American Bullmastiff Association

Judges Education Presentation

The American Bullmastiff Association

Judges Education Program

Judges Education Committee

Helene Nietsch, Chairman

Julie Ahrens

Carol Beans

Barbara Brooks-Worrell

Mary Barbara Walsh

Introduction Welcome to the wonderful world of the Bullmastiff.

We as judges, breeders and owners of this wonderful breed appreciate the fact that you have chosen to become educated in the specifics of the breed to

better judge and breed them.

Please note that some of the content of this presentation and this material may seem to present information with which you are already familiar in

terms of general anatomy and gait. The latter is because we chose to increase

the education in our chosen breed and some may not have the background

and expertise specifically required.

Mission Statement: The mission of the Judge's Education Committee is to extend knowledge to active and aspiring judges, mentors, breeders,

conformation and performance exhibitors, handlers, and the general fancy.

Dedicated and knowledgeable ABA members will create an educational

environment providing accurate and responsive materials at shows, seminars,

and on the internet.

Thank you for your interest.

Bullmastiff Breed Standard General Appearance - That of a symmetrical animal, showing great strength; powerfully built, but active. The foundation breeding was 60% Mastiff and 40% Bulldog.

The breed was developed in England by gamekeepers for protection against poachers.

Size, Proportion, Substance - Size: Dogs, 25 to 27 inches at the withers, and 110 to 130 pounds weight. Bitches, 24 to 26 inches at the withers, and 100 to 120 pounds

weight. All things being equal, the more substantial dog within these limits is favored. 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.

Head - Expression: Keen, alert and intelligent. Eyes: dark and medium size. Ears: V-shaped and carried close to the cheeks, set on wide and high, level with the occiput

and cheeks, giving a square appearance to the skull; darker in color than the body and medium in size. Skull: Large, with a fair amount of wrinkle when alert;

broad, with cheeks well developed. Forehead flat. Stop: moderate. Muzzle: broad and deep; its length in comparison with that of the entire head, approximately

as 1 is to 3. Lack of foreface with nostrils set on top of muzzle is a reversion to the Bulldog and is very undesirable. A dark muzzle is preferable. Nose: black with

nostrils large and broad. Flews: not too pendulous. Bite: preferably level or slightly undershot. Canine teeth large and set wide apart.

Neck, Topline, Body - Neck: slightly arched, of moderate length, very muscular, and almost equal in circumference to the skull. Topline: Straight and level between

withers and loin. Body: Compact. Chest wide and deep, with ribs well sprung and well set down between the forelegs. Back: short, giving the impression of a well-

balanced dog. Loin: wide, muscular and slightly arched, with fair depth of flank. Tail: set on high, strong at the root and tapering to the hocks. It may be straight

or curved, but never carried hound fashion. Forequarters: shoulders muscular but not loaded, and slightly sloping. Forelegs straight, well boned and set well

apart; elbows turned neither in nor out. Pasterns straight, feet of medium size, with round toes well arched. Pads thick and tough, nails black. Hindquarters:

broad and muscular and well-developed second thigh denoting power, but not cumbersome. Moderate angulation at hocks. Cowhocks and splay feet are serious

faults.

Coat - Short and dense, giving good weather protection. Color: red, fawn or brindle. Except for a very small white spot on the chest, white marking is considered a fault.

Gait - Free, smooth, and powerful. When viewed from the side, reach and drive indicate maximum use of the dogs moderate angulation. Back remains level and firm.

Coming and going, the dog moves in a straight line. Feet tend to converge under the body, without crossing over, as speed increases. There is no twisting in or out

at the joints.

Temperament - Fearless and confident yet docile. The dog combines the reliability, intelligence, and willingness to please required in a dependable family companion and

protector.

Approved March 1992

Introduction Bullmastiff Standard Bullmastiff History Early Bullmastiffs Order of Priority

General Appearance Size, Proportion, Substance Bullmastiff Ideal Male

Bullmastiff Typical Female Head

Neck, Topline, Body Coat Color Gait

Temperament Serious Faults Summary

Maturity in a Bullmastiff Body Maturity in a Bullmastiff Head Bullmastiff / Mastiff Comparison

Recommended Reading Photos

Table of Contents

There is no doubt that dogs of the Bullmastiff "type" have been present in the British Isles and probably Europe for many hundreds of years, where the need for a holding dog has been evident in many countries, be it hunting or guarding.

