Working Dog Group - Bullmastiff

Developed some 200-300 years ago, the Bullmastiff is the result of a cross between the Mastiff and the British Bulldog. It was a brave fighting dog, which could bear pain without flinching, and had a considerable reputation for ferocity.

Coat: Short, smooth, and dense.

Color: Any shade of brindlc, fawn, or red; a slight white marking on the chest is permissible, other white markings arc undesirable; black muzzle.

Features: Broad skull; small eyes set wide apart; small cars; long, broad body; legs squarely set; tail set on high.

Size: Height at shoulders: dogs 25-27 in, bitches 24-26 in. Weight: dogs 110-130 lb, bitches 90-110 lb.

Care: Needs grooming every few days.

Character: Despite its ferocious past, the Bullmastiff of today is a playful, loyal, and gentle animal, an excellent guard, and usually very dependable with children. However, it is too powerful for a child or slight adult to control, and should only be kept by experienced dog owners.