The Morphological-character test (hereinafter simply defined TMC) consists in an evaluation of the type, of the general conformation, as well as in a judgment on the character qualities of the subject examined in order to recommend or not its use in breeding for improvement and promotion. of the breed.
Overcoming the T.M.C. it is essential for obtaining the titles of Italian Champion and Social Champion, as well as for access to the ENCI Selected Reproduction
Breeders and amateurs of the Maremma-Abruzzese sheepdog must consider the T.M.C. as the best zootechnical tool for the enhancement of the breed, aimed at favoring a direction as uniform as possible in the breeding.
The test is therefore based on a strict judgment of both the morphology and the character of the dog, specifically the following steps are envisaged:
CHARACTERIAL EXAMINATION
It is aimed at evaluating the natural component inherent in the psycho-physical qualities of the P.M.A .. All shy or fearful or unmotivably aggressive subjects should always be excluded, paying close attention to the search for the dog’s character balance. The working judge will carry out the following checks to assess the character of the dog:
A) CONTACT WITH FOREIGN PEOPLE
The handler-dog pair enters the ring, is greeted by the judge who will speak with the handler and shake his hand. Subsequently, with the help of the Assistant, the Judge will identify the dog (tattoo or microchip check). The Examiner can touch the dog. Subsequently the couple will have to pass with the leash kept slow (not in shooting) in the middle of a group of 6 people (a first time still and a second time moving) who speak quietly, shake hands with the conductor and finally close in a circle , not tight, around handler and dog. The examiner will judge the dog’s behavior, which must not give any signs of aggression or fear.
B) VISUAL SOLICITATION
The handler with the dog on a slow leash leaves the group and goes towards a point identified by a stake about 20 m away. During this journey the two will have to face a passage along which they will be hung at a height of 1.5 m. from the ground plastic bands 50 cm long. The Examiner will evaluate the dog’s behavior which may also have a moderate loss reaction, as long as it is quickly overcome. In any case, he must not show obvious signs of fear.
C) ACOUSTIC STRESS
The handler and the dog kept on a slow leash perform a short course on the recommendation of the Examiner; at a distance of about 20 meters a shot will be made with a 6 mm blank pistol The judge will carefully evaluate the behavior of the dog which must have a reaction that demonstrates sufficient balance. The dog may have a moderate reaction, even bewilderment, as long as it is quickly overcome.
For each of the three tests specified above, the Judge expresses his evaluation (passed – failed) on the T.M.C. form, on which he can express ancillary notes. The dog that appears to have passed all three character tests is admitted to the morphological exam.
MORPHOLOGICAL EXAMINATION
The morphological examination consists of a thorough examination of the subject’s morphology (general impression, health, development, physical condition, etc.).
In the morphological examination, the morphological characteristics that characterize the type and the following premise must always be taken into consideration:
The Maremma-Abruzzese Shepherd is a heavy mesomorph of considerable size, with a rustic and majestic appearance, with strong bone and evident sexual dimorphism. The hair is abundant with a semi-vivid texture, straight or slightly wavy.
REQUIREMENTS AND ESSENTIAL DOCUMENTS FOR ADMISSION TO THE T.M.C.
In order to participate in the test, each subject must possess the following requirements and present the following documents:
certificate of registration (pedigree) to one of the Genealogical Books (Registers) specified above, in original;
Qualification booklet;
Having completed 20 (twenty) months on the date of the Test;
Stamp on the pedigree certifying the X-ray examination of the hips by one of the Reading Centers recognized by ENCI carried out after the 18th month of age and showing one of the following diagnoses: A (ex 0), B (ex 1) and X-ray examination of elbow dysplasia with outcome 0 or 1
compilation of the dental card introduced by the ENCI Board of Directors from 1 February 2013