ABOUT BULLMASTIFFS

IMPORTANT INFO ABOUT BULLMASTIFFS:
FUN WITH YOUR BULLMASTIFF:

PHOTO GALLERIES:
  • Bullmastiffs We Love Gallery
  • Bullmastiff Coat Colors
  • ABARS - RESCUE Gallery
  • Bullmastiffs at Work
  • 2014 National Specialty Gallery
  • 2014 ABA Regional Specialty Galleries
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A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE BREED

The known history of the Bullmastiff begins about the year 1860 in England. It is probable that the story of the breed is really centuries old. The Bullmastiff was bred to aid gamekeepers in protecting the game on large English estates. Poaching on the estates was an expensive problem for the landowners, and it was the gamekeeper's duty to catch the thieves. Gamekeepers needed a dog that could track quietly, cover short distances quickly, and pin and hold poachers without mauling them.

Gamekeepers experimented with several breeds, looking to the mastiff, who was too slow, and then the bulldog, who was at the time a more ferocious dog than he is today--too ferocious. Out of these breeds, the Bullmastiff was born. He combined the best of both breeds for the job required of him. He is now primarily a family companion with a calm, dependable disposition when properly trained and socialized. The Bullmastiff was accepted as a recognized breed of the American Kennel Club in October 1933.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

JOURNALS
BULLMASTIFF BULLETIN, published twice a year by the American Bullmastiff Association, for more information click HERE to be taken to the ABA BULLETIN INFORMATION PAGE.  Back issues are available in our Rescue Store.

BOOKS
THE BULLMASTIFF: PEERLESS PROTECTOR, by Jack Shastid and Gerry Roach.
EVERYONE'S GUIDE TO THE BULLMASTIFF, by Carol H. Beans
RAISING THE BULLMASTIFF, by Mona Webb.
BULLMASTIFFS TODAY, by Lyn Pratt.
THE MASTIFF AND BULLMASTIFF HANDBOOK, by Douglas Oliff.