These dogs are comparatively rare in England, and only occasionally met with at our shows; but they are such magnificent animals that it is to be regretted that they are not bred here, as they are really well worth cultivating for their noble appearance, and under the skill and care of English breeders their natural good qualities, grand proportions, and noble bearing would be developed to the utmost.

In their native country they are used as guardians of the flock and the family; and half a dozen of them, with "their bristles up," would certainly present a formidable front to marauders, human or lupine.

In general contour they bear a resemblance to our English Mastiff, although the rough, dense coat and black colour form a strong contrast to the rich fawns and fallows of our home breed, with their close-lying, short, and shining jackets.

The subject of our illustration (Fig. 22) - Siring - was a remarkably fine specimen, one of two exhibited by the King, at that time the Prince of Wales, at the Alexandra Palace Show, December, 1875. The pair were exceedingly well matched, and were much admired, Siring being, perhaps, a shade the better. Both the specimens were well formed, strong in the back and loins, deep ribbed, with well-developed quarters, and standing on stout, straight legs.

In size they are not quite equal to our native Mastiffs, although the long coat gives them an advantage in appearance. The coat is about as long as a Newfoundland's, and very dense; not sleek and glossy, but rough, without being harsh. The colour is black, inclining to brownish-black on some parts of the body, and the soft undercoat is of a fulvous colour. The tail is large, well furnished with hair, and carried pretty high, and with a good swirl - in fact, the term "gawcie," which Burns uses to describe the Scotch Collie's tail, pretty accurately applies; but unfortunately there is no exact equivalent in English - bushy, yet showy, comes near it. The Thibet Mastiff carries his stern much higher than the Collie - in fact, well over the hips.

The head, wherein the character of the animal is stamped, and where we always look first in considering the type of dog, differs considerably from that of his English namesake, and partakes somewhat of the character of that of our Bloodhounds, although equally distinct from that; and it might fairly be described as a compromise between the two, as it possesses features common to both. The skull is shorter than that of the Bloodhound, and not so massive as that of our Mastiff. The ears are small, like those of the latter dog. The eyes are deep sunk, like the Bloodhound's, and show some haw; there is also a good deal of flew, the lips falling very deep, quite as much so as in many specimens of the Bloodhound; and with this there is the usual concomitant throati-ness, although this latter feature is not so noticeable under the thick ruff that surrounds the throat and neck as it is in the smooth-haired Hound. The muzzle is a trifle longer than in our Mastiffs, and the nose is wide and capacious, showing inherent ability to hunt, although that quality may not be developed, as the dog is principally used as a guard. The general appearance of the breed stamps it as a distinct variety, and one of such noble qualities that if encouragement were given to it at our principal shows breeders would be stimulated to produce and bring it forward in greater numbers.

Fig. 22. - The Thibet Mastiff Siring.