Poaching was a crime punishable by death, or sent abroad to Colonial Australia for seven years or brutal whippings. Why did they do the crime? To some this was a means of life and the only way to support a family to others fortune. Poachers used dogs called Lurchers, which consisted of a cross between a Greyhound and Shepherd to assist them with retrieving chasing and hunting down game from Gamekeepers properties.  Lurchers were also trained to attack on command that were usually apprehending Gamekeepers.

In the beginning Mastiffs were used but Gamekeepers found the Mastiff was too large and cumbersome and unfortunately didn't leave too much of the poachers behind. Some poachers were only children of around 10 years of age.

Gamekeepers then started their search for a dog that was strong, silent, fearless, agile and powerful enough to be able to run down and knock the poacher to the ground. They also required a breed that would not maul the poacher but only hold them until help came from the Gamekeeper.

Obviously all of these traits would not be found in one breed of dog.  Many crosses between Mastiffs and Saint Bernard's Labradors and Great Danes were trailed until they had success with the Mastiff for its power, trustworthiness, fearsome appearance and loyal nature and the Bulldog for its tenacity, silence and agility.   Hence the Bullmastiff which consisted of 60% Mastiff and 40% Bulldog.  The Bullmastiff is a dependable loyal guarding breed, which earned the respect of the Gamekeeper not just as a guard dog but as well as a family dog.

Even though records have shown that the cross of a Mastiff Bulldog type found in editorials as early as 1795 it wasn't until 1924 that Bullmastiffs were to be judged but three generations of breeding of Bullmastiffs was required for Bullmastiffs to be registered as purebreds. Thankfully to the dedication of Mr. J. Biggs of Osmaston Kennels, Mr. J Barrowcliffe, Mr. J Barnard, Mr. S. E. Mosley of Farcroft Kennels and Mr. V. Smith of Pridzor Kennels, Bullmastiffs attained full registration in 1927.   Challenge certificates were issued as of 1928 to make up the title of Champion. The first show where Challenge Certificates were issued was the 1928 Crufts Show judged by H. R. Brown Jr. Dog challenge was awarded to Mr. V J Smiths Tiger Prince and bitch challenge was awarded to Mr. S. E. Mosley's Farcoft Silvo who also went on to be the first Bullmastiff titled Champion. The first dog to be titled Champion was Tiger Prince.

To have a better understanding of the breed standard we as breeders today need to understand the importance of the history of our breeds.

The Gamekeepers Night Dog

The original working dog colour choice was always brindle.

The reason behind this was, that it made the Bullmastiff very easily camouflaged into the background and the darkness of the night, thus making him less detectable to an unsuspecting poacher.   A fawn or red dog was too easily seen in the moonlight, an as such, were not preferred by the Gamekeepers for working dogs.

Dark eyes were essential.  It enabled them to blend into the dogs black mask, making him even more difficult to detect in his surroundings.

The characteristic wrinkling on the dogs’ forehead when it becomes alert,  was used as a silent warning to the gamekeeper to beware. 

That is the reason the standard calls for the dog the have wrinkling when interested but not when in repose.   A dog with excessive wrinkle,  that did not recede when the dog was relaxed, would be deemed unworthy of being a working dog.

It was quickly discovered that dark toenails wore better than the light coloured ones, and therefore provided better protection in the rough terrain. The Bullmastiffs short weather-proof coat protected the dog from the extremes of weather, as well, it did not allow sticks or debris to become caught in it to which may slow him down or inhibit him from performing his task efficiently.

The Bullmastiff requires a powerful, purposeful gait. This, combined with it's wide, deep muscular chest, enabled him to knock down poachers, and hold them to the ground until the Gamekeeper came within reach and released.

Tight, cat-like feet enabled the large dog to move in stealth, so as not to alert the poacher of it's approach.

These points as well as many others are still reflected in today’s breed standard.