Dog Breeds: The Bull Mastiff

The Bull Mastiff was originally a cross between an English Mastiff and an Old English Bulldog which was bred to protect the game and the gamekeepers on English estates. Because of its speed and strength, not only did it provide protection for the game and gamekeepers, but it was also used to find and capture poachers without mauling or killing them.

The optimum cross, which originated in the mid to late 1800's is 60 percent English Mastiff and 40 percent Old English Bulldog (this is not the English Bulldog of today, as the Old English Bulldog was taller, heavier and much sturdier than today's breed). In 1924, the English Kennel Club (EKC) recognized the Bull Mastiff as a separate breed. In 1933, the American Kennel Club (AKC) followed and then set the first breed standard for the Bull Mastiff in 1935. The current standard is available on the AKC website (http://www.akc.org/).

Bull Mastiffs are bred to be confident, yet docile. They are courageous and extremely protective of their human family. They have proven to be a popular family pet because they are loving and calm. However, they can become aggressive if a member of their human family is threatened or harmed. Bull Mastiffs that have been properly trained and socialized get along with children extremely well, but parental supervision should be maintained because, like any large dog, they may accidentally knock a small child down when they turn or move quickly.

Bull Mastiffs are fawn, red or brindle in colour. A little bit of white on the chest is acceptable, but white should not appear elsewhere. Their muzzle should be black. These dogs should be 24 to 27 inches tall at the withers and weigh 90 to 130 pounds. Their lifespan is eight to 12 years.

Bull Mastiffs are prone to the following hereditary diseases:

Hip and elbow dysplasia, entropion, hypothyroidism, lymphoma cancer, progressive retinal atrophy, arthritis and bloat.

If you would like a large, calm, loving dog, then you should check to see if a Bull Mastiff fits into your lifestyle.

Until next time,

Teia