When and how did you get involved with the bullmastiff?

In 1994 we saw the Bullmastiff road tested on a lifestyle program and Darrell decided that was the dog for us. We contacted the Secretary of the Bullmastiff Club in Victoria where we were living at the time and attended a local show.
 

How did you decide on your breeders prefix?

Our prefix is derived from our first Bullmastiff’s pedigree names. We took the Tiara from Bulltyron Tiara Red and the Rebel from Karabul Cockney Rebel. We didn’t breed from them but their memory will live forever in every puppy we breed.
 

What do you aim for in your breeding program?

We aim for Bullmastiffs with quality and excellent in temperament and type. We strive for the Bullmastiff to be in accordance with the standard.  We like our Bullmastiffs to be at the top of the standard as far as height is concerned with large square heads and defined stops.
 

Why did you decide to breed a litter?

We have wanted to breed a litter for 10 YEARS!  Unfortunately due to various health issues with our first bitch and our inexperience in the breed as well as lack of space and facilities in the house we were living in, breeding just wasn’t possible.  So we waited for the next generation to come along.  We made sure that both dog and bitch have excellent qualities but not the same faults.  We feel that the wait was worth it and we certainly know and understand more about the breed now than we did 10 years ago.  Learning about the Bullmastiff is a continuous process.
 

what do you think the future holds for your breeding program?

We can only aim to improve on the over all dog with every mating and every puppy produced including the next generation that becomes part of our breeding program. 

We were blessed to have the opportunity to send a show puppy to Sweden.  She is doing amazingly well at shows and we can't wait until she becomes a Swedish Champion!

What was the hardest part about the whole breeding process?

Waiting the 10 years wasn’t easy but definitely worth the wait! 
 

As first time breeders, the whelping was overwhelming and fortunately our bitch coped with it very well.  Losing a couple of puppies isn’t easy to deal with. 
 

The care and welfare of the pups as well as keeping up with the feeds, cleaning and trying to keep on top of every day life is very demanding along with the lack of sleep.
 

Dealing with prospective puppy buyers is time consuming and at times can be very frustrating, especially when you deal with people who say they don’t want a brindle puppy  because they “look” aggressive!
 

What advice would give to people who are planning on breeding bullmastiffs?

Before you decide to mate your bitch it is important to look at her and the dog and their good and bad points. The golden rule of breeding is don’t double up on the bad points. Take time to study the breed standard against the bitch and the dog.
 

Breeding is not an experience to be taken lightly. It’s not a money making exercise, in fact if you have any money at the end of it you are doing well!  Be prepared – stock up on supplies and if you have never whelped a litter, have someone handy to help you!
 

Talk to other breeders and find out what to expect during the whelping and to assist in analysing the pups at around 6 to 8 weeks.
 

A really good book to read is The New Dog Owners Manual on selecting, raising and breeding dogs by Karen Hedberg.
 

What do you think are health problems facing the bullmastiff today?

Skin conditions such as hot spots, allergies to feet and ears.  Eye problems seem to emerge in some lines. We have heard more about heart conditions in recent years. Hips are something all breeders should aim to improve but that will only happen over the very long term. Probably the biggest killer is cancer which appears to be on the increase.
 

How would you describe the bullmastiff?

Being such a large breed, the Bullmastiff should be trained and taught to know that you, the human are the alpha.  The Bullmastiff can be stubborn, yet willing to please and a loyal, trustworthy guardian and family companion.  They can be asleep on the couch or bed and warning you of an “intruder” in the blink of an eye.  They love life and being with their human companions – going out and meeting new people, seeing new places and most importantly going for a ride in the car!  The Bullmastiff can be very entertaining with their antics and idiosyncrasies and are a joy to own.  There is nothing better than a 60kg lap dog or a lick over your whole face at the joy of seeing you first thing in the morning or when you come home from being out. I’m sure many people would agree, that you could never own another breed as they worm their way into your heart and soul. Of course all Bullmastiff owners know that one is NEVER enough!