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Officers & Committee of the B.B.L

President: Brian Hill Tel: 0121 5251417 Email: b.hhill@blueyonder.co.uk Chairman: Alex Gunn Tel: 01268 561720 Email: gunn.alex@yahoo.co.uk

Vice President: Angela Dodd Tel: 01543 578787

Vice Chairman: Bradley Richards Tel: 01908 583614 Email: bjskips@live.co.uk

Hon Secretary: Trudy Talbot Tel: 02476 465447 Email: trudytilehill2@aim.com

Hon Treasurer: Brian Hill Tel: 0121 5251417 Email: b.hhill@blueyonder.co.uk

Show Manager & Web Master: Rachel Crawford Tel: 01908 583614 Email:r6bikerbabe@hotmail.com

Cup Steward: Shane Bilson Tel: 07809148401 Email:shanebilson@hotmail.com

Mr Ken Baines, Mrs Ruth Baines, Mrs Julianne Darby, Mrs K Edwards, Mrs Ondrea Fowler, Mrs Janet Gunn, Mrs Rose Higginson, Ms Clare Owen, Ms Adie Palmer, Mrs Lynn Smith, Mrs Carolyne Thomas.

Disclaimer Any views or opinions expressed in this publication unless otherwise attributed to the Officers or committee of the British Bullmastiff League are purely those of their authors. They do not represent the view or opinions of the club.

Letter from the editor

Our final Newsletter of 2012 is here for worldwide perusal! Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this production and thank you to all those who have continued to support the Club and attend the Club Shows It is the support from our members and exhibitors that enable us to give you that little extra and run a good show for you to all enjoy! Its been tough financially for many people and with the ever increasing costs of fuel and show entries, clearly we are all mad as hatters as we continue to pursue this expensive hobby - with all the money we have spent on shows this year we could have been spending Christmas on a hot beach in the Maldives but instead we shall be at home snuggled up on the sofa with the dogs doggy paradise at home isnt so bad though really is it? Some people will never know the bliss of a Bullie Christmas Dont forget to book your Bullmastiff Of The Year tickets and your hotel room if you are staying. I see from postings on Facebook that some people are already extremely organised having brought their evening dresses already. If any of you end up with unwanted Christmas gifts this year please remember the BOTY Auction & Raffle over 2000 was raised last year for Bullmastiff Rescue, it would be great to beat that amount in February! On a final note and on behalf of the BBL Committee Happy Christmas to you and your family both two legged and four legged. We look forward to seeing you all at our April 2013 Open show!

CHAIRMANS REPORT
As we near the end of another challenging year, I would like to finish it on a positive note. The club has gone from strength to strength, with shows well supported and membership up. The Committee has worked hard to ensure that exhibitors and members have been well received at the shows and kept informed throughout the year with the BBL online newsletter and the constant updating of the website by our webmaster, Rachel Crawford. The club has also managed to make a profit from all of the shows, which is a near miracle in todays financial climate, and as we now look forward to 2013, I wish all at the BBL a very Happy Christmas and a successful New Year. ALEX GUNN

SECRETARYS REPORT
Well another year has whizzed by and before we know it we are looking forward to 2013. The BBL has gone from strength to strength this year with lots of new members and 3 very successful shows under our belt. There have been a few changes to our committee with some very welcome new members who we hope will enjoy the experience and support our great club. We are lucky enough to have some very experienced bullmastiff breeders and owners on our committee who are always more than happy to give advice and support to anyone who needs it, so please dont hesitate to contact us if you have a problem or need any help. As always, we have seen new champions being made up this year and young dogs being introduced to the world of showing. We have also lost 3

some much loved dogs over the last 12 months and it is a sad fact of life that our wonderful breed never seems to live long enough. I have recently taken on the role of Health & Welfare Officer for the Bullmastiff Breed Council so will keep you posted on any health or breeding issues that are raised by the KC in the future. It has been nice to see and meet the new handlers who have come in to our breed this year and I wish them, and all of you, good luck in your showing careers and a happy and healthy 2013. Trudy Talbot

NOTICE OF A.G.M
Sunday 3rd March 2013. 12 Noon The Horse & Jockey Public House 49 Stoney Lane West Bromwich B71 4EZ PLEASE NOTE MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS ARE DUE IN JANUARY EACH YEAR

Advertising, Show Results & Article Information

No Advertisement will be published until payment has been received in full. All advertisements are to be sent to the Editor (bbl@britishbullmastiffleague.co.uk) with remittance made payable to The British Bullmastiff League before the th closing date of 7 March 2013. The B.B.L and the Editor accept no responsibility for advertisements or articles placed in this Newsletter for their content. The articles printed in the newsletter are not necessarily the opinions of the editor or the B.B.L General Show Results are printed free of charge. The Judge, Name and Date of the Show must also be provided. If you win BOB, BP or a Group Placing at any show, it is your responsibility to notify the Editor if you wish it to appear in the Newsletter. Kennels, Business or any other kind of adverts will be charged a fee for entry into the newsletter. You must supply via email a quality photo and wording for your advert. Advertising Rates: Full page colour 10.00 per issue & 2 Full Pages for 15.00 per issue. 3 Pages 20. Half page inside 6.00 per issue.

http://www.bullmastiffrescueandadoption.co.uk/

October 7th Open Show 2012 JUDGE: DAN BOWN

Best in Show & Best Dog: Aralders Eldorado ShCM JW Reserve Best in Show & Reserve Best Dog: Ch Old Manilas Whisky Mac for Optimus Best Bitch: Licassa Princess Tia at Islekeeper Best Puppy in Show & Reserve Best Bitch: Optimus Alicia of Copperfield Reserve Best Puppy & Best Puppy Dog: Carminways Got It Goin On Best Veteran in Show: Atlantia Changes at Trebrad JW

