Dogue de Bordeaux Club of Great Britain

Judge Jeff Horswell's Match report

I found judging the Dogue de Bordeaux Club match really interesting., where there was a very good turnout. I was struck by how mature the puppies looked, and then how raw they became as juniors. Quite a variety of types on display, but some very promising puppies and some very good adults. Sadly in some rounds 2 really good dogs met early on, always a frustration for the judge at a match. However, thanks to the hard work put in by the Officers and Committee of the club in working with the KC you now have ‘proper‘ classes to look forward to next year, rather than matches and the Import Register.
I tried to look for a good head, correct outline, good construction and sound movement in the one dog. All judging is compromise and no less so here.
Exaggeration can look impressive, but is incorrect in any breed, and should be avoided.
Temperaments were universally good and only one had dentition that I regarded as faulty. Some would benefit from more exercise to muscle them up and so improve their rear movement. The main movement fault was with the hindquarters, where the hocks were lifted too high and there was just an up and down movement rather than proper drive. This was normally with dogues with very good hind angulation but upright shoulders, so they had to compensate for this lack of balance.
Many exhibitors were clearly enthusiastic but new to showing, and so not yet the best of handlers. I would suggest spending time watching what the good handlers do, and watch some other working breeds, especially Bullmastiffs where they have some very good handlers. Watch, see what they do, try to understand why they do it and try to put into practise. Also try to work out where your dog excels and how to present that best. Dogues should have wide fronts, but not so wide that the elbows are 4 inches from the chest. That can easily be corrected when placing feet, it is for the judge to find the faults not the handlers to show him/her. But the level of enthusiasm, sportsmanship and evident interest in the breed was really good to see.
There are some very good dogue handlers, watch them and ask them for help. You will soon be competing in groups.
I thought the quality of the puppies was very good, which should see some very tough competition next year. I realise that all those adults with CACs could not compete, but there were still plenty of good, type specimens here. I was very pleased with the two winners and runners up, both were very close decisions, and in both cases one performed a little bit better on the final run than the other, which helped me.

Jeff Horswell