Bullmastiff

The native of Britain and known for their fidelity, courage and intelligence, Bullmastiffs have appealed admirers for more than a century. Their fascinating history includes many odes and monuments to their heroic deeds. At present, Bullmastiffs are cherished world over for their unique combination of protectiveness and benevolence.

They started out as the Englishmen’s game keeping companion, apprehending poachers and protecting game reserves, but now they are a family dog. It is a breed that focuses on the human members of its household and protects its territory with determination.

History:

The Bullmastiff was earlier known in England as the Gamekeeper’s Night Dog that denied the poachers illegally taking wild animals from one’s property. In Britain, the wild game belonged to whoever was the master of the certain land and hunting was not only a past time but also the means of food on their tables. The life was indeed hard for the working men and poaching was one means through which he can supply his family with food.

The gamekeepers wanted a dog faster, more agile and more aggressive than the Mastiff; less ferocious and bigger than the then Bulldog. An animal that would remain silent at the approach of enemy, attacking only on command and holding the enemy till the master approaches. Many variations and breeds were tried and the one that suited most was the cross between the Old style Mastiff and the Bulldog.

The earliest records that we can find is from a French naturalist, Georges Louis Leclerc de Buffon wrote in his Historie Naturelle in 1791,

“The Bulldog produces with the Mastiff a dog which is called the Strong-Bulldog, and which is much larger than the real Bulldog and approaching the Bulldog more than the Mastiff”

As Bullmastiff was develop by humans for the sole purpose of deterring intruders and poachers, the type was never important for the breeders. The manufacture of this breed involved the deliberate selection of the traits and attributes deemed necessary to apprehend trespassers. The dog was required to be of quite nature, because barkers will alert the intruders. The dog needed to be of swift pace and strong enough to overcome the poachers and should be trained enough to release the accused on command.

The 20th century saw the spread of dog shows in Britain. Dog shows are the means of spreading awareness, breeds remaining pure and for the Bullmastiff reaching the status of purebred. The Bullmastiff not being accepted as a purebred was written in most chronicles and journals as “Bull-Mastiff” but in 1910 a man named Samuel E. Moseley ventured in the Bullmastiff scene with his kennel “Farcroft”. Moseley’s determination and services saw the Kennel Club of Great Britain granting purebred status to Bullmastiff in 1924. The first standard was drafted by Midland Bullmastiff Club and was approved on September 4th, 1925. Full registration was granted in 1927 and the breed was authorized to be awarded Challenge Certificates (CCs) in 1928. Nearly every Bullmastiff found today can trace back their pedigree to “Farcroft Fidelity “who won the very first Best of Breed award in 1925. Other notable figures that led to perpetuate the modern Bullmastiff were Mr. Cyril R. Leeke of the Bulmas kennel whose advertisement in his prime was “Always A-Head with Bulmas”. Mr. E.L. Terry of the famous Buttonoak kennel and Mr. Harry Colliass with their world renowned “Oldwell” prefix.

The Bullmastiff Character:

The Bullmastiff is powerful, reliable, faithful and active. He is as alert as a guard dog should be. They have a very strong attachment towards children and have proven to be quite good baby sitters. Bitches have more of a benevolent, calm and assuring temperament than males and it is quite often noted in males that reach puberty to become extremely intolerant of any other breed of dogs. They seem to enjoy human contact much as any thing but do not be mistaken that they are couch potatoes. Remember the Bullmastiff was created a hybrid through the crossing of Britain’s two oldest fighting and guarding breeds, and they still retain the qualities and prowess of an exceptional guard. A Bullmastiff in his youth with his chiseled muscularity is a formidable opponent and should never be left unattended with a stranger or another male dog, if not properly socialized before. The owner shall always be in charge of the dog and committed enough to stop an accident before it occurs.

There always remain a need for human companionship and direct contact if the highest level of trust has to be developed between the Bullmastiff and his owner, and it is better as early as it does. Then once the relationship establishes the Bullmastiff has inherited a genuine desire to please and defend his family, his territory.

Choosing Bullmastiff Puppies:

The best time initially to choose a puppy is between 7-8 weeks old when he has received the first dose of vaccination. Points to be noted when inspecting puppies are as follows:

1. The standard calls for a level or slightly undershot bite. Check for the bite that should adhere to the script. The lower jaw of the Bullmastiff continues to develop till the dog matures, so a distinctively undershot puppy (where the lower jaw extends in front of the upper jaw) may show his bottom teeth when adult.

2. The skull and muzzle should be broad, giving a squared impression to the head plus the wrinkled pattern is evident that he will have as an adult.

3. If the pigmentation of muzzle and ears is not sufficient at 8-10 weeks, it will never get better but will deteriorate as the puppy gets older.

4. It is assumed in the Molossian family especially the squared muzzle breeds as Bullmastiff, English Mastiff, Neapolitan Mastiff and Dogue de Bourdeauxe that the wider the distance between the two eyes, the greater the possibility of the development of the required wide skull and expression, so look for this quality in puppies.

5. Some puppies have evident black colouration over their backs and chest. This colouration fades away as the dog matures. White markings on the tip of paws also disappears with age.

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