Champ Show - 23rd June 2024

The Northern Bullmastiff Club Centenary Championship Show, Blackpool, Sunday, 23rd June 2024
Entry of 82 Bullmastiffs. My compliments to The Northern club for having encouraged the British Bullmastiff fraternity to make this strong statement in times, when only half of that number is already considered to be a success.
My gratitude towards all the breeders and exhibitors for making the effort to contribute to this very event in the Centenary Year of the Bullmastiff breed. So many first class dogs were present and so many world-renowned kennels had their dogs entered. Several even in great numbers, from youngsters to seniors to veterans. Thank you!
The Blackpool Championship Show under the capable hands of it’s long-standing managing team provided for a splendid showground, the wheather was kind enough to offer both, delightful sunshine and a fresh breeze, and my distinguished steward, the one and only Gary Shirt, acted as master of ceremonies in great style (and with a jolly good portion of British humour!).
When in the ring today, after my 40 odd years of judging Bullmastiffs around the world (1980 at the Welsh & West had been my very first British encounter), I find myself focussing more and more on what your forebears have taught me in Bullmastiffs - like the old circus horse who can’t be bothered anymore with all the razzamatazz of the day, but only cares about the correct sound of the music in the right moment in time:
1. No matter from what angle you come from, go for the strong symmetrical working dog with the impressive, clean and clear-cut head, the level mouth, the look-through expression, the muscular body and the decisive move as it is defined by the Breed Standard.
2. Don’t wait for uniformity in Bullmastiffs as, let’s say, you get in Dobermanns, as more than one manifestation of type has always existed in the Bullmastiff and has always been right. Concentrate on consistency, and do fight against the wrong types outside the Breed Standard.
3. Develop your own concept (in judging as much as in breeding) and stick to it as long as it is within the corridor which the Breed standard has defined.
This is to say: In the Bullmastiff ring, it is neither about what currently is en vogue, nor about a smooth kind of navigation so that everyone gets something, but it is about applying the Breed Standard in a way that is loyal to its essentials as well as responsive to the needs of the breed‘s healthy future.
It was very exciting for me to see that the next generation in Bullmastiffs is waiting to take over. Already now, some of the best "kids“ and some of the surprisingly non-discovered “talent“ are in my view outperforming the UK’s most popular winners. They couldn’t make it to the top on the day, though, as I had three dogs in the ring who I would call “Ivy League“, as they are not just better than the best, but belonging to the historical elite of the Bullmastiff breed.
A heartfelt thank-you to all of you for accepting my (old school) decisions in superb style, inside and outside the ring. I thoroughly enjoyed my day.
BIS Ch Angel’s Phoenix Ron Weasley Astonpride JW, BOSIS Angel’s Phoenix Hermione Granger Astonpride, BPIS Ardhub Rite Back At You Braeaaron, BOSPIS Stoneglad Gigolo, BVIS Ch Hyerdunscar The Big Tease JW IR JCH CJW16 BW18, BBPIS Copperfield Jonas Mudge.

Veteran Dog (2, 2 abs)

1. Both absent

Baby Puppy Dog (3, 2 abs)

1. Warren's - Copperfield Jonas MudgeStrong, substantial, confident young chap from Jan 2024, looks as if there might be a new impressive male on stage soon, big symmetrical frame on sturdy legs, excellent round bone and strong cat feet, head & body very much in balance, substantial skull, broad muzzle of the correct length, dark eye, no extra skin, broad neck, sound shoulders, well angulated behind, definitely a chap to watch.

Minor Puppy Dog (3, 0 abs)

All three a lot to offer, all “clean“ and true in type, all lively, confident and open in temperament, vary in firmness and coordination on the move, joy to go over.
1. Latter's - Stoneglad GigoloBeautiful fawn chap, full of presence, best overall picture on the day, very balanced already, fit and coordinated on the move, good head, dark eye, perfect mouth, very sound at both ends, close liaison between handler and exhibit BOSPIS.
2. Garratt's - Marchmanor Back In The Game (AI)Fawn, excelled in overall firmness standing and moving, excellent bone and feet, but would prefer more gentle lines in head, muzzle on the short side, sound mover.
3. Lomax's - Stoneglad SeductionRed. Gentle guy with charisma, excellent size and bone, best head in the class, lovely neck smoothly going over in super shoulder placement. Great potential.

