I'm the breeder behind Melkev's Bullmastiffs and Boston Terriers located in Louisville, KY. Showing and breeding Bullmastiffs (and now Boston's), is my hobby, and one I am very serious about. I love showing. I have owner/handled all of my dogs to their AKC championships. I consider myself a preservation breeder, as my goal is to maintain the integrity of each breed as the standards state.
About Melinda
I grew up with English Setters. I loved helping my dad train. I also have a strong love for horses and all animals. My first venture into breeding was with mice. I loved raising the babies. After getting married in 1984 we researched breeds and we decided on Bullmastiffs we purchased our first one in 1986 I have loved and protected the breed since our first litter in 1990. We added Bostons in 2015. Finished my first Boston Terrier in 2022
What makes Melinda’s program special
I breed for type and temperament. I am known for dogs with solid temperaments with working ability. Many of my dogs do agility, scent work, rally, and obedience. I love showing in conformation and have produced many champions and group placers over the years.
Melinda is a member of a club
American Bullmastiff Association
Melinda’s certifications & recognitions
AKC Breeder of Merit
Melinda has been certified by Good Dog's screening team for responsible and trusted breeding practices. When you're ready to reach out, feel free to ask any questions about the breed, their program, or specific puppies. You'll also have the chance to share a bit about yourself and what you're looking for in a new companion. Together, you'll choose the puppy that's right for you, stay in touch with regular updates, and plan how to bring your new puppy home.
Puppy prices range from.
“Please contact me via email for pricing information and puppy info Melkevs@gmail.com. I do not take deposits.”
Melinda may provide a written contract or health guarantee when you purchase a puppy. This helps protect both you and your breeder, ensuring that you both have a clear understanding of the terms of your puppy purchase. If Melinda offers a contract or guarantee, the details will be personalized by them. If you have any questions or want to know more, don’t hesitate to reach out to Melinda directly.
All pups are raised in our home and handled daily by us and a select few visitors. I use lots of different surfaces in the puppy pens and lots of different noises to acclimate them to the world. They spend time outdoors in different areas to learn about the outside world. I also do my best to desensitize pups to loud noises. I utilize the following enrichment methods: Crate Training, Socialized with Children, Socialized with Elderly, Household Desensitization, Sound Stimulation, Scents, Early Neurological Stimulation, Various Surfaces , and Stores.
All puppies are wormed every 2 weeks from birth. The 1st vet visit is at 4 weeks then every 2 weeks till they go home. The 1st vaccine is given at 7 weeks. Bullmastiffs are then allowed to go home at 9 weeks. Bostons are kept till 10 weeks min.
We send our puppies home with health certs of parents, Lifetime Support from me, Paid lifetime enrollment Microchip, Paid AKC Reg., Microchip, and Vaccinations.
Melinda offers options to help you easily get your new puppy home.
If you’re nearby, you can visit in person to pick up your pup. If you’re far away, you can travel by car or plane.
Work with a trusted flight nanny or transporter to get your puppy comfortably dropped off at an airport or meeting point close to home.
Why Melinda started breeding
I always knew I wanted to show dogs and breed. I researched and called many breeders for about 2 years before I got my first show dog and then bred my first litter a few years later.
Melinda has been a member of Good Dog for almost 5 years
Melinda was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2020.
Melinda’s program includes nine colors
Melinda’s Boston Terrier puppies include black brindle and white, seal brindle and white, seal and white, brindle and white, and black and white. Melinda’s Bullmastiff puppies include red fawn brindle, red brindle, red, and fawn brindle. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.
Melkev's Bullmastiffs and Boston Terriers meets or exceeds our community standards in these areas:
All breeds
Boston Terrier
Boston Terrier
About Rip
Seal brindle/white
Excellent health testing
Patellar Luxation, Eye Certification (CAER, registered with OFA), +1 more
Boston Terrier
Bullmastiff
Excellent level
Melkev's Bullmastiffs and Boston Terriers reports to performing the health tests below on their breeding dogs. Ask your breeder about the tests performed on the parents of your litter. Learn more about health testing for Boston Terriers.
Eye Certification (CAER, registered with OFA)
Eye testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide range of hereditary eye illnesses including retinal dysplasia, lens luxation, and glaucoma, which can cause impared vision or blindness.
Cardiac Evaluation (registered with OFA)
Heart testing reduces the chance of passing down congenital heart disease, which can cause a range of symptoms ranging from trouble exercising to heart failure.
Patellar Luxation
Knee testing reduces the chance of passing down Patellar Luxation, which results in the kneecap becoming displaced or dislocated and can cause mild to severe joint pain.
Spine (OFA, FCI), Brucellosis, Congenital Deafness (BAER, registered with OFA)
A breeder may perform additional tests on their dogs that do not fall into these general categories. These tests may be more uncommon or very specific to a particular breed.
OFA/CHIC DNA Repository
Genetic testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide variety of hereditary diseases of differing prevalence and severity such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (an eye disease) and Von Willebrand's Disease (a blood disease).
Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.