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 BullmastiffInfo.org: Tells us about the origination of your
kennel. What was the driving factor that got you involved with the
Bullmastiff Breed?
Bullpower:
My husband purchased our first Bullmastiff bitch "jackie" who won my
heart. She was so good with my lovely house cats and gentle with
kids but she was also a good guardian of our home and us. We started
to show her and I got hooked on the show scene and I am still
exhibiting now.
BullmastiffInfo.org: Some kennels are striving to create their own
bloodline. Is this one of your goals as well? What is involved
with creating such a legacy as your own bloodline?
Bullpower: We have
used the best bloodlines available here in Australia and also
imported dogs to set a type that we feel is the Bullpower type. Our
goals are to produce excellent temperaments and good typie puppies.
Our commitment to our dogs is
second to none and the legacy we would hope to leave would be dogs
with magic temperaments who are also typical of the breed.
 BullmastiffInfo.org: In looking through
your photos of Bullmastiffs, I have to say that their physical
structure is quite impressive. Standing still, they still look
incredibly agile and nicely balanced. One of the things that are
most noticeable about Bullmastiffs from different kennels is that
some kennels tend to have "softer" looking Bullmastiffs that are
nowhere near as athletic looking. While others, like yours, tend to
look like well-toned athletes. What do you attribute for this
extreme difference in body shapes between kennels?
Bullpower:
This, I believe, is in the bloodlines one uses.
Some Bullmastiffs have natural athletic builds, which we have been
careful, over the years to only use athletic type dogs and bitches
when breeding our litters as this is one feature we pride ourselves
on having - Athletic. Sound, Free Moving, animals in Top Condition.
When people meet our dogs they say that our dogs
are so athletic, which seems to be a bonus for us. This is part of
the Bullpower type we are breeding for.
 BullmastiffInfo.org: "Typie" is a common term
used by Bullmastiff Breeders to describe a specific shape of the
Bullmastiff head and/or body. Most Bullmastiff owners unfamiliar
with the professional circuit are not clear as to what this
terminology represents. Would you describe in layman's terms what "typie"
means in definition to the Bullmastiff's physical attributes?
Bullpower:
The Bullmastiff must be square, viewed from every
angle, in both body and head. As there was 2 dogs used to produce
the Bullmastiff we can get dogs who resemble both breeds or either
or. As these 2 breeds are the English Mastiff and the British
Bulldog, one can get a mastiff type or a bulldoggy type, ones aims
for a happy medium between the two types for a square headed, square
bodied dog.
BullmastiffInfo.org: You have been breeding
Bullmastiffs for many years, has it gotten easier? Specifically what
do you consider to be the most difficult part about breeding
Bullmastiffs?
Bullpower: No
it never gets easier breeding, one just learns more as time goes on.
The most difficult part I would think for us is
will the mating give us what we expect, then the waiting to see if
it does can be heartbreaking if it does not work out as one would
have expected. Of course you get the odd surprise when you least
expect it, a magic puppy crops up from one litter you would not have
expected something so special from.
BullmastiffInfo.org: What do you
consider to be the most difficult part about participating in the
professional circuit in regards to conformation and/or agility?
Bulpower:
I have not found any difficulty in competing or
showing our dogs at all.
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BullmastiffInfo.org:
What has been the
most embarrassing or funniest incident that has happened with you
and your Bullmastiff at a Dog Show?
Bullpower: It
was a beautiful morning, our picnic table was set, the umbrella
covering a well prepared morning meal for ourselves and our dog
friends. Waldo our robust male bullmastiff, securely chained
underneath our table, soaking in the sunlight was viewing the dog
show from our hilltop position and naturally guarding. When
suddenly someone cried "loose dog" and to
our amazement Waldo leapt like a cat, dragging the table and
umbrella down the hillside, fastening his huge jaws around the dog,
holding him immovable and of course unharmed.
BullmastiffInfo.org: When viewing the Bullmastiffs in the show ring, the handler will
"stack" the Bullmastiff for the judge. This seems to be a fairly
uncomfortable position for a Bullmastiff to hold for any length of
time, as the audience will typically see the hindquarters shake
after a few minutes on some of the Bullmastiffs. However, it seems
necessary for the judge's viewing. What is "stacking" and the
purpose behind positioning a Bullmastiff in this manner?
Bullpower:
Stacking is to show off your dog and to show his
/her correct proportions to the judge, some are trained to stay for
a while in this position. One can hide lots of faults when stacking
and thus show the dog off to look much nicer than he/she is.
BullmastiffInfo.org: Showing
Bullmastiffs requires quite a bit of traveling. Do you have any
safety tips for Bullmastiff owners when traveling with their
Bullmastiff over long distances?
Bullpower:
The main thing when traveling is to have water on
hand. We freeze water at home and take this in 2 and 5 liter
containers so they always have fresh clean water available.
 BullmastiffInfo.org: What advice would
you give novice Bullmastiff owners that would like to start showing
their Bullmastiff? Is it possible to start showing a Bullmastiff
when they are already an adult and have never been exposed to a show
ring? Or should the rule be to start when the Bullmastiff is still a
puppy?
Bullpower:
I believe the Bullmastiff can be shown at any age, preferably
as a baby puppy for socializing in the ring,
but I have shown and titled many older dogs myself with no
trouble in the ring.
BullmastiffInfo.org: As with
any other canine breed, the Bullmastiff is known to have a
variety of health problems. When these problems arise, the
adopting family is left with the cost of treating these health
problems. Should the Bullmastiff Breeder they purchased the
Bullmastiff from bear any responsibility as well? Or is this
something that the Bullmastiff puppy buyer should already be
aware that this is a "side effect" of owning a Bullmastiff and
it will be their full responsibility to deal with any health
issues that may arise?
Bullpower: If one
breeds sound animals there should not be many health problems. It
really depends on the individual animal. And if something goes wrong
with one of ours we discuss it with the owner and our vet. We then come
to an agreement to suit all parties.
BullmastiffInfo.org: What future would
you like to see happen with the Bullmastiff breed in general? Do you
think it this future is reachable?
Bullpower:
To see more athletic, sound Bullmastiffs around
with healthy minds and healthy bodies with excellent temperaments
who are always good with kids.
 BullmastiffInfo.org:
BullmastiffInfo.org would like to
personally thank Bullpower Bullmastiffs for taking the time to share
their thoughts and experience with our readers! If you would
like more information about Bullpower Bullmastiffs from Christine
Butler, contact them at:
Bullpower
Bullmastiffs
Breeding Bullmastiffs for over 18 years
Breeder Name(s):
Christine Butler
Albion Park Rail
NSW Australia
Website:
www.bullpower.com.au
e-mail
bullpower@bigpond.com
61 0242570287
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Bullpower
Bullmastiffs