Bullmastiff

AKC Group: Working

Club: American Bullmastiff Association, Inc.

Secretary : Lindy Whyte
Address: 2061 Henderson Ave, Washington, PA , 15310
Website: clubs.akc.org/aba/index.html
Club Type: Specialty

General Apperance:

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:

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.

Coat:

Short and dense, giving good weather protection.

Temperament:

Fearless and confident yet docile. The dog combines the reliability, intelligence, and willingness to please required in a dependable family companion and protector.

History:

The known history of the Bullmastiff begins about the year 1860 in England. The problem of keeping large estates and game preserves free from poachers was an acute one. The gamekeepers enlisted the aid of a dog to aid in guarding off poachers. They needed fearless dogs that would attack on command, for those needs they crossed the Mastiff with the Bulldog, the Bullmastiff was founded. Dogs of dark brindle color were preferred for the work at night. They were referred to as the Night Dog.

The English Kennel Club recognized the Bullmastiff as a purebred dog in 1924. The American Kennel Club recognized the Bullmastiff in October of 1933.

Fun Facts:

• The known history of the Bullmastiff begins about 1860 in England.
  
  
• Bred to guard against poachers who threatened gameland in England; the Mastiff was not aggressive or fast enough, and the Bulldog was a little too ferocious and small; however, the resulting cross of Mastiff x Bulldog was the Bullmastiff, great for throwing and holding poachers without mauling them.
  
  
• The Bullmastiff was known for some time as the Gamekeeper's Night Dog because of his utilitarian purpose.
  
  
• The Bullmastiff has been with the AKC since 1933.
  
  
• A mature adult male Bullmastiff will average 26 inches and 120 pounds.
  
  
• The primary use of Bullmastiffs now is as a firm, dependable and warm family dog.