The Bullmastiff was developed in England by gamekeepers for protection against poachers. The foundation breeding for the modern purebred was 60 per cent Mastiff and 40 per cent bulldog. It is a guard and companion dog, and should be loyal, obedient, and thus suitable for training.

The known history of the Bullmastiff begins about the year 1860 in England. It is probable that the story of the breed is really centuries old, but proof is difficult.

The Bullmastiff was bred to be a gamekeeper's guard dog who could track quietly, cover short distances quickly, and pin and hold poachers. He is now primarily a family companion with a calm, dependable disposition.

A mature adult male will average 26 inches and 120 pounds. The AKC granted recognition to the Bullmastiff in October, 1933.

The Bullmastiff is a powerfully built, symmetrical dog, showing great strength and activity, but not cumbersome; upstanding and compact in appearance, with breadth and depth of skull and body, the latter set in strong, sturdy well boned legs.The height measured vertically from the ground to the highest point of the withers, should nearly equal the length measured horizontally from the forechest to the rear part of the upper thigh, and should slightly exceed the height at the hips. Bitches are feminine in appearance, of somewhat lighter bone structure than the male, but should still convey strength.

The Bullmastiff's coat is short and dense, giving good weather protection. Color runs from any shade of red, fawn or brindle. In show dogs a small white marking on chest is permissible but not desirable. The muzzle is short, broad and deep, in the same proportion as the skull. The Mastiff's body is compact with a wide chest, with ribs well sprung and well set down between the forelegs. Its tail set on high, strong at the root and tapering to the hocks. It may be carried straight or curved. The gait is free, balanced and vigourous.

Thinking of owning a Bullmastiff? Maintaining such traits as alertness, wariness of strangers, strength, and agility, the Bullmastiff needs a firm loving home and is not a dog for the fragile or timid.

Previous Featured Breeds