ARALDERS ELDORADO BEST IN SHOW

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CH OLD MANILAS WHISKY MAC FOR OPTIMUS RESERVE BEST IN SHOW

LICASSA PRINCESS TIA FOR ISLEKEEPER BEST BITCH OPTIMUS ALICIA OF COPPERFIELD BEST PUPPY IN SHOW & RESERVE BEST BITCH

CARMINWAYS GOT IT GOING ON RESERVE BEST PUPPY

ATLANTIA CHANGES AT TREBRAD BEST VETERAN IN SHOW

VETERAN DOG 1 1 abs MINOR PUPPY DOG 3 1abs

A real baby! Overall very balanced and powerful, strong head with good pigmentation. Medium sized dark eye which added to his expression, wide and deep well let down chest, short, level top line that he carried on the move. Super sound mover once settled. BPD, RBPIS Big fawn baby with ample bone! Very endearing head which jet black mask. Big ears that were set perfectly. Well arched neck leading onto a super front! Good spring of rib and strong hocks. Im sure he will mature into a super dog. PUPPY DOG 3-1abs Large red male showing great power! Very expressive boy with endearing eyes, well arched, muscular neck, deep chest leading onto straight, tight feet, well placed shoulders and good spring of rib. He is moderate throughout which was pleasing to see. Another big boy! Strong head with good pigmentation, muscular neck leading onto strong shoulders, straight front legs with tight feet, moved well.

1st

Carminways Got it Goin On

2nd

Shadowguard High Octane

1st

Trebrad Swagger Jagger

2nd

Copperfield Mallet

1st

JUNIOR DOG 4-1abs What a stunning young boy! Very smart dog that demanded attention, fawn with black mask, a classic head of correct proportions, muscular neck leading onto perfectly placed shoulders, great pro-sternum, with good width and depth, level Ch Old Manilas Whisky Mac for Optimus top line which was retained on the move. Strong rear end with moderate angulation. He moved very well on the day. He is of classic breed type! RBD and RBIS Tall fawn boy with good dentition. Strong muscular neck leading onto well placed shoulders. Lovely in outline with a level top line. Ample rear angulation. This boy moved very well once settled. Very immature but has time on his side

2nd 3rd 1st

Oldwell Devon Roscos Jack Daniels

2nd

YEARLING DOG 5-1abs Ch Old Manillas Whisky Mac for Optimus A strong red boy! Such a pleasing outline and very square. Broad skull, dark eye and good pigmentation. Very expressive, correct ear set. Straight front legs leading onto tight feet. Level Cafrajams Rock Solid to Ballindaloch NAF top line and good spring of rib. Plenty of rear angulation and strong hocks. Moved out easily. Handled very well. Bouts Gunner of Oldwell Crackoff Wot About Me at Flintstock POST GRADUATE DOG 1-0abs Large red boy with a super head. Strong under jaw with very good dentition. Well let down front and straight feet. Square in Ardhub Under Red Sky profile with good spring of rib. Ample rear angulation, moved steadily. LIMIT DOG 5-0abs

3rd RES

1st

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1st

Torreyabloom Northern Light

Athletic fawn boy! He has an attractive head with well-placed ears. Strong front assembly with tight feet. Level top line that he held on the move. sufficient rear angulation that helped he power around the ring. He really is very energetic! Handsome red boy with a very strong head, very muscular throughout! Strong neck leading onto well angulated shoulders, strong front assemblage with plenty of bone, short in back, excellent spring of rib, plenty of angulation which helped him move so soundly! Handled very well!

2nd

Phorias Apollo

3rd RES VHC

Ardhub Lockn Load at Doflair Optimus Galileo of Molosser Saturnsring Ankaa OPEN DOG 3-1abs What a super dog! Very honest and sound throughout, square head of exemplary proportions, he has a very square head from all angles. Lovely, endearing expression, well placed ears, almost perfect mouth with very good dentition, strong chest, well Aralders Eldorado ShCM JW placed shoulders, level top line that was held on the move, perfect rear, moved very steadily around the ring. There is nothing excessive or exaggerated about this dog which took him all the way to BD and BIS Fawn boy with a very pleasing outline, nice head with good pigmentation, strong neck, level top line that he kept on the move, very muscular shoulders, strong rear with plenty of angulation, very sound rear movement.

1st

2nd

Safety of Flatland Phoenix

1st

VETERAN BITCH 2-0abs Ive always loved this girl! She is the epitome of a show dog! Deep red girl with plenty of attitude at 9 years, jet black mask, super dentition, muscular neck, strong front assembly which helped her drive around the ring! Short in back, good spring of Atlantia Changes at Trebrad JW rib, muscular rear quarters with enough angulation. Ive always rd thought this girl should have gained her 3 CC with ease. Very happy to award her BVIS Fawn lady of 8 yrs, lovely head of good proportions, very strong front, straight feet, short in back, well-built rear with plenty of angulation, moved very well and enjoyed her day!

2nd

Chanerin Harmony of Licassa

1st

MINOR PUPPY BITCH 2-1abs This one definitely has plenty of character! Her handler couldnt keep four feet on the ground! Very feminine head of good Carminway Sheezastunna proportions, her chest is developing nicely, short in back with a level top line, moved very well once settled. PUPPY BITCH 5-1abs What a super girl! She is just stunning from all angles. Square and true throughout, Brindle with black mask girl at 11 months, very pretty head or excellent proportions, good dentition, strong, muscular neck leading onto well angulated shoulders, well Optimus Alicia of Copperfield TAF developed front with straight, tight feet, short in back giving her a compact appearance, moderate turn of stifle with good second thigh. Wonderful outline, very clean lines. A real standout on the

1st

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day! RBB, BPB, BPIS A very pretty girl, lovely, feminine head of correct proportions, kind eyes, moderate neck leading onto very well placed shoulders, straight front legs, level top line which she held on the move, ample rear angulation. Handled well!

