Libro Razas Españolas

leather, without, however, getting pointed. Lips: The upper lip should cover the lower without any hint of slackness. The lower lip forms a marked labial corner. Mucous membranes should be black. Jaws / Teeth: Scissor bite. Teeth white, strong and healthy. Canines: large, long, pointed, well adapted to each other, so as to be able to catch any prey. Molars: large and strong. Incisors: rather small. All premolars should be present. Gums black with pronounced transverse membraneous ridges. Eyes: Small, almond shaped, hazel colour. Dark eyes preferred. Expression is alert, noble, sympathetic and intelligent, but can be extraordinarily stern towards an opponent. Eye lids: black pigmented. When dog is alert, lids fitting close to eyeball are preferred. In repose, a slight slackness of the lower lid, which shows a small stripe of conjunctiva, is typical of the breed. Ears: Medium size, triangular, hanging flat. Set on above line of eyes. In repose, hanging close to cheeks. When dog is alert, clearly standing away from cheeks. One third of the upper and rear part should be slightly pricked. Ears should not be cropped. V. Neck Should be the shape of a blunt cone, broad, strong, muscular and flexible. Skin thick and slightly loose. Distinct double dewlap, well formed, yet not exaggerated. VI. Body General impression: Rectangular, powerful and robust, giving the impression of great strength, yet supple and agile. Upperline: Straight, horizontal standing and moving. Withers: Well pronounced. Back: Strong and muscular. Loins: Long, broad and strong, gradually getting narrower towards the flanks. Croup: Wide and strong. Compared to the horizontal its inclination is 45°. Height at rump equal to height at withers. Chest: Broad, deep, muscular and powerful. Point of sternum protruding. Ribs spaced widely apart with rounded ribcage, not flat. Proportion of height at withers to girth of chest: approximately 7 : 10. Belly and flanks: Belly moderately tucked up. Groin deep, flanks very broad. VII. Tail Set on medium high. Thick at root, strong and flexible. The coat on tail is definitely long, soft and forms a beautiful plume. In repose it hangs low and reaches easily to the hocks. The last third is always lightly curved. In movement and when the dog is alert, it is carried in sabre form with definite hook at tip but without the entire length being bent or resting over the back. VIII. Limbs FOREQUARTERS: General impression: Seen from the front, absolutely vertical, straight and parallel. Muscles and sinews clearly visible. Length of forearm three times length of pastern. Good strength of bone, strong pastern. Shoulders: Well muscled. Shoulderblade sloping, longer than forearm. Angle of shoulderblade to upper arm approximately 100°. Upper arm: Very strong. Las razas caninas españolas - Spanish canine breeds 117