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American Bullmastiff

History

The American Bullmastiff is a breed that originated in England in the mid to late 1800's. The progenitors of this breed were approximately 60% Mastiff and 40% Old English Bulldog. They were originally called the "Gamekeeper's Night Dog."The English estates needed protection from poachers. The answer was to develop a powerful, yet agile animal who could knock down the would be offenders and hold them until the gamekeeper could arrive. Brindle was the original color, as it was camouflaged. Today, the colors of the bred are: Fawn, Red, Red-Fawn, and of course, brindle. Classified as a Working Dog with the American Kennel Club (AKC), the Bullmastiff characteristics include: nobility, attentiveness, and intellectual look. The Bullmastiff is distinguished from the English Mastiff by its smaller compact size. Bullmastiff's are often described as intelligent, loyal, protective, stubborn, family-oriented, playful, easy-going, passive, and even-tempered. The Bullmastiff tends to integrate well with other pets. This breed now enjoys the luxury of being the family pet. They require moderate exercise to maintain muscle structure and good health. They are easy to train in conformation, obedience, and/or search and rescue. They are protective of their family and property, and are excellent with children. The Bullmastiff tends to be a domineering animal wanting to take control. It is important that they learn who the master is from day one to minimize any potential behavior problems. This breed should be socialized with other animals, as well as people, from an early age. It is recommended that any interested Bullmastiff purchaser read as many books and periodicals on the breed prior to their purchase. Please view our Books and Periodical Information.

General Appearance That of a symmetrical animal, showing great strength, endurance, and alertness; powerfully built but active. The foundation breeding was 60% Mastiff and 40% Bulldog. The breed was developed in England by gamekeepers for protection against poachers.

Size, Proportion, Substance

Size-Dogs, 25 to 27 inches at the withers, and 110 to 130 pounds weight. Bitches, 24 to 26 inches at the withers, and 100 to 120 pounds weight. Other things being equal, the more substantial dog within these limits is favored. Proportion-The length from tip of breastbone to rear of thigh exceeds the height from withers to ground only slightly, resulting in a nearly square appearance.

Head

Expression-Keen, alert, and intelligent. Eyes-Dark and of medium size. Ears-V-shaped and carried close to the cheeks, set on wide and high, level with occiput and cheeks, giving a square appearance to the skull; darker in color than the body and medium in size. Skull-Large, with a fair amount of wrinkle when alert; broad, with cheeks well developed. Forehead flat. Stop-Moderate. Muzzle—Broad and deep; its length, in comparison with that of the entire head, approximately as 1 is to 3. Lack of foreface with nostrils set on top of muzzle is a reversion to the Bulldog and is very undesirable. A dark muzzle is preferable. Nose-Black, with nostrils large and broad. Flews-Not too pendulous. Bite-Preferably level or slightly undershot. Canine teeth large and set wide apart.

Neck, Top line, Body Neck-Slightly arched, of moderate length, very muscular, and almost equal in circumference to the skull. Top line-Straight and level between withers and loin. Body-Compact. Chest wide and deep, with ribs well sprung and well set down between the forelegs. Back-Short, giving the impression of a well balanced dog. Loin-Wide, muscular, and slightly arched, with fair depth of flank. Tail-Set on high, strong at the root, and tapering to the hocks. It may be straight or curved, but never carried hound fashion.

Forequarters Shoulders-muscular but not loaded, and slightly sloping. Forelegs-straight, well boned, and set well apart; elbows turned neither in nor out. Pasterns -straight, feet of medium size, with round toes well arched. Pads thick and tough, nails black.

Hindquarters Broad and muscular, with well developed second thigh denoting power, but not cumbersome. Moderate angulation at hocks. Cow hocks and splay feet are serious faults.

Coat Short and dense, giving good weather protection.

Color Red, fawn, or brindle. Except for a very small white spot on the chest, white marking is considered a fault.

Gait Free, smooth, and powerful. When viewed from the side, reach and drive indicate maximum use of the dog’s moderate angulation. Back remains level and firm. Coming and going, the dog moves in a straight line. Feet tend to converge under the body, without crossing over, as speed increases. There is no twisting in or out at the joints.

Temperament Fearless and confident yet docile. The dog combines the reliability, intelligence, and willingness to please required in a dependable family companion and protector.

Faults Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree.

Note Male animals should have two apparrently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.