2nd

Shadowguard Phoenix

3rd RES

Ardhub Aye Kandi at Doflair Trebrad Absolutely JUNIOR BITCH 4-1 This girl won the class with her exceptional movement. An athletic looking lady, moderate neck with good shoulder placement, short in back with strong rear end. Pretty lady enjoying her day out, nice head, very expressive, strong front assembly with straight feet, good spring of rib, level top line that she held on the move.

1st

Oldwell Saffron

2nd 3rd

Truly Scrumptious Evigilos Sweetheart

1st

YEARLING BITCH 7-2abs This girl oozes quality but is still very young! She is going to mature into a beautiful animal! She has lovely, clean lines and is sound throughout. Jet black mask, wide, square muzzle, almost level bite, very expressive, moderate neck leading onto Achatesbay Miss Venus well angulated shoulders, she has a lovely wide front with tight feet. Good spring of rib, with a level top line, she moved well and was a close contender for a top award! Another classy girl, again with lovely clean lines, very tough st nd decision between 1 and 2 . Very similar to 1, lovely head with black mask, very expressive with a kind expression, moderate , muscular neck that leads onto perfectly angulated shoulders, level top line retained throughout, strong rear with defined second thigh, moderately angulated. This girl was erratic on the move but once settles moved extremely well.

2nd

Achatesbay Mis Aphrodite of Licassa

3rd RES VHC

Torreyabloom Its No Joke Bousts Graya Crackoff Ivy POST GRADUATE BITCH 7-2abs A classy red girl with lovely lines, she has a lovely head of excellent proportions, wide under jaw with good dentition, again, a very expressive lady which added to her appeal, strong muscular neck, well placed shoulders, correct front Achatesbay Stupid Cupid of Licassa assembly with well angulated pasterns, slightly longer in back but this helped her move so very soundly, strong rear with clear second thigh, straight hocks. Overall a lovely girl! Fawn girl with a very strong head, she is muscular throughout, deep chest with good feet, short in back with well sprung ribs, sturdy rear which helped her move very well.

1st

2nd

Flintstock Queen Bee at Bullhar

3rd

Crackoff Ivy

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1st

LIMIT BITCH 1-0abs OPEN BITCH 7-4abs What a lovely girl this one is! The most classic head which is so appealing, jet black mask with kind eyes, wide under jaw with good dentition, moderate muscular neck, perfectly placed, well angulated shoulders, strong prosternum with correct front assemblage, level top line that she held on the move, her rear Licassa Princess Tia at Islekeeper angles matched those of the front, her well balanced angulation gave her the correct front and rear drive required in a working breed. Overall a genuinely lovely, honest bitch that will go onto take top honours! BB, BOSIS Fawn lady with a lovely head, strong front with tight feet, short in back with plenty of substance, sturdy rear, she moved well but with little enthusiasm

2nd 3rd

Ch Roscos Hope Diamond Jessyjack Bodelicious Girl from Torreyabloom

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Show Dates 2013

17/01/2013 27/01/2013 03/02/2013 07/03/2013 23/03/2013 31/03/2013 07/04/2013 20/04/2013 26/04/2013 05/05/2013 09/05/2013 10/05/2013 17/05/2013 18/05/2013 24/05/2013 06/06/2013 15/06/2013 21/06/2013 07/07/2013 13/07/2013 03/08/2013 04/08/2013 10/08/2013 11/08/2013 16/08/2013 24/08/2013 30/08/2013 19/09/2013 29/09/2013 06/10/2013 12/10/2013 24/10/2013 17/11/2013 01/12/2013 14/12/2013 Manchester Dog Show Society Welsh & West Bullmastiff Club Open Show Northern Bullmastiff Club Open Show Crufts Southern Bullmastiff Society Open Show Bullmastiff Association Open Show British Bullmastiff League Open Show Working & Pastoral Breeds Wales WELKS Welsh & West Bullmastiff Club Champ Show Birmingham Dog Show Bullmastiff World Cup (Netherlands) Scottish Kennel Club Bullmastiff Society of Scotland Champ Show Bath Canine Society Three Counties Agricultural Society Border Union Agricultural Society Blackpool & District Canine Society British Bullmastiff League Champ Show National Working & Pastoral Paignton & District Southern Bullmastiff Society Champ Show Bournemouth Canine Association Northern Bullmastiff Club Open Show Welsh Kennel Club Scottish Kennel Club City of Birmingham Driffield Agricultural Society Welsh & West Bullmastiff Open Show British Bullmastiff League Open Show Southern Bullmastiff Society Open Show Midland Counties Northern Bullmastiff Club Champ Show Bullmastiff Association Champ Show Ladies Kennel Association Mr F Wildman Mr D Weller Mrs C Owen Mrs P E M Jeans-Brown Mrs B Bodle Mr D Killilea Mr T Nitsch Mrs J A Carter Mrs M C Rostron Mrs H Filer Mr D Smith Kathryn Robertson (USA) Mille Beak (DK) Mr A H Brace Mr R Templeton Mrs S Hewart-Chambers Miss D A Morgan Mr P Harding Mrs C E Cartledge Mr B Richards Mr C Taylor Mrs C Ambler Mr K Baldwin Mrs J P Stockman Mr H Jones Mr S W Hall Mr A C Gunn Mr A B Rostron Mr R T Baker Miss A White Mrs M Story Mrs P Chadwick Mr F Kane Mrs C S Davies Mr J Sastre (Spain) Miss Liz Pope

NB. Not all Champ Shows are listed Only those that had been gazetted at the time of going to print!

