English Bull Mastiff

The English Bull Mastiff resulted from a cross between the Mastiff and the English Bulldog. The records of such crosses date back to the 18th century, but gamekeepers and hunters crossbred these breeds much earlier. The cross of the Mastiff and Bulldog was fierce and threatening. It could track and hold poachers and guard the property. Bull Mastiffs were also prized as police and military dogs. One of the ancestors of the breed, the Mastiff, is a large dog of the Molosser type developed in Britain in the 6th century from the Molosser and Alaunt. The name of the breed comes from the Anglo-Saxon word “masty” that means “powerful.” Bulldogs are smaller dogs developed to control cattle. In ancient times, both English Bulldogs and Mastiffs were used for baiting bulls, bears, and lions and fighting with other dogs. When blood sports were banned in England, these breeds have lost their aggression and became quiet family pets and guards.

The Mastiff and the Bulldog have contributed much to the development of large working breeds. The English Bull Mastiff and other related breeds are strong, protective, intelligent, and devoted to the owner. The main purpose of the present-day English Bull Mastiff is guarding the house and protecting the kids. The Bull Mastiff is recognized by all major registries and kennel clubs in the Mastiff or Working Group.

The English Bull Mastiff can be registered with the AKC, CKC, NKC, FCI, KCGB, ANKC, NZKC, ACR, and APRI. The breed standard for purebred dogs is rather strict concerning the size and proportions of the dogs, but is not very particular about the coat color. The accepted size for Bull Mastiff dogs varies from 25 to 27 inches at the withers; females stand from 24 to 26 inches at the withers. More substantial dogs are favored. Bull Mastiffs have a large and broad head with well developed cheeks. The ears are V-shaped and lying close to the cheeks; the eyes are dark, with an intelligent expression.

Reversion to the Bulldog type flat muzzle is a serious fault in the Bull Mastiff. Wrinkles and flews should not be too deep. The bite of the Bull Mastiff is level or slightly undershot. The body of the Bull Mastiff is compact, with a deep chest and well sprung ribs. The tail is strong at the base and tapering. The coat of the English Bull Mastiff is short and dense, coming in fawn, red, or brindle.