|
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
You
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 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!
|