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BLOAT ACUPRESSURE POINTS It Simply Works By C.A. Krowzack, DVM

In February of 1998, the Great Lakes Irish Wolfhound Association (GLIWA) held their annual meeting. The meeting is an occasion for fellowship of the members, the club attends to business and also hosts a speaker on a special topic. In the past it has been obedience, therapy dog training, and this year the topic was acupuncture.

Dr. Debbie Mitchell gave an overview of what acupuncture is, its history and its medical uses. Then, using a member's dog, showed the participants several acupuncture/acupressure points that they could utilize. One point was to stimulate gastrointestinal motility to combat bloat.

This week at my clinic, a GLIWA member brought her wolfhound in for an examination. During the night Quinn had begun experiencing discomfort. He sleeps in the bedroom with his owners. The husband had worked a long day and was asleep, but the wife was awakened by the restless behaviour of Quinn. When she petted him she found his abdomen severely enlarged and hard to the touch. She knew it was bloat, but didn't know what to do. She is a small woman, and Quinn a large dog.

She remembered the acupressure point Dr. Mitchell had shown and began massaging it. Within a few minutes, Quinn began passing "a lot of gas" and his abdomen became smaller and softer. The husband and wife brought Quinn in the next morning to make sure he was all right, and because he had diarrhoea.

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On examination, Quinn was completely normal. He was not experiencing discomfort upon palpation, and no abnormalities beside the diarrhoea could be found. Because she remembered the acupressure point, the wife had saved Quinn's life. The acupressure point is on the hind leg. If you start at the hock, on the front of the leg (anterior) you can feel the tibia. Move your hand up the leg along the tibia's sharp crest; what in humans would be called the shin. As your hand approaches the stifle, or the "knee" the crest becomes very pronounced and then curls around to the outside (laterally). Just inside this curve is a depression.

The acupressure point is in this depression. An acupuncturist might insert a needle into this spot, or inject a liquid, but, as Quinn's owners will attest, massaging also stimulates the point. The gastrointestinal tract starts to contract and move (peristalsis) and expels the built up gas before torsion can occur. If torsion has occurred, massaging the spot will not help. I don't recommend this procedure instead of veterinary treatment, but begun early, or on the way for veterinary treatment, can save your hound's life!

The above has been reproduced with kind permission of Dr Christine Krowzack and Great Lakes Irish Wolfhound Association

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What is T.D.C.?
Most guys who mess around with engines at some time know what the abbreviation T.D.C. means. No? Well it means Top Dead Centre. Most mechanic types will immediately recognise that this is the state of timing in an engine to get optimum performance and thrust from their internal combustion engine. What does this have to do with dogs? Think about it for just a minute. A dog is judged on form and function, just like an engine, so think of the dog as the new internal combustion engine with his pistons at the back for the drive and torque to give the animal the most efficient power to thrust ratio there is. Think of the hocks as the pistons got it? Now you all know that if the connecting rods and the transmission are not in the right ratio, and the timing is not right on, you are going to have some drive and power problems. Right? Yes? Taking it one step further, the pistons will not move up and down efficiently if the structure and balance of the power train is not at its most efficient. NEITHER WILL THE DOG!!!! If you watch a dog go down the mat who has proper form and function, proper drive, and all the angles and transmission parts in the right proportion you will see T.D.C.!

As the hocks move straight up, there will be a momentary pause as it reaches the top of its stroke, and then descend in the next position of the power drive. To the eye, the hocks seem to almost move in slow motion. You cannot get this action unless the dog ahead of the hocks is correct, and you cannot make it happen by handling if the dog is not put together correctly! Its a win-win situation and a given that the dog is all-together, you cant fudge it, if it isnt there. But if it is there, it should send a BIG message to the Judge if s/he knows what T.D.C. means. If not, someone should have a quiet talk with him/her, or the judges training council, it is something that is basic and a need-to-know for all Judges.

Written by Bill Walkey

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A Dogs Christmas Carol (sung to the tune of Winter Wonderland) Dog tags ring, are you listening'? In the lane, snow is glistenin'. It's yellow, NOT white I've been there tonight, Marking up my winter wonderland.

How To Wrap Presents With a Puppy 1. Gather presents, boxes, paper, etc. in middle of living room floor. 2. Get tape back from puppy. 3. Remove scissors from older dog's mouth. 4. Open box. 5. Take puppy out of box. 6. Remove tape from older dog's mouth. 7. Take scissors away from puppy. 8. Put present in box. 9. Remove present from puppy's mouth. 10. Put back in box after removing puppy from box. 11. Take scissors from older dog & sit on them. 12. Remove puppy from box & put on lid. 13. Take tape away from older dog. 14. Unroll paper. 15. Take puppy OFF box. 16. Cut paper being careful not to cut puppy's foot or nose that is getting the way as she "helps". 17. Let puppy tear paper remaining to be cuts. 18. Take puppy off box. 19. Wrap paper around box 20. Remove puppy from box & take wrapping paper from her mouth. 21. Tell older dog to hold tape so he will stop stealing it. 22. Take scissors away from puppy. 23. Take tape older dog is holding. 24. Quickly tape one spot before taking scissors from older dog & sitting on them again. 25. Fend off puppy trying to steal tape & tape another spot. 26. Take bow from older dog. 27. Go get roll of wrapping paper puppy ran off with. 28. Take scissors from older dog who took them when you got up. 29. Give pen to older dog to hold so he stops licking your face. 30. Remove puppy from present & hurriedly slap tape on to hold the paper on. 31. Take now soggy bow from puppy & tape on since the sticky stuff no longer sticks. 32. Take pen from older dog, address tag & affix while puppy tries to eat pen. 33. Grab present before puppy opens it & put away. 34. Clean up mess puppy & older dog made playing tug-of-war with roll of wrapping paper. 35. Put away rest of wrapping supplies & tell dogs what good helpers they are.

