Head

Large in comparison to the body. Differentiated from that of other mastiff breeds by more extensive wrinkling and pendulous lips which blend into an ample  

dewlap. Toplines of cranium and the muzzle must be parallel. The face is made up of heavy wrinkles and folds. Required folds are those extending from the  

outside margin of the eyelids to the dewlap, and from under the lower lids to the outer edges of the lips.

 

•   Severe Faults: Toplines of the cranium and muzzle not parallel.

•   Disqualifications: Absence of wrinkles and folds.

 

Expression:

Wistful at rest, intimidating when alert. Penetrating stare.

 

Eyes:

Set deep and almost hidden beneath drooping upper lids. Lower lids droop to reveal haw.

 

Eye Color:

Shades of amber or brown, in accordance with coat color. Pigmentation of the eye rims same as coat color.

 

•   Severe Faults: Whitish-blue eyes; incomplete pigmentation of the eye rims.  

 

Ears:

Set well above the cheekbones. May be cropped or uncropped, but are usually cropped to an equilateral triangle for health reasons. If uncropped, they are  

medium sized, triangular in shape, held tight to the cheeks, and not extending beyond the lower margin of the throat.

 

Skull:

Wide flat between the ears, slightly arched at the frontal part, and covered with wrinkled skin. The width of the cranium between the cheekbones is  

approximately equal to its length from occiput stop. The brow is very developed. Frontal furrow is marked. Occiput is barely apparent.

 

Stop:

Very defined, forming a right angle at the junction of muzzle and frontal bones, and the sloping back at a greater angle where the frontal bones meet the frontal  

furrow of the forehead.

Nose:

 

Large with well-opened nostrils, and in color the same as the coat. The nose is an extension of the topline of the muzzle and should not protrude beyond nor  

recede behind the front plane of the muzzle.

 

•   Severe Faults: Incomplete pigmentation of the nose.