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Bullmastiff History In the early 19th Century on the great English Estates, poaching was punishable by death. The English gamekeepers, therefore, met with formidable opponents when dealing with the poachers. The gamekeepers needed help and protection. The Bullmastiff was bred to help catch the poacher by knocking him down and holding. The gamekeeper did not want the poacher mauled, because they wanted to hang the poacher as a public example. The English gamekeepers created this noble breed by methodically crossing Mastiffs and Bulldogs until a cross of 60% Mastiff/40% Bulldog was achieved. The gamekeeper's Bullmastiff, "Night dog", or "Chien Du Nuit", is a dog that combines tremendous physical strength, endurance, alertness, intelligence, and guarding instinct. As the need to protect the estates of England from poachers faded, the Bullmastiff was bred as a family companion and home protector. Breed Characteristics. The Bullmastiff is a natural breed, no ear cropping or tail docking. According to the American Kennel Club Bullmastiff Standard, male dogs should stand between 25 -27 inches at the withers and weigh between 110-130 lbs. Bitches should stand 24-26 inches at the withers and weigh 100-120 lbs. Colors are red, fawn, red-fawn, or brindle. Brindle is a red, fawn, or red-fawn base color with black striping (amount of black may vary among dogs). The brindle is the original preferred color (can't see at night) of the gamekeeper and the dominant color of the breed. A black mask over the muzzle and around the eyes is preferred. Ears should be darker than the body color and eyes should be dark brown in color. The coat is short, flat and dense giving good protection in all weather. Bullmastiffs are mellow, docile, intelligent, and people oriented. A bullmastiff exhibiting human aggression should not be considered acceptable.Temperament. The present day Bullmastiff is an ideal family companion. He is usually amiable, fun -loving with family and guests when introduced. However, he is an ominous deterrent to intruders. The Bullmastiff is a quiet dog not usually barking unless there is a problem he cannot investigate (you can't sneak up on a poacher if you are barking!). A Bullmastiff has a mellow, docile temperament and is usually good with children. A Bullmastiff exhibiting human aggression should not be considered acceptable. Bullmastiffs are an intelligent dog (bred to out-think the poacher) and extremely people oriented. Bullmastiffs were bred to work alongside of man and to track man, and do not necessarily like other dogs (depends on the individual Bullmastiff). Socialization and training is very important if Bullmastiffs are going to share their life with other pets.The Bullmastiff was bred as a guard of the Estate, so your yard should be fenced to give him his boundaries. Most Bullmastiffs do not jump over fences, but knock them over. It is important to have a well designed fence when handling a Bullmastiff and NOT to leave them out unattended in the yard. The Bullmastiff is naturally defensive of his yard, family, and family possessions. Introductions with visitors is a must. There is nothing more upsetting to a visitor than to meet a Bullmastiff at full speed. The Bullmastiff is a knock-down-and-pin dog, not a biter, so your guests may be embarrassed but not hurt, unless they retaliate. The Bullmastiff is a powerful dog and is quite able to protect himself! The Bullmastiff has a definite mind of his own. His independence of spirit will make your relationship more of a working partnership than the conventional dog-master. He will give you and your family boundless love and devotion, but retains a corner of himself as a free spirit capable of making his own decisions and acting on them. Therefore, it is advisable to get obedience training early in a Bullmastiff's life, but doesn’t be fooled into thinking your Bullmastiff can't learn. Remember, he was bred to out-think man! A Bullmastiff learns very quickly and gets bored very quickly so adjust your training accordingly. Remember you are working with a thinker not just a dog! The Bullmastiff asks only to be made as much a part of the family as possible. He will reward such treatment with a devotion and genuine friendship not excelled in any other breed. One thing is sure, if you make a Bullmastiff a part of your family; you will be converted for life. Nothing quite matches the relationship you will experience!
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Dr. Barbara Brooks-Worrell and Mark Worrell | Ol West Farms | 618 384th St S, Roy, WA 98580 | 360.400.2823Copyright © 2010 Bulwark Bullmastiffs | Last modified: 08/24/10 |