Smell that tree? That's my fragrance. It's a sign for wandering vagrants; Avoid where I pee, it's MY pro-per-ty! Marked up as my winter wonderland.

In the meadow dad will build a snowman, following the classical design. Then I'll lift my leg and let it go Man, So all the world will know that it's mine-mine-mine!

Straight from me to the fence post, flows my natural incense boast; Stay off my TURF, this small piece of earth, I marked it as my winter wonderland."

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This combination has all the elements of a tasty festive dinner, which is low in both fat and salt, and contains none of the foods that might harm your dog. Ingredients 2 tsp olive oil 3 rasher of turkey bacon, finely chopped 3oz (84g) of good quality sausage meat, casings discarded (about 1 large sausage) 4oz ) lean ground turkey 3oz of cooked rice 2oz of raw, grated carrot 2 medium shredded sized brussel sprout, finely

Instructions 1. Heat the olive oil in a skillet. 2. Add the meats. 3. Cook and stir until all are thoroughly cooked and no pink remains. 4. Stir in the rice, carrot and Brussels sprout. 5. Cover with a lid and steam over low heat for several minutes, until the rice is heated through and the carrot and sprout are soft and cooked. 6. Remove from the heat and allow to cool to room temperature before serving.

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Bullie Christmas Cake Recipe

Ingredients 2 cups of whole wheat flour cup of wheat germ 2 teaspoons of baking powder 1 teaspoons of ground cinnamon 1 cup of molasses cup of canola oil 2 eggs 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract 1 apple, cored and chopped Preparation 1.Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Oil a 12-cup bundt pan with vegetable oil and flour. 2.In a bowl mix the flour, wheat germ, baking powder, and cinnamon together and set it on the side. Then in another large bowl mix together the molasses, and oil, then add in the eggs one by one, and beat them until they blend in. then add in the vanilla along with cup of water. Add the flour mixture to the wet mixture and mix it well until it becomes smooth. Then fold in the chopped apple pieces. 3.Put the batter into the pan and place in the oven. Bake for around 30 to 40 minutes or until when inserting a toothpick in the centre of a cake it comes out clean. 4.Once done allow the cakes to cool completely before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container for no more than 3 days, or wrap in freezer wrap and store in the freezer for up to 60 days.

Turkey and Sweet Potato Sauce

1 cup turkey, cooked, finely chopped 1 cup sweet potato, cooked, chopped 2 eggs, large, hardboiled, shelled Place all three ingredients in a food processor and liquefy until a thick paste. If the food is too thick, add just enough water for processing. Mix with your dogs normal dinner as a tasty Christmas treat!

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Shadowguards Halo Halo

(Sundabish Kenzo X Moonlight Gold at Bramarley)

Shadowguards Evolved Darwin

(Sundabish Kenzo X Shadowguard Venus)

Loved and owned by Bradley Richards & Rachel Crawford Tel: 01908 583614 Email: enquiries@shadowguardbullmastiffs.co.uk

www.shadowguardbullmastiffs.co.uk
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(Int Nord UCH SV-08 Nordv -08 NV -08 Game keepers Jackpot X NSUCH Game Keepers Ice T) International Champion*, Norwegian Champion, Swedish Champion, Danish Champion, World Winner 2012,Bullmastiff World Cup Winner 2012, Nordic Junior Winner 2010, Norwegian Winner 2011, Nordic Winner 2011, Top Winning Bullmastiff in Norway 2011,Breed Winner Norwegian Kennel Club 2011, Top Winning Bullmastiff in Sweden 2011

We are so very proud of Juniors achievements to date and thank all the Judges who have thought so highly of him
Trude & Bjorn Hegle-Lindberg Passebekk, Norway
Phone: +4799283719 +4732768864

trude@bullmastiff.no http://www.bullmastiff.no/
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BREEDING CONFUSION. by David Hancock

