A Potted Bullmastiff – History

The plain truth is that when examining the facts around the history of the Bullmastiff, there is little that we can say for certain. We do not know when and where the breed first appeared, nor do we have any concrete evidence of how it first evolved, but throughout history, there have been references to Bulldog and Mastiff crosses. During the medieval period, there is much mention of the Mastiff and its use as a guard, but it is unclear if the word describes one type of dog or a general term for a group of dogs with similar characteristics, including the Bulldog and Mastiff cross.

Later, Buffon, a French naturalist, referenced in 1792 the merits of crossing a Bulldog with a Mastiff, and many similar references are recorded throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. It seems that the Bull and Mastiff type was recognized similarly to how the Lurcher is today—a recognizable type with similar appearance and attributes but not a distinct breed as we would consider it today.

Britain, especially England, is a temperate country with no extreme weather. It is an island and, unlike the rest of Europe, was protected from the migration of both people and animals. This isolation has generated a relative purity and richness in the development of livestock and animals. The number of breeds of cattle, horses, and especially dogs that Britain claims makes a nonsense of its size. There is no doubt that this island isolation encouraged breeders to utilize and modify those breeds available to meet specific needs, and the Bullmastiff is a typical example.

Large estates and protected game proved an attractive lure to hungry and desperate people, and a gamekeeper with a gun and a Spaniel was little or no deterrent to a determined gang of poachers and their dogs. Therefore, the need for a highly mobile, aggressive, and brave dog to accompany the gamekeeper became paramount during the 18th and 19th centuries. Clearly a great success, demand for the Bull and Mastiff cross increased, and the price of such a dog became considerable. By the end of the 19th century, the breed had become fairly well established and was known as the Bullmastiff or gamekeeper’s night dog, as both Idstone (Rev. Payne) and Stonehenge (J.H. Walsh), dog writers of the time, mentioned in their writings.

20th Century Progress

The Bullmastiff continued to increase in popularity and, more importantly, be recognized as a breed. Count Von Hollander, a well-respected dog fancier, called for its recognition in 1911, noting the breed as “the bravest, the most perfect guard and protector in the world.”

Pioneers

The best-known breeder of the 20th century and perhaps the father of the modern breed was Mr. Samuel Mosley of Farcroft fame. A full-time breeder and smallholder, Mosley was known for breeding Mastiffs, Cocker Spaniels, and GSDs, and had bred Bullmastiffs under the Farcroft and Hamil prefixes since about 1910. His formula for producing Bullmastiffs remains the basis for our understanding of the breed today and is loosely based on a 60% Mastiff and 40% Bulldog mix. However, some of his dogs lacked Bulldog characteristics and appeared more like light-framed Mastiffs, leaving other breeders of the time unimpressed.

Mr. Mosley’s success continued, and he exported dogs across the world, notably to John Cross in the USA, who used Mosley’s 60:40 ratio to produce the first American Standard. In 1924, after much support, the Bullmastiff was recognized by the Kennel Club of Great Britain, and in 1925 classes were made available for the breed. The two clubs of the time argued over the standard, especially regarding weight and height, but agreed that the Bullmastiff should be courageous and bold yet docile and intelligent.

The Bulmas Line

Leading up to World War II, several breeders significantly shaped the breed, most notably Cyril Leeke and his Bulmas line. After purchasing a disappointing Farcroft bitch in 1924, he went on to purchase another named Sheila. When bred with Ch. Peter of the Fenns, Sheila produced Ch. Wendy of Bulmas, Leeke’s first champion. This line established a more standardized look, especially with Ch. Beppo of Bulmas, who contributed to the breed’s progress and achieved numerous Challenge Certificates. The Bulmas line became prominent both in Britain and the USA.

Leeke’s influence was unsurpassed for over 30 years. However, a move to the USA in 1957 turned out unsuccessful, and Leeke returned to the UK disillusioned. Though he never owned Bullmastiffs again, he remained a regular visitor at the Oldwell Kennels, where he admired the puppies that carried on his legacy.

The War Years and After

The outbreak of WWII reduced Bullmastiff activity in the UK, but unlike the Mastiff, the Bullmastiff continued to progress, with registrations only slightly reduced. Observers argue that the war may have strengthened the breed by ensuring only the best were retained for breeding. After the war, the breed gained recognition worldwide, particularly in the USA, with John Cross leading efforts to promote and develop it.

Today

The Bullmastiff is now a popular and established breed worldwide, known for its steady, dependable nature and rich heritage. Capable of excelling in the show ring while retaining its guarding ability, it is essential for owners and judges to remember and respect the standard that defines the breed.

The post A Potted Bullmastiff – History appeared first on Showsight Magazine.

The National Dog Show and the Kennel Club of Philadelphia have delivered some memorable moments over the years both at the live show weekend in Oaks, Pennsylvania, and on the Thanksgiving Day broadcast, when the audience of 20 million-plus revels in America’s most prominent showcase of dogdom.

This year is no different, with the advent of RockyFest 2024, a Philadelphia Visitor Center Corp. initiative to drive tourism to the region by celebrating the iconic movie, Rocky, and its indelible connection to the City of Brotherly Love.

What does that have to do with the Kennel Club of Philadelphia (KCP) and the National Dog Show Presented by Purina? Well, think for a moment and remember Butkus the Bullmastiff, one of the movie’s most memorable characters.

