Description written by: Evelyne Bliss
-A.A.C. Judge
The
Bull Terrier has been a recognized breed since the 1860's and possesses a Distinctive
feature that CANNOT be confused with ANY other breed of dog because of "It's
'Egg-Shaped' or 'Football' head." Smoothly sloped from the crown to the tip of the
nose, well-filled with small triangular eyes. The Bull Terrier also has Natural Up-Right
ears and can be seen in White or Colored coats. Most Males are often larger than the
Females but the average weight is approximately 50-65 lbs. and the average height at the
shoulders is approximately 16-20 inches. Viewed as being extremely muscular and
solid with straight front and hind limbs and small cat-like feet. The Bull Terrier
is of 'English' origin, stemming from Birmingham, England. In the early 1800's, the
Ol' Fashion Bulldog (resembling today's American Bulldog) was crossed with various strains
of 'Terriers'. The Terriers then, came in all sizes and coats and most were coarse-headed,
bow legged and carried their tails high.
James Hinks wanted to develop a
breed of dog that possessed the Stamina and Courage of the Bulldog and the Agility and
Ability-to-Think and Solve new problems like the Terriers. These first crossings, people
called 'Bull and Terriers' or 'Half'-n-'Half's From there James added the 'Old
English White Terrier' (resembling today's Manchester Terrier) and the 'Dalmatian' along
with various other breeds of which no record was kept.
It is believed that the 'Greyhound', 'Spanish Pointer', 'Foxhound' and 'Smooth Collie'
were used in his work of breeding. Litters were culled hoping to evolve a Pure White
Strain. In May of 1862, not only did James Hinks bring forth his New Breed but proved that
his Show Dog was just as 'game' as the Ol' Bulldogs in a very famous story of his dog
'Puss'.
After further breeding to improve the Bull Terrier, a very nice Colored specimen was
viewed in 1920 for the first time.
Today, White and Colored Bull
Terriers are bred mostly for the Show Ring, the 'Living room couch', and an assortment of
other 'pet' activities. The Bull Terrier is unusually reliable with children;
dependable as a companion and protector in any emergency, Providing They Are Raised
Responsibly. They make for Loving and Loyal pets and though life with a Bully is
sometimes 'trying' and often 'chaotic', it is most certainly NEVER dull.
A Bull Terrier's antics will Entertain you, Frustrate you, sometimes Embarrass
you but you
can always count on them to make you Smile when everything else in the world seems to be
going wrong. It is important to Stress at this time that although the Bull Terrier
possesses many attributes,
they MUST always be SUPERVISED by responsible adults. A dangerous weapon can be unleashed
if Control is not Enforced from puppy hood or if the Bully is in the Wrong Hands.
