Non-Sporting Dogs

The Briard (Berger de Brie). These handsome French herding dogs are a very ancient breed pictured on tapestries of the fourteenth century. Briards have been cattle and sheep herders, guardians of property, and pack animals for carrying ammunition and first-aid supplies in war-time. A big dog, 22-27 inches tall, the Briard stay close to home, rarely barks, and has a hard, slightly wavy, stiff coat which is both water and mud proof. It can be any solid colour except white, but the darker it is, the better. The heavy hair on the head falls forward to form eyebrows over the intelligent dark eyes. A lithe, well-proportioned square body with muscular limbs. Double dew-claws on hind-legs are essential.

The Bullmastiff. Members of the British nobility in the nineteenth century customarily lived on large estates where they kept herds of deer and other game for pleasure and sport. To guard their animals, they hired gamekeepers who needed a dog that was fast, big, silent when poachers were about, and that would attack and hold on command without mortally wounding the victim. By crossing the Mastiff and the Bulldog, landowners got exactly what they needed. Since such estates have given way to smaller, unfenced plots, the Bullmastiff has changed its field of operation to guard and watchdog activities. Because of its size (from 23-27 inches tall), it is perhaps not an ideal house pet. Coat short and dense; colour any shade of fawn and brindle. Dark mask preferred. The head is large and square, with fair wrinkle. The circumference of the skull may almost equal the height. The skull should be broad, forehead flat, and cheeks well developed. Ears V-shaped or folded back, set wide apart, and high, level with the occiput. Eyes dark and of medium size, with furrow between. Muzzle broad and not more than 4 inches. Flews not too pendulous. Moderate stop. Neck muscular, moderate length, and slightly arched. Chest wide and deep. Ribs arched, back short. Forelegs straight, with good bone. Hocks well bent.