Philadelphia tourism officials engaged several partners in the elaborate, multi-faceted program and that includes the KCP, which sponsors the Kennel Club of Philadelphia Therapy Dog Ambassador Team featuring five-year-old Wasabi. An accomplished show dog who’s also certified for therapy work, Wasabi and handler Tamar Paltin Mayer were a featured attraction at the RockyFest 2024 launch press conference on Oct. 1 at the top of the Philadelphia Art Museum steps.

Wasabi’s regal presence brought to mind some of the Academy Award-winning film’s most memorable scenes: The pet store, where the Sylvester Stallone character met Butkus and his other love, Adrian; Adrian presenting Rocky with the Bullmastiff as a gift; and the two of them running through the streets of Philadelphia as Rocky trained for the challenge of a lifetime against World Heavyweight Champion Apollo Creed.

Wasabi will be on hand for the National Dog Show weekend on November 16-17, 2024 at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in the Philly suburbs, but she won’t be competing for Best in Show because she gave birth to 11 healthy Bullmastiff pups in July. But she will greet the public at the therapy dog ambassador booth and take a turn in the stadium show ring during the RockyFest 2024 promotional activity before Group Judging begins on Saturday afternoon.

“We are so excited to be connecting Butkus to our RockyFest 2024 celebration,” said Kathryn Ott Lovell, President & CEO, Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation, at the press event. “Way to go, Wasabi! We love working moms.”

“We so appreciate being involved in RockyFest in recognition of the Bullmastiff, Butkus, one of the movie’s great characters,” said Wayne Ferguson, President of the KCP. “Loyal friend and training partner, Butkus enriched Rocky’s life and it’s cool to celebrate the Bullmastiff breed, one of dogdom’s most prominent.”

One of the main events of RockyFest is set for Thursday, December 5, when Philadelphians and their furry friends will come together for “Southpaws @ The Docks: Pugs and Mugs Yappy Hour” at the Cherry Street Pier along Penn’s Landing. The event is free and open to the public, with Wasabi plus other members of the therapy dog ambassador team set to appear for pets and photos. Wasabi will make several other appearances in promotion of the KCP dog show weekend and RockyFest throughout the fall.

RockyFest 2024 launches an annual tourism initiative leading up to 2026, when the 50th anniversary of the release of the classic movie will punctuate the December celebration. Highlights of the initial RockyFest this December include the first-ever publicly available Rocky Bus Tours, a Rocky Movie Marathon, and recreated Rocky Date Nights at the University of Pennsylvania’s 1923 Ice Rink and The Philadelphia Zoo. Tickets to RockyFest events are available through PHLVisitorCenter.com/RockyFest.

So, it’s hats off to the Philadelphia tourism officials, the Kennel Club of Philadelphia, and the Bullmastiff, Wasabi, for making sure that the purebred dog is once again an integral part of another major event. Because, as we know only too well, dogs will take all the attention they can get.

The post Bullmastiff Therapy Dog Launches Rockyfest 2024 In Philadelphia appeared first on Showsight Magazine.

Judging the Bullmastiff

Imagine nineteenth-century England before industrialization. Picture a rural, agrarian society composed of large feudal estates surrounded by small tenant farms. Think of the gamekeeper, whose duty was to prevent the desperate and determined poacher from illegally taking the wild game that roamed the landowner’s property. And envision a large, powerful and agile dog, as dark as night, with the ability to sneak up on the poacher unaware, knock him to the ground, and hold him without harm until the gamekeeper arrived the next morning. This “gamekeeper’s night dog,” fearless yet not ferocious, was the predecessor of today’s Bullmastiff.

Twenty-first-century America bears little resemblance to the English countryside of two centuries ago. The Bullmastiff, which arrived in the US during the first half of the twentieth century, has adapted easily to his new environment and duties. Without an estate to roam and protect, the Bullmastiff has evolved into a reliable family guardian and pet. Yet he retains the courage, intelligence, discrimination, as well as the independent spirit, of his formidable ancestors.

Walking into the Bullmastiff specials ring should be an impressive sight, your first sense of the breed as a symmetrical nearly-square dog, showing great strength, endurance, and alertness; powerfully built and active. They are a working breed and should be sound structurally and moving in all directions, balanced front to rear, with heavy hindquarters, depth of body with pro sternum and good bone-to-body proportion. Silhouette is the first thing we see when looking over the lineup, and along with correct head type (cube on cube), soundness moving and structurally, temperament and health, all should be included in your order of priority. The physical examination of the breed should not be unlike any other working breed. “What you see, is what you get” and a cursory hands-on examination is sufficient. However, don’t stoop down in front to examine the head or stare at a Bullmastiff. No need to check for full dentition, and a perfunctory look at the bite will suffice. Grossly undershot, overshot and wry bites are serious faults but can be easily observed in your quick mouth exam. Discourage any barking in your ring, as this could incite aggressive behavior in your entry and don’t overcrowd the ring, allow sufficient space between entries, particularly between dogs. Bullmastiffs are generally well behaved and even the owner handler has a capable hand when showing this breed. The breed is usually friendly with wagging tails and overzealous puppy behavior. They can be guarded with strangers, but should never lack confidence or shy away from the judge, or not recover quickly if startled by loud noises.

