Barbarian Bull - History and Breed Standard

Breed History

The Barbarian Bull is a modern creation, reminiscent of the ancient Molosser dogs given its immense size, powerful build and loyal, protective nature. The Barbarian Bull is a contemporary breed, designed in the 21st century with its purpose being a functional family guardian and more so, an adaptable family companion. The Barbarian Bull is known for its balanced temperament and its commanding, distinguished appearance. Although the Barbarian Bull is similar in appearance to the ancient dogs of war, it has purposely been bred to be a sound and fully functional member of society today.  The Barbarian Bull has been intentionally developed to possess a stable and dependable temperament, along with its easy-going disposition. The breed requires minimal maintenance, a daily walk and basic grooming, are enough to keep the Barbarian Bull healthy and well-kept.

Breed Standard

The IOEBA’s official Barbarian Bull breed standard is a detailed written description of the perfect “type” or “flawless” Barbarian Bull. 

A well written, detailed breed standard is a very effective tool that can be used to assists Barbarian Bull breeders in the selection process and evaluation of Barbarian Bull that are being considered for a structured breeding program or as a possible conformation show participant.  

It is important that Barbarian Bull breeders understand and use the IOEBA’s official Barbarian Bull breed standard, as the offspring they produce will have an impact on the Barbarian Bull breed in the future for many generations. 

The goal of all reputable Barbarian Bull breeders is to achieve perfection as far as correct breed type, health and temperament.

All IOEBA conformation judges use the IOEBA’s official Barbarian Bull breed standard as a guide to give themselves a mental picture of  breed perfection by which they select future IOEBA conformation champions.

General Description : The Barbarian Bull is a massive, powerfully built dog constructed over a heavy boned frame and covered with a short, tight coat. Males are more massive than females but both sexes maintain substance. The large head and prominent cheeks are one of the hallmarks of the breed along with its serious expression, chiseled appearance and sheer size. A true evaluation of this breed is not only about the look of the dog it must equally include the qualities of type, the parameters of temperament and soundness. 

Head : The headpiece is one of the crucial defining features of the Barbarian Bull. The head is large and round with very pronounced cheeks.  Stop is distinct, almost 90° with a deep furrow between the eyes. The head piece is the most distinctive feature of the Barbarian Bull and must be evaluated accordingly. The head piece of this breed MUST appear large compared to the body and the cheeks MUST be prominent under the eyes and to the sides. Without these two features, it lacks the type this breed must have to be an ideal specimen. Serious Faults: Small head or long narrow head is a serious fault.  
 
Eyes : Eyes are oval shaped, set deep in the skull, low on the face and far apart. Eyes must simultaneously move together and point forward.  Eyes must be of the same color and symmetrical (unless dog is merle coated). Faults: Crossed eyes. Wall eyes. 
 

Ears : Ears finish the head sitting high and far apart, on top of the skull. Ears may be cropped with sharp distinct points at top of ear or ears may be left natural. Ears should accentuate the headpiece. Faults: Hound like ears. 

Muzzle : Muzzle is short in length, about 1/3 of length of skull, and is broad, deep, blocky and squared in shape. Faults: Long, snipey muzzles.
 
Nose : The nose is solid colored, fully pigmented with large open nostrils. Faults: Pinched nares. Lack of pigmentation on nose.   
 
Jaws : Jaws are broad and strong with bottom jaw curving slightly upward. Very wide at back tapering slightly to front. Underjaw viewed from front is wide, never narrow or pointed. 
 
Bite : Scissor bite to slightly undershot bite is permitted. Lips fully pigmented and fitting together to cover teeth when mouth is closed. Faults: Teeth showing when mouth is closed. Excessive, pendulous flews are a fault.  Disqualifications: Wry bite. Overshot bite. 
 

Neck : Strong and muscular with an arch from back of skull to shoulders.  Neck is wide when viewed from front, coming to center off both shoulders with indentions on either side of breastbone.

FOREQUARTERS

Shoulders : When viewed from side, the muscle group on each shoulder is defined and shoulders are laid back but not extremely laid back as this breed is not built for endurance. The Barbarian Bull is built for short burst activity. 

Front Legs :  Sturdy front limbs with muscle coming down from shoulder. Straight, heavy boned front legs on either side of chest with strong pasterns, slightly angled for shock absorption.  Elbows should point straight back. Toes are short and knuckled, fitting together, not long and spaced apart. Faults: Splayed feet. Down pasterns. Bowed front legs.  Serious Faults: Elbows turned outward away from body. Bone that is fine.   

BODY
Chest : Wide and deep, with depth reaching below elbow. Ribs are curved and well sprung.  Slight tuck after last rib on underside.

Topline : Withers are pronounced and level topline is preferred. Slight rise over the loin is permitted with drop starting at croup and ending at base of thick straight tail that is carried low and tapers to hock. Faults: Sway back, long back, back short to which impedes movement.

Body : The body should be moderate in length, evenly weighted and fit the dog, not markedly short or long. 

REAR QUARTERS
Rear : The rear assembly must be strong, heavy boned, well muscled and angled properly to power the dog and propel it forward. Hips are wide when viewed from rear and muscle well developed on outer and inner thigh. Hocks point directly back, not turning outward or inward. Sufficient angulation in rear legs with a recognizable curve in the stifle for shock absorption and power is clear when viewed from side.  The rear matches the front of the dog and clearly has substance to it. The bones of the rear legs are sturdy and strong, pushing down with strength when standing still and providing effortless movement when moving.  Faults: Straight stifles. Serious Faults: Complete lack of angulation. Narrow rear and lack of inner thigh muscle. 
 
Height : 17 inches and above. 
 
Weight : Proportionate to height.  
 
Movement : Gait is not restricted and dog powers off rear.  Topline stays level when moving while front legs reach and rear legs drive.  Movement should be effortless without stiffness or a choppy gait. 

Coat : The coat is short, tight and shiny.  Skin is thin and free of ropey wrinkle. Tight skin is desired. Faults: Excessive wrinkle or loose coat. Disqualifications: Long coat and/or feathering on legs or tail.

Color : All colors and patterns accepted.

Tail : A low-set natural straight tail preferred however a docked tail is permissible. Faults: Screw tail.