Mention of "Bull & Mastiff " crosses are littered throughout early canine writings and most agree that these matings were between Bulldogs of the time and large type Mastiff dogs. Certainly the Bulldog of the 17th and 18th centuries bore little resemblance to its modern day counterpart, being far more athletic and less "pug" like, and probably more like the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Whatever the exact formula, it is evident that this type of dog was much admired, so much so, that it became the ultimate deterrent as far as gamekeepers of the time were concerned. Illustration of Bulldog and Mastiff

published in 1816.

Bullmastiff History

Bullmastiff History

In the early 19th century, English gamekeepers created this noble breed by

crossing the courageous Mastiff with the tenacious Bulldog to create fleet-

footed, powerful dogs for protection against poachers. Originally called the

"Gamekeepers Night Dog, these dogs combined tremendous strength and

guarding instinct within affectionate disposition and devotion to their

master. Originally 60% Mastiff and 40% Bulldog, the Bullmastiff was

recognized in England in 1924, and by the American Kennel Club in 1933.

The Bullmastiff is an intelligent dog and has a definite mind of his own. His

independence of spirit makes a relationship with him more of a working

partnership than the conventional dog/master association which some

people might expect.

A Bullmastiff will give a family boundless love and devotion, but will retain a

part of himself as a free spirit, capable of making his own decisions and

acting on them. Children will be his charges to protect and to love, but they

must respect him and not be allowed to tease him.

He asks only to be as much of the family as possible. He will reward such

treatment with devotion and friendship which is not exceeded in any breed.

Bullmastiffs were bred to perhaps kill the poachers dog, knock the poacher down and

hold him until the gamekeeper could reach him

and subdue him. Poaching was then a very

serious offense and could be punishable even by

death, so the poacher might even kill the

gamekeeper to prevent his being caught. It was

imperative that the gamekeeper had a sound dog

with certain breed specific characteristics to be

able to do his job effectively.

By day the Bullmastiff was with his

family, so it was important to have a stable

temperament, but by night he was put to the task

of guarding the estates and preserves of the

English countryside. A gamekeeper posing for a studio

portrait with his night-dog and gun dog.

Bullmastiff History

It was not until the early part of the

twentieth century that any real effort was

made to standardize the breed in the UK. Not

until 1925 did the Kennel Club of England

give the breed official recognition and not

until 1928 was the Bullmastiff granted

Challenge Certificates at shows governed by

Kennel Club rules.

Recognized by the American Kennel Club in

1934, the breed has gained popularity in this

country. Through diligent efforts of some very

serious breeders, Bullmastiffs have enjoyed

great recognition in the show ring and as

superb family companions.

This child was a gamekeepers daughter and

the two dogs probably Bullmastiffs of the

pre-recognition era.

Bullmastiff History

Early

Bullmastiffs

Eng. Ch. Roger of the Fenns

(Nov 1929 Aug 1937)

There is no Bullmastiff in the world today

which does not have Ch. Roger of the Fenns as

an ancestor. It is also highly probable that this

same dog features in post-war Mastiff

pedigrees.

Eng. Ch. Tiger Prince

Winner of the first challenge certificate

offered to the breed at Crufts in 1928.

Ch. Twit-Lee Rajah

Bred by R. Lee Twitty and owned by Walter and Anita Weinstein, from 1953 to 1958, Rajah won 36 best of

breeds out of 37 breeds entered. He won Westminster five straight years in a row and won his first group

placement at Westminster in 1955.

Am. Can. Bermuda Ch. Ritters Beau

Winner of the ABA National specialty in 1963

with a record entry of 51, Beau was one of the

finest examples of the breed. He was bred by

Ted Ritter and owned by Mr. and Mrs. Monge.

Early

Bullmastiffs

Ch. Chits Grandson

AKCs first Bullmastiff Best in Show was on

April 27, 1974. Sonny was top Bullmastiff all

systems in 1973 and 1974, owner handled.