But what makes the Bullmastiff a less popular choice in the Working Group or Best in Show ring? Not a ‘sexy’ breed, the Bullmastiff might be less understood and not as flashy as other dogs in the final lineup. As a serious working breed, although their silhouette would suggest a “look of eagles” their gait is not and should not be flashy but rather a more powerful, deliberate breed-appropriate gait, not tremendous reach and drive. With their breed-appropriate side gait, many lack the showy attitude of other working breeds and with correct head type might be less commonly understood, which in turn can shake a judge’s confidence in awarding the prestigious honor. A rectangular Bullmastiff, with heavy pigment and a level bite does not make a great Bullmastiff, only a generic dog. Perhaps these dogs may achieve their championship, but they should not be winning groups and bests in show! While we applaud judges that reward soundness, it should not come at the expense of incorrect body proportion, length of back, or head type. Many judges also seem to focus on cosmetic flaws rather than structure, which includes correct nearly square proportion, proper shoulder layback (difficult to find in this breed) and moderate front and rear angulation, as well, of course, correct head type.

Type is misunderstood, and we can have a variety of types in the ring, which include Bullmastiffs that look like Mastiffs (too big, too much flew), Shar-Pei (too heavily wrinkled), Rhodesian Ridgebacks (too refined and snipey), Staffy Bulls (short) and Dogue de Bordeaux (round heads, incorrect topline, red color and coat texture). Bullmastiffs are a compact, deep, square dog. A long, rectangular Bullmastiff is incorrect.

Silhouette

From the Bullmastiff Standard: “That of a symmetrical animal, showing great strength, endurance, and alertness; powerfully built but active. “Body should be compact. Back—short, giving the impression of a well-balanced dog. “Proportion — The length from tip of breastbone to rear of thigh exceeds the height from withers to ground only slightly, resulting in a nearly square appearance.” These are some of the most important words defining type in the Bullmastiff Standard. The “general appearance” in our standard gives one a good sense of Bullmastiff type – “symmetrical (nearly square/balanced), great strength (sound), powerfully built (substantial).” But if any Bullmastiff sticks his head through a hole in the fence, would you absolutely identify it as a Bullmastiff? If you don’t, it is the most serious fault of all. If there is a Mastiff and Bullmastiff standing on a hillside in the distance, one is rectangular the other square, which is the Bullmastiff? If a Bullmastiff needs to look like a Bullmastiff, it must be nearly square. You need to read and study the standard and engage in other means of education to best understand Bullmastiff breed type.

The most frequently mentioned concept in the Bullmastiff standard has to do with proportion. The standard alternatively refers to the Bullmastiff as “symmetrical,” “nearly square,” “compact,” “short” backed, and “well balanced.” This suggests that an essential Bullmastiff characteristic is a nearly square appearance. It is important to keep in mind that it is not only size, but also proportion that distinguishes the Bullmastiff from the larger and longer Mastiff. In profile, and from all angles, the Bullmastiff should appear square. Thus when considering the Bullmastiff, an important point to remember is that long is always wrong. Nearly square proportion every bit defines breed type as the squareness of the head and muzzle. Proportion and size is what defines the difference between a Mastiff and Bullmastiff.

Head

The concept of squareness also applies when considering the Bullmastiff head. In the Bullmastiff ring, you will undoubtedly find a variety of head types as the liberal Bullmastiff standard allows for a range of interpretation. However, it is important to remember that each individual element that comes together in the Bullmastiff headpiece should contribute to its square appearance. This not only applies to traits such as the broad, deep muzzle and the large skull with well-developed cheeks, which Bullmastiff breeders often refer to as a “cube on a cube,” but also to such characteristics as ear set, shape, and size, the width of the underjaw, and eye shape and placement. Rather than think of each of these attributes separately, base your assessment on the degree to which they contribute to the nearly square appearance of the Bullmastiff head.

The head and muzzle should be square. Muzzle should be broad and deep, ears small and v-shaped, level with the occiput, cheeks should be well developed, flews not too pendulous, all helping to create a square appearance to the head. The reversion to the Bulldog is very undesirable. If a head reminds you of a Mastiff, Bulldog, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Am Staff or Shar Pei it is very incorrect. Round and wrinkly skulls, too much wrinkle/roping on the muzzle, drooping flews, too severe a stop (Bulldog like) are not correct in a Bullmastiff, any more than a long, narrow muzzle or a lack of stop.

In judging the Bullmastiff we see varying degrees of bites, but mainly good bites with wide underjaws and straight teeth. The evolution of the breed to a less moderate and more ‘bully’ appearance has led to the reversion to the more Bulldog type of bite and underjaw, which is incorrect, however the perfect bite can and should be accomplished in the best of heads.

Movement

“When viewed from the side, reach and drive indicate maximum use of the dog’s moderate angulation. Back remains level and firm. Coming and going, the dog moves in a straight line.” The down and back should be closely observed for many structural faults not obvious on the go-around. We need to slow them down in the show ring. Bullmastiffs are not herding dogs, and their side gait should reflect use of moderate angles. Cow hocks and splayed feet are the only serious faults mentioned in our standard and should be penalized appropriately. Bullmastiffs should not be giant Bulldogs or Mastiffs, nor should they move like either of these breeds. Bullmastiffs should be sound coming and going, and have moderate reach and drive to accomplish a smooth, even gait. Their gait should be powerful and deliberate. “Flashy” movement is not what is appropriate for this breed and showmanship should never override breed correctness. When evaluating breeding stock, either as a judge or a breeder, the first thing we look at is static balance in the silhouette. Unlike breeds whose bodies are longer than tall, a square dog must be built to the correct proportions and angles if it is to move correctly. We do not look at a dog’s gait in a search for beauty and flash but rather as evidence that the dog is both fit and functional for the job it was bred for. In observing how a dog moves, one evaluates the dog as a whole trying to assess the ability of the dog to do its historic work … and if accurate, it is usually associated with correctly constructed and athletically fit dogs.