The publication of books like Juliette Cunliffe's The Encyclopaedia of Dog Breeds, Parragon 2000, and Desmond Morris's Dogs--A Dictionary of Dog Breeds, Ebury Press 2001, poses a key question: when is a breed not a breed? Some might argue that to be truly a breed, then kennel club recognition somewhere in the world is a prerequisite. But this would deny us a rich array of terrier and hound breeds, which breed true to type and bear acceptable breed titles, but have never needed kennel club recognition. Fell Terriers and Harriers are more familiar names than Xoloitzcuintlis and Chinooks; the former have no kennel club recognition, the latter two do. Defining a breed with appropriate words is not entirely straightforward. My own working definition would be: a race of dogs that has been genetically isolated so that each member of that race resembles the others from the same breeding. I don't believe that kennel club recognition is essential for a breed to be regarded as a breed. Breeders of the French packhounds would probably support that view. Some countries have been very forthcoming in obtaining official recognition for their native breeds, the Swiss, for example, over their many hound breeds. But whilst there are six breeds of Dachshund, there is not, unlike the Belgian and Dutch shepherd dog, more than one breed of German shepherd dog. Yet the old German breed displayed as many coat varieties as its western neighbours and possessed too a pure white sheepdog, as did so many other countries. A wire-haired, shaggyhaired, smooth-coated or whole white German Shepherd Dog might not get official approval nowadays, but the gene pool of the German herding dog included those varieties. Similarly there have been examples of rough-haired and long-haired, or Wheeler, Whippets, and, whilst many have alleged out-crosses to achieve these coats, the Whippet gene pool may well embrace them. There was uproar a few years ago when a mainly white Bullmastiff cropped up in an American pure-bred litter. There were allegations of a misalliance with an American Bulldog or even a St. Bernard. But I cannot think why; mainly white Mastiffs were once quite common in Britain and that is where the genes come from. The distinguished vet and author Frank Townend Barton once found that his pure-bred Bloodhounds produced a whole white offspring, not an albino. He disposed of it and always regretted losing such genetic diversity. Throwbacks can be valuable breeding material. I am against the casual recognition of some so-called 'new' breeds, like the Kromfohrlander, but not against the emergence of healthy new hybrids, like the Eurasier. I am against the thoughtless importation of exotic breeds which are better off in their own habitat, like the Abyssinian Sand Dog. I am suspicious of the motives of crafty traders who offer me a Trawler Spaniel but full of admiration for the emergent Plummer Terrier. There is a Trawler Spaniel preserved in the collection at Tring but I doubt if a dwarf Cocker cropping up in a presentday litter constitutes a revival! Some distinguished breeds owe their existence to a gifted breeder who has worked to a plan and achieved his goal, such as Korthals with his Griffon pointer and Martinez with the Dogo Argentino. But I am wary of tiny gene pools. The Chinook is a sled dog breed derived from one outstanding dog. It demands great breeding skill to continue such a breed successfully. The Albanian Wolfhound on the other hand may never be a recognised breed and doesn't always breed true to type, but has all the virility of our lurchers. I do hope we do not lose the genes of the Dutch Steenbrak and the German Steinbracke, important features in the development of hound breeds in western Europe. This is one of the dilemmas in the world of dogs in the 21st century: do we value and perpetuate old breeds carrying valuable breeding material or let them fade away? Do we promote the recently developed Moscow Toy Terrier or insist on conserving the Iceland Farm Dog, which has survived centuries in a harsh environment? Do we ignore our native Harrier and patronise the Spanish Hound of a comparable type? Do we favour the Florida Cow Dog, now breeding to a set type, or
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the German Sauerland Hound of ancient lineage? Should we conserve the Austrian wire-haired Styrian Mountain Hound, which has proved its worth to man, or the long-haired 'sport' of the Chinese Shar Pei on display at Crufts 2002? Some breeds will undoubtedly disappear unless a group of determined fanciers come together and take charge. But do kennel clubs not have a role in this, especially where native breeds are concerned? The German Short-haired Pointer is a common sight at shows and in the field nowadays in Britain. But when working in Germany I have always been more impressed by the Langhaar and the Stichelhaar than the Kurzhaar. This was also true of the Small Munsterlander, which always impressed me more than the larger variety, but has never attracted British interest. Promoting a particular breed has often had a 'hit or miss' element to it. Some distinctive breeds fail to attract interest outside their own territory, remoteness denying exposure. Desmond Morris covered 1000 breeds in his recent book. But he can be forgiven for missing the hairy-footed donkey-herding dog from the thinly-populated Hoxe valley on the SyrianTurkish border, between Gaziantap and Halab. Believed to spring from drovers' dogs left behind by the Crusaders, DNA sampling has revealed a kinship with the Saarbrucken Schnauzer and the Bouvier de Thionville. The hairy feet are believed to have developed from the need to protect the dogs' feet from the gaultheria bushes which are rampant in the area, attracting wild donkey herds. Pups of this extremely rare breed are now selling for 1,500 through the internet. A club has been formed to conserve this distinctive breed and FCI recognition is awaited. But hold on, none of this is true, I made it up! No such breed exists. Yet how easy it would be to design a false provenance for some obscure type found in some obscure place. Look at some of the KC-agreed breed histories if you doubt the credibility of my words! Comparable inventiveness has been responsible for the creation of some actual breeds. Is the Magyar Agar really a separate breed from our Greyhound? Does the ear carriage difference between the Norwich and Norfolk Terriers justify their distinct classification as separate breeds? Is the small version of the Portuguese Podengo really a breed or overdue recognition of a village cur? In South Africa some of the tribal hunting dogs have conformed to a distinct type for centuries but so far no one has claimed breed status for them. The European hawking dog is probably the root of our setter breeds and the epagneul breeds, like the Brittany. But no one ever claimed breed status for it. Time and time again, in books on specific contemporary breeds, the writers claim that in such and such a painting 'their' breed is depicted. Such silliness does little for breed authentication. And why does there have to be speculation over whether a dog rescued by Britsh forces in Afghanistan is a Maremma or a Kangal Dog? Why can't it be an Afghan breed-type for which breed status has never been sought? Our own Victorian writers found difficulty in not regarding foreign breeds as having a quite separate development from ours. They even copied each other in debating whether our ancient water-dog, the Curly-coated Retriever, was a Poodle-Whiptail cross, and had little chance of understanding the origin of overseas breeds against that sort of ill-informed reasoning. And, to be fair to them, it is easy to think of the Irish Wheaten Terrier when you first see a Smoushond or an Irish Setter when you first see a Langhaar. But such similarities should serve to remind us that breeds developed from functions. Function often decided the type of coat, the stature, the head shape, the length of leg and therefore the appearance of the dog. The worry is that in the exhibition of breeds, we concentrate on breed differences and end up exaggerating the coat-length, the shoulder height, the shortness of the muzzle, the length of the ears and the importance of coat colour. All too soon such identified features become components of essential breed type and the function of the breed overlooked. This is never good for a breed. In the past, function always dictated form, to the benefit of the dog; I doubt if show-ring fashion will ever benefit a breed. Every week the dog papers print critiques of judges from dog shows in which the quality of movement is deplored, the shortness of the upper arm decried, the uprightness of
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the shoulders condemned and the lack of hard condition regretted. This is not good news for purebred dogs. I do not know of one breed which still earns its keep in the field and which displays the exaggerations of show ring dogs. The 'Teckels' I watched working in Germany did not feature the elongated backs, abbreviated legs and weak feet of their British show ring counterparts. The snipey muzzles, short backs and upright shoulders of so many show Fox Terriers are not matched in hunt terriers. Springers at trials do not feature the heavy coats favoured in the show ring. Bloodhounds of the packs do not display the ear length and looseness of coat of all too many show Bloodhounds. There should be no confusion here; what does a breed need in order to function? That should be the key question. In the wake of disasters such as the foot and mouth crisis and in a future which threatens the sporting dog, we could end up one day with sporting and pastoral breeds which lose their functional physique and eventually their breed type too. The show ring already condones exaggerations which are not only alien to a breed but a threat to its well-being. There is a great need for vigilance in some breeds now. In the coming years every breed developed for a purpose will develop differently if that purpose is lost sight of. Showy high-stepping or alternatively, shortstepping dogs, with ears on the ground and untypically heavy coats never featured in the breeds passed on to us by our ancestors. Recognition of a breed should bring uniformity of type, the chance of better-bred dogs and access to shared expertise. But sadly all too often it brings a closed gene pool, closed minds in breeders and quite needless decline. For any kennel club, home or abroad, to see itself as having a role in the improvement of breeds and then sit on its hands and do nothing when breeds are bred unwisely is contradictory. But when was the last time in any country when the national kennel club spoke up on a breed issue out of concern for that breed? It would be good to be informed of such an instance. At a time when breed-specific anti-dog legislation is being rightly ridiculed and now campaigned against by our Kennel Club, it is important to recall their role when the dreaded DDA of 1991 was being drafted. It was our KC which advised the Home Office on which breeds should be proscribed here. Commendably they have changed their stance. But if they hadn't advised the Home Office as they did thirteen years ago we would not have had breed-specific legislation here at all. And would that not have influenced our European neighbours? Against that background, how can we trust such a body to safeguard the future of our precious breeds? It would be unwise and unrealistic however to expect kennel clubs to assume the mantle of breedprotector alone. What are breed clubs for? Most breed clubs would be better named Exhibition Society for that breed, for that seems to preoccupy them. A breed club should have a strong ethical role; the first items on any breed club committee's agenda should be: Breed Health; Breed Rescue; Breed Improvement; three items surely much more challenging, and rewarding, than Judging Appointments; Cups and Trophies and Show Programme. A position with authority means a position with responsibility. But who really is responsible for our precious breeds at the moment? Unless there is some leadership in saving threatened breeds, guarding true breed type, enhancing breed health and working towards the betterment of the breed, the outlook is gloomy. A combination of eroded breed type, harmful design, poor genetic health and a lack of sound physique is going to undermine a number of breeds; it is never too late to stop and rethink any issue. Surely this one is worthy of our time. British breeds of dog are admired the world over but there is work to be done if that wholly desirable situation is to continue.