Ch. Tauralan Vic Torious ROM

(19761986)

Vic had the distinct honor of all time top-

producing sire from 1985 to 1992 until the title

was taken over by his offspring.

Early

Bullmastiffs

Ch. Trojans Dusty Warrior

AKCs first and only brindle BIS Bullmastiff ,

Dusty was the top-winning brindle in the early

1980s.

Early Bullmastiffs

Ch. Blackslates Boston Brahmin GROM

A multiple Best in Show winner and all-time top-

producing sire in the late 80s, Brahmin was a major

type influence in his hey-day.

Ch. Ladybug Lady Caitlin TD (8/14/87 Top-winning Bullmastiff bitch in the history of the breed with 7 BIS, two National Specialty wins and Best of Breed at the Garden, owner-

handled.. Caitlin was shown only 124 times with 96 breed wins and was fourth of the breed to earn

a tracking dog title.

Ch. Bandogs Crawdaddy Gumbo GROM (1981 - 1993)

Top-winning Bullmastiff in the history of the breed

with 37 all breed BIS, 11 specialty wins, including

four National Specialty wins, last time as a veteran.

Waldo was #1 Bullmastiff in 1984-1986 and #2 dog all breeds in 1985.

Early Bullmastiffs

Ch. Avonlea Storybook Goodfella Sampson was #1 Bullmastiff in 1996, won BOB at Westminster and the 1998 ABA National, and was a 7-time BIS Bullmastiff. Bred by Helene

Nietsch and Karen Skiba and owned by Deborah Gannett, Sampson is a heavy influence

in todays Bullmastiffs.

Ch. Mikell Ranahs of Leatherneck Another strong influence in todays pedigrees was

also a BIS winner, multiple National Specialty winner and Westminster BOB Winner. Beef was

bred by Waine & Kelly Bishop and owned by Mark Essary.

Early Bullmastiffs

BIS BISS Bastions Music in the Glen OFA,

GROM Liam (Ch. Bastion Ruff Rider OWaters x Ch. Waters Shes a Bastion Babe) bred by Robert & Lynn Spohr &

Leland & Cindie Waters is a Westminster winner, multiple best in show winner and three-time national specialty winner owned by Scott Hoffman and Gerald

Greer and Robert and Lynn Spohr.

BISS Ch. Banstock Bruno of the Northeast OFA

GROM Bruno was sired by Ch. Happylegs Boomerang x Ch. Happylegs

Winniepoo Banstock, bred by Helene and Julia Nietsch and

Chris Lezotte and Alan Kalter, a multiple group and specialty

winning Bullmastiff, Bruno is owned by Pat Jasinski and Mike

& Michele McGovern.

Both Liam and Bruno rocketed to Gold ROM status and have produced

prominently both in the US and internationally.

Early Bullmastiffs

Outline It has to look like a

Bullmastiff Nearly Square

Head Cube on a Cube

Movement Keep the

Soundest Movers

Temperament and Health

Illustrations from the Bullmastiff Illustrated Standard

Order of Priority

Silhouette

Silhouette

Head

Keep the Soundest Movers

Nearly square

Showing great

strength

Powerfully built

Active

Athletic

General Appearance

Dogs 25 to 27 inches

(110-130 lbs)

Bitches 24 to 26 inches

(100-120 lbs)

All things being equal,

the more substantial dog

within these limits is

favored.

This does not mean

bigger is better.

Size, Proportion & Substance

Nearly square

appearance

Should have equal

depth of body to

length of leg

Powerfully built

Showing great

strength

A Look of Eagles

Bullmastiff Ideal Male

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The bitch should have equal

qualities, but an allowance shall

be made for the femininity that is

characteristic of the bitch

Substantial yet feminine

Should be powerfully built

Compact with equal depth of body

to length of leg

Bullmastiff Typical Female

In comparison of specimens of different sex, due consideration should be made not to favor males, as females do not bear the characteristics of the breed to the same degree of perfection and overall impression as do the males.

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). They should also be compact, nearly square. Dont forgive a long-backed bitch.

