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Australian National Specialty 2011 Critique

Little did I know that when my husband and I purchased our first Bullmastiff some 30 odd years ago, my obsession with the breed would take me half way around the world to Australia. As a breeder, it is an honor and privilege to judge Bullmastiffs at a National level and this show was no exception. The show grounds at Cranbourne are a dog lovers dream come true. It is the perfect venue for such an endeavor .It allows the dogs to be exhibited under the best possible conditions and at the same time is very user friendly for both exhibitors and general public. It was readily evident how much thoughtful planning and attention to detail was taken by the show committee to make the Nationals such a success. A special thanks to Mr. Kevin Collicutt. Kevin has been a lifesaver these past weeks helping me with my travel concerns and providing me with a wealth of information regarding standard comparison and procedure. With an entry this size, it would have been impossible to judge in a timely manner without the help of Mr. Peter Harrison, ring steward and Mr. Anthony Price my assembly steward. They were so well organized and worked so efficiently together that I was totally able to concentrate on the dogs knowing that ring procedure was being correctly followed.

Since this was my first time in Australia, I had no idea what to expect regarding the state of the breed. It was such a pleasant surprise to find such quality throughout the classes. Quality in the bitch classes was exceptional and the dogs when they were good were outstanding. It was a pleasure to judge such well trained dogs and I so appreciated the courtesy show to me by the exhibitors. I have always considered myself somewhat of a “head “person and you can’t imagine what a wonderful time I had feeling so many broad muzzles with the correct fill under the eyes. This feature is so necessary for the correct muzzle to skull ratio. It isn’t just padding on the muzzle but rather correct skeletal structure (canine teeth set wide apart, broad underjaw) underneath that makes the desired square on square appearance. This is such a key type point and I found it in abundance. Bites on the whole were very good. I saw perhaps one or two slightly wry bites. The majority of underjaws were broad and not tapered at the end. On the other hand, several exhibits had lower incisors that were misplaced rather than in a straight line with the canines. Eye color was an issue as far too many exhibits had light eyes. Several also had in this author’s opinion, a tendency toward entropion and ectropion. These are two health conditions that we as breeders should zealously guard against. Ear carriage was another area of concern. Many of the youngsters needed their ears taped as soon as possible as they were already starting to “crinkle” or fold improperly. Just as padding on the muzzle is” frosting on the cake”, ears laying close to the skull complete the picture. No matter how good the muzzle, how well developed the cheek, without v shaped ears properly folded, lying close against the skull the overall symmetry of the head is lost. Tails length was also an area of concern. Many were noticeably short. A strong tail broad at the root and tapering to the hock serves a rudder helping balancing rear movement.

Breeders should be complimented on the fitness of their exhibits. The vast majority of the dogs were carrying the proper bone and substance for their age and coats overall were in excellent condition. Movement on the whole was very good and usually age related. It was a pleasant surprise to see so many of the younger classes of both sexes moving so well. Straightness in shoulders and hindquarters continues to haunt the breed and we as breeders must work to correct this imbalance. Temperament was excellent throughout. It was very apparent to me that exhibitors had taken great care in socializing their dogs’ .I hope that my delight in judging all of the dogs was self-evident. It was such a joy to have so many wonderful specimens to choose from. Once again, it was a pleasure and honor to judge your dogs and I truly feel that our wonderful breed is in good hands here in Australia.

Best in Show/Challenge Dog- Gr Ch. Anmenta Blond Ambition- Outstanding fawn with a beautiful headpiece, overall balance and outstanding condition. He personified “high spirited” as he went around the ring obviously enjoying the crowd. He is quite the showman and I was floored to find out that he was eight years old. He looked and acted like a dog half his age!

Runner Up In Show/Challenge Bitch- Ch. Bullavista Mississippi Girl-Stunning beautifully balanced red bitch, substantial yet feminine – a lovely complement to BIS dog. She moved with power and grace.

Reserve Challenge Dog- Ch. Grizzmuffley Get Wild- Typey balanced dog with good movement over the Junior Dog because of overall maturity.

Reserve Challenge Bitch/Best Puppy-Beautiful young red bitch, outgoing, balanced and free moving.

I was also impressed with the Australian Bred Bitch- typey fawn with an excellent headpiece

Mary Barbara Walsh