Our New Addition

Cinderbelle and I have not left California quite yet. We'll be heading out to Idaho this Friday, but not without our newest addition to the family, Tank. He is 6 weeks old in this picture and will be 8 weeks when we pick him up. I decided I would get a brindle this time, this is the color bullmastiffs were originally bred to be. This color helped them to not be seen by poachers. If you would allow me to indulge myself for a minute, I'll give you a brief history of the bullmastiff.

Although it is said that the history of this breed is probably centuries old, the known history of the bullmastiff begins about the year 1860 in England. They were bred to help gamekeepers in protecting their game on large English estates. Poaching was an expensive problem for landowners, and it was the responsibility of the gamekeepers to catch these thieves. So, the gamekeepers needed a dog who could track quitely, cover short distances quickly, and then pin and hold the poachers without mauling them.

The bullmastiff is said to be "fearless and confident, yet docile, combining the reliability, intelligence and willingness to please. They are a dependable family companion and protector."

The bullmastiff was accepted as a recognized breed by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in October, 1933.

So, needless to say, I am so excited and can't wait to pick him up. He came from a litter of 8 gorgeous pups, but from the minute I walked in, I knew he was the one. It's hard to say why, but sometimes, I guess you just know it's right. And what better name is there for this guy, than Tank? Ok, so maybe I do know why I picked him, he is the biggest boy of his litter, just look at those paws!

"If a dog will not come to you after having looked you in the face, you should go home and examine your conscience." -Woodrow Wilson