Bullmastiff Information

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Bullmastiff Breeder

Dean Aamodt - Aamodt Bullmastiffs

Format based on ShowSight Seminars developed by columnist Barbara "BJ" Andrews Top breed authorities are asked the same questions, in the same order providing a broad range of experience

Dean Aamodt got involved in the Bullmastiff breed while still a teenager in the mid seventies, his first  dog to reach the top ten being Am,Can,Mex.Int Ch Little Caesar ROM. Working for several local Northern California Handlers as he grew up, Dean turned a hobby into a profession, handling many breeds. He has gone on to breed many Bullmastiff champions and won at National Specialties and won Best of Breed at numerous regional specialties. One of Dean's high points as a Bullmastiff breeder and owner was on May of 1989 when BIS Ch. Aamodt's Little Cyrus Noble ROM became the first Bullmastiff to win a All breed Best In Show in California.

1.  What is the single biggest misconception about the Bullmastiff breed?

By the average person, many feel that Bullmastiffs are big pitbulls and have aggressive tendencies, unfortunately there are some judges that feel the same.

2.  What is the most defining physical characteristic?

The head is what defines Bullmastiffs from other related breeds, it is the hallmark of the breed and what many breeders tend to emphasize when talking about breed type.

3.  Which behavioral characteristic most typifies the Bullmastiff?

I think that the breed is much more intelligent than given credit, sometimes to a fault, living with these guys for so many years I am convinced they can think and reason just as we do. You just have to look in their eyes to see the wheels turning.

4.  What is the most common judging mistake in your Bullmastiff?

Bigger is better is a misconception, I think many judges misunderstand that when all things are equal (and within the standard) the more substantial animal should win, I've seen to many big dogs win that were not as correct as the smaller dog.

5.  Would you prefer the Bullmastiff be judged standing or moving?

This breed should be judged on the move, I believe that if they are not sound they would not have been able to do the job they were bred for.

6.  Is there a Bullmastiff related cosmetic alteration judges should be aware of?

Some bullmastiffs out there that have had their eye's fixed because of entropian,  this is done for the health of the dog but they should not be exhibited or bred.

7.  Which fault is of greatest concern to breeders today?

The fault that comes up in more conversations with other breeders is, eye color, there is way to many bullmastiffs with light color eyes as far as I'm concerned.

8.  Is there any one thing you would like to see changed in the standard?

I would like to see the weights increased a bit for Dogs and Bitches, The Bullmastiff standard doesn't take into consideration a dog with any kind of substance, for example a 25 inch dog with plenty of bone a muscle at 130 lbs. would be too lean for me so a 27 inch dog would look to thin.

9. Name one way in which the Bullmastiff most improved in the last 10 years.

I think the breed is much more sound, there is plenty of dogs out there that are very strong moving. I honestly couldn't say that a few years back, I used to cringe when watching the Bullmastiff ring at times.

10.What are the three words that best describe the Bullmastiff?

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