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Chris Lezotte & Alan
Kalter, HappyLegs Bullmastiffs
HappyLegs began as the
combination of two successful kennels of the 1980’s, Bandog and
Jubilee. We are now in our eighth generation of line-bred HappyLegs
dogs. We had our first litter in 1986, and finished our first home-bred
champion in 1989.We have since bred or owned close to 100 champions,
which include specialty and all-breed best in show winners, five top-ten
bullmastiffs and numerous top producers. Chris has served in the
American Bullmastiff Association as Secretary and as Bulletin Editor,
and is a member of the Ann Arbor Kennel Club. Alan is on the executive
committee of the Morris Animal Foundation, the Detroit Zoo, and is a
member of the Detroit Kennel Club.
1.
WHAT IS THE SINGLE BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION ABOUT YOUR BREED?
That “bigger is better.”
The bullmastiff is a large breed, but it is not a giant breed. It
should have substance, but should fall within the recommended height and
weight as defined by our standard.
2.
WHAT IS THE MOST DEFINING PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTIC?
The bullmastiff is a compact,
short-backed dog. While the standard calls for a dog that is slightly
longer than tall, it also asks that the bullmastiff appear square, from
every angle.
3.
WHICH BEHAVIORAL CHARACTERISTIC MOST TYPIFIES THE BREED?
The bullmastiff is a stoic,
stubborn and very independent breed.
4.
WHAT IS THE MOST COMMON JUDGING MISTAKE IN YOUR BREED?
While we applaud judges that
reward soundness, it should not come at the expense of an incorrect
length of back. This is a compact, deep, square dog. A long, rectangular
bullmastiff is incorrect.
5.
WOULD YOU PREFER THE BREED BE JUDGED STANDING OR MOVING?
Moving. A good judge should be
able to discern whether or not the bullmastiff has the proper
proportions, substance and type while the dog is moving.
6.
IS THERE A BREED RELATED COSMETIC ALTERATION SHOULD JUDGES BE AWARE OF?
Surgery to correct entropion is
probably the most prevalent cosmetic alteration in the bullmastiff.
7.
WHICH FAULT IS OF GREATEST CONCERN TO BREEDERS TODAY?
Most breeders tend to focus on
cosmetic flaws. We feel that breeders should focus on structure, which
includes correct proportions, proper shoulder layback (which is almost
lost in this breed) and front and rear angulation, as well, of course,
correct type.
8.
IS THERE ANY ONE THING YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE CHANGED IN THE STANDARD?
I would like to see an
effective, illustrated standard. Our
written standard is very brief; an accompanying illustrated standard
would help clear up questions and misconceptions for breeders and judges
alike.
9
NAME ONE WAY IN WHICH THE BREED MOST IMPROVED IN THE LAST 10 YEARS.
Soundness, absolutely.
Bullmastiffs today are much better movers than they were ten years ago.
10.
WHAT ARE THE THREE WORDS THAT BEST DESCRIBE YOUR BREED?
Square. Substantial. Sound.
PLEASE
PROVIDE ONE PHOTO OF A DOG YOU FEEL BEST REPRESENTS THE BREED
Ch. HappyLegs Luke of Hartford, bred by Alan Kalter & Chris Lezotte
Luke finished his Ch. in four straight shows and is the only bullmastiff
to ever win Best in Sweepstakes and Best of Breed at the same show,
which he did at the GNYBF Specialty in 1992 at 15 months of age.
Luke was a 26", 130 lb dog with a short, straight back and
beautiful movement.
Chris Lezotte & Alan
Kalter
HappyLegs Bullmastiffs Ann Arbor, Michigan
email: happylegs@provide.net
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