Puppy Dog (2, 0 abs)

1. Myers' - Hyerdunscar All About Keith Through OptimusAlready amazingly mature looking fawn boy of great firmness, ahead of some adults I had, definitely one to watch, symmetrical solid body, well-up on his legs, square head, nothing roundish, no extra skin, broad jaws, appropriate mask and pigmentation. Liked his confidence standing and moving.
2. McGroarty's - Ardhub In His StrideSubstantial sturdy brindle, body still needs to grow into full balance standing and moving, a bit short in upper arm, good skull, would prefer a bit longer muzzle, dark eye, excellent expression.

Junior Dog (2, 1 abs)

1. Roberts' - Joybull Mister BossmanYoung brindle chap of great presence, full of Bullmastiff charisma, liked him a lot, came across as a young version of the legendary Am Ch Wedgewood Damian, who was my BOB at Bucks County in 1984 and later got the Res. Ticket under me at the WDS in Amsterdam 1985, has got it all to soon make his mark among the top, super sound, fit to function, perfectly muscled for his age, no extra weight, great front, already moves with true sense of purpose, perfectly balanced moderate head, proudly carried, well filled muzzle, masculine expression, small ears, firm back, correct behind, great potential, handled with expertise.

Yearling Dog (1, 1 abs)

1. Absent

Post Graduate Dog (4, 0 abs)

1. Bigham's - Daisonville I'm Your ManOutgoing young chap, full of Bullmastiff potential, some brain between his ears, fit, active, muscled, functional, ready for the job the breed was bred for. In PGD I am not so keen on the prematures, but the ones which show that they are still on the way, that there is still something to come. Like in this fawn boy who hasn’t reached his final stage yet, but who has the frame and all the ‘ingredients‘ to become an impressive dog of excellent size. Very masculine overall, arched neck, chest will further broaden, strong, pure, clean head, perfect ears, strong balance, tale a bit fine, dynamic and purposeful mover with excellent ground coverage. Good luck!
2. Nicolson's - Karmicly The Botanist Of Kodis Honest, classy, eye-catching medium sized red boy, flat skull, excellent muzzle, well filled, true expression, solid body, good overall fitness, correct tale, very well presented, should get his fair share of winning, just would prefer a bit less wrinkle and a bit more drive and reach on the move.
3. Williams' - Diablo Sivola
4. Mangat's - Nehrani Bollywood Knight

Limit Dog (10, 2 abs)

1. Latter's - Stoneglad CasanovaIn my view, he easily outperforms the UK’s current crowd favourites in males, blueprint Bullmastiff of great presence, nothing roundish in head, nothing cumbersome in body, great muscular development, all is super fit about him, firm and truely masculine, excellent head, perfect in balance, broad muzzle, smart expression, never bored, never indifferent or over-routined, ideal pigmentation, arched neck, powerfully built body, symmetrical and strong, best mover on the day, magnificent to watch, handled with class and dignity. He would have made it for me, but was unlucky on the day to compete against two guys from what I am calling the ‘Ivy League‘.
2. Thomas & Bull's - Phoria’s Seventh Heaven JWQuality fawn, strong presence, in good condition, broad, sturdy and richly filled body, loins should be a bit shorter, though. Muscular hindquarters giving powerful movement. Would like head and muzzle to be more square with less chin, well deserved 2nd place from pleasing competition, expertly handled.
3. Colliass' - Red Phoenix At Oldwell
4. Garratt's - Marchmanor Played A Blinder (AI)
5. Brearley's - Fowlerheights Artax At Tatroyds

Open Dog (9, 0 abs)

