Bull-Mastiff
Thursday, April 9, 2020
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Where in many breeds there is considerable cloudiness on origins, there is none for the Bull-Mastiff. He is the result of a cross between a Mastiff and a Bulldog.
The cross was made with a definite objective to produce a dog heavy enough to attack and throw the poachers of Nineteenth Century England, which the Mastiff could, but with more speed and agility, qualities provided by the Bulldog.
You can read about "Maltese" here
You can read about "Maltese" here
Gamekeepers through Great Britain began breeding the dog and he became known as the
“Gamekeeper's Night-Dog," less frequently as the Bull-Mastiff. The dog didn't develop quickly, of course. Various breeds were tried for the specialized work, but there were objections to all, including the Mastiff itself, which was big and strong enough but too slow. The Bulldog of the day was a trifle too ferocious and too small. Blending of the two provided the ideal combination.
The breed was strictly a utilitarian one for many years. Then attempts were started to breed for type conformation. Efforts to get the breed recognized by the English Kennel Club followed and they succeeded in 1925, with the provision that dogs so recognized would have to go back as pure-breds for three generations. American recognition came in 1933.
The Bull-Mastiff is smaller than the Mastiff but still a massive dog, weighing about 100 pounds. In America a blend of 60% Mastiff and 40% Bulldog is desired. The Englishmen prefer a 50-50 ratio.
The Bull-Mastiff may be any shade of fawn or brindle. In its summation of the standard, the Bull-Mastiff Club of America emphasises conformance to breed type as a primary ideal.
Characteristic of Bull-Mastiff
Lovable and trustworthy if properly reared and trained; loyal and affectionate, superlative guard dog; good with own family's children; needs plenty of room.
Color: Red, fawn and brindle
Height: Dog 25-27 in, bitch 24-26 lb
Weight: Dog 110-130 lb, bitch 100-120 lb
Coat type: Short and dense, need occasional brushing
Exercise: Regular steady exercise is required.
Color: Red, fawn and brindle
Height: Dog 25-27 in, bitch 24-26 lb
Weight: Dog 110-130 lb, bitch 100-120 lb
Coat type: Short and dense, need occasional brushing
Exercise: Regular steady exercise is required.