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 wellbalanced 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

Table of Contents
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

Bullmastiff History
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
In the early 19th century, English gamekeepers created this noble breed by
crossing the courageous Mastiff with the tenacious Bulldog to create fleetfooted, 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.

Bullmastiff History
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
This child was a gamekeepers daughter and
superb family companions.
the two dogs probably Bullmastiffs of the
pre-recognition era.

Early
Bullmastiffs
Eng. Ch. Tiger Prince
Winner of the first challenge certificate
offered to the breed at Crufts in 1928.

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.

Early
Bullmastiffs
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 topproducing sire from 1985 to 1992 until the title
was taken over by his offspring.

Early Bullmastiffs
Ch. Blackslates Boston Brahmin GROM
A multiple Best in Show winner and all-time topproducing sire in the late 80s, Brahmin was a major
type influence in his hey-day.

Ch. Trojans Dusty Warrior

AKCs first and only brindle BIS Bullmastiff ,
Dusty was the top-winning brindle in the early
1980s.

Early Bullmastiffs
Ch. Ladybug Lady Caitlin TD
Top-winning Bullmastiff bitch in the history
of the breed with 7 BIS, two National Specialty
wins and Best of Breed at the Garden, ownerhandled.. Caitlin was shown only 124 times with
96 breed wins and was fourth of the breed to earn
a tracking dog title.

(8/14/87

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. 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.

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.

Early Bullmastiffs
Both Liam and Bruno rocketed to Gold ROM status and have produced
prominently both in the US and internationally.
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.

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.

Order of Priority
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

Silhouette

Silhouette

Head

Keep the Soundest Movers

General Appearance
Nearly square
Showing great
strength
Powerfully built
Active
Athletic

Size, Proportion & Substance

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.

Bullmastiff Ideal Male

Nearly square
appearance
Should have equal
depth of body to
length of leg
Powerfully built

Showing great
strength
A Look of Eagles

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Bullmastiff Typical Female

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
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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", 100120 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.

From the Bullmastiff Illustrated

Standard

Ideal dog heal

Ideal bitch head

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.

Head

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

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

Head

Overall good head

Skull should be squarer (not
round)
Eye rims should be tightened
Eyes should be less round

Weak head
Narrow muzzle
Narrow underjaw
Neck too loose

Head

Poor head
Piggish appearance (round
head and nose)
Needs a broader underjaw
Too much skin on neck

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

Head

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

Cheeks lack fill

Flews too pendulous
Muzzle too short

Examples of Bite

Level mouth

Slightly Undershot

Wry mouth

Head

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.

Ideal Male Head

Ideal Female Head

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

Examples of Typical Male Heads

Examples of Typical Female Heads

Maturity in a Male Bullmastiff - Head

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2 years

14 months

9 months

3 months

Maturity in a Male

Neck, Topline, Body

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!

6 months

1 year

2-1/2 years

4 years

Maturity in a Male

Maturity in a Male
8 weeks

5 months

3-1/2 years

Maturity in a Female Bullmastiff Body

Coat

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

 Acceptable
White Marking

Excessive
White Marking

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

Illustrations from the Bullmastiff Illustrated Standard

Judging the Brindle Bullmastiff

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.

Gait
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:

Paddling
Toeing in

Weaving
Toeing out

Crabbing
Running Wide

Tied in at the elbows

Winging

From the rear we see:

Crabbing
Cow hocks

Moving close
Popping hocks

Barrel hocks
Running Wide

Weaving legs
Toeing in or out

Gait / Movement
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.

Temperament
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
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.
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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.

Serious Faults
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.

Summary
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.

Strengths / Weaknesses
Strengths

Weaknesses

More uniform appropriate head types

than in the past

Backs too long

Better bone and substance in dogs

than in the past

Lack of rib spring, narrow

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

Legs too short

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

Bullmastiff at a Glance

Ideal Dog Head

Essential Breed Characteristics:

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:

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

Bullmastiff / Mastiff Comparison

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

Greats from the Past

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 greatgrandson 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.

Recommended Bullmastiff
Specific Reading
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 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)

Bullmastiff in Action

Therapy Dog

Agility Dog

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Juniors Dog

Bullmastiff Puppies

Bullmastiff Puppies

Brindle, Red and Fawn Bitches

The End