The most efficient working dogs are those that can work the longest at their jobs with the least amount of effort. The efficiently moving Bullmastiff travels in a straight line with the minimum amount of energy, legs converging under the body as speed increases. Length of stride of the dog is an important consideration. For any breed of dog, the fewer steps required to cover a given distance, the less energy is required. With the Bullmastiff’s moderate angles and compact body, the motion should be deliberate and powerful, but not fast. A Bullmastiff is a working dog that patrolled huge estates all night, hundreds of acres, not small courtyards, so tight feet, proper moderate angulation, well let down strong hocks, firm backs, sound shoulders and heavy hindquarters were as important as the instinct to guard.

Appropriately compact Bullmastiffs are more capable of quick and sudden movement and can better make sudden change in speed and direction and maintain balance and grace than a long dog. This form following function is closely related to body type and the job the Bullmastiff was bred to do: to be able to penetrate thickets and dense underbrush, to be agile to maneuver around, over and under various obstacles, with the ability to move swiftly and gingerly. A dog can be moving in the show ring with less style than its competitors but be moving correctly. The first structural issue is the very important requirement that the Bullmastiff is nearly square, the squareness which defines breed type.

Temperament

Please do not reward a Bullmastiff with its tail between its legs. To quote Richard Beauchamp from his book, Solving the Mysteries of Breed Type, “Everything in the Bullmastiff standard assures us of a dog that will stand its ground and protect at all costs. Stalwart but effectively mobile, the antithesis of what we look for in the lightning-rod sighthounds. A Bullmastiff’s stance and attitude tell us exactly what we need to know about the Bullmastiff in this respect.”

Temperament is the quintessential barometer of breed type: “Fearless and confident yet docile. The dog combines the reliability, intelligence, and willingness to please required in a dependable family companion and protector.” Too often we see Bullmastiffs with tails between their legs. This attitude should not be rewarded. Bullmastiffs should be stable, confident, bold and courageous. They should be a discerning guard dog and know the difference between an intruder and the UPS man. Aggressive behavior toward any person should never be tolerated in the show ring. Aggressive behavior toward other dogs is not the same as aggression toward people and should only be penalized if out of control. A Bullmastiff with its tail between its legs is afraid, whether or not temporary, it should not be rewarded in the show ring on that day. Please do not confuse a gay tail with attitude. “Set on high. It may be straight or curved, but never carried hound fashion.” A tail carried over the back is very incorrect.

Health and Condition

Bullmastiffs should have good coats providing them adequate protection against the weather elements and the ground cover. A double coat is ideal, but the coat should be short and dense. Healthy coats with skin free of allergies are ideal for their work and environment. Good condition is a sign of good health, and after all, we are judging breeding stock. Entropic eyes, missing hair, interdigital cysts, thin coats, narrow, restricted nostrils, fat dogs or dogs lacking in muscle development are all signs of poor condition and/or health problems.

Size

“Other things being equal, the more substantial dog within these limits is favored.” The reason for this statement should be clear — a more substantial dog is better equipped to pin and hold the poacher. This is form following function. This does not mean “bigger is better.” That being said, because the male is more opulent than a female, avoid gender discrimination as an otherwise beautiful bitch should not be rewarded because she is smaller than the male … bitches ARE smaller than males. Some Bullmastiff bitches are petite. If we adhere to form following function, a petite bitch could not knock a man down and hold him. Bitches should proportionately have good bone and substance as their male counterparts (bitches 24-26″, 100-120 pounds). Although there may be a place in a breeding program for a sound, typey small bitch, a truly petite bitch should not be rewarded in the show ring

Color

As a night dog, brindle certainly would have been the preferred color as camouflage while at work. However, there is no color preference in the Bullmastiff. Unfortunately the brindle color seems to be discriminated in the show ring, perhaps because of an optical illusion, or lack of attention to detail. Brindling should ideally be evenly distributed. Red color ranges from honey to dark mahogany. The “orange” Dogue de Bordeaux color in incorrect, as is the “brown” color we also see. The coat should be clear, free from smuttiness with two-toning undesirable. A small white patch on the chest is acceptable, but white anywhere else on the body is very undesirable. A dark muzzle is preferred, but obviously breeders like to see the blacker the better. I personally like to see a slight break under and between the eyes, to emphasize the “mask.” Be wary of how pigment can change the overall look of the head and rely on manual exam to conclude on correct bone structure of the muzzle not visual. And that while a full black mask may be striking, there will always be a natural blending between body color and the mask/muzzle and start of the ear color. Be suspect of masks that appear dyed or artificial.

There is frequent discussion regarding dogs defined as either “breed” or “group” dogs. Theoretically, if you have a quality dog, there should be no difference. Nevertheless, we hear it all the time: “He’s more a group dog” or “He can win in the breed, but he can’t compete in the group.” Why is this? There are many factors going into the decision of a judge at the breed and group level. As a judge of Bullmastiffs and the working group, knowing the nuances of the breed and understanding breed type, it would make no difference as long as it is a quality dog. One is judging at the group level against the breed standards, not against each other. If you have a healthy nearly-square Bullmastiff, typey, sound with a good attitude and sound movement, it is indeed competitive in the group ring. Bullmastiffs seem to need to work harder for their recognition in the group.

The post Judging the Bullmastiff appeared first on Showsight Magazine.

