American Bull Mastiff
The American Bull Mastiff developed as a separate breed in the beginning of the 20th century. The direct ancestor of the breed was the Bullmastiff that appeared in England by crossing the Mastiff and the Bulldog. There are about 60% of Mastiff and 40% of Bulldog in the Bullmastiff. The original purpose of the breed was creating a gamekeeper’s dog able to track, chase, and hold poachers. Later, Bullmastiffs became popular as police and military dogs. These protective and powerful dogs are not aggressive to people. They hold the intruders, but do not bite them.
The American Bull Mastiff combines the characteristics of the Mastiff and the Bulldog. It’s powerfully built, but without excessive heaviness. The size of the American Bull Mastiff is something in between of the Mastiff and the Bulldog. Dogs stand 25-27 inches at the withers, and bitches are 24-26 inches at the withers. The average weight for dogs is 110-130 pounds, and for bitches, it’s 100-120 pounds. The head of the Bull Mastiff is very massive and square. The face of the Bull Mastiff is wrinkled; the flews are well marked, but not too pendulous. The eyes are medium-sized, hazel in color. The nose is large and black. The ears are wide-set and pendant creating a square head outline. A Bulldog-type flat muzzle is a fault in this breed.
The neck of the American Bull Mastiff is of moderate length, slightly arched, and very muscular. The circumference of the neck is almost equal to the skull. The chest of the Bull Mastiff is deep and wide; the ribs are well sprung. The back is moderately short. The tail is set high, wide at the base and tapering, carried straight or curved. The legs of the Bull Mastiff are well boned, straight, with compact feet and well arched toes. The coat of this breed is short, but very dense, providing protection from cold.
As for the personality, Bull Mastiffs are devoted, affectionate, courageous, and very protective. They make excellent guards and reliable companions for children. Though very calm and dignified, Bull Mastiffs need much human attention. The American Bull Mastiff needs a firm and experienced owner.
