Zolton. He was the beginning of everything - the passion, the happiness of having a bullmastiff at home, the possibility to share part of our lives with this kind of dog. Everything has started with him. He is the angel of our sky. We are sure he rests in peace and keeps watching us with a wide smile from paradise of dogs. His nickname - Zeus - was not a random choice. Wise man said, "By the name of the ship you will know how it sails." And so it was.
Zolton saw the light on July 1, 1998. His parents were both color brindle, but Zolton was presented color bronze with a deep and very black mask on the face and ears. He was purchased by Elena when he was four months old and, thus, unfortunately, he could not be observed during the most fascinating, and full of fun, age of his life - when he was still a puppy. At four months he was already a way too serious and solid. While being outside, he was never horsing around like other puppies usually do, instead, his behavior showed a great sense of dignity. Calm, quiet, impassive, refined way - a sign of a true English gentleman. He started to run, jump, and play with other dogs only after he turned one year.
Often Elena tells a story of Zolton: "One time I went for a walk to the river with Zolton, who was about 9 months old at that time. I went into the water far enough and then called Zolton. He entered the river immediately, but did not swim and continued walking on the river bottom, although the water level would rise. He kept walking until he was completely submerged and disappeared. I had to immerse myself and drag him to the shore of the river.
From that experience I could say that he did not like that bathe too much - by the time Zolton is a good swimmer but not the dog who loves water and, if required to swim, always manifests his disapproval."
He was nimble despite his muscle mass - he was always very happy to run, jump and play. It was always fascinating to see him playing with his pups. Zolton's dedication to them and his care of them was an amazing thing. His puppies could make with him all what they wanted, bite him from all sides. Their favorite game was to hang at the lips of the dad and dangle - who had dangled there much longer was the winner. And when the puppies were playing with him this game, he had always been afraid to shut his mouth and hurt them. Thus, he would sit with his mouth wide open and with the expression of a martyr on his face.
The children in the neighborhood were never afraid of that giant dog. Zolton loved kids and while he was grateful for they never «tortured» him (like the pups did), he often offered them a sled ride in winter. That was a real joy for children and good practice for Zolton.
When he was 18 months, a significant event took place. During the evening promenade, Elena suddenly was attacked by a man. Zolton's reaction was immediate: he took the aggressor by the sleeve of his jacket as if he tried to teach him proper manners. The man seemed not to understand the lesson. He took out a bottle, broke the bottle neck, and hurt the dog. Zolton stepped back at first, but then lash out on the attacker who fell to the ground. We hope that guy has learned the lesson well. The two cuts on the Zolton's left side were quite serious. (photo) The dog was brought to the vet. Despite the fight, the injuries, and the long recovery period full of painful treatments, Zolton continued being friendly with both people and animals. And this is the fundamental characteristic of the breed: a Bullmastiff has a great ability to protect which combined with a peaceful and friendly attitude would never lead to an unnecessary aggression.
While with Zolton we always felt calm and safe. Zolton's frightening scars always attracted the attention of strangers. This fact ruined hope for the dog to participate in the dog show. But the breed experts, fortunately, still convinced Elena to bring Zolton to the show. Zolton became the Champion and had many puppies - also Champions - in different countries.
There are hundreds of stories and jokes about Zolton that could be told. Such as when a famous director of Cinecitta contacted us as he wanted Zolton to appear in a movie. He saw him on our website and wanted him to come to Rome for the shooting. The director said that the dog should appear aggressive and irate. We spent much time on the phone explaining that Zolton did not get angry easily, and that if he did the shooting area would be emptied as quickly as possible.
Another story - when he was using the technique that we call "strategy of grandfather." It was a technique that Zolton had researched and developed independently when the number of Bullmastiffs at our home has increased considerably. In fact, during lunch and dinner, the table was surrounded with Bullmastiffs waiting for a little snack. And as the youths are always the most blatant and also the fastest, Zeus always came the last, behind all the others. Because he did not like to prove his importance by force (though he could do it perfectly and the others would be moved), he invented a technique. Zolton had begun to bark as if outside was a stranger at the door. And the youngs, inexperienced and reckless, were immediately catapulted to the exit. As soon as we opened the door to dump the army to hunt the enemy, Zolton, being the first in line, suddenly stopped for passing all the other dogs running away from house. As soon as the last dog was past him, he walked over to the table, now free, with tranquility and elegance, and sat waiting for the delicious delicacy of the owners, while being certain of not having any more rivals. Obviously, the technique has undergone variations over time and has been refined.
But as we said, the book of Zolton's life is very long and worthy of a dog that has left a mark. And how deservedly earned himself, Zolton has spent the last years of his life in a place that just he saw pleased him immediately. Here he enjoyed the cool evenings on the terrace, the pleasant shade under a juniper tree on a hot day, the heat of the fireplace on winter evenings. This is the place he had chosen. This is the place where you are asleep. On May 23, 2009, at 16:00.
Thank you for everything.... Zeus.
You'll always be a part of our heart.
Love You Forever
Puppy from 6 to 8 months old
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9-10,5 years old... already old but still beautiful!!!
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Puppies 