The Bullmastiff

Form follows function and the correct Bullmastiff is a prime example. It was developed in England for the express purpose of assisting gamekeepers on the vast estates of the nobility and gentry. Poaching was a serious problem for landowners. The punishment was being transported (sent to a penal colony in Australia) or even possibly death. Poachers wouldn’t mind doing in the gamekeeper to avoid such a fate. Some were individuals and others came in groups. Hunting dogs could also be in the mix.

Gamekeepers needed a dog that was powerful but manageable. The idea was for them to down and hold the poacher for the gamekeeper. They were also capable of dealing with any dogs that came along. The Mastiff was too large and the Bulldog of the time was too aggressive so a blend was developed that was agile, powerful and tractable that came out to a 60–40 balance of Mastiff and Bulldog. That can be defined as leaning slightly more to the Mastiff. They worked predominantly at night and were originally referred to as The Gamekeepers’ Night Dog. They made a tremendous difference in the safety and efficiency of the gamekeeper.

Nowadays very few do the work on vast estates for which they were originally intended. That does not mean they should not maintain the traits and instincts for which they were developed. Bullmastiffs have an amazing ability to sort out the good person from the ones with bad intent. A Bullmastiff without those traits is not a Bullmastiff. Unfortunately, people seem to buy a dog for the way it looks without any consideration of its temperament. A large, working and guarding breed is not for the weak–willed. They like to think for themselves. They have a tendency to do that to this day so either the owner runs the home or the dog does. The Bullmastiff, properly raised, can be an exceptional family dog that only goes into guard mode when it is necessary. I have owned them for over half a century, raised my children with them and they raised theirs with Bullmastiffs without incident.

The breed standard describes males as 25 to 27 inches at the shoulder and 110 to 130 pounds. Please note the proper weight to height balance is that the 25–inch dog would weigh 110 pounds and the 27–inch dog would weigh 130 pounds. Bitches are 24 to 26 inches at the shoulder and 100 to 120 pounds with the same ratio applying. Not only in this breed but others there is a tendency by some to think that if something is good a lot more would be better: taller, heavier, bigger head, etc. Because of their athleticism and temperament, a Bullmastiff at the smaller end of the standard can do the job just as well as the ones at the larger end. A tendency to go for over bully or size ranging into the small Mastiff does not make a Bullmastiff better. It makes it incorrect. The standard description is what it is because that is what worked best for what the dog was developed to do. Anyone wishing something different needs to find a different breed.

This is a marvelous breed for some and definitely not for others. In today’s social climate where the rural life is not what most Bullmastiffs live in, where responsibility for one’s self and one’s children doesn’t seem to be the norm, owners of large dogs need to be especially careful to insist on proper behavior for their dogs and to keep them under control and in a safe place for the reputation and safety of the breed itself. It doesn’t matter if a large dog doesn’t initiate a confrontation. It will always be blamed. Breed specific laws are a danger to the very existence of a breed. One almost never sees a media report on how wonderful a breed is but one incident, little or big, is a headline. Very often news reports don’t even correctly identify a breed but just pick one of the guard breeds. By the time that is rectified it is way too late. If one loves the breed one has to always be on alert to see that the dog is well trained and under control. The big problem for this breed is the dog park. Especially off lead parks. One never knows the temperament of the dogs that use it or their vaccine record. No matter what happens, no matter who starts it, the big dogs will be blamed. There are plenty of ways to socialize with your dog without turning it loose amongst a bunch of dogs of totally unknown health and temperament. A good straightforward obedience class, in which you attend with your dog, not send it out to be trained by someone else, is ideal for a long, happy relationship with a Bullmastiff.

I think in covering the Bullmastiff as related to society today it would be remiss not to cover the responsibility of breeder and buyer. It is the responsibility of the breeder to produce dogs healthy in mind and body. Also, to be sure of the home one is sending their puppy to. Breeders are also responsible for how the buyer, as well as the general public, view the breed and the fanciers as a whole. People who see a Bullmastiff puppy forget all sense and can’t seem to live without that one baby. Think before you buy contracts can be a real problem as some are constructed. People should read carefully before committing. Everyone’s agreements are not the same. A bad experience with one person colors the buyer’s perception of all breeders.

Buyers need to be totally honest about their lifestyle, accommodation for the dog in their home that makes sure the dog is safe, their ability to be the owner and not the dog’s buddy. They need to be clear if they want to show or just have a family companion. One should not sign up for mandatory showing and breeding if that is not what one is comfortable with. Honesty on both sides of the transfer of ownership makes for happy buyers and sellers and protects the breed’s reputation. Over the years, as the breed has become more populous there has been more emphasis placed on healthy minds and bodies. When I first became a Bullmastiff owner people seemed to be happy if the dog could walk. Muscle tone, angulation, proper movement, structure, temperament and longevity were not big points of discussion. Gradually some breeders became more interested in stressing these points. Certainly, as a working dog, these were all important to the dog being able to function as it was developed to do. Today a proper Bullmastiff can hold its own on quality and soundness with any of the working breeds.

In the 1960s there were only two Bullmastiffs that held Utility Dog degrees and not many had achieved even a CD. This breed is very strong willed and many people that owned them really weren’t quite as bright as the dog was. Bullmastiffs developed a reputation for being a bit stupid while actually doing exactly what they wanted. Who is stupid: the person who can’t get the dog to do what he wants it to or the dog that does what it pleases?

