English Bull Mastiff

The English Bull Mastiff descended from the Old English Bulldog and the Mastiff in the mid-1800s, as a guard dog. For its exceptional agility and enviable intelligence, the breed gained popularity shortly after its inception. Bull Mastiffs were bred and trained to deal with poachers and intruders in a tough yet relatively humane way. They were not supposed to and did not tear up enemies, like Old English Bulldogs did. From the Bulldog, the Bull Mastiff inherited the agility, and his superb endurance and intelligence were the Mastiff’s heritage.

Bull Mastiffs of today are excellent companions. They are not vicious at all, although some people continue to mistake them for ferocious butcher or fighter dogs. Bull Mastiffs are communicative and hardy, and they are famous for their guarding abilities, which are well intact from the times when these dogs were used extensively by estate owners to keep their lands safe and secure against poachers. English Bull Mastiffs are believed to be the highest quality line.

The Bull Mastiff is a large and strong dog, its wither height being 23-27 inches, and weight averaging 100-130 lbs. The coat is short and smooth, and hence it does not require much grooming. The coat comes in red, fawn or brindle, although brindle species are less popular today than they were in the 19th century. However, some English Bull Mastiff fanciers show liking toward brindle-coated dogs. These dogs have a black-masked muzzle.

Bull Mastiffs are naturally alert and protective. They tend to be reserved with strangers, but they usually accept those accepted by the owners. These dogs never attack without provocation. Like many Mastiff-type breeds, these dogs have a stubborn streak, and hence they can be hard to train for inexperienced dog owners. Conscientious breeders do not usually recommend this breed for novice owners, since it takes a due amount of time, devotion and experience to properly train an English Bull Mastiff.

Bull Mastiffs should not be exposed to physical strains. They require moderate exercise, and they do not feel alright in hot climates. Heat is a deadly hazard for Bull Mastiffs. These dogs are also prone to cold, and hence they do not tolerate drastic temperature fluctuations. However, this does not mean they should be locked indoors, as they do appreciate daily walks. It is absolutely imperative for an English Bull Mastiff to be socialized from early on, so that you will not run into sad incidents involving your dog and neighbors or other animals.