THE
BULLMASTIFF
1. Where do you live? What do you do “outside” of dogs? 2. In popularity, the Bullmastiff is currently ranked #51 out of 195 AKC-recognized breeds. Do you hope this will change or are you comfortable with his placement? 3. Do these numbers help or hurt the breed? 4. How important are head and body proportions in the Bullmastiff? 5. Is there a color preference/prejudice in the show ring? 6. What is the biggest misconception about the Bullmastiff? 7. Does the average person on the street recognize him for what he is? 8. What special challenges do breeders face in our current eco- nomic and social climate? 9. At what age do you start to see definite signs of show-worthi- ness (or lack thereof)? 10. What is the most important thing about the breed for a new judge to keep in mind? 11. What’s the best way to attract newcomers to your breed and to the sport? 12. What is your ultimate goal for the breed? 13. What is your favorite dog show memory? 14. Is there anything else you’d like to share about the breed? Please elaborate. TONI DONOVAN
What special challenges do breeders face in our current eco- nomic and social climate? I find most breeders have most chal- lenges from other breeders. Personally, there shouldn’t be compe- tition; just helping and sharing knowledge to produce better and healthier dogs. At what age do I start to see definite signs of show-worthiness? Those with gifted eyes really know the minute they hold them at birth. Most disagree, but I know a few people who can tell you— but I won’t because people talk. At six weeks is a great time for pic- tures, to see the future dog. All bloodlines grow a little differently so a lot of breeders wait until six months to choose. What is the most important thing about the breed for a new judge to keep in mind? So many things. I heard a judge say one time that the dog is holding the tail high. There is a natural tail position, but when showing in a show and running with others, alpha dogs will hold their tail higher. Then when separated and being evalu- ated, they will stand with their tailset correct. I have seen the most perfect standard dogs dumped ‘cause they’re different from the rest of the lineup. My most important advice to new judges is to study the standard. Don’t judge by the lineup, but by the standard. What’s the best way to attract newcomers to my breed and to the sport? We could get more people involved in the sport if there weren’t so many mean people criticizing people’s dogs. Also, good mentors for the young—they are the future. If we hurt them, why would they want to be in the show world? Judges should be more patient with our juniors. Let our dogs meet people. I have been yelled at for touching a dog. Yes, ask if can you touch. There is a proper way to answer people that isn’t offensive. My dog has so much fun showing. Most notice a happy dog. We have lots of people visit to meet our dogs so they know if it’s a good breed [for them]. Most everyone who vis- its, and brings family members who are scared of the Bullmastiff’s looks, falls in love and wants one. My ultimate goal for the breed? I want to produce long-lived Bullys and dogs that every handler wants to show. My favorite dog show was in Ocala, Florida, right after we start- ed showing Django and Ana Banana. The judge was Patty O’Neill, she couldn’t take her eyes off Ana. Breeders and handlers gathered around talking about my girl. One even said, “Stay here a min- ute so I can see your girl, but I first have to go thank the judge for judging correctly.” I was new to all this and remember feeling overwhelmed with compliments and the awe over my girl, which currently she is #1 across the board. They said, “You have no idea what you have, she is going to go far.” They gave advice like don’t let her gain weight and take some off. They were correct. Three- and-a-half years later, she was the number one Bullmastiff. How honored I am. Patty O’Neill and her becoming CH that day is the best memory ever. I am asked all the time about the breed. My most repeated state- ment will always be, “My favorite thing about this breed is their eagerness to please you.” That is my favorite thing. I am impressed with their ability to know good from bad in people and dogs. You can trust them no matter what you think. Greta Master of the Night, “Ana Banana,” is one happy dog. From the day she met Dr. Jackie and Donna Butler, it was instant love. Ana became their baby in the show world to the point if I am there she wants only them. If I try to take her, she throws herself on the floor and won’t move. They are the love of her life. At home she is different than at shows. She is so proud and happy to make them happy—she is an amazing dog. Full of spunk and love. They have
I live in Polk City, Florida, and I am a hairdresser who works in nursing homes, living facilities and a beauty shop. Do I hope the breed’s popu- larity will change or am I com- fortable with the placement? I have grown to love this breed. I think they should be in top ten dogs for family and guard dogs. Of course, I would say #1, but I’m not really familiar with all other family guard dogs. I don’t believe
the number matters. If you meet the breed they speak for them- selves. If you ever own one it will never be possible to be happy without one. How important are head and body proportions in the Bullmas- tiff? The Bullmastiff structure is very important for balance and longer life. If not correct, it can cause issues. As breeders, we are responsible to better the breed. Which means breeding towards the standard, not for personal likes. The goal is healthy, long-lived Bull- mastiffs. Working dogs need to be correct to fulfill their job. Is there a color preference/prejudice in the show ring? Bullmastiffs were most popular as brindles so as not to be seen while protecting. What is the biggest misconception about the Bullmastiff? Most people look at a stand-offish or skittish Bullmastiff and think it will not protect. So not true. No matter how scared or anti-social they are, if danger presents itself they bully up. Does the average person on the street recognize the breed? I would say 50% of people know what they are. Most say, “Is that a Boxer or Bulldog?”
158 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, MAY 2020
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