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The UK Breed Standard

Geneal Appearance

Well-boned, large, strong and massively built. Whose length of body exceeds the height at the withers & Of majestic bearing with a noble expression.

Characteristics

A degree of loose fitting skin over body and head with a double dewlap as a feature but is not to be overly excessive.

Temperament

Steady, loyal and devoted defender of owner and property. Vigilant, intelligent and slightly aloof.

Head

Large, broad short skull. Broad across cheeks and flat between ears. Head proportion: skull length 2-3, to muzzle 1-3. Top of skull parallel to top line of muzzle well pronounced definite stop. Nose should not protrude beyond vertical line of muzzle. Nose large with well-opened nostrils. Lips fleshy, thick and full. Upper lips form an inverted ‘V’. Muzzle deep and square when viewed from the front. The head has abundant skin which forms wrinkles and folds but not to the detriment of the breed. Lack of skin and wrinkle on head is undesirable.

Eyes

Set forward and deep, quite rounded and well apart. Rim pigmentation to tone with coat colour. Free from entropian.

Ears

Small for size of dog, set forward, high and well apart. Triangular, hanging flat towards cheeks, but not reaching beyond line of throat.

Mouth

Teeth white and regular. Strong well-developed jaws, with scissor or level bite. Scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.

Neck

Short, stocky, very muscular, double dewlap from lower jaw reaching mid-point of neck and slightly arched when viewed from the side.

Forequaters

Shoulder long, slightly sloping with well-developed and definite muscle. Elbows not to close to body, must allow for very free action. Pastern slightly sloping, legs vertical when viewed from front. A degree of loose skin on elbows is a common characteristic of this breed.

Body

Its length is 10% greater than the dog’s height at the withers. Broad, well-muscled chest, the breastbone reaching at least to elbow, ribs long and well sprung. Top line straight and long, only withers rise above it. Line of belly to be parallel to top line.

Hindquaters

Broad loin, well let into backline, slightly rounded with well-developed muscle. Croup broad, muscular, with slight slope. Thighs long, broad, moderate stifle and angulation, powerful hocks. Dewclaws (single or double) removed.

Feet

Round, close arched toes. Pads thick, hard and dark coloured. Nails curved, strong and dark. Hind feet slightly smaller than the front.

Tail

Customarily docked to the articulation of the hock. Wide and thick at the root, set slightly lower than topline, tapering towards tip. At rest the tail is carried slightly downwards and curved in a sabre fashion. When moving it is carried level or slightly higher than top line but never carried up or over back.

Undocked

Wide and thick at root, set slightly lower than topline, tapering towards the tip. Never carried up or over back but may be carried level or slightly higher than topline when moving. In overall balance with the rest of the dog.

Gait and Movement

The movement of this breed is unique and should not be confused with unsoundness. The typical breed characteristic of movement is at walk, the gait is slow, free and resembles that of a bear or the propulsion of a large feline due to the unique construction of the breed. The trot has strong drive of the hindquarters with good extension of the front legs. The preferred gaits are walk and trot, pacing is tolerated, the dog rarely gallops. Lameness is not to be tolerated.

Coat and Skin

Short 1.5cm maximum, dense, even, fine texture, with good sheen, no fringing.

Colour

All shades of grey, black, mahogany or ash blond, all these coats may be brindled. Small white patches on chest and tips of toes permissible. Pigmentation to tone with coat colours.

Size

Males - Height: 65-75 cms (25 ½”- 29 ½”ins); Weight: 60-70 kgs (132-154 lbs).

Females – Height: 60-68 cms (23 ¾” – 26 ½”ins); Weight 50-60 kgs (110-132 lbs).

Height tolerance allowed of 2cm plus or minus allowed for both sexes (3/4”).

Faults

Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree.

Note

Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

© The Kennel Club 2006