INTERVIEWS ONLINE © TheDogPlace.org
Bullmastiff Breeder
Chris Lezotte & Alan Kalter, HappyLegs 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
|
Ch. HappyLegs Luke of Hartford
"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 26", 130 lb dog with a short, straight back and
beautiful movement. |
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 Bullmastiff?
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
Bullmastiff?
The bullmastiff is a stoic, stubborn and very independent breed.
4. WHAT IS THE MOST COMMON JUDGING MISTAKE IN YOUR
Bullmastiff?
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
Bullmastiff
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
Bullmastiff
RELATED COSMETIC ALTERATION JUDGES
SHOULD
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
Bullmastiff
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
Bullmastiff?
Square. Substantial. Sound.
If you would like to be interviewed
call (800) 215-1178 from 9 AM to 5 PM Mon-Friday
https://www.thedogplace.org/Breeds/Bullmastiff/Interview_Happylegs.asp
#1203
