"..the popularity of the Bullmastiff has gone from strength to strength and this most British of breeds has firmly established itself throughout most of the world."

As long ago as 1785 there was written reference to large dogs of the Bullmastiff kind.

These dogs had various names including the Keepers Night dog/Mastiff with a dash of Bulldog/Large Bulldog.

These dogs were mostly working dogs and there was evidence to say that not only were the Mastiff & Bulldog used but also the Great Dane, St Bernard, the Bloodhounds and the Dogue de Bordeaux.

The Bullmastiff came into being only because people wanted a dog that could guard like the Mastiff with the courage of the Bulldog but which had more speed and agility than the Mastiff.

Mostly Gamekeepers used the breed. The Police also found the Bullmastiff invaluable and used them as a guard in warehouses and the dockland areas.

The Bullmastiff was recognised by the Kennel Club in 1924 as a pure breed. Mr S E Moseley is seen as the father of the breed and all Bullmastiffs today would be able to trace their pedigrees back to his Farcroft kennels.

In 1925 Farcroft Fidelity (born in 1921) was the first to win a first prize at a show held under Kennel Club rules and the first to qualify for registration in the Kennel Club Stud Book.

The first Bullmastiff Champion was a Brindle bitch, Farcroft Silvo (born on 18/3/25). One of the most influential stud dogs was Ch Roger of the Fens (born on 7/11/29); he sired 10 UK Champions.

The Bullmastiff today

Today the Bullmastiff is no longer widely used as a working guard but his instincts are still there and he will guard his family with all his considerable strength if need be. Trained and socialised the Bullmastiff will make a wonderful family pet and guardian.