About Us
We bought our first Mastiff, Emma (Tiffma Lady Holly), in 1993 and she was a wonderful companion who also caused us to commence conformation showing. We successfully exhibited her so that she gained the title of Australian Champion which was a lot of fun and the start of a lot more to follow.
From the time Emma came to live with us, we became “hooked’ with this breed. We became active in the Mastiff Club of Victoria and became aware particularly about certain health aspects of the breed. Emma was only three years old when we had to make ‘that’ difficult decision. We wanted to learn more about this breed.
Our increasing interest in the breed also led us to want to pursue conformation showing further and ultimately breed better Mastiffs. The majority of the Mastiffs that we have owned have achieved the title of Australian Champion and have gained many other awards along the way. We take showing very seriously, ensuring that our dogs our appropriately trained, and always well presented. An important show is always a good excuse for Gabrielle to buy a new designer suit in just the right colour! We are very proud to be able to say that our home bred boy, Ch. Marstenmoor First Chapta, “Mungo”, was the first Mastiff in this country for over one hundred years to be awarded Best Exhibit in Show in all breeds competition. This was in 2002 and is quite an achievement!
Our first litter registered under the MARSTENMOOR prefix was not until almost eight years after purchasing our first Mastiff. We breed infrequently and each litter is carefully planned. We have been very fortunate to have had a number of quality puppies from the small number of puppies born. We have exported internationally but mostly enjoy seeing our puppies in companion homes.
We have travelled the world to see Mastiffs and meet Mastiff people. We have attended the Mastiff Club of America National Specialty on three occasions (2000, 2001 and 2003); Bucks County and Trenton supported shows (USA) on two occasions(2000 and 2003); Old English Mastiff Club Championship show (2007); Mastiff Club of Germany Club show (2008); and Mastiff Club of Netherlands Club show (2008).
We are Committee and active members of the Mastiff Club of Victoria Inc. This is the only club in Australia to exclusively represent the Mastiff. During our first year as members to the Mastiff Club of Victoria, our efforts were recognised when we were presented with a special Patron’s award for contributions made to the Club. We have continued to always support the Mastiff Club of Victoria, & both of us have previously held numerous committee positions, including Secretary, Newsletter Editor, and Rescue Officer. Presently, Paul is the President & Gabrielle is the Show Secretary and Newsletter Editor.
We are also members of the Old English Mastiff Club (UK); Mastiff Club of America; Mastiff Club of New Zealand; Mastiff Club of Sweden; and Utility Dog Club of Victoria.
In addition to this, Paul was the initial Webmaster for the Victorian Canine Association, and is currently a committee member of the Canine Museum Foundation as well as a Trustee for the Canine Museum.
Our passion for Mastiffs has also now encompassed collecting Mastiff ephemera and basically anything that is Mastiff related. Our collection is extensive and includes many valuable antique bronzes, figurines, lithographs, paintings and books. It also contains some items that are not so valuable but quirky such as a plastic Mastiff phone who’s eyes flash when it rings! Paul and the collection were featured in a major newspaper supplement in 2006 (and of course, copies are now in the collection!).
In 2006, a litter was registered under the prefix of YANOOR which is a joint prefix that we had with Debbie Hobbs of Yangerdook Mastiffs. This litter was very exciting as it was the first litter for our breed in Australia conceived using frozen semen. This was semen imported from America from a dog that Debbie and I had seen at the 2003 MCOA National. The dog is Am. Ch. Madigans Doc Holiday who now has offspring all over the world who have major show awards.
We have exported puppies and semen internationally to some significant kennels, as well as smaller kennels that have recognised the qualities of our dogs and breeding program.
This breed has become our lives and we have times that are rewarding and very special, but others that are heart-breaking and crushing.
This breed is not for everyone.
We feel it is very important that people who wish to purchase a Mastiff be fully aware of the size that they can grow to. Obviously with such a large dog, the feeding and maintenance (worming, heart worming) costs are considerably more than most other breeds. And they do slobber!
Our property is securely fenced. We have invested a lot of money which has been wisely spent and ensures our peace of mind knowing that our dogs cannot leave the property, or that that they can be at risk from other dogs entering.
We ensure that our dogs have the necessary obedience training so that they are always under effective control in public places. This does not mean “off-lead”, but being able to control your dog when you take him/her for a walk where there are people dogs and other animals. Training and socialisation are required – this means time.
This is a giant breed of dog and needs to be managed carefully especially during the juvenile years of its life. Appropriate diet and exercise are especially important, and we do require our puppy owners to keep us informed of their puppy’s progress.
All our Mastiffs have their own respective paperwork and documentation and are hip and elbow scored as a minimum. We do require we are given first right to purchase the puppy back if the new owner can no longer keep their Mastiff, but this and much more is covered in the detailed sales agreement.
Puppies go to their new homes with a six-week free health insurance policy. We strongly urge all owners to continue this policy for the life of the dog. Each of our own Mastiffs has pet health insurance.
Our Mastiffs take an incredible amount of time, energy, money and emotion to produce. This is done for love of the breed and not for financial gain. We wish to place these special puppies in the best possible homes available.