Head & Expression

Head: Very large head with skull and muzzle equal in length, meeting at a clearly defined stop that appears deep.

The forehead is wider than it is tall.

The skull is flat, deep, and broad with strong, well-developed cheek muscles.

Muzzle: The muzzle is very thick in appearance.

Jaws are powerful, well-defined, and heavily muscled.

Lips are black.

Teeth: Overshot bite is not allowed, and teeth must not be visible.

Disqualification: Overshot bite or wry jaw.

Eyes: Round and dark in colour.

Disqualification: Crossed eyes.

Ears: Natural ears only, set high; rose ears are acceptable and may drop, remaining small in size.

Cropped ears are not permitted in the show ring in accordance with legislation issued by Charlie McConalogue, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, under Section 36 of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.

Body & Movement

Appearance: Short-coated, powerfully built, and highly athletic.

Forequarters: Shoulder blades well laid back with a strong upper arm.

Forelegs: Heavy-boned and very muscular, with elbows set parallel.

Hindlegs: Thick and muscular, with pasterns straight and parallel.

Tail: Tail carried upright.

Docked tails are not permitted in the show ring in accordance with regulations issued by Mr. Simon Coveney TD, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.

Movement: Movement should be smooth, powerful, and effortless, without paddling or crossing.