ABA Series, Ep 25 - Podcast Show Notes

Annual Breeder Award: Breed Mastery

In this powerful and heartfelt episode of The Breeder’s Brew, Sara is joined by Steve from Womlu Mastiffs—winner of the Breed Mastery Award and finalist in two other major breeder categories. Together, they uncover the realities of breeding and showing Mastiffs, a vulnerable and historically significant breed.

​From first encounters with the breed in a pub to European show rings and international imports, Steve offers a behind-the-scenes look at life with these gentle giants.

PODCAST TAKEAWAYS:

The Reality of Breeding a Vulnerable Giant Breed

• Mastiffs are among the rarest breeds in the UK, with only 69 puppies registered in 2023.
• Their sheer size (males up to 120kg) makes them a significant financial and emotional undertaking.
• Decreasing litter sizes, increased vet costs, and legislative changes threaten the future of Mastiff breeding.

Genetic Diversity and the Power of Importing

• With a narrow UK gene pool, importing dogs and semen from abroad (Italy, Czechia, etc.) is vital.
• Social media has made it easier to build relationships with international breeders—but logistics, costs, and regulations (especially on frozen semen) remain hurdles.
• Importing requires trustworthy couriers and a firm understanding of what’s at stake—both genetically and financially.

Environmental Impacts on Fertility and Pack Dynamics

• Microplastics, food quality, and climate change are contributing to reproductive unpredictability.
• Living in multi-dog households can suppress seasons due to dominant bitches affecting the rest of the pack.
• Mastiffs are sensitive and complex to breed—requiring emotional resilience and scientific support.

Health Testing as a Breeding Foundation

• Womlu Mastiffs conduct extensive testing: hips, elbows, eyes, heart, cystinuria, and long-hair gene.
• Health testing is critical in avoiding fatal genetic conditions like cystinuria.
• Steve believes the public has the power to shift standards—by only buying health-tested pups, breeders are forced to up their game.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

Want to Join the Movement?

• Apply for the Annual Breeder Awards (ABA)
• Recognising and celebrating ethical breeding. Nominate yourself or another breeder doing great work at www.caninefamilyplanner.com/aba
• Join The Brew Crew Membership
• Access Spotlight Sessions, Breeder Briefs, and exclusive community calls with Sara and Isobel. Early bird access and perks await you at here!