CLASSIFICATION OF DOGS. 83 



Colors. Whole-colors and smuts (i. e., whole-color with 

 black mask or muzzle). It is worthy of note that the bull- 

 dog is the only breed in which the undershot jaw is called 

 for ; this, in conjunction with the turned-up muzzle, per- 

 mits of great holding power, and allows the animal to 

 breathe at the same time that his jaws are buried in the 

 flesh of the creature attacked. " Ugly " the bulldog may 

 be in one sense, but he is, or was, an example of beautiful 

 adaptation. 



The Mastiff. There have been other breeds named 

 mastiffs, but the mastiff is essentially an English dog, 

 dating back considerably more than half a century. 

 Physically he is one of the largest and certainly the 

 strongest and most muscular dog known, unless it be cer- 

 tain specimens of the great Dane (p. 352). 



In the words of the standard of the Old English Mas- 

 tiff Club : In general character he has a " large, massive, 

 powerful, symmetrical, and well-knit frame. A combina- 

 tion of grandeur and good nature, courage and docility." 



The mastiff is the watch-dog. In no other breed is 

 watching his master's property a pure instinct to the 

 same extent, and this is the highest test of the strength 

 of any quality. 



The mastiff at sight is not attractive in appearance to 

 all. He is not the embodiment of grace and activity ; but 

 if ever there was a good reliable dog, honest through and 

 through, that dog is the mastiff. He makes an admirable 

 companion for all, is perfectly gentle, and may be trusted 

 with women and children, to whom he will prove a faith- 

 ful protector. Of course there are occasional exceptions, 

 as with all breeds. As a watch-dog he has the great 



