Читать книгу The Great Book Of Bulldogs Bull Terrier and Molosser - Marlene Zwettler - Страница 8

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ulldog and Mastiff have the same origin, but developed in different ways. However, crossings of both breeds have always taken place. You also can suppose that the early British Molossers looked more like today’s Bullmastiff than today’s Mastiff in type and stature.

Bulldogge Jack & Mastiff Elder’s Maid

Bulldog of old type and Mastiff at the end of the 19th/beginning of the 20th century

Already in the 19^th century there existed Mastiff/Bulldog breeds, which were called “Keeper’s Nightdog” or “Mastiff with a dash of Bull”. Therefore six dogs were shown in the “Yard or Keeper’s Nightdog Class” on the Crystal Palace Show in 1871.

Bullmastiffs 1893; painting by Wright Barker (1864 – 1941)

The term “Keeper’s Nightdog” or “Gamekeeper’s Nightdog” derived from the dog’s duties. They were used for personal protection against poachers by the gamekeepers. They should be able to pull a poacher to the ground, but not injure him, at which they preferred the brindle dog, as this color melted better with the darkness and the poacher couldn’t see the dog.

Generally Mr. S. E. Moseley is regarded as the creator of the modern Bullmastiff, using 60% Mastiff and 40% Bulldog. However, other breeders too, like Thorneywood Kennels, W. Burton, J. H. Barrowcliffe, J. H. Biggs, V. J. Smith only to mention a few, have been important for the breeding of the modern Bullmastiff. Finally, in 1924, the Bullmastiff has been recognized as a breed.

Bullmastiff Ch. Brum in the 1920’s

The reason to create the Bullmastiff was to combine the guarding capability of the Mastiff with the courage of the Bulldog, being faster and more agile than the Mastiff, although the Mastiff has been more agile in former times than today.

The Bullmastiff is a reliable watch dog, very affectionate to his family and can distinguish between friend and enemy. At work he shows great stamina.

The Bullmastiff belongs to the smaller Molossers, he is very muscular and more compact than the Mastiff. He is very powerful, has heavy bones, a wide and deep chest. The head shall be big and square, with not too much wrinkles. Level mouth, undershot permitted, but not preferred. The color is brown, red or brindle. The male’s weight ranges from 110 to 130 lbs., with females from 90 to 110 lbs.

Bullmastiff in the 1960’s