defines the difference between a Mastiff and Bullmastiff. HEAD The concept of squareness also applies when considering the Bullmas- tiff 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 appear- ance. 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 pen- dulous, 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 wrin- kly 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, nar- row 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 rever- sion to the more Bulldog type of bite and underjaw, which is incorrect, how- ever 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. Bull- mastiffs 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.
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