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A Bullmastiff Review |
The Gamekeeper's Guardian of the Night
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The origination of this breed arose from the need to protect large estates from poachers in the 19th Century. During this time in history, poaching was punishable by death and thus the poacher had nothing to loose and everything to gain by escaping the game keeper.
Bullmastiffs are incredibly loyal companions, and make perfect personal protection dogs. Think of them as a best friend, someone you'd go to the casino or the ball game with, who'll protect you whatever happens and will, if treated humanely keep watch over your family and children as they sleep, grow up and enjoy their lives.
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Thus arose,
a need for a tenacious protector
of the
gamekeeper. |
A protector who could lay hours on end
side by side with its master... waiting in silence
for the deadly
offender to
approach.
Along with patience,
this protector had to posses qualities of
force,
stamina,
and determination
to overcome a foe,
who had nothing to gain
by subcoming to the dog's domination. |
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By combining Mastiff with bulldog
mans finest friend was created
—the Bullmastiff.
During the process of creating the bullmastiff, the best qualities of both breed were retained as well as new qualities were developed. |
The bullmastiff was designed to be as powerful and as devoted as the English Mastiff of Old. The Reputation of the Old English was legendary on the battlefield; loyal to their masters in the rages of war, they were proclaimed an equivalent of ten men. This tenacity added to the bulldog’s traits produced a breed that does not understand the concept of coward.
The Bullmastiff is engraved with a loyalty that cannot be altered, is equipped with a muscular physic that forcefully knocks its prey to the ground, and is capable of securely holding its prey with out need to gasp for breath. When you add to the list of attributes the coloring of reverse brindle, this powerful breed is rendered invisible at night. |
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While this list of attributes qualified the bullmastiff to be respected and revered among dog breeds; the bullmastiff also posses character, love, devotion and a deep desire for socializing; thus, the bullmastiffs greatest accomplishment is it’s desire to be member of a family. |
In the 19th century gamekeepers’ dog shows were common place; as the gamekeeper was in a desperate search of a guardian. It was through these shows that the bullmastiff received it recognition as the guardian dog of the night. |
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| With the arrival of the bullmastiff, there was relief, as there was no other breed that was so finely tuned to this job. When other dogs bite to subdue; |
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the bully simply runs full force at the target, lunges with all its power, flies through the air, ramming the poacher with it broad chest. The target is forced to the ground, stunned, as the bully gives no warning of it strategy of attack. |
The poacher would fight the bullmastiff with instinctual ferocity knowing he must escape apprehension by the gamekeeper (the penalty of poaching--- death by hanging).
The bullmastiff was designed to surpass his opponents determination to win the struggle, as the breed is incapable of giving up; yet disciplined with the ability to abstain from seriously mauling or killing man. This was a blessing to the gamekeepers, an answer to their prayers for protection, and improved the gamekeepers expected lifespan in this field of employment. |
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The English police took notice of the breed because of its ability to attack but not maul, and used the breed for police dogs. |
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| For a time during the Mau Mau uprising in the 1950’s, it was fashionable and practical for colonist to bring over bullmastiffs for protection. The bullmastiff became a legend as it protected family from bloodthirsty rebels... |
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and if that was not enough the bully would guard the cattle from attacks from baboons, leopards, lynx and other large predatory animals. This noble breed was created out of necessity, and because of its characteristics of strength, size, fearlessness, loyalty, devotion, affectionate, intelligent, social, playful and trainable this breed has carved a spot in the hearts of man. |
| Even when the necessity for a guardian is not needed, the bullmastiff drops his cape of superhero and undetectably resumes the role as a member of the family. |
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What is the Bullmastiff all about
The Bullmastiff’s known history in England begins around 1860, when they were developed to keep large estates and game preserves free of poachers. Gameskeepers needed a dog that could track quietly, cover short distances quickly and pin and hold poachers without mauling them. The foundation breeding was 60% Mastiff and 40% Bulldog; breeders were hoping to create a dog faster and more aggressive than the Mastiff, yet bigger than and not as ferocious as the Bulldog.
The Bullmastiff is a strong and powerfully built animal that possesses great intelligence and a willingness to please, making them ideal family companions and protectors. Although large, the breed remains both agile and active and is successful in conformation, obedience, agility, tracking, carting and therapy work. The Bullmastiff’s coat may be red, fawn or brindle.
The Bullmastiff is fearless and confident, yet remains docile and sweet-natured with his family. They are natural guardians of the home, but do not bark much, as silence was a virtue when guarding estates. Bullmastiffs are independent thinkers and may not respond to traditional obedience training. The breed does not require much exercise or grooming, and can live happily in a house or apartment.
The head has wrinkled skin on the surface and is broad in size, though short. The square shape contains a muzzle that's about one third of the entire head's size with a dark coloring. With a black nose and larger nostrils, the Bullmastiff is punctuated by piercing hazel eyes that have a focused and intelligent appearance. The ears of the Bullmastiff are set wide on the head and are dark in color and have a v shape. The shortened back portion of this breed is straight and is on the same level as the loin and the withers of the dog. The tail is set high and tapers, reaching to the backs of the legs.
Bullmastiffs crave attention and get along well with other pets if they are raised with them and socialized early in life. Bullmastiffs tolerate being left alone well, and may fit quite well into a family where both everyone is out of the house during the day. Of course, as a puppy, they will require someone coming home during the afternoon.
If not handled well, and trained early in life, they may act aggressive with strangers and strange dogs. They also get along well with children, but their size can be a problem for toddlers.
Bullmastiffs, once attached to you and your family, become some of the most dedicated, best friend you can have in a dog. They protect you fiercely with their life. |
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