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easter Open Show 7 April 2013

th

Polesworth Memorial Hall Judge: Torsten Nitsch (Sadepa)

50 STAKES PRIZE

Belgium Chocolate & Wine Prizes

Torsten Nitsch was born and raised with dogs in Berlin, Germany, his parents owning Bulldogs, Bullmastiffs and Dogues de Bordeaux. He and his wife first owned French Bulldogs in 1987 and have held the Sadepa Affix for fifteen years. Although he judges many breeds, his main interest lies in the Molosser breeds which he has judged over the past 12 years. Torsten awards CCs in French Bulldogs but his presence is well-known to exhibitors and judges alike, as he has stewarded extensively, including Crufts, for many years. He is extremely active on the dog show circuit and is Secretary/Show Manager of the Crystal Palace Canine Society and Secretary of the newly formed Southern Dogue de Bordeaux Society.

SCHEdulES ANd ONlINE ENTRY wIll bE available on fossedata in the new year. We look forward to seeing you at our show and thank you for your continued support at the shows

Our Easter Open Show will be holding an Easter Bonnet Competition and giving prizes of lushious Belgium Chocolate Bullies and Wine
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Ch Old Manilas Whisky Mac For Optimus JW

Mac is the first Scandinavian/Norway Bullmastiff to be awarded a UK Champion Title. What a first year we had together, 3 CCs with BOB, 2 RCC, Junior Warrant Title Best in Show at The Southern Champ Show Best in Show at The BBL Champ Show Champion title at 13 months Mac is a proven stud dog and is available to approved bitches Bred by Hilde Kjeldby & Glenn Hall, Old Manila Kennel. www.oldmanila.no Owned by Peter Myers, Optimus Kennel, www.optimusbullmastiffs.co.uk
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Ch Optimus Scarlet

ENTROPION BY BILL WALKEY

Scarlet is our latest Champion and the 3rd generation of Optimus Champion Bitches Her daughter Optimus Alicia of Copperfield is the Top Puppy 2012 We hope to have a litter from Scarlet early 2013 Owned & Bred by Peter Myers Optimus Kennel Tel 07711814129 Email optimus@blueyonder.co.uk Website www.optimusbullmastiffs.co.uk
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ENTROPION

One of the things that always calls for comment from the all-knowing is the cause of runny eyes. In many cases it is nothing more than a draught that has caught the dog unawares and has resulted in a local irritation to the cornea of the eye, or the more common conjunctivitis. However, there is one more cause that occurs with more than its share of regularity and is never welcome or expected. What is it? The annoying problem is called entropion. Simply defined, this malady is described as the in-rolling of the eye lid and the accompanying eyelashes. How is it caused? It may be an acquired condition where the dog has run into a fence wire or caught his eye on a twig, but unfortunately it is all too often a congenital problem associated with certain pedigree lines. Symptoms Sometimes erroneously referred to as pink eye, entropion shows itself as discharge from the eye causing obvious irritation and annoyance to the dog. Careful examination will reveal the small hairs and eyelashes rubbing on the bulbous part of the eye. More often than not entropion affects only the lower lid but it can affect the upper as well. Neglect of this condition can lead to damage to the cornea of the eye, prolapse of the iris, and loss of the eye. Often the dog will avoid well-lit places and is seen to blink painfully. The hairs rubbing on the eye creates an ulceration of the eyes surface which often looks red and sore, hence the name of pink-eye. Depending on the cause of the entropion, the solution may be an easy one. One action that should not be delayed is your call to your vet to determine which kind of entropion your Bullmastiff has and what should be done about it. By Bill Walkey 29

