meet the... Majestic Tree Hound

Head

• General Appearance: Somewhat elongated mesaticephalic to somewhat dolichocephalic skull type, it is in proportion to the rest of the body. The topskull is somewhat narrow in comparison to the length, giving the skull some breadth at the ears but tapering towards the muzzle. The head exhibits good substance in the form of padding and muscle throughout without appearing coarse and bulky. The head is fairly clean and without excess skin, wrinkles, or folds.
• Expression: Noble, dignified, stately, wise, and sincere.
• Stop: The stop is slight but easily distinguishable.
• Skull: The ideal muzzle-to-skull ratio is 1:1, with the topskull being approximately equal to the muzzle.
  The ideal muzzle-to-skull axis is parallel or slightly divergent.
• Muzzle: The muzzle is somewhat broad, full, and deep throughout, giving the head a square outline. The plane, or bridge of the muzzle, is straight or slightly arched. Upper and lower jaws are well developed, approximately equal in length, and have good bone substance, never appearing snipey or weak.
• Lips or Flews: The lips may be fairly clean and fit somewhat tightly over the teeth and jaws, giving the muzzle a very slight taper, or they may appear somewhat clean and fit well over the teeth and jaws. The upper lip should extend to just cover the lower jaw without protruding well below it or appearing pendulous and “wet.”
• Nose: The nose is well-pigmented, black, or self-colored, according to the coat. The nostrils are well opened.
• Cheeks: The cheeks may appear flat and smooth, or some padding of the cheeks may be present to denote strength.
• Dentition and Bite: Forty-two strong, clean, and white teeth. The bite may be level or scissor. Contact must be made between the top and bottom incisors. Missing or broken teeth as a result of routine work are not to be penalized.
• Eyes: Moderate in size, open almond, lemon, or almost round in shape, and dark brown in color. The eye rims are well-fitted and well-pigmented. The eyes are never bulging. There should be sufficient bone in the surrounding orbital sockets to protect the eyes. Any signs of entropion or ectropion are incorrect for this breed.
• Ears: Moderate to fairly long in length, set somewhat back and low on the skull, with the base falling between the plane of the skull and eye level. They are drop or pendant shaped and hang rolled/folded. They fall close to the head and should extend to approximately the point of the nose. They are mobile and reactive to sound.

Body and Tail

• General Description: Deep, robust, and substantial, never cloddy or racy. The width at the forequarters is approximately equal to the width at the hindquarters.
• Neck: Moderate length allows for good head carriage and movement. It is powerfully muscled with a slight arch. The neck tapers smoothly from the deeper and broader body toward the head. The neck is fairly clean-cut. Slightly loose skin at the throat is permissible, without excess skin folds, heavy throatiness, or pendulous dewlap.
• Chest: Deep and broad but never wider than deep. The brisket extends to the point of the elbows. It is well-filled between the forechest, forming a keel of good depth and somewhat of prominence.
• Topline: Level from slightly prominent withers to croup. The back is broad, strongly muscled, and straight, yet supple. The loin is taut, flat, and level, or slightly arched, yet supportive. The topline is never long, swayed, or roached.
• Croup: Broad and gently sloped.
• Underline: A slight tuck-up may be present, or the underline runs parallel to the topline. The underline is taut and firm, without any indication of sagging or excess weight.
• Ribs: Long, well-sprung, well-laid-back, and oval-shaped, never barrel-chested or slab-sided.
• Tail: Set high on the croup, thick at the base, and tapering toward the tip. Carried in accordance with the dog’s mood and energy level, but never tucked or carried up over the back. When alert or in motion, the tail is carried above the level of horizontal. The tail may be left natural (preferred) or docked short. Natural tails are of a medium length, with the tip of the last vertebrae extending to the hock joints when held down. The tail may be straight or gently curved.

Forequarters and Hindquarters

• Forequarters: The forequarters are always balanced with the hindquarters and well-angulated with well-laid-back shoulder blades. The shoulder blades are approximately equal in length to the upper arm and forearm.
• Elbows: The elbows are close to the body. The point of the elbows is approximately half the dog’s height at the withers.
• Forelegs: Frontal View: Straight, of good muscle, moderately strong-boned, and parallel to one another.
  Side View: The forelimbs appear straight with strong pasterns.
• Pasterns: Never weak or broken.
• Hindquarters: The upper and lower thighs are equal in length, strong, sturdy, of moderately strong bone, and well muscled.
  Rear View: When viewed from the rear, the rear pasterns are parallel to one another.
  Side View: Good angulation will allow the rear toes to align with the point of the rump or within one to two paw-lengths behind the point of the rump, with the rear pasterns remaining perpendicular to the ground and parallel to one another.
• Stifle Joint: Well-angulated with a good bend to well-let-down rear pasterns.
• Stifle Joint: The angulation of the hindquarters is always in balance with the angulation of the forequarters.
• Feet: Oval to round and compact, with well-arched toes and tough pads.

Coat

• Skin: Well-fitted, yet supple. The skin should never obstruct the outline of the dog.
• Coat Type: Protective, dense, short, close, smooth, and fine.
• Coat Color or Pattern: Any color combination is permissible. Colors are known as “majestic” colors and include red majestic, white majestic, tri-majestic, spotted majestic, ticked majestic, black and tan majestic, majestic high tan, saddle-backed majestic, majestic red tick, or majestic blue tick.

Movement

Smooth, easy, effortless, efficient, and steady, the characteristics of a healthy structure are evident. When moving away, the forelegs and rear pasterns should remain parallel to one another. When viewing movement from the front, the forelegs should remain parallel, with elbows and paws moving neither in nor out. From the rear, the back pads should be visible when the rear legs are extended. As speed increases, the forelimbs and hindlimbs will converge to the centerline of gravity. From the side, the topline should remain firm and level. Good reach of movement in the front allows the forepaw to extend out in line with the nose. The width between the forefeet, when extended, should be approximately equal to the width between the hindfeet when extended, indicating balance, good reach, and a good drive. Dogs that exhibit any sign of breathing or locomotive difficulty shall be disqualified from the show ring.

Temperament

The Majestic Tree Hound is confident, steady, and even-tempered, yet eager for the trail. Primarily raised and hunted in a pack, these dogs are known to be very sociable with other dogs. Their trailing instincts and drives are exceptionally high, and if not allowed to exercise their senses and drive, they can get into trouble. They are independent thinkers, being doggedly persistent to the point of stubbornness when on a trail and in other tasks. They are known to be somewhat reserved or indifferent toward strangers but affectionate and loyal toward family. Any unprovoked aggressive or fearful behavior toward people is incorrect for this breed.

Faults

All dogs should be in proper healthy condition, free from disease or defect. Any departure from this description is considered a fault. Unless altered, all male dogs should have two fully descended testicles.