Higantes Kennel - The Breed

Brief History of the Bullmastiff

The known history of the Bullmastiff begins about the year 1860 in England. It is probable that the story of the breed is really centuries old. The Bullmastiff was bred to aid gamekeepers in protecting the game on large English estates. Poaching on the estates was an expensive problem for the landowners, and it was the gamekeeper's duty to catch the thieves. Gamekeepers needed a dog that could track quietly, cover short distances quickly, and pin and hold poachers without mauling them.

Gamekeepers experimented with several breeds, looking to the mastiff, who was too slow, and then the bulldog, who was at the time a more ferocious dog than he is today too ferocious. Out of these breeds, the bullmastiff was born He combined the best of both breeds for the job required of him. He is now primarily a family companion with a calm, dependable disposition when properly trained and socialized.

The Bullmastiff was accepted as a recognized breed of the American Kennel Club in October, 1933. General Appearance and Size Bullmastiffs are large, powerfully built, but agile dogs. They have short coats that come in fawn, red, or brindle shades, and have a black mask. Their large heads are a striking feature, with keen, alert, intelligent expressions. Males measure 25 to 27" at the withers, and weigh up to 130 lbs. Females are 24 to 26" at the withers and weight up to 120 lbs.

Temperament of the Bullmastiff "Fearless and confident, yet docile, the dog combines the reliability, intelligence, andwillingness to please required in a dependable family companion and protector.

The Bullmastiff Breed Standard Bullmastiffs are strong-willed, but sensitive dogs who need a firm but loving hand. Consistency is the key word when dealing with this breed. They back their will with a tremendous physical strength, so early training and socialization is vital to a well-behaved family companion. That being said a Bullmastiff is not for everyone. The commitment to training and socializing a Bullmastiff puppy is great and will require an honest effort and understanding of or willingness to learn accepted training methods.

cited from: The American Bullmastiff Association

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