Over the last dozen years, there has been a huge upswing in owners interested in competing with their Bullmastiffs in a number of working events. Many have basic obedience degrees and Canine Good Citizen degrees. The Bullmastiff National Specialty has a Triathalon event—conformation, obedience, and agility. Agility events are seeing many more Bullmastiffs. Tracking now has its share of Bullmastiff titlists. Bullmastiffs were always smart enough to do these things. They just needed owners who understood how to approach training for these events. I’ve always explained to my dogs that I know they know a better way to do something than I do but since I buy the dog food my vote wins. Works for me.

Judging the Bullmastiff should be easier than some people make it. Approach the dog confidently. Please take into account that very young dogs in the puppy class may be in the ring for the first time and a bit tentative. This timidity or lack of confidence is not acceptable in adults but a puppy’s first experience in the ring can color its attitude for the rest of its life. Do not accept any show of aggressiveness toward humans. This is not the breed’s character.

One must take into account the temperament and structure of each breed when evaluating it in the ring. Bullmastiffs are not dainty and should not tiptoe lightly around the ring. Their movement should be efficient, strong without much effort. Flash is always attention–getting but it is not the ideal expression of Bullmastiff movement. Dogs should certainly show an interest and not appear deadheaded but the proper movement is not essentially associated with speed. A good moving Bullmastiff with cover a great deal of ground with strong, steady strides converging toward a center line as the speed increases. Keep in mind how the dog actually works. It isn’t at a trot but a trot is the best way to evaluate balance and soundness.

The head is the real identifying centerpiece of the dog but a lovely head on a working dog that isn’t a sound, efficient mover is worthless. The dog should be judged as a whole package in reference to what it was bred to do. The head is a cube on a cube with the muzzle being one–third of the entire head. The breadth of a muzzle and lower jaw is important because part of the dog’s purpose was to hold their quarry. Nostrils should be large and open. The dog had to run rapid sprints and hold someone with their mouth engaged. They needed the capacity to bring in air easily. Stenotic nares are a serious impediment to that ability. I had mentioned previously that some people tend to think more is better even if it is really incorrect. Remember in judging that the dog tends slightly more to the Mastiff than the Bulldog. The head is clearly described in the standard and it should not tend toward the Bulldog with the nose leather set on top of the muzzle rather than even with the front of it. The bite is level to slightly undershot. Slightly undershot actually assists in holding without biting through flesh. Wry bites are not just a fault; they are a deformity in any breed.

The standard calls for the dog to be almost square. It is very slightly longer than it is tall—very slightly. A deep broad chest is necessary for the lung capacity needed in its job. A strong back gives the dog stamina when working. Remember the back is only part of the topline. The slight arch over the loin gives the dog the ability to get its rear well under it when moving. The standard calls for moderate angulation. It would be negative for a heavy bodied dog to have strong angulation. That would not put the legs under the body sufficiently for support. The slight arch over the loin increases the ability for reach in the rear without heavy angulation. While the standard doesn’t really speak to front angulation it need to match the rear angulation. More angulation in the front leaves the dog’s rear unable to keep up with the front. More angulation in the rear causes the dog to interfere with the front movement or inhibit the rear movement. Either is negative to a sound moving dog.

When one is going over a dog please note that this is a very short coated breed. You can see everything. There is no need to do what I call Braille judging. Giving the dog a full body massage doesn’t expose anything that isn’t already clearly visible. Lightly going over the dog with your hands can tell you everything you need to know. If you have a question in your mind that a handler is trying to cover up some fault just ask the person to have the dog step forward a step or two on a loose lead. Everything is clearly visible that way. The best approach to judging is to consider the dog as a whole package, recognizing and stressing the virtues and considering the faults. Do not fixate on one factor. As a working dog, the importance is being physically and mentally fit for the job the dog was developed to do.

The post The Bullmastiff appeared first on Showsight Magazine.

1. Please tell us a little bit about yourself. Where do you live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder? What is your kennel name?
2. What is your “process” for selecting show puppies? Performance puppies?
3. In your opinion, is your breed in good condition overall? Any trends that warrant concern?
4. As a Preservation Breeder, can you share your thoughts on the sport today? How’s the judging these days? What do you think about the number of shows?
5. In your opinion, is social media good for the sport? Is it harmful?
6. What are the biggest challenges facing the dog show community as a whole today and how can these be addressed?
7. What are some of the positive changes you’ve seen in the sport over the past decade?

Galina Taylor

1. My name is Galina Taylor. I was born in Tver, Russia, in Soviet times. I now live in Missouri with my husband and daughter.

As long as I can remember, I was always crazy about dogs. I got my first dog in 1988 and that was a German Shepherd Dog. I trained him to be working dog. He was my constant companion and I would not go anywhere without him. In 1992, the first Bullmastiff got imported to Tver from Hungary, which was bred to an English male. Out of that litter I got my first Bullmastiff bitch and had my first Bullmastiff litter in 1996.

I owned several different breeds in between, but the Bullmastiff was always my breed. My kennel name is Marconian Bullmastiffs. I breed in a partnership with Olga Contant (Ridgetop Bullmastiffs). We’ve known each other from childhood. We were neighbors and went to the same high school. I had a girl for my first Bullmastiff; Olga took a boy from the same litter. When we moved to the US, we stayed friends and finally started to breed together. When I have a litter in my house, my kennel name is first. When in her house, her kennel name is first on a puppy’s name.

2. There is a lot involved in the process of selecting a show puppy, and for me it starts with the pedigree. Selecting the right studs for girls is one of the most important things in breeding. Even though you carefully plan a litter, some luck is still always involved.