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. 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 knock down and hold the poacher.

Bullmastiff Typical Female

The head of the Bullmastiff is the hallmark of the breed. Good head type is

essential, not only for correct appearance, but when the headpiece is properly

constructed it is entirely functional.

Ideal bitch head Ideal dog heal

From the Bullmastiff Illustrated

Standard

Weak head Eyes too round Ears too large Flews too pendulous Too much skin on neck Very narrow underjaw Narrow, caved-in muzzle

Overall good head Ears too large Cheeks should be better developed; more

fill under eyes Eyes should be further apart and eyes

rims tightened Loose cheeks Muzzle and underjaw should be broader

Head

Weak head Narrow muzzle Narrow underjaw Neck too loose

Overall good head Skull should be squarer (not

round) Eye rims should be tightened Eyes should be less round

Head

Good head Too much wrinkle on cheeks Too much flews and skin on

neck

Poor head Piggish appearance (round

head and nose) Needs a broader underjaw Too much skin on neck

Head

Cheeks lack fill Flews too pendulous Muzzle too short

Weak head Incorrect ear shape and set Narrow muzzle Nostrils too small Too much flew Narrow, upturned underjaw

Head

Wry mouth

Level mouth Slightly Undershot

Examples of Bite

Cube-on-cube

Forehead flat

Cheeks well developed

Fair amount of wrinkle when

alert

V-shaped ears, lying close to the

skull

Bite level or slightly undershot

Eyes dark and medium in size

They should not resemble Boxers, Am Staffs, Shar Pei, Bulldogs, Rhodesian Ridgebacks or Mastiffs.

Head

Ideal Male Head

Ideal Female Head

Well-developed cheeks

Moderate stop, forehead

flat

Flews not too pendulous

Reversion to Bulldog very

undesirable

Nose black with large,

open nostrils

Head: 1 as to 3 proportion

Unnecessary to count teeth

Head

Examples of Typical Male Heads

Examples of Typical Female Heads

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Maturity in a Male Bullmastiff - Head

14

mo

nth

s

9 m

on

ths

2 y

ears

3 m

on

ths

Maturity in a Male

Back short, topline straight & level between withers and loin

Body compact When viewed from top, width

at shoulder and rear should essentially be equal

Well balanced front matching rear in bone and substance

High tail set, but never carried over the back

Ribs wells sprung

Neck, Topline, Body

Muscular but clean

Round, well-arched toes

Straight pasterns

Muscular hindquarters, well-developed second thigh

Short hock

Moderate angulation

Short leg / long back is incorrect

Neck, Topline, Body

Neck, Topline, Body

Neck slightly arched, almost equal in circumference to skull

Well balanced Shoulders muscular but not

loaded Straight, stuffy shoulders

faulted Good bone Well-developed second thigh Forelegs straight Topline straight and level

between withers and loin

Neck, Topline, Body

Neck, Topline, Body

Length of back. A nearly square Bullmastiff every bit

depicts breed type as the squareness of the head and muzzle. A

Bullmastiff should be a substantial dog, not a lot of sky under him,

but a dog with equal proportion of leg and depth of body, bone and

substance. A long Bullmastiff with short legs is not a typey

Bullmastiff and is very incorrect. Topline should be straight and

level between withers and loin. Ribs should be well sprung and not

sunfish like. Breeders need to address proportion in the

Bullmastiff or we will be seeing too many small Mastiffs or large

Bulldogs in the Bullmastiff ring and whelping box. Proportion is

what defines the major difference in the Mastiff and Bullmastiff.

Neck, Topline, Body

Length of back. "Body--compact. Back short.

This is incorrect!

