Bullmastiff Fanciers of Canada Archives

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On this official web site of the Bullmastiff Fanciers of Canada, I would like to remember the Bullmastiffs of the past that have left a mark on our breed in some way whether in the show, obedience or breeding program.  Also some distinguished Bullmastiff fanciers that have contributed their time, love and dedication in the preservation and improvement of the breed – our founding members. 

I have compiled a list of the National BFC Best of Breed Winners starting from Sept 1951 in Dixie Ontario in conjunction with the Progressive Kennel Club of Canada.  There are still some unknown years which I plan on going to the Canadian Kennel Club library to fill in the blanks.  I hope to find them and if anyone has results for the missing years, please forward them to me. 

There are some interesting facts pertaining to the bullmastiff show career of interest, I hope to add as history is still being made, I ask for club input to our members on their show interest to be included in this section.  I strongly feel records should be kept of our breed accomplishments.  I welcome our member’s feedback.

I hope you enjoy the photos of the first Bullmastiff Fanciers National Specialty kindly brought to our attention from Valerie Braden of the US.  A delight to see as this was a benched show in Ontario.  My apologises for the poor photo quality of the first Bullmastiff Fanciers National Specialty show posted on the web site but they are the only photographic record of the show.  It is still a delight to see a benched dog show back in the 1951.   

I would like to further contribute an article that founding bullmastiff fancier /breeder/judge – Dorothea Daniell-Jenkins who I had the pleasure of having my first bullmastiff judged under her in a Toronto dog show which may have been her last judging assignment. 

The Bullmastiff breed relies on dedication of breeder/owners who care strength and good temperament of the breed which reflects in the multiple Best in Show, many group winnings won by the Bullmastiff.  A noble breed of good heart and proven many times over their love of family and companionship.

The Bullmastiff Fanciers of Canada (originally known as the Honourable Company of Bullmastiff Fanciers in Canada) was formed under the Presidency of Rodney Hull of Toronto in the winter of 1950.  By this time there were many bullmastiffs in Canada, with a concentration of breeders I Ontario and British Columbia.  The Bullmastiff Club of America was functioning in the United States, though without formal AKC recognition.  After the formation of the Bullmastiff Fanciers of Canada, my husband and Bob Twitty of New York joined forces to bring over from England Mrs. D. J. Nash, of Le Tasyll fame, to give Canadian and American breeders the benefit of her advice and experience, especially regarding the characteristics of the various English bloodline, which were only names I some of our pedigrees, and so to help us avoid unnecessary mistakes in our breeding programmes.

The first Bullmastiff Fanciers of Canada specialty show, held with the Progressive Kennel Club of Canada in Dixie, Ontario, in September, 1951, under Judge Col. E. D. McQuown, drew a still unbeaten entry of 26, with 24 benched, of which eleven were Canadian-breds.  Am. & Can. Ch. Robin of the Rouge took Best of Breed and went on to a Group 1st and Best I Show (the first time a Bullmastiff had taken this award at an all breed Championship show).   Am. Ch. Binagain of Bulmas took Winners Bitch and Best of Opposite Sex.  Specialties have since been held in Sarnia, Barrie, Aurora and Toronto = recently in conjunction with the Canadian National Sportsmen’s shows, since these are benched.

Over the years enthusiasts have kept the Club active.  A specialty show has been held every year: sanction shows have raised funds; boosters in British Columbia have been held regularly.  The breed standard revision, through coast to coat membership participation, received CKC approval in 1064.  The Bullmastiff Fanciers of Canada have purchased the nucleus of a library which should be of interest and help to members, whether they are breeders or pet owners.  At one time regular obedience training classes were given by the club and educational meetings were held.  The object of the Bullmastiff Fanciers of Canada has always been to serve the interest of all Bullmastiff owners in Canada and help them to get the most enjoyment from their dogs.  A recent increase in membership and revival of interest I our aims give every encouragement for continuing activity and expansion.

Am. Can. Ch. Robin of the Rouge, known by many as “Major” achieved a record we can cherish proudly.  He was the first Bullmastiff in the world to gain Best In Show at an All Breed Championship Show (which he did at the Progressive Kennel Club of Dixie Ontario in 1941 under judge Col. E.D. McQuown. 

The first Bullmastiff to qualify registration in the Kennel Club Stud Book was described in the Nov. 14, 1924 Dog World as active as a terrier, with the hindquarters that would not disgrace an Alsatian.  His given measurement at three years of age were: height 28 inches at the shoulder, weight 116 pounds, chest 40 inches, muzzle 16 inches , neck and skull 26 inches… 

In 1926, the Bullmastiff was given a class at Cruft’s.  The class had 10 entries, judged by Mr. A. Graham.  Farcroft Fidelity was awarded first and his son Stand Aside was 2nd.

We would like to encourage our Bullmastiff Fanciers Members to contribute any achievement our beloved Bullmastiff has made to the community, show ring, obedience ring and beyond.  Please send them in to our web master.