Bullmastiff

HISTORY -- In its present form, this is a fairly new breed, developed about 1860. The purpose for the development of the breed (a 60% Mastiff, 40% Bulldog cross), was to stop poaching in the English estates. The landowners wanted the poachers thrown and held but not mauled. The Mastiff, while powerful and courageous, was not fast enough and sufficiently aggressive. The Bulldog was a little too ferocious and not large enough for the task. This cross resulted in the development of a breed that was totally utilitarian.
The Bullmastiff was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1948. GENERAL APPEARANCE -- The Bullmastiff is symmetrical in structure. The breed is powerfully built, showing great strength and endurance, and is active. It is alert and fearless, yet docile in manner. It may be red, fawn or brindle in color, with a natural tail and ears.

CHARACTERISTICS -- Fearless yet docile. Protective of property and children. They require a firm, loving owner; proper training is necessary to the development of good habits before adulthood is reached. Americans prefer a 60%-40% Mastiff-Bulldog cross in appearance, with the Mastiff characteristics predominating.

HEAD -- The head is broad, with well-developed cheeks and a fair amount of wrinkles when alert. The skull is large; the circumference of the skull may be equal to the height of the dog at the shoulder. The forehead is flat. The stop is moderate.
Severe Faults: Lack of foreface, with the nostrils set on top of the muzzle.

MUZZLE -- The muzzle is short, blunt and squared off. Its length is approximately 1 to 3 in comparison with that of the entire head. A dark muzzle is preferred.

TEETH -- A full complement of large, strong, white teeth meet in a level or slightly undershot bite. The canine teeth are large and set wide apart.

NOSE -- The nose is black. The nostrils are large and broad.

EYES -- The eyes are dark and of medium size.

EARS -- The medium-sized, V-shaped ears are set wide and high on the skull, level with occiput and close to the cheeks, giving a squared-off appearance to the skull. NECK -- The slightly-arched, muscular neck is of moderate length; it has almost the same circumference as the skull. FOREQUARTERS -- The chest is wide and deep, with well-sprung ribs and a deep brisket. The shoulders are muscular, sloping, and powerful.
Faults: Loaded shoulders.

FORELEGS -- The powerful, straight, well-boned forelegs are set wide apart, showing a straight front. The pasterns are straight and strong.

BODY -- The back is short and straight, giving a compact carriage.
Faults: Roached back; sway back.

HINDQUARTERS The loins are wide, muscular and slightly arched, with fair depth of flank.

HIND LEGS -- The hind legs are strong and muscular, with a well-developed second thigh. When viewed from the rear, they are parallel. The hocks are moderately bent.
Severe Faults: Cowhocks.

FEET -- The feet are medium-sized, with well-arched, rounded toes. The pads are thick and tough. Dark toenails are desirable.
Severe Faults: Splayed feet.

TAIL -- The tail is set high, and is carried straight or curved. It is strong at the root, and tapers, reaching to the hocks.

COAT -- The coat is short and dense, and lies flat to the body, giving protection to the weather.

COLOR -- Any shade of brindle, fawn or red; to be pure and clean. A slight white marking on the chest is permissible. A dark muzzle is essential. The ears are darker than the body.
Disqualification: Albinism.

HEIGHT & WEIGHT -- Males -- 25 to 27 inches at the shoulders, and from 110 to 130 pounds.
Bitches -- 24 to 26 inches at the shoulders, and from 100 to 120 pounds. Size is proportionate to weight, with the heavier dog being preferred.

DISQUALIFICATIONS -- Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. Viciousness or extreme shyness. Albinism.