Neck, Topline, Body

6 m

on

ths

1 y

ear

2-1

/2 y

ears

4 y

ears

Maturity in a Male

8 weeks

5 months

3-1/2 years

Maturity in a Male

Maturity in a Female Bullmastiff -

Body

Red Fawn Brindle

Small white patch on chest allowed Excessive white undesirable Short, dense, flat-laying top coat with undercoat for weather

protection Dark muzzle preferred, blacker the better Ears darker than body color

Coat

Red Fawn Brindle

Red color ranges from honey to dark mahogany

Small white patch on chest acceptable, white anywhere else on

body very undesirable (throat, feet, underbelly, hindquarters)

Preferred healthy coat, free from allergies

There is no color preference

Coat

Illustrations from the Bullmastiff Illustrated Standard

Coat

Acceptable White Marking

Excessive White Marking

White anywhere else (throat, feet, underbelly) very undesirable

Illustrations from the Bullmastiff Illustrated Standard

It is the brindle gene that is considered to be the key to the coloring

of the Bullmastiff. We must bear in mind that the original

Gamekeepers Night Dog was appropriately brindle and therefore

assume that brindle was the original color of choice for obvious

reasons. Brindle dogs could blend well with the vegetation, with

the dark muzzle and ears further providing camouflage even when

its head was lifted up to sense, smell or sight the poacher.

There is much diversity in patterning to the brindle Bullmastiff,

with no preference, allowing for correct clear coat and proper

masking and ear color. Ideally coat color should be clear with

even distribution of color, with desirable dark mask and ears. Any

pattern of brindle can produce all colors, ie fawn, red, red fawn,

lightest to darkest of brindles. There should be no preference

regarding color of the Bullmastiff .

There are however certain prejudices toward the brindle

Bullmastiff, since the pattern can cause optical illusions in wrinkle

pattern in the head and structure in the body. There must be

particular attention paid to these illusions to provide unbiased and

adequate attention to the brindle Bullmastiff.

Judging the Brindle Bullmastiff

Reach and drive indicate maximum use of the dogs moderate angulation with balanced front to back angulation.

Equal emphasis on correct side, down and back movement

They are not herding dogs, and should not be flying around the ring slow them down on the go-around!

With short back and moderate angles, the gait is powerful and efficient

It is difficult to breed a balanced dog that is short backed. Many breeders compensate by producing dogs that are long in body. These

long-backed dogs may appear to move well, but it is at the expense of

proper breed type. Judges should not reward nor should breeders

condone a long-backed dog just because it moves well.

Showmanship should not override breed correctness

Gait

Gait

A true appraisal of gait is when

the dog is moving at a working

pace on a loose lead. The dog

should move freely and with

confidence. When moving, the

tail should show confidence but

not curled or carried over the

back. Movement should

demonstrate mental, muscular

and skeletal coordination with

balance and structural integrity.

The efficient Bullmastiff will

cover maximum ground with

fewer, effortless strides.

Correct movement from front and rear

Gait

One does not look at a dogs gait in a search for flash and beauty but as evidence that the

dog is both fit and functional. In observing how a dog moves, one judges the whole dog

as a unit trying to assess the ability of the dog to do its historic work and if correct, it

is usually associated with correctly constructed and athletically fit dogs.

Equal emphasis should be on correct side, down and back movement and showmanship

should not override breed correctness. But how can one evaluate all the thousands of

components that go into the formation of a dog unless we look at how all the parts

perform together? It is only by looking at the dog, feeling the dog, and gaiting the dog

that one can accurately evaluate the total dog.

From the front we see:

From the rear we see:

Paddling

Toeing in

Weaving

Toeing out

Crabbing

Running Wide Tied in at the elbows

Winging

Crabbing

Cow hocks

Moving close

Popping hocks

Barrel hocks

Running Wide Weaving legs

Toeing in or out

Gait

Flying side gait is not an appropriate gait for a Bullmastiff. 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.

A dog can be showing with less animation than its competitors but be moving

properly. Conversely, a dog may be showing up a storm while moving incorrectly

for the breed.

If the handler is knowledgeable, the reason he may be moving the dog so fast is that

moving dogs at high speeds can disguise certain gaiting faults.

Popping hocks are less noticeable when the weight of the dog is on and off of a leg

in a shorter period of time. Nothing stabilizes a bouncing back like being moved so

fast that the bounce is lessened by the reduced time between steps. What we need

to see is the dog moving at a speed that demonstrates correct foot placement with

the optimum length of stride, emphasizing the maximum use of the Bullmastiff's

moderate angulation, its nearly square body and proper length of leg.