After our carefully planned litter is born, we are looking at all attributes of the puppy. Temperament will be the first thing to notice. A show puppy needs to be proud… they need to ask for wins. You can see that baby in the whelping box. The most “painful” puppy that doesn’t take a bottle or tries to climb out of the box usually poses that temperament.

We do not make our selection till puppies turn eight weeks (three days before; three days after), and then we are looking for the overall best-constructed puppy; short back, beautiful head, and only after all things are considered do we choose the puppies that we keep.

3. Every breed always changes. Some years, one type of dog wins, then another type wins. Lots of breeders claim their dogs to be closer to Breed Standard than any others. The reality is, whoever can breed for the longest time and has the most sound dogs can win in generations under not only breeder-judges but under all judges.

I believe our breed is in good condition. Lots of people from different countries state that the US possesses the most Bullmastiffs that combine type and soundness than in other countries.

4. There will ALWAYS be good and bad judges. Exhibitors must learn which judges will choose a better dog. There are a lot of judges who will have integrity to choose the best dog of the day.

I believe there are a good amount of shows around country. Not a lot of Bullmastiff entries, but that’s in every breed. As inflation is getting higher, fewer people choose to show their dogs and only true breed enthusiasts keep the game up.

5. Is social media harmful or good? Hard question: yes and no. A smart judge should see a dog and be able to pass on any social media advertising. But, it definitely helps to be known.

6. The economy is the biggest problem that the show community faces now, in my opinion.

7. Judges education has become more strict and more difficult to get a judging license. It takes time to “open” new breeds. Hopefully, good comes out of this. Digital technology definitely is getting absolutely amazing! Reproduction and vet services have also changed a lot.

Life moves on. We all are changing. Lots of good things are coming with that. You just have to stay positive and work hard for your dream.

The post Galina Taylor | Marconian Bullmastiffs appeared first on Showsight Magazine.

1. Please tell us a little bit about yourself. Where do you live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder? What is your kennel name?
2. What is your “process” for selecting show puppies? Performance puppies?
3. In your opinion, is your breed in good condition overall? Any trends that warrant concern?
4. As a Preservation Breeder, can you share your thoughts on the sport today? How’s the judging these days? What do you think about the number of shows?
5. In your opinion, is social media good for the sport? Is it harmful?
6. What are the biggest challenges facing the dog show community as a whole today and how can these be addressed?
7. What are some of the positive changes you’ve seen in the sport over the past decade?

Lynne Rehsler

1. My husband, Paul, and I live in Cobble Hill, British Columbia, Canada; on beautiful Vancouver Island. My start in animal husbandry began with Arabian show and racehorses and my passion for animals has never ebbed. After three decades of breeding and raising Banbury Bullmastiffs, my goal remains the betterment of the breed in both conformation, but more importantly, in their health and longevity.

In 2022, I received the CKC Master Breeder Certificate. I am an active member of, and have held director positions in, our local Tyee Kennel Club and the Bullmastiff Fanciers of Canada. I ring steward as often as possible and enjoy my interactions with the judges and competitors. I regularly judge Juvenile and Veteran Sweepstakes and I was thrilled to judge at the American Bullmastiffs Association’s 2015 Top 25.

2. I have been line breeding for many years and always keep a puppy from every litter. When a puppy stands out at a very young age (less than a week old) it’s usually the keeper. Heads are important in the Bullmastiff breed, so it must have a large, square head. Color isn’t very important, except I’m a stickler for white. A very small amount of white on the chest is all I’ll tolerate. I live on acreage with lots of different environments for the puppies to explore. If a puppy with a clear coat and large, square head is outgoing, demonstrates good movement, and has a steady temperament at 8-10 weeks, it will become my next show dog. I have also asked other breeders (not always Bullmastiff breeders) to help evaluate my puppies using Pat Hastings’ method.

Paul takes care of the performance end. Our Performance Bullmastiffs are all generally dual-titled. So, Paul works with my pick show puppies and the ones that also demonstrate a willingness to perform he will trial them.

3. Yes, the breed is in good condition. There are very dedicated breeders in many countries worldwide. The Bullmastiff clubs have developed a Breeder Code of Ethics and breeders are adhering to the required health clearances. My only concern is preserving the “cube on a cube” Bullmastiff head type without trending towards the Mastiff or the Bulldog.

4. I see clubs hiring international, FCI judges to remove any potential bias that Canadian judges might have. However, exhibitors must expect different judging techniques and ring procedures; and remain open to the judges’ interpretation of our Standards based on their background. Overall, I find judging to be fair.

It’s well-known that the entries at many shows has declined. The number of shows is not the only factor impacting entries. Travel expenses, particularly when leaving Vancouver Island, the flying restrictions on a large snub-nosed dog, and the potential impact of the new CDC rules on getting to cross-border shows, all impact my entries. There are also fewer Bullmastiff breeders now.

5. Social media has pros and cons in all aspects of our lives, including dog sports. Live streaming shows, so I can watch my dog win a BIS, advertising our kennel club events, and sharing photos of our gorgeous puppies and dogs are examples of the good aspects. But I also see the harmful side when unsportsmanlike posts or troublesome comments are so easily made public. I’ve been on both sides. I think the positive aspects of social media outweigh the negative ones.

6. It’s becoming increasingly difficult to find suitable and affordable venues for our shows. There are a limited number of venues that accept dog shows. As the costs of these show sites increase, so must the entries, which causes entries to decline resulting in clubs losing money. How long can this last?

A big challenge for my kennel club is the number and age of our volunteer members. It’s important to support Junior Handling, but it is equally or more important to find young, passionate club members to plan and run our shows.

