, but not so much 

 so in proportion as his congener the Bulldog, or it is apt to throw the elbows out. The back 

 should be very strong, broad, and with strong muscles running along each side of the spine those 

 should be especially so connecting the back ribs with the hind-quarters. The loin is thereby 

 broadened and strengthened ; and this most desirable point is also gained by having the ribs well 

 set back. Some strains show a tendency to a tucked-up flank, which is one of the worst faults a 

 Mastiff can possess. Both chest and loins should measure well, the latter not quite a third less 

 than the former, and about equal to the dog's height at shoulder. 



Legs and Feet. Strong and straight legs are an absolute necessity, and it is a point in which 

 many excellent dogs fail. The fore-legs are not so often crooked as the hind-legs ; but many good 



