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| ENGLISH MASTIFF |
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| BULLMASTIFF |
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What is a Mastiff?
Also Known as the Old English Mastiff, The Mastiff is the largest breed of dog in the world for both his weight and bulk.
A mastiff is a large, stately, noble breed. They are known as the gentle giants of the dog world.
It was once said. "What the cat is to the lion, the mastiff is to the dog. The noblest of the family, he stands alone and all others sink before him."
The mastiff is one of the most ancient breeds recorded by man. They fought by the sides of the roman legions before the birth of Christ.
As dogs of war the mastiff was said to have accompanied the soldiers and chariots to protect their owners should they fall during battle.
The mastiff is a truly versatile working breed.
Their great strength was used to turn the wheels to draw water from the wells. They were used to pull carts and carry heavy loads on their powerful backs.
They excelled as guardians to the children, homes and grounds of noble's as well as those of peasants.
Today the mastiff is generally a rather large, lazy, couch potato. The mastiff is very intelligent, easily obedience trained and we have found them to be usually housebroken within a matter of days.
The mastiff is a dog of massive body, large head, broad chest and powerful hind end. They range in size from small (130 lbs) to large (over 220 lbs), standing at a height of 27 to 34 inches at the shoulder.
Males tend to be larger and heavier than females.
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HISTORY ON THE BULLMASTIFF
Did you know that the known history of the Bullmastiff begins around the year 1860 in England?
It is probable that the story of the breed is really centuries old, but proof is difficult to come by.
In the latter part of the nineteenth century in England, the problem of keeping large estates and game preserves free from the greedy hands of poachers was an acute one.
Penalties were severe, yet poaching seemed impossible to eradicate by mere laws. Accordingly, the gamekeeper's life was anything but safe.
You want to know more about these dogs who made life easy for man way back in the 18th century!!!
How did this animal intercept his quarry?? Was he aggressive enough!!
Is this utilitarian dog good enough to be just a pet?? How do I train a dog who has so much energy in his genes?? Will he be only a guard dog or a pet too!!!
Bullmastiffs are quick to learn but can get bored easily. They need lots of understanding and will try your patience—yet, your persistence will pay off! You can turn this dog into the best pet you have ever had!!!
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How Did the Bullmastiff Come to Be
Your neighbor has this dog, black masked. Looks like a Bulldog but is larger! Wondered what they really are?
Is she as docile as she looks!!!
How come she keeps following her master's baby wherever she goes, one would think she is guard!!!
Well you are almost there. Yes, what you see is not a Bulldog or a Boxer. She is a BULLMASTIFF.
The Games keepers of England had the mammoth task of having to be everywhere trying to protect the game in his estates.
Both the Mastiff and the Bulldog were contenders for the role. But both were misfits for some reason or the other. The Mastiff was too slow and were not motivated enough to hold down their prey- the poachers.
The Bulldog was too ferocious, tore his prey apart even before he was brought to justice.
But the Gamekeeper wanted both their qualities, so he crossed them and got the 60% Mastiff and 40% Bulldog a wonderful guard dog.
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