The Bullmastiff is fearless and confident, yet calm. Bred to be a guardian dog, the breed is known for its intelligence, strength and stable dependability, attributes that make for a trusted family member and protector. The Bullmastiff is, very likely several hundred years old. Gamekeepers and breeders crossed Mastiffs and Bulldogs to create the Bullmastiff, the outcome created an effective deterent to poaching on large estates belonging to Englanders. Today's Bullmastiffs are fawn, red, or brindle, in color, with black masking and short, wrinkled muzzles. Males are approximately 27" at the withers and can weigh near to 130 pounds, females are somewhat shorter and weigh marginally less.
Temperament in the BullMastiff
Primarily used as a guard dog and, in olden times, to help the gamekeeper in the apprehension of poachers.
Naturally intelligent and observant, he is easily trained but likes to have a reason for doing things. Highly spirited, he makes a happy companion who is totally reliable both physically and mentally. Devoted to his 'family', his bravery and courage are legendary, defending them against intruders. He can quickly assess a situation and this, combined with his acute hearing, makes him an excellent housedog. He is very strong, but amenable to kindly discipline.
BullMastiff Formal Breed Standard
General Appearance
That of a symmetrical animal, showing great strength, endurance, and
alertness; powerfully built but active. The foundation breeding was 60%
Mastiff and 40% Bulldog. The breed was developed in England by
gamekeepers for protection against poachers.
Size, Proportion, Substance
Size--Dogs, 25 to 27 inches at the withers,
and 110 to 130 pounds weight. Bitches, 24 to 26 inches at the withers,
and 100 to 120 pounds weight. Other things being equal, the more
substantial dog within these limits is favored. Proportion--The
length from tip of breastbone to rear of thigh exceeds the height from
withers to ground only slightly, resulting in a nearly square
appearance.
Head
Expression--Keen, alert, and intelligent. Eyes
Dark and of medium size. Ears--V-shaped and carried
close to the cheeks, set on wide and high, level with occiput and
cheeks, giving a square appearance to the skull; darker in color than
the body and medium in size. Skull Large, with a
fair amount of wrinkle when alert; broad, with cheeks well developed.
Forehead flat. Stop--Moderate. Muzzle--Broad
and deep; its length, in comparison with that of the entire head,
approximately as 1 is to 3. Lack of foreface with nostrils set on top
of muzzle is a reversion to the Bulldog and is very undesirable. A dark
muzzle is preferable. Nose--Black, with nostrils
large and broad. Flews--Not too pendulous. Bite--Preferably
level or slightly undershot. Canine teeth large and set wide apart.
Neck, Topline, Body
Neck--Slightly arched, of moderate length, very
muscular, and almost equal in circumference to the skull. Topline--Straight
and level between withers and loin. Body--Compact.
Chest wide and deep, with ribs well sprung and well set down between
the forelegs. Back--Short, giving the impression of
a well balanced dog. Loin--Wide, muscular, and
slightly arched, with fair depth of flank. Tail--Set
on high, strong at the root, and tapering to the hocks. It may be
straight or curved, but never carried hound fashion.
Forequarters
Shoulders--muscular but not loaded, and slightly
sloping. Forelegs--straight, well boned, and set
well apart; elbows turned neither in nor out. Pasterns
straight, feet of medium size, with round toes well arched. Pads
thick and tough, nails black.
Hindquarters
Broad and muscular, with well developed second thigh denoting power,
but not cumbersome. Moderate angulation at hocks. Cowhocks and splay
feet are serious faults.
Coat
Short and dense, giving good weather protection.
Color
Red, fawn, or brindle. Except for a very small white spot on the chest,
white marking is considered a fault.
Gait
Free, smooth, and powerful. When viewed from the side, reach and drive
indicate maximum use of the dog's moderate angulation. Back remains
level and firm. Coming and going, the dog moves in a straight line.
Feet tend to converge under the body, without crossing over, as speed
increases. There is no twisting in or out at the joints.
Temperament
Fearless and confident yet docile. The dog combines the reliability,
intelligence, and willingness to please required in a dependable family
companion and protector.
Approved February 8, 1992
Effective March 31, 1992
Another outstanding source of information on the BullMastiff can be found at www.bullmastiff.org
A well written and informative BullMastiff article can be found at WikiPedia.com
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