Gait / Movement

Confident

Fearless

Docile

Reliable

Willing to please

Stubborn

Protective

Temperament

There should be no allowances made for unprovoked

aggression by this breed. There is no place for an

unreliable or dangerous dog. This behavior is not

acceptable at any time. Timid behavior should be

penalized, giving some leeway for very young pups new to a

show ring. The Bullmastiff should have an interested,

open, alert and accepting attitude, necessary to the

reliability required of the breed.

Temperament

Loyal

Dedicated

Affectionate

Tactile

Temperament

Examining a Bullmastiff should not be unlike any

working breed

Approach confidently

Respect his space

Dont count teeth

Dont tolerate dog aggression in your ring move

an aggressive dog to the back on the line or

excuse

Do not tolerate inappropriate barking in the ring

as it tends to agitate the other exhibits

Do not sneak up behind or startle a Bullmastiff

Do not slap a Bullmastiff in fun

Do not grab the dog by the face and talk cutesy

Do not stare a Bullmastiff in the eye

Dont reward a dog with its tail between its legs

But dont be surprised if you get a schlurp

hello!

Temperament

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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."

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 incorrect.

Gentle Giant is a misnomer. The Bullmastiff is a guard dog. It will tolerate a

lot, but only up to a point. A Bullmastiff must always be treated with respect.

Showmanship should not override breed correctness.

Temperament

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 incorrect.

Gentle Giant is a misnomer. The Bullmastiff is a guard

dog. It will tolerate a lot, but only up to a point. A

Bullmastiff must always be treated with respect.

Temperament

Cow-hocks

Splayed feet

Lack of foreface (reversion to Bulldog)

Lacking bone, substance, rib spring

Wry bite / grossly undershot bite / overshot bite

Obvious structural faults common to all breeds are as undesirable in the Bullmastiff as in any other breed, even though they are not specifically mentioned in the standard.

Any imbalance in the specimen, whether it is over-angulation, short legs, fine bone, long back, wasted hindquarters, narrow front assembly, lack of rib spring, a dog too big or too small, a dog with no neck or a neck too weedy, would negate the concept of the well-balanced dog.

The tail should never be carried hound fashion

The tail should never be between the back legs

Do not reward a shy dog. A dog shall be judged fundamentally shy if, refusing to stand for examination, it shrinks away from the judge, if it fears an approach from the rear; if it shies at sudden and unusual noises to a marked degree.

Serious Faults

Remember it is the whole dog that counts, and we should be striving

for head type plus soundness, substance plus quality

Substance over superficiality.

By definition, a Bullmastiff cant be typey if he cant move soundly.

He would have been of no use to a gamekeeper patrolling on foot on

a large estate.

Also, a Bullmastiff cant be typey if he is scared, shy, timid or not

sound of mind.

Nor can he be typey if he has trouble breathing freely through

restricted nostrils, suffers from inverted eyelids or weak structure.

He cant be typey if hes long-backed.

Showmanship should not override breed correctness.

Summary

Summary

Any deviation from this ideal should be

penalized to the extent of the deviation.

Deviations that impact performance and function

should be considered more serious than those

that affect only appearance.

Summary

Strengths

More uniform appropriate head types than in the past

Better bone and substance in dogs than in the past

Breed type overall is more consistent

More overall quality in the rings today

Overall movement and soundness has improved

Clearness of coat color / pigment is very good

Weaknesses

Backs too long

Legs too short

Lack of rib spring, narrow

Temperament should be more confident (please no tails between the legs)

Bitches too small & insubstantial (too many below standard)

Proportions can lack balance too much up front, not enough in the rear

Too much rear angulation standard calls for moderate angulation

Straight, stuffy shoulders

Strengths / Weaknesses

Essential Breed Characteristics:

Ideal Dog Head

Long back / long loin Rectangular Short legs Overangulated rear Straight / stuffy shoulders Snipey / long muzzle Wry bite / grossly undershot / overshot Cow hocks / splayed feet Showmanship should not override breed

correctness

Nearly square / body compact Back level Slight arch over loin Powerful Moderate matching angles Reach and drive indicate maximum use

of dogs moderate angulation Ribs well sprung Head as pictured Fearless and confident

