BULLMASTIFF

By Al Walker, ARF Genealogist & Registrar

FOR THOSE WHO SEE AND FALL IN LOVE WITH AN A BULLMASTIFF: A symmetrically built canine – powerfully constructed, and active. The foundation stock consists of 40 percent Bulldog and 60 percent Mastiff; this animal has great strength, and its endurance and its alertness are apparent. The Bullmastiff, a big dog [Height: 24 – 27 inches. Weight 110 to 130 pounds.] with a dark history, is a very loving creature that you can trust with your property. The Bullmastiff is an ideal dog for children; they seldom bark without cause. Docility is often associated with the breed, but its spirited character is never less than friendly, and never more than wary.

The Bullmastiff is truly a utilitarian breed; he was created to track down, overtake, and immobilize an individual upon command. Never bred to kill or maul, this canine has the strength, the courage, and the wisdom to stop or combat an armed intruder; if necessary, to prevent a man from escaping, at all costs, until his master returns.

In the 1800’s, landowners suffered extensive loss of livestock and game animals, due to common pillaging. These thieves, known as poachers, were a great concern, and, as a direct result of their poaching, ferocious bulldogs were bred to the Mastiff, to produce the “Bullmastiff”. In yesteryear, these dogs were known as the “Gamekeeper’s Night Dog”, when cattle rustling and horse stealing was punishable by death. One can just imagine the physical struggle that must have resulted, from fear of being caught in the act of stealing by one of these guard dogs. Although the original dogs were less refined than today’s Bullmastiffs, nevertheless, they were amazing at policing the farm and large estates.

Like many other dogs developed for a specific performance, the Bullmastiff has gained considerable recognition with the Animal Research Foundation, as a working breed. Today, the genes of the Bullmastiff are used in the re-creation of the Olde English Bulldogges, another classic breed that is gaining in popularity among those who live in an apartment, or in an urban development.

For more information about ARF, or the various breeds, we invite you to visit our web site [see above], or learn more about your dog’s ancient history by viewing our ARF Bulldog Book List. Keep in mind, no other breed can help a bulldog, but a bulldog can certainly help many other breeds.

A.W. – ARF