7. It’s good to finish on a positive note. I see clubs taking unsportsmanlike conduct very, very seriously. Related to increasing costs, clubs are working hard to make their shows enjoyable with themes, raffles, potluck dinners, and other fun events. There’s always great participation!

The post Lynne Rehsler | Banbury Bullmastiffs appeared first on Showsight Magazine.

1. Please tell us a little bit about yourself. Where do you live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder? What is your kennel name?
2. What is your “process” for selecting show puppies? Performance puppies?
3. In your opinion, is your breed in good condition overall? Any trends that warrant concern?
4. As a Preservation Breeder, can you share your thoughts on the sport today? How’s the judging these days? What do you think about the number of shows?
5. In your opinion, is social media good for the sport? Is it harmful?
6. What are the biggest challenges facing the dog show community as a whole today and how can these be addressed?
7. What are some of the positive changes you’ve seen in the sport over the past decade?

Helene Nietsch

1. I have lived in Newtown, Connecticut, for 38 years and lived most of my life in Connecticut, briefly in New York and Pennsylvania. I am recently retired after working for General Electric for 35 years. I have been breeding for 50 years and my kennel name is Banstock, which I developed after co-breeding with Louise Sanders (retired), Bandog Bullmastiffs, for 16 years. With limited showing and breeding, I am proud to have co-bred both the top-winning and the top-producing Bullmastiff sire of all time.

2. Since I have been breeding perhaps a litter a year, I am intimately familiar with my Banstock type and the overall construction of my puppies, which I am evaluating from day one. However, it seems that I make my selection for my keeper or my show prospects when they are on the ground and ready to go out the door.

3. I have seen my breed in better shape than now, but I believe overall soundness, movement, and head type has improved. I think the dogs especially are getting too big and heavy, some weighing, I believe, more than 20 pounds over the weight parameters.

4. I am currently Co-Chair of Breeder Education and past Chair of Judges Education, and both committees work together in the hopes to have breeders and judges recognize and show and reward correct breed type. The head is indeed the hallmark of the breed, but the squareness (nearly) of the body every bit depicts breed type as the squareness of the head and muzzle. We have a very good Illustrated Standard and JE/BE PowerPoint presentations, and I’d like to see judges recognizing correct breed type in the Group and BIS ring and breeders adhering to our Breed Standard. I think there are far too many shows and you can finish a mediocre Bullmastiff if you just simply persevere.

We have a very good Illustrated Standard and JE/BE PowerPoint presentations, and I’d like to see judges recognizing correct breed type in the Group and BIS ring and breeders adhering to our Breed Standard.

5. I think social media is the determent of the sport, where handlers and breeders can freely mislead and advertise their dogs to judges that accept their FB friend requests. Why advertise when all you need is Facebook to see those who promote their wins or litters to the readers?

6. I think your average person is being out-priced to breed, show, or even owner-handle their dogs. There could be many really good dogs out there that can’t afford a handler or a campaign. And breeding a litter can cost up to $10,000 when you finish your champion, do health testing, use and ship frozen semen, do progesterone testing, surgical implants and transcervical, or caesarean sections. Not to mention if a litter or pup has medical issues.

7. I think that the resources available in both animal husbandry and breeder/judges’ education are amazing. Breed clubs have comprehensive presentations and Illustrated Standards, and AKC Canine College is the best source for learning about a breed, next to valuable mentors. (JE/BE is currently working on developing our Canine College course.) There are judges’ groups, Juniors and handling seminars, health clinics, and so many opportunities available regularly to educate at many of the show clusters all over the country.

The post Helene Nietsch | Banstock Bullmastiffs appeared first on Showsight Magazine.

The Judges Education Committee would like judges to pay particular attention to the Bullmastiff Breed Standard with regard to proportion and weight. The Bullmastiff is a NEARLY square dog. The dog/bitch should be measured from the tip of the breastbone to the rear of the thigh. This distance exceeds the height from the withers to the ground only SLIGHTLY, resulting in a nearly square appearance. There are exhibits currently being shown in both sexes with excess length in the loin. This would contradict the requirement of a nearly square proportion.

The Bullmastiff Standard allows dogs to be 25-27 inches at the withers and a weight of 110-130 pounds. Bitches are to be 24-26 inches at the withers with a weight range of 100-120 pounds. Unfortunately, many of the Bullmastiff males being shown exceed the weight limit by as much as 20-25 pounds.

While one cannot bring a scale into the ring to measure the parameter of weight, consider each entry to see how many would be capable of performing their ancestral duty. Please remember that the Bullmastiff worked alongside the gamekeeper to protect the estate lands from poachers. Long hours at a trot over rough terrain required a fit and agile animal. Dogs with excess weight and muscle would not have the stamina to track, down, and hold a fleeing poacher. While Bullmastiffs no longer patrol expansive estates, they still need to be fit and agile to compete in many performance events. They are adept at Tracking, Agility, Dock Diving, and Obedience. Judges should be mindful of “form fitting function” when choosing worthy specimens in the show ring.

Lastly, we are seeing the re-emergence of crank tails. The correct tail of the Bullmastiff is set on high, strong at the root and tapering to the hock. Any break or deformity should be penalized. A correctly formed tail speaks to the overall strength of the spinal column. As always, the ABA Judges Education is available to help anyone who is interested in judging our breed.

The post Issues with Proportion, Weight & Crank Tails in the Bullmastiff appeared first on Showsight Magazine.