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Bull Mastiff

Bulldog Breeds

The Bulldog

 

Bull Mastiff

Bull Mastiff Breed Standard

The Bull mastiff is 60% Mastiff and 40% Bulldog and was first recognized in 1924.

With its handsome and powerful appearance, along with surprising speed, coupled with incredible strength and endurance, Bull mastiffs can overtake and capture intruders without mauling them. These traits make the Bull mastiff appear to be an excellent choice for a guard dog; however, a stubborn streak makes the animal somewhat resistant to obedience training and they can be overly protective of their human family. Due to this, the breed has been overtaken by others, more popular as guard dogs. Bred to sneak up on poachers, the Bull mastiff barks much less often than other breeds, but when they bark they will make your head turn, as it is dark and hollow sounding. The Bullmastiff was recognized as a pure-bred dog in 1924 by the English Kennel Club. In October, 1933, The American Kennel Club recognized the Bull mastiff. The foundation breeding was 60% Mastiff and 40% Bulldog (which was the Old English Bulldog, not the modern short English Bulldog of today).

History

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 uard 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.

 

Temperament -

The Bull mastiff is courageous, loyal, calm, and loving with those it knows. It has a very strong protective instinct and will defend its owners against anything it perceives as a threat. However, it does not normally attack to protect. Instead, it simply knocks the intruder over with its massive size and pins them to the ground, or, will simply stand in front of the stranger/intruder and refuse to let them pass. Bullmastiffs become intensely attached to their families and do best when they can live inside with them. Their protective instinct combined with their great size and natural wariness of strangers means that early socialization is a must. The Bull mastiff may or may not get along well with other dogs. Often, male Bullmastiffs do not tolerate other males, regardless of breed. Occasionally, females are also intolerant of other females. The Bull mastiff, in general, does get along well with children and is very loving towards them. Parental supervision should be maintained when they are with children because these dogs are so big that they may accidentally knock smaller children down.

Bull Mastiff

Breed Standard
Characteristics

A Bullmastiff presents an aristocratic, attentive and intelligent look. He is distinguished from the English Mastiff by his smaller size and more compact face.

They have been described as: intelligent, loyal, stubborn, laid back, family oriented, stoic, and even-tempered.

Bullmastiffs rarely bark unless there is a reason. There is a minimal amount of slobbering associated with a Bullmastiff, usually after eating or drinking.

They are a dog that requires consistent and fair training. Unique breed characteristics need to be taken into consideration. Though playful enough as a puppy, the Bullmastiff often takes a rather serious, sombre attitude toward training as he matures. He likes to work and concentrates hard on a new exercise for a given interval. However once he learns it, he will quickly become bored and lethargic if the exercise is not applied in a variety of practical and rewarding ways.

The Bullmastiff seems to be very easy-going and as such tends to integrate well with most other dogs. But as with any breed, you should start socialization early. Puppy kindergarten type situations are definitely a must. As far as the Bullmastiff's relationship to other animals (other than dogs), size rather than aggressiveness is often more of an issue. Often Bullmastiffs don't realize their size can hurt a smaller dog, or cat, with rough-house play.

In relationship to people, Bullmastiffs tend to be one family dogs. They bond extremely close with their people and can be suspicious of strangers. Early puppy interaction with lots of different people is key to overcoming potential problems due to this trait. Believe it or not Bullmastiffs can be quite cuddly and demonstrative. They must be integrated as a member of the family. I would say they are not very suitable for being an outdoor dog.

Bullmastiffs are more tolerant of children than many other breeds. Their easy going nature and calmness, tend to make them able to tolerate the energy of younger kids. But again, due to their size, constant parental supervision is a must.

They are a naturally protective dog. They have a suspicious nature in regards to strangers and size people up. Sufficient socialization is extremely important due to this fact. They also naturally guard their family members.

Bullmastiffs are constantly attentive and curious about their surroundings and will be alarmed if any danger is perceived to their pack. Many people who see a Bullmastiff playing with children or other friendly person, cannot believe that this breed can be anything but friendly, however if the need arises the Bullmastiff can quickly take on a 180 degree change in personality and can change from a friendly clown into the most determined guard dog imaginable.

These two factors make, in my opinion, on-going training and early puppy socialization, all important. Without it, Bullmastiffs can become over-protective and over-aggressive towards strangers and other dogs, etc.

Bullmastiffs do not tend to tolerate LARGE variances in temperature. They do not like extreme heat or extreme cold. They will however frolick in a snow drift of two when the opportunity arises.

Bulldog Types