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TheJudgesPlace.com > Judges Education Section
JUDGING THE MASTIFFTop Mastiff Breeders Explain...
What is the single most important breed feature and the most common breed fault Mastiff judges should note before awarding the dog? Judges and Mastiff breeders respond…
In judging the Mastiff, the most important issue is over-all balance. With proper balance from front to rear and top to bottom, the Mastiff will naturally display correct angulation (front and rear), shoulder set and prosternum placement, in addition to a level topline, nice head piece and rectangular shape. The Mastiff should not be overly tall nor should the front be over-exaggerated to the rear. No single feature should over-whelm the whole. The cumulative result of an over-all balanced Mastiff will result in an impressive and massive working dog with powerful reach and drive whose form follows function.
"Finny", began his career completely owner-handled by Maureen McGuire and easily finished his championship. Though seriously specialing Finny was not in the original plan, it soon became apparent that Finny was something very special. Under the expert handling and care of Pam Gilley, Finny is the second brindle Mastiff in history to win 2 all breed Best in Shows and a reserve Best in Show along with numerous group placements. Finny was only shown part-time in 2016 and ended the year as the number two Mastiff in the USA. Finny epitomizes what a great Mastiff should be. In addition to being a well-balanced, massive and structurally sound dog, Finny's temperament is that of a kind, gentle soul packed with love and loyalty for all that he loves. Breeder: Teresa McMahan (Oasis Mastiffs) - Owners: Chris and Maureen McGuire (Silver Lining Mastiffs)
Teresa McMahan of Oasis Mastiffs says the most common breed fault judges should note before awarding ribbons is...
Although Mastiffs should be massive dogs, it is of utmost importance that judges not put a premium on size alone. It is all too common for all around judges to assume that “biggest” is best. Often, this is a poor assumption. The size of a Mastiff should come from bone size and structural breadth and depth. Obese or fine boned Mastiffs should never be rewarded. Tall, leggy Mastiffs should not be confused with correct height which comes from depth of chest rather than length of leg. In the case of this magnificent breed, bigger is not always better.
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