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Andy Hansmann spent his childhood years in Berlin, Germany
until the family immigrated to Canada in the mid-60's. Andy
always was a "dog person" and he grew up with an old-type
Boxer. Once in Canada, he couldn't wait to get another dog.
Andy eagerly read up on the various breeds and his #1 choice
was the Bullmastiff which undoubtedly reminded him of his
large-boned fawn Boxer. Alas, he could not convince his
parents so this had to be put on the back burner.
 Andy
met Helene in the mid-70's and they got married in '79. They
both loved dogs and Helene worked as an Animal Health
Technician in Toronto. Andy had previously told Helene about
the Bullmastiff breed and naturally Helene had never heard of
them. One day the vet where Helene worked had a Bullmastiff
in for boarding and a meeting was arranged. Naturally, both
Helene and Andy decided that their first dog had to be a
Bullmastiff!
In '82 they purchased their first Bullmastiff, a male puppy
(Marquinn Lord Eythan). The opportunity for starting a kennel
arose when the couple moved to their rural home located in
Nassageweya (now part of Milton).
Knatchbull Kennels was founded as a partnership
business back in '87. By the way, "Knatchbull" is a ghost
town located close to where they live. Their main objectives
in their breeding program were (and are) to breed Bullmastiffs
true to type, to stabilize and improve the breed's temperament
and to further brindle bloodlines.
Andy has previously been active in the Bullmastiff Fanciers of
Canada as Liaison Officer, Ontario representative, and
President. Nowadays, he rather associates with Bullmastiffs
directly and his kennel-related activities include looking
after the dogs at home (he makes a great "dog stew"),
supporting show activities, and decision-making and planning
future litters.
"Onan" is his special buddy and if Andy is not at work or at
home chances are that are bush whacking it in one of the
nearby county forests. |
