Sizing Up the Tibetan Mastiff

This article was originally published in Showsight Magazine, April 2013 issue.

Sizing Up the Tibetan Mastiff

As judges, on any given day, based on the entries present in our ring, we are responsible to select our winners. Ideally, we have a working knowledge of the Breed Standard and experience in judging the breed before us. With a relatively rare breed like the Tibetan Mastiff, “relative” is the operative word. Which standard (AKC, FCI, CKU, or ???), which preferences and which variety or type come into play and are prioritized as we make our decisions? When in doubt, do we play it safe, or venture out, go with our gut and make a statement?

As a breeder-judge with thirty-five years invested in this breed, and having judged TMs in the US, Germany, Holland, the Czech Republic, Taiwan, Russia, Estonia and numerous times in China (writing this very article en route to Beijing now), I can offer my experience and insight as to what makes a proper Tibetan Mastiff for me, and suggest how to prioritize your placements. And second-guessing yourself after you have handed ribbons out can be par for the course.

I have to admit, there have been occasions when even I look back on my winners and I surprise myself. But such is the nature of judging dogs. Each of us has a method or formula by which we reach our decisions. Do we narrow the field by correct movement and structure and then select for type from those sound examples of the breed, or do we make our first cut based on correct type and then find the overall soundest dog? Half a dozen of one, six of the other.

I can tell you what has served me well and hope that it inspires others and equips them with an expanded skill set. I watch everything. From how the dogs behave at ringside, to how they enter the ring, to how they line up and how they interact with the other dogs entered. Everything potentially counts and lends perspective.

In the initial lineup, I take a long, slow look down the entire entry, giving priority and taking notice of the silhouette and breed-defining type. Leg to body ratio, the length and arch of the neck, the depth of the chest, the tail set, the angulation, the overall condition and quality of coat are all noted. I make a mental note of who I like, and then proceed on to the individual examinations. Will my favorites hold up when it comes to the hands-on examination and show me their best and “ask for it?” Or will the plain-Jane sleeper suddenly turn it on and dare me not to notice the breed-winning performance?

While TMs are not to be judged with a premium placed on showiness, one can hope and pray for a glimmer of animation and expression! Head type is every bit as equal in importance as the silhouette. When approaching the Tibetan Mastiff, I pause to take in the quality of the head and give the dog time to notice me and to anticipate the introduction. I always ask the handler if I may touch the dog and to show me the bite, and then to secure the head forward as I go over the head and front.

It is not uncommon for some TMs, especially those being owner-handled, to extend their home-based guardian instincts to their perceived turf and charge in the show ring, and you are entering their space as far as they are concerned. Better to be safe and not expect this primitive breed to behave like its man-made counterparts. And don’t get me wrong, it is still your ring on your terms, but think of it more as striking a treaty rather than expecting the dog to stand for the compulsory examination that other breeds accept with ease. Let your fingers and hands do the talking as you make your way down the sides, shoulder assembly, and topline to the tail.

Dogs who are not thrilled with the judging process may not hold their tail up. Check for the length, type of curl and profuseness (is that a word?) of feathering, and look for the tail to be carried in the upright position at least once while moving.

As for color, pick a color… any standard color. If color comes into your decision-making process, you either have a great entry and your favorite color can be the tie-breaker, or you have a small or lackluster entry with faulted or disqualified colors. The shades of gold (pale gold to rich red-gold) correspond directly to the shades of tan on the tan-pointed black/tan dogs.

Personally, I give preference to an outstanding, typey example of the breed with faults over the generic, safe choice who is a solid working dog. It must be a proper looking Tibetan Mastiff before it can be a correctly moving, preferred-colored Tibetan Mastiff.