Big competitive class, included most of today‘s popular winners, great honour to go over them, thanks to all of you!
1. Aston & Pavesi's - Ch Angel’s Phoenix Ron Weasley Astonpride Jw (IMP ITA) Classic Bullmastiff. Ivy League. Dominated the ring. Belongs to the best I have had in the last 47 years of my Bullmastiff judging across the globe. Worthy to win any Group & BIS. Similar quality as the magic Ch Phoenix Never Dies Du Monde d‘ Elias whom I had the pleasure to give the Working Group at Crufts in 2020. Epitomizes the essentials of the Breed Standard. A working dog with physiological efficiency. Definite response to the Boxer & Bulldog camp in Bullmastiffs. Ready to do what he was bred for. Clearly defined as the old British Bullmastiff, not wobbly nor cumbersome, not straight in front nor short in upper arm, but powerful and sound, symmetrically framed and in hard condition. Fit, muscular and masculine with a clean broad head with the right length of muzzle. Red of the authentic old working type. Confident and decisive on the move, easily covering the ground. Excellent coat & colour. DCC & BIS.
2. McGroarty's - Ch Ardhub EthanAnother charismatic chap who keeps the flag of the grand old British Bullmastiff flying. Also representing the true old type. Top quality all over with a magic aura. Ivy League. Will stay in the minds of those who have met the historic British Bullmastiffs of the past. Strong, substantial body, clean flat skull, nothing roundish or sweet, with perfect ears and filling under the eyes, broad muzzle, true look-through expression, broad, well arched neck of super length, broad shoulders, might be a bit tighter on the move, true round bone, cat feet, solid topline, firm hindquarters, efficient mover, honour to go over, outperforming the popular competition, handled with dedication, Res. DCC.
3. Leys' - Sir Arthur Woodbulls Future
4. Myers' - Ch Optimus Douglas ShCEx
5. Myers' - Ch Optimus Danzy Jones JW (AI)

Veteran Bitch (6, 3 abs)

Competitive class. Great honour to go over. All in perfect condition, proofing the great fitness of the Bullmastiff breed in it’s Centenary Year.
1. Lindley's - Ch Hyerdunscar The Big Tease JW IR JCH CJW16 BW18Liked her a lot in the very moment she came in, without realizing that she had been my BPIS at the Welsh & West Champ Show in 2016. So correct, so balanced, so muscular, so fit. In amazing condition. Head square and substantial, but feminine, dark eyes, showing brain and confidence, the best small ears of all the entries on the day, perfectly set and carried, sound broad front, excellent shoulders, firm topline, still powerful behind. Joy to watch this unwavering lady on the move. Res. BCC, BVIS.
2. Myers' - Ch Optimus Pandora JW (AI)Top quality bitch, full of authority and class, in wonderful condition, compact carriage, true muscular development, balanced medium-sized head, broad jaws, measured. mover, full of routine, complete liaison between handler and dog.
3. Thomas & Bull's - Ch Optimus Euphoria

Baby Puppy Bitch (1, 1 abs)

1. Absent

Minor Puppy Bitch (3, 0 abs)

All three very close. All full of potential. Physically as much as mentally. Compliments to all.
1. Latter's - Stoneglad She’s All ThatEasy to recognize as litter sister to the winning MPD, even a bit further developed in body than her brother, beautiful condition, beautiful lines and balance, excellent spring of rib, so correct at both ends, easy on the move, feminine head, dark eye, slightly marked chin.
2. Latter's - Stoneglad She’s Got StyleAnother from this very litter, compliments! A little longer in loins than her sister, chest not as developed yet, will need more time, but full potential, liked her head and muzzle, would prefer more almond shaped eye and a bit smaller ears, easy mover, full of life.
3. Garratt's - Marchmanor Red Hot Chilli (Ai)

Puppy Bitch (5, 0 abs)

Very nice class with some most promising young girls. Joy to judge. Bright future. Thank you!
1. Wilson's - Ardhub Rite Back At You BraeaaronMagic red girl of amazing potential, stood out in the class, “filled“ and fit, muscular, perfectly balanced standing and moving, liked her a lot, immediately catches the eye, smart, full of brain and wit, mentally and physically able to do the job, true most typical Bullmastiff head, strong and clean, full muzzle, correctly proportioned, excellent depth, nothing overdone, the much-wanted small ears, perfectly proportioned body, excellent tail, fantastic mover showing her muscular body, easily covering the ground, should be one of the coming stars in the breed, among those who pushed hard for the Res. CC, BPIS.
2. Myers - Hyerdunscar Our Cilla At OptimusClassy, sound, fit and firm fawn girl, medium bone, broadly set, super front, excellent hindquarters, firmly muscled, smooth lines, in super condition, clean feminine head, perfect mask, easy mover with solid drive from behind.
3. McGroarty's - Ardhub Reprint In Black
4. Colliass' - Hyerdunscar Charmed By Oldwell
5. Bigham's - Daisonville Philippa