Janet & Alex Gunn Tel: 01268 561720 Email: gunnflintstock@compuserve.com www.flintstockbullmastiffs.co.uk
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CRACKOFF FLIRTY GERTY FLINTSTOCK (GERTRUDE) D.O.B. 31.01.2010. (Bullproof Bertie by Flintstock x Talbadan Wot a Cracker)

Janet & Alex Gunn Tel: 01268 561720 Email: gunnflintstock@compuserve.com www.flintstockbullmastiffs.co.uk
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lungworm
The lungworm Angiostrongylus vasorum (also known as French Heartworm) is a parasite that infects dogs. The adult of this particular lungworm lives in the heart and major blood vessels supplying the lungs, where it can cause a host of problems. Left untreated, the infection can often be fatal.

The lungworm parasite is carried by slugs and snails. The problem arises when dogs purposefully or accidentally eat these common garden pests when rummaging through undergrowth, eating grass, drinking from puddles or outdoor water bowls, or pick them up from their toys. Foxes can also become infected with the lungworm, and have been implicated in the spread of the parasite across the country. Lungworm disease in dogs often affects young dogs less than two years old and is often a chronic disease, lasting months or years. However, it can cause sudden death. It can manifest as weight loss, breathing difficulties and coughing up blood, vomiting, persistent bleeding, stomach and back pain, fits, paralysis, circling and heart failure. Please remember that these symptoms occur with many other diseases and it is imperative you allow your vet time to make the correct diagnosis. Lungworm is still uncommon in Scotland, whereas other causes of these symptoms are far more common! Your vet might use a variety of diagnostic methods to diagnose diseases showing these symptoms. These include blood samples for DNA, analysis of stool samples for eggs and larvae, chest x-rays and bronchoscopy.

PREVENTION & TREATMENT OF LUNGWORM Advocate spot-on is regarded as the best treatment, available on prescription from your vet. Unlike worming tablets which aid in the prevention of the disease at the standard dosing interval, Advocate is licensed to treat lungworm using the standard monthly dosing regime. Since Advocate also prevents fleas, roundworms, mange mites, ear mites and heartworm, it is a pretty comprehensive parasite control regime on its own. Therefore, only the occasional additional treatment against tapeworm is required for comprehensive parasite control.

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CH ABSOLUTE REPRISALS NIGHT PATROL J-LO

www.nightpatrolbullmastiff.com nightpatrolbullmastiff@hotmail.com Telephone (Netherlands) +31-646217433

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NIGHT PATROL BULLMASTIFFS & HANDLER GERT COLJEE WOULD LIKE TO THANK ALL THE JUDGES FOR THE KNOWLEDGE THEY HAVE SHOWN IN THEIR ASSESMENT OF J-LO IN EUROPE AND ALL THE CLUB AND INTERNATIONAL SHOWS

www.nightpatrolbullmastiffs.com nightpatrolbullmastiffs@hotmail.com Telephone (Netherlands) +31-646217433

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Bob, Natasja & Demy www.Cooperdale.nl info@cooperdale.nl

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We would like to give our special thanks to Demy Buijsen for handling our dogs. Demy has done and continues to do a great job with our dogs and it is a pleasure to watch them in the ring Also important and not to be forgotten are the Judges who made it possible and gave their knowledge in their assessment of our Bullmastiffs in Europe and International Shows. Many thanks to Ken & Kirsten Cole, Peter Myers, Jan Van Der Stelt & Gyula Gozel for their handling, help and trust in us! We look forward to 2013 and to meeting friends old and new

Bob, Natasja & Demy

www.cooperdale.nl
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A BULLIE CHRISTMAS to all

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The British Bullmastiff League

(Established 1925)

www.britishbullmastiffleague.com

Hon. Chairman Mr A Gunn

263 London Road, Wickford, Essex SS12 0LG Telephone 01268 561720 Hon. Secretary Mrs T.Talbot 58 Lime Tree Avenue, Tile Hill, Coventry CV4 9FD Telephone 02476 465447 E-mail: Trudytilehill2@aol.com Hon. Treasurer Mr Brian Hill 15 Kiniths Crescent, West Bromwich, B71 4BX Telephone 01215 251417

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP FORM The League aims to encourage wider recognition for the breed, promote responsible breeding and ownership, publish the Kennel Club Standard and assist and encourage members in every way compatible with their interests. The League holds three shows each year: A CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW in July, where KC Challenge Certificates are awarded. Open to all. OPEN SHOWS in April and October. Open to all.
LEAGUE OFFICERS DO NOT EXHIBIT AT B.B.L. SHOWS EXCEPT FOR VETERANS

All of the Officers of the League voluntarily give their time in the interests of the Bullmastiff Breed and welcome new members to join them in supporting the breed. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I/we hereby apply for membership of The British Bullmastiff League and agree to abide by its Rules and Regulations. Adults Juniors Single Membership 10.00 Single Membership 1.75 Joint Membership.. 11.00 Joint Membership.. 2.25 Overseas Membership.. 20.00 Compound Membership up Life Membership 15 x Annual Fee to the age of 16 years 2.25 Family membership (includes over 16s living in the same household).15.00 Name(s) ............................... Address Postcode .. Tel No E-mail . Signed Please be sure to provide your email address so we are able to send you the quarterly Newsletter! Please return form, with payment made payable to The British Bullmastiff League, to the Secretary: Mrs T.Talbot 58, Lime Tree Avenue, Tile Hill, Coventry CV4 9FD
MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS ARE DUE IN JANUARY EACH YEAR

www.britishbullmastiffleague.co.uk
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