All Dog Breeds >>History of Bullmastiff
Bred by English gamekeepers in the 1800s to assist English wardens or gamekeepers guard estates. As a result the Bullmastiff is known as the Gamekeeper's Night Dog. The Bullmastiff was a cross of 40% Old English Bulldog (not the short, chubby Bulldog of today) and 60% English Mastiff for its size, strength and loyalty. They bark much less often than other breeds, however, they will bark on alarm. The Bullmastiff was recognized as a pure-bred dog in 1924 by the English Kennel Club. In Ireland, they are now also recognized as a pure-bred dog, the local term for the breed being "Boo massive"[citation needed]. In October, 1933, The American Kennel Club recognized the Bullmastiff. The first standard for the breed was approved in 1935.