THE ENGLISH MASTIFF. 177 



long and narrow, the lips are too pendulous, and the eye sunken, with an exhibition 

 of the haw in the bloodhound form, often to the extent of being absolutely red. 

 I should certainly object to this cross to the full extent of disqualification if 

 exhibited. The following is 



THE NUMERICAL VALUE OF THE MASTIFF'S POINTS. 



Value. 



Head 20 



Eyes 5 



Ears 5 



Muzzle 5 



35 



Value. 



Neck 5 



Shoulders and chest ... 10 



Legs and feet 10 



Loin 10 



35 

 Grand Total 100. 



Value. 

 Size and symmetry ... 15 



Colour 5 



Coat 5 



Tail 5 



30 



1. The head (value 20) is broad, full, and flat in its general character; but this 

 flatness is made up of two gentle swells with a furrow between, as well shown in 

 the portrait of Governor. Eyebrows well marked but not high. Jaws square 

 in outline and broad, moderately long, and without flews ; for though the upper lip 

 is full, it should by no means be pendulous, which formation only exists when there 

 is a cross of the bloodhound. 



2. The eyes (value 5) are small and somewhat sunken, but mild in expression, 

 and without the sad and solemn look exhibited by the bloodhound. They are 

 generally hazel or brown. 



3. The ears (value 5) should be small and pendant, lying close to the cheek, with- 

 out the slightest approach to a fold, which indicates the bloodhound cross. They 

 should be set well back, and should be vine-shaped, neither lobular nor houndlike. 



4. The muzzle (value 5) must be short, with level teeth and square at the nose. 

 The flews should be distinctly marked so as to make the square distinctly pro- 

 nounced ; but they must not be pendulous to anything like the same degree as is exhi- 

 bited by the bloodhound. A slight projection of the lower teeth may be overlooked. 



5. The neck (value 5) is muscular, and of sufficient length to avoid loss of 

 symmetry. There is a well-marked prominence at its junction with the head. No 

 throatiness should be allowed, as it indicates the bloodhound cross. 



6. The shoulders and chest (value 10) must be taken together, as with a full 

 development of the latter there is generally a slight want of obliquity in the 

 former. The girth is, however, the important point, and it should always be at 

 least one-third greater than the height. Thus a dog 32in. high should girth 41^in. 

 In such a case the shoulders are apt to be rather short, but they must in any event 

 be well clothed with muscle. 



7. Legs and feet (value 10). Both these important organs are too apt to be 

 defective in the mastiff, owing greatly to the confinement in which he is usually 

 reared from generation to generation. The consequence is that, however well a 

 puppy is treated, even if left at full liberty, his feet are often weak and flat, his legs 

 small in bone and bent at the knees, he has frequently cat-hams, and a gallop is 

 quite beyond his powers. Hence, these points should be specially attended to in 



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