|
Be it you, me, or an AKC judge in the conformation ring, it is MY opinion that when critiquing a dog it should viewed from the inside out. A good judge should first try to picture the dog standing without skin, and muscle. Try to first view a dog in its skeletal structure before considering its muscular system, condition, and breed type. If a dog is conformationally incorrect...it "may" be orthopedically incorrect. If a dog is orthopedically incorrect, it "IS" conformationally incorrect.
Note: Breeders need to consider genetic testing such as the OFA of hips & elbows, which also falls under skeletal structure.
Next, a judge should consider the muscular build of the dog. Does the dog have enough muscular build to perform the duties for which they were bred? Of course, age is also a deciding factor here. A young dog will be less defined in muscular build than an adult. But, even as an older puppy, the muscular potential should be evident. If the muscular potential is not there, chances are, it never will be.
Last of all; does the Mastiff fit The Mastiff Breed Standard for Breed "Type"? A Mastiff, or any breed for that matter, should be able to perform the function for which they were originally bred. A dog that is lacking in structure can not perform the duties for which they were bred.
i.e., A dog lacking in bone and substance certainly would lack the endurance to pull carts. A dog that is straight stifled would suffer stress to those joints when excessively active due to the fact there would be no flexibility to the area when in motion.
Straight hocks on a dog would place excessive stress on the ligaments in the legs, thus affecting its overall movement and physical capabilities;ect. And of course, the skeletal structure plays a large demension on the overall appearance of the Mastiff. Which, in essence, is what makes the dog look like a Mastiff.
While there is no such thing as a "conformationally perfect Mastiff", it is definitely a goal to shoot for. So, let us first examine the skeletal structure of "The Mastiff" according to The Mastiff Breed Standard
|
The points toward a Championship shall be awarded to the Winners Dog and Winners Bitch of each Breed based on the actual number of dogs or bitches "competing" in that breed.If the Winners Dog or Winners Bitch is also awarded Best Of Breed the dogs of both sexes that have been defeated in such competition shall be counted in addition to the dogs that competed in the regular classes for its sex in calculating championship points.
If the dog designated Winners Dog or Winners Bitch is also awarded Best Of Opposite Sex, the dogs of its own sex that have been defeated in competition for Best Of Opposite Sex shall be counted in addition to the dogs that competed in the regular classes for its sex in calculating championship points.
After points have been calculated for Winners Dog and Winners Bitch subject to the above stipulations, the dog awarded Best Of Winners shall be credited with the number of points calculated for Winners Dog or Winners Bitch, which ever is greater.
In counting the number of eligble dogs in competition, a dog that is disqualified, dismissed, excused, or ordered from the ring by the judge, or from which all awards shall be withheld shall not be included.
Any dog which shall have won fifteen (15) points shall become a champion. Six or more of these points shall be won at two shows with a rating of three or more championship points, known as majors, under two different judges. Some one or more of the balance of these points shall be won under some other judge or judges than the two referred to above.
|
Links to our other sites on the Web
About Us
Our Mastiffs
Education & Information
Web Site Search Engine
Contracts
Mastiff Internet Greeting Cards
Is Your Dog Breeding Quality Test
MCOA, Rescue, and More Great Mastiff Links
Get your own Free Home Page
