A result of breeding, between the Bulldogs and the Mastiffs,
the Bullmastiff inherited from the latter the stature and body, being at the
same time fast and active like Bulldogs. Loyal, gentle, a good companion and play
mate for children, he still remains and excellent guard dog.
Although the Bullmastiff gains official recognition in the
year 1924, the modern breed being created from the early XVIIst century, it is
obvious that between the two breeds there have always existed crossings. Both
of British origin, but differently orientated through selection, they gave the
final product a sum of qualities very appreciated among the breed lovers.
The main reason this breed was creates is the mixture of
guardian abilities with courage, seeking to obtain a dog faster than the
Mastiff that could protect hunting guards and can also help capturing and
immobilizing illegal hunters. Actually the Bullmastiff was once called the
Gamekeeper's Night Dog, which means the night dog of the hunting guard.
It appears that perfecting the breed took some time – almost
30 years – its creator admitting the fact that he started with settling the
standards, and only then achieving the correct mixture. Soon, the Bullmastiff
gained fans all over the world and it was preferred to Mastiff because he was
smaller, easier to control and to raise.
The Bullmastiff, a dog that will never act naturally
violent, must not be abused in any way. He feels at his best next to a master
that has lots of patience. In society he is pretty quiet and relaxed, assuming
he has been brought in contact with people since he was little. When he is
still a puppy he must grow used to petting and to strangers.
Equipped for guarding, the Bullmastiff has some incredibly
quick reactions and he will protect his owner even with his life. In family he
is a pleasing friend, loving and patient with little children. Playful, he will
love children and let them do anything to him without fighting back. He needs
wide spaces to exercise and run freely. But to be always around his master, the
Bullmastiff will adapt to an apartment life as well.
