French Masti-Bull -- French Bulldog X Mastiff

		French Masti-Bull
		He is not recognized by the F.C.I.


Origin			Francis <> Great Britain -> U.S.A.
Translation			Francis Vandersteen

A brief presentation of the French Masti-Bull

The French Masti-Bull will be a large to giant breed. His size means he's for owners with a large home where he can live comfortably and stretch out when needed. He's very friendly and good with children, although care needs to be taken when they interact. A little stubborn to train, this hybrid is not ideal for new dog owners. Described as intelligent but ready to learn at its own pace, the French Masti-Bull will need an owner willing to assume a leadership role in the relationship.

History of the French Masti-Bull

The French Masti-Bull is a modern breed with a troubled history. To understand the history of the French Masti-Bull, we need to look at the story of its parents.

	A little of the French Bulldog
	The English Industrial Revolution replaced many workers with machines. By the 1850s and 1860s, lacemakers were out of work. English lacemakers began moving to France to find work. They brought their dogs, which were small, miniature Bulldogs. Eventually bred with the native French Bulldog, today's French Bulldog was born. In 1885, a breeding program for American French Bulldogs was launched. Once in America, the breed became popular with society women. The breed was shown at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show in 1896. The only winners in the French Bulldog group were those with "pink ears", not breed members with "erect bat ears". The ladies of the society disagreed with the judge's decision. They formed the French Bulldog Club of America, which went on to create the breed standard. The "erect bat ear" was the correct type. In the early 20th century, the breed was owned by the Rockefeller family and the J.P. Morgan family. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1898. By 1906, the French Bulldog was the 5th most popular dog breed in America.

	Standard of the French Bulldog
	A little of the Mastiff
	Mastiff-like dogs lived in Asia and date back to 2500 BC. These dogs were used to hunt lions, fight in arenas and in times of war. In the Roman Colosseum, they were pitted against gladiators, bulls, bears and tigers. In England, they were bred to be guard dogs and excelled at protecting livestock from wolves and other predators. In the 1800s, the Mastiff was used in the ring, taking part in dog fights and bull baiting. Also a formidable fighter and protector in wartime, today's breed is a gentle giant that loves its family and will protect them with its life. The Mastiff joined the American Kennel Club in 1885.

	Standard of the Mastiff

Appearance of the French Masti-Bull

The French Masti-Bull often resembles the Mastiff and is a very large breed. Some may be smaller, although both variants have large, deep jowls with wrinkles and folds on the face. Its head will be broad and square. A dark "mask" will be visible around their eyes and nose. The French Masti-Bull will have a robust, muscular body with a short, smooth, dense coat with colors including white, brown and black. The French Masti-Bull may have floppy ears like the Mastiff parent, or erect, bat-like ears like those of the French Bulldog. The tail can be long or short. Its size will depend on the parental mix and dominant genes.

Temperament of the French Masti-Bull

The French Masti-Bull is known as a good watchdog. He may intimidate some people, but in reality, they are usually gentle. However, early obedience training and socialization with strangers and other dogs is recommended. They are not generally barkers, but they are not calm dogs either. This hybrid can growl and snore, and may also sniff a little due to the stenotic nostrils typical of brachycephalic breeds like the French Bulldog. Sometimes stubborn and prone to being a little too laid-back, the Mastiff personality can be balanced with the feisty, on-the-go French Bulldog.

Needs and activities of the French Masti-Bull

Your French Masti-Bull will enjoy daily walks, and although he may be large, his exercise needs are not. A walk around the neighborhood to say hello to humans and dogs will suffice. He may agree to go to the dog park for a meeting. This hybrid should not be exercised in hot weather, so take a walk early in the morning, then again in cool weather. He can't live in an apartment simply because he's too big. This strolling dog will thrive with a secure enclosed yard to play in and a large house to stretch out in.

Maintenance of the French Masti-Bull

The French Masti-Bull has a short, smooth, dense coat that requires little maintenance. A weekly brushing with a smoother brush will be all that's needed to keep him looking dapper and well groomed. The folds and wrinkles on his face need to be cleaned and kept dry. The Mastiff is known to drool, and if your hybrid has this trait, skin care will be part of the maintenance routine. If there is any irritation or redness on your French Masti-Bull's face, consult your vet for care instructions. If the ears fold back, check them often for wax build-up or moisture. Teeth should be cleaned several times a week and nails trimmed twice a month. Train your French Masti-Bull from an early age to sit still during the nail-cutting process, as the older he gets, the bigger and harder the nails will be. Rewards for good behavior when he's young will make the grooming routine a breeze.

Details: Written by: Francis Vandersteen; Also available:; Last Updated: 04 April 2024; Hits: 465

French Masti-Bull -- French Bulldog X Mastiff