Heavily weigh these deviations:

Bullmastiff at a Glance

Mastiffs are:

A much bigger dog, Mastiff standard calls for massive head and body

Longer in body Mastiffs are rectangular, Bullmastiffs are nearly square

The antithesis of a compact bodied-Bullmastiff

Mastiff standard calls for scissors bite, Bullmastiff level or slightly undershot

Proportion and size is what defines the major difference in the breeds

Bullmastiff / Mastiff Comparison

In the last 30 years there have been Bullmastiffs that contributed significantly to the status of the Bullmastiff breed dogs that have given

the Bullmastiff serious recognition in the working group and best in show ring, and dogs that have influenced breed type as major

contributors to the gene pool and evolved our breed into todays breeding programs. Below are the four I believe should be at the top of that

prestigious list:

BISS Ch. Tauralan Vic Torious GROM (Vic) (19761986). Vic had the honor of all time top-producing sire from 1985 to

1992 until the title was taken over by his offspring. Vic was born on June 14, 1976, the standout in a litter of five male pups

sired by Ch. Tauralan Ted E. Bear out of Ch. Tauralan Tanimara, bred and owned by Carol Beans. When Vic was three months

old when Carol was east at our National Specialty, she received a frantic call from her children that Vic had been stolen.

Strangely, thirty hours after he went missing, he appeared back at the front door, undaunted by his mysterious disappearance.

One might wonder where the breed would be today if he had not turned back up in Carols yard. Vic grew from a devilish,

gawky pup into an enthusiastic show dog, winning the Far West Specialty in 1979 and numerous other prestigious breed wins,

but his main contribution to the breed was his influence as a sire, with many of his offspring acquiring top producer status

themselves. This great Bullmastiffs special qualities live on in the pedigrees of many of todays champions. Vic shown by Carol Beans at the 1984 ABA National winning the 8 year and older class under Sam Pizzino.

BIS BISS Ch. Bandog's Crawdaddy Gumbo GROM (Waldo) (19801992). Waldo is the top-winning Bullmastiff in the history of

the breed. He was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, out of Ch. Bandog's Raven by Ch. Bandog's Triple Crown, and although I went

down to pick preferably a red or brindle dog, I could not ignore the presence of this seven-week old pup that even at this young age

exhibited uncanny confidence and star quality. The most impressive feature of Waldo was his ring presence and his temperament.

To quote AKC judge 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, Ch. Bandogs Crawdaddy Gumbos stance and attitude tell us exactly what we

need to know about the Bullmastiff in this respect. Waldo was the consummate show dog and this could not be written without

mention of his accomplishments. His record includes 37 all-breed bests in show, 11 specialty wins (under ten different judges),

144 Group I's, 377 total group placements. He was #1 Bullmastiff Kennel Review and Canine Chronicle 1980-1986, #2 dog all

breeds Kennel Review 1984-1985, #1 Canine Chronicle Working Dog 1985 and a top-level Gold Registry of Merit Top-Producing

Sire status. Waldo won the American Bullmastiff Association National Specialty four times, the last time as a veteran. Bred by

Helene Nietsch (now Banstock), Louise Sanders and Ralph and Erin Stroup, Waldo lived to 12-1/2 years with his owners, Wayne

and Jean Boyd, of the Rivergrove Great Pyrenees fame, always shown by Wayne. Waldo shown going Best of Breed at the 1984 ABA National under Sam Pizzino.

