Mr Malcom McGuiness - I would like to thank the exhibitors for their entries and for the friendship that was extended to my family and myself, plus the good sportsmanship by the Exhibitors that prevailed on the day, whether winners or not.  I would also like to compliment the Officers and Committee of the National for a first class show that must have required not only a tremendous amount of planning and hard work, but a lot of team and individual effort to stage a show of this magnitude.

Although I was please with my placings in each class I have some general observations of the Dogs that I wish to make known, and I trust that this will be interpreted as constructive criticism and not commendation.  I noted that there were a large number of exhibits that were long in the back, with hindquarters higher than the forequarters.  I also found several exhibits that although they were in proportion they by far exceeded the height required by the Breed standard.  The Breed Standard is the blueprint of the breed and I would hope that the Bullmastiff fraternity in Australia stands back and looks at these problems before they become too widespread.  No two people interpret the Breed standard in the same way, that’s human nature, but a rump high, long backed dog completely puts the overall picture of the dog out.  The overall impression should be of a well balanced, foursquare dog.

I found three exhibits with eye problems.

Showing dogs at this level requires ring training or ring craft and I would suggest that some exhibits and exhibitors would benefit from such training as a god handler in my opinion presents and shows his or her dog to its best attributes.

Mr M McGuiness (Judge - dogs)

Mrs Angela McGuiness - We would like to thank everyone for the opportunity to be in Australia, and to be part of the Second National Bullmastiff Specialty Show 2002.

A lot of hard work has gone into producing a show so special, this work was rewarded by the fantastic entry and support the show received.  Congratulations and thank you to you all.

In bitches, I look for a feminine, well-balanced Bullmastiff.  I did find some bitches over-sized.  I can understand breeders wanting strong, substantial bitches, but when they have become cumbersome and massively boned they are not typical and correct for the breed.  The breed standard specifies a height and weight restriction.  Bitches can be good sized, strong and well-boned but remain feminine.

Heads are generally well proportioned but I did find a number with eyes set too close together.  This gives a totally foreign look, not the kind expression that comes from the correct eye shape and placement.

Bodies were well constructed with good angulation in shoulders and hindquarters and plenty of depth in brisket.  A few had narrow fronts, not the required broad, well developed chest.

Toplines are not good.  A level topline is required by the breed standard otherwise the dog is not balanced.  It does seem a dominant fault and one hard to breed out.

Movement was generally sound.  Front action was good, no toeing in.  Hind action in some bitches was close, it was nice to see well knuckled, tight feet.

Mouths were acceptable, I did not see many level bites.

Coat colour was two toned in a number of exhibits, this is another fault difficult to breed out.

Everyone has their own interpretation of the breed standard but it should be used by breeders to produce Bullmastiffs that have the required points which make them the wonderful breed they are.  Remember, this is only my opinion of your Bullmastiffs, and decisions are made on the day. 

I awarded Best in Show to Ch Bullvalour Jack The Ripa.  I really feel he is an outstanding example of the breed.  At seven years of age he is still able to move with great reach and drive.  He stands foresquare and is correctly proportioned throughout.  He is powerfully built with strong bone throughout, correct angulation fore and aft  balanced by his depth in loin and chest.  He remains totally balanced on the move retaining his strong topline.  Jack is an impressive Bullmastiff and his breeders must be very proud of him.

Runner Up in show was awarded to the bitch Ch Kangala My Obsession.  Another Bullmastiff of excellent quality.  Feminine, sound and totally balanced.

Mra A McGuiness (Judge - Bitches and General Specials)