Junior Bitch (6, 4 abs)

1. Williams' - Kierlaceyan Emma JayneLovely rich fawn lady, confident presence in the ring. Perfectly matured (from Dec 2022), strong and broad in body, well arched muscular neck, super front and chest. Substantial head with flat skull, excellent muzzle, good lips, true mask, combines true Bullmastiff expression with a lot of charm, ears a bit heavy for me, will surely firm up further to get good drive from behind.
2. Mangat's - Nehrani Precious LotusActually not what we are looking for in a Bullmastiff – neither in head, nor in balance or in temperament. But certainly a lovely golden brindle colour.

Yearling Bitch (3, 1 abs)

1. Geurts & Aben - The Nightshift's Miss World [ATC-NLD] No reason for false modesty!, substantial prowd bitch of marvellous fitness, firm like a rock, in super condition, medium bone, medium head, a bit low set ears and marked chin, dark eye, a lot of presence, full of sparkle on the move, expertedly handled.
2. Taylor's - Karmicly Bahama Mama At KarismarQuality strong brindle girl, should be more relaxed on the day to present all her virtues standing and moving, good skull and muzzle, a bit widely set eyes, solid back, good front action, a bit short trotting behind, handled to her best.

Post Grad Bitch (3, 1 abs)

1. Mangat's - Nehrani Precious IndiaDeep Red Firm girl with symmetrical body, well up to size, should be wider in front, limited angulation behind, but nicely muscular and in best condition, easily covering the ground on the move, head rather small with little filling under the eyes and marked chin, would prefer more positive expression.
2. Hodson - Sundabish Mrs PottsSomewhat “independent“ girl, would have deserved some cheering-up to present all her qualities standing and moving, lovely strong and substantial body, fit and firm, excellent shoulder, bone doesn’t fully match, very nice flat skull, good muzzle, dark eye, but slightly big ears and a bit lippy. Another day, another chance!

Limit Bitch (4, 1 abs)

1. Downs' - Optimus MulberryHonest quality Bullmastiff bitch, liked her a lot, though owner must be a (too) good cook, fit and firm, excellent shoulder, broad front, seems lower set when standing than on the move, sound at both ends, muscular, well angulated, but would like her a bit more decisive on the move, truely balanced head of good substance, dark eye, a bit “modest“ presence overall, though a lot to offer.
2. Latter's - Stoneglad Shes A RebelAnother quality bitch of excellent body and great soundness, in muscular condition, impressive overall, her “aura“, though, is a bit dominated by her roundish skull with a bit too much skin. Presented to her best.
3. Horton & Williams - Gertlush Polished Ebony

Open Bitch (5, 0 abs)

Big competitive class, again included most of today’s popular winners, great honour to go over. Thanks to all of you!
1. Aston's - Angel’s Phoenix Hermione Granger Astonpride (IMP ITA)Charismatic red Bullmastiff girl of the old type, easily ruled the turf in bitches, full of class and style, everything there, nothing overdone, clean-cut all over, square head, almond-shaped eyes, perfectly set, confident expression, substantial muzzle of the right length and depth, arched neck, body fit all over, true working type, superbly muscled, amazing on the move BCC BOSIS.
2. Warren's - Ch Yakee Blue Topaz Of CopperfieldSubstantial girl, full of maturity, presence & pride, aura & authority, worthy champion, definitely hit a soft spot, impressive type to keep in the breed, true head, strong noble neck, sound shoulder, perfect front action, unfortunately a bit reluctant on the move today, best brindle on the day.
3. Wilson's - Ardhub Nice And Spicy Braeaaron
4. Garratt's - Priambulls Dreams Of Magic With Marchmanor
5. Myers' - Ch Paris De L'arche Des Loups Anges Avec Optimus (IMP FRA)



Christofer Habig (Germany)