Greats from the Past

BIS BISS US and Can Ch. Blackslates Boston Brahmin GROM (Brahmin) (1985-1999). When Brahmin came on

the scene as Winners Dog and Best in Sweepstakes at the 1986 National Specialty at the age of 10-1/2 months, he

was destined to influence the breed. Brahmin was himself a multiple best in show winner and the sire of five best in

show winners. He was bred by Robert Skrabalak, Virginia Rowland and Mary Barbara Walsh out of Ch. Blackslates

Boston Blackie x Blackslates Chimney Sweep and co-owned by Virginia Rowland, Mary Barbara Walsh and

Dolores Merlino. It is my belief that Brahmin significantly evolved the breeds type into what it is today as one of the

top-producing sires, achieving Gold Registry of Merit status. Another big dog, he was 26-3/4 inches and 140 pounds

with rich red color and the darkest pigment. One of the most remarkable things about Brahmin was that he lived to be

14-1/2 years of age, longevity being one of the most important things a stud dog can pass on to his get. A great-

grandson of Vic, Brahmin was a prepotent stud dog, a remarkable showman, much loved family member and a

beautiful representative of the breed who had a tremendous heart that impressed all who met and knew him.

BIS BISS Ch. Mr. Us Music Man ROM, (Satchmo) (19861997). Not since Waldo had there been a Bullmastiff to

do the winning that Satchmo did. A big red dog, Satchmo was an impressive 26-1/2, 140 pounds of presence in the

show ring. He was the number 1 Bullmastiff in the country 1990-1992, the number 3 Working Dog in 1991, and in

1992 he was the first and only Bullmastiff to win the Working Group at the Westminster Kennel Club show. He won

the National Specialty in 1991, and an AOM in 1990 and as a veteran in 1995. To his credit, Satchmo had 25 all

breed bests in show, 84 Group 1s and 105 other group placements. Satchmo was sired by Ch. Tailwyndes Double

Dutch out of Fishers All that Jazz, bred by Russell C. Swank III and owned by Bill Underwood and Janet Morris.

Satchmo was special in more ways than in the show ring. After his retirement he became a certified therapy dog and

would go to the pediatric cancer ward of the hospital to play with the siblings of children undergoing chemotherapy.

He was a great ambassador of our breed both in and out of the ring. In 1994, USA Network did a special about great

dogs of the past and Satchmo was one of the dogs highlighted in the feature. He went on to accomplish Registry of

Merit status as a top-producing sire, and with the advent of frozen semen, produced a litter of puppies this past year.

Sherri Samel Hurst, Satchmos handler, wrote Satchmo was an amazing animal in every way, a kind and loving

companion and a comical and flashy show dog. Satchmo shown winning the Working Group at Westminster in 1992 under Alice Downey.

These four dogs raised the bar in the Bullmastiff whelping box and show ring. They became Bullmastiff templates to aspire to

and took our breed to new heights to where it is today. Although there are many other prominent dogs that have contributed to the

Bullmastiffs evolution, these four surely stand out as Greats of the Past.

Greats from the Past

The Bullmastiff - Peerless Protector, Jack Shastid & Geraldine Roach c. 1999

The Bullmastiff Manual, Bill Walkey c.1999 2nd edition

The Bullmastiff, L.B.Hubbard c. 1986

The Bullmastiff Fancier's Manual, Bill Walkey c. 1992

Everyone's Guide to the Bullmastiff, Carol Beans c. 1997

Bullmastiffs Today, Lyn Pratt c. 1996

The Bullmastiff - A Breeder's Guide, Vol. I David Hancock c. 1996

The Mastiff and Bullmastiff Handbook, Douglas Oliff c. 1988

Raising a Bullmastiff Puppy, Mona Lindau-Webb c. 1997 (Available from Ms. Webb at tikiwiki@mindspring.com)

The Millenium Book of Bullmastiff Champions, Published in England c. 1999

Recommended Bullmastiff

Specific Reading

Canine Terminology (Spira)

The Dog in Action (McDowell)

Dog Steps (Elliot)

Born to Win (Trotter)

Tricks of the Trade (Hastings)

The Winning Edge (Alston)

New Secrets of Successful Show Dog Handling (Green)

The Joy of Breeding Your Own Show Dog (Serance, Sammet, Gasow,

Morden)

Solving the Mysteries of Breed Type (Beauchamp)

Breeding Better Dogs (Battaglia)

K-9 Structure and Terminology (Gilbert)

Recommended Reading

Bullmastiff in Action

Therapy Dog

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Agility Dog

Juniors Dog

Bullmastiff Puppies

Bullmastiff Puppies

Brindle, Red and Fawn Bitches

The End