200 WATCHDOGS AND HOUSE-DOGS. 
The cars must be small and pendant, tolerably close to the 
cheeks, but not so much so as if of larger dimensions. There must 
be no folds in them, but one even vine-shaped flap of cartilage, 
covered with smooth skin and short, soft hair, 
The muzzle is of average length, cut square at the end, with level 
teeth ; but many good dogs have a slight protuberance of the lower 
ones, and this should not be considered a defect. There should be 
a full lip above and below, but no absolute flew. 
The neck is very muscular, and turned with elegance, consider- 
ing its massive proportions. At its junction with the head 
there is a prominence as in the pointer, but no large occipital 
protuberance as in the bloodhound. No throatiness or dewlap is 
permissible. 
Shoulders and chest—Massive proportions, which are essential 
in this breed, necessitate a full chest, and with this the shoulders 
cannot be very oblique; but they must be full of muscle, to make 
up for this deficiency. 
Legs and feet—This dog being generally chained up, his feet and 
legs suffer accordingly, and in most cases there is a deficiency in 
fhent, A great many otherwise fine mastiffs are compléte-cripples 
in their hind-quarters, and not much better before. Flat splay feet 
accompany these defects, which should be penalised highly. I 
need scarcely say that, instead of weak understandings, so large 
a dog requires them specially strong in all directions. Straight, 
muscular legs, with elbows and hocks neither in nor out, are 
desired, and also round, cat-like feet, when you can get them. 
Dew- slows may or may not be present. 
The loin also should be wide and deep, with back ribs propor- 
tionately long ; but such a formation is exceptional. 
Size is of the highest importance, and in the dog should not be 
less than 29 inches, in the bitch 27. 
The colowr is either stone-fawn with black points or brindled. 
Occasionally a red puppy is met with, but it is not considered 
the correct thing. No white should be permitted as a rule, but 
a white toe will occur occasionally. 
The coat is fine and short, except on the tail, where a slight 
roughness is permissible. 
The tail is long, strong at the root, and tapering, with a slight 
