The Bullmastiff was originally called the 'Gamekeeper’s Night Dog' as they were used to catch poachers. The base stock of the Bullmastiff was 60% English Mastiff and 40% Bulldog. They were created in the late 1800’s. When the need for gamekeepers and the Bullmastiff declined they were used in sport. Someone would run off into the undergrowth and after a short time a muzzled Bullmastiff would be released to see if the person could be found. They were not trained to maul or kill, but to overpower their target. All the records state the dog never lost. The Kennel Club in Britain first recognised the breed in 1925, and the American Kennel Club gave them recognition in 1933.


The Bullmastiff can be stubborn and firm handling is required from puppyhood. They can also be quite headstrong and boisterous, especially during adolescence.

The Bullmastiff has a very distinctive head that should appear large and square. They have a short muzzle with a broad nose and wide nostrils. The mouth should be level, being slightly undershot is allowed. The eyes should be dark or hazel in colour and of medium size. The ears are V shaped and small, they are also darker than the body. The neck is very thick and muscular, it is almost equal to the circumference of the skull. The chest should be wide and deep, the shoulders muscular and powerful. The topline should be level with a short and straight back. The feet should be well arched with rounded toes. The tail should be high set and carried straight or curved. The colours desired are fawn, red or brindle. A small amount of white is allowed on the chest but nowhere else, the muzzle should be black.

These dogs are very protective of their family and other household pets. They have to be socialised from an early age. The Bullmastiff will only accept strangers if they are introduced to them by someone they trust. Intruders will be quickly halted in their tracks. It is not really a breed for the novice owner, due to its strength, stubborn and over protective nature.

Good post Paula

they are beautiful dogs, very handsome x

http://www.bullmastiffassociation.co.uk/

The Bullmastiff



"..the popularity of the Bullmastiff has gone from strength to strength and this most British of breeds has firmly established itself throughout most of the world."


As long ago as 1785 there was written reference to large dogs of the Bullmastiff kind.

These dogs had various names including the Keepers Night dog/Mastiff with a dash of Bulldog/Large Bulldog.

These dogs were mostly working dogs and there was evidence to say that not only were the Mastiff & Bulldog used but also the Great Dane, St Bernard, the Bloodhounds and the Dogue de Bordeaux.

The Bullmastiff came into being only because people wanted a dog that could guard like the Mastiff with the courage of the Bulldog but which had more speed and agility than the Mastiff.

Mostly Gamekeepers used the breed. The Police also found the Bullmastiff invaluable and used them as a guard in warehouses and the dockland areas.

The Bullmastiff was recognised by the Kennel Club in 1924 as a pure breed. Mr S E Moseley is seen as the father of the breed and all Bullmastiffs today would be able to trace their pedigrees back to his Farcroft kennels.

In 1925 Farcroft Fidelity (born in 1921) was the first to win a first prize at a show held under Kennel Club rules and the first to qualify for registration in the Kennel Club Stud Book.

The first Bullmastiff Champion was a Brindle bitch, Farcroft Silvo (born on 18/3/25). One of the most influential stud dogs was Ch Roger of the Fens (born on 7/11/29); he sired 10 UK Champions.

The Bullmastiff today

Today the Bullmastiff is no longer widely used as a working guard but his instincts are still there and he will guard his family with all his considerable strength if need be. Trained and socialised the Bullmastiff will make a wonderful family pet and guardian.

How interesting very educational, they are a great breed of dog

i never took much particular interest in them until i met paulas maggie... i think theyre lovely looking ..

Stupid, thats what they are

There is one at the top of our road, it keeps coming up our drive to have it's daily poo :2445:

how cheeky lol :2431: does the owner pick it up?

:san41: really... then you know wat to do ... bag it up and drop it back at the owners house....

thats exactly what i did years ago when my neighbours dog used to poop right outside my gate.. i scooped it back up and threw it over to her side... she caught me doing it one day too, and never said a word.... :nhy:

:san42: :san42: :san42:

Do you need a hand carrying the bag Sandra? Not the smallest "parcels" are they? :2445: :2445: