Bull Terrier
Dogs
Bull Terrier
| Bull Terrier |
The Bull Terrier's triangular-shaped eyes are unique to
this breed
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| Alternative names |
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| Country of origin |
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England |
| Common nicknames |
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| Classification and breed standards |
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FCI: |
Group 3 Section 3 #153 |
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AKC: |
Terrier |
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ANKC: |
Group 2 (Terriers) |
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CKC: |
Group 4 - Terriers |
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KC (UK): |
Terrier |
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NZKC: |
Terrier |
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UKC: |
Terriers |
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| Not recognized by any major kennel club |
| This breed of dog is
extinct |
| Notes |
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The Bull Terrier is a
breed of
dog in the
terrier
family.
Appearance
Bull Terriers are thick-set and muscular with a short, dense
coat.
Acceptable colours are pure white (a dog that is mostly white must
be disqualified in the show ring, although dark markings on the head only are
permissible) and coloured, which is any colour other than white or any colour
with white markings. The
AKC specifies that if
all other things are equal, the
brindle coat
is preferred.
This terrier's most distinctive feature is its head, described as 'egg
shaped' when viewed from the front, almost flat at the top, with a Roman muzzle
sloping evenly down to the end of the nose with no stop. The unique triangular
eyes are small, dark, and closely set. The body is full and round, while the
shoulders are robust and muscular and the tail is carried horizontally. It walks
with a jaunty gait, and is popularly known as the 'gladiator of the canine
race'.
Temperament
Typically the Bull Terrier is an active, interesting, playful, and clownish
breed. It can also become very attached to certain family members. The breed is
usually amenable for obedience training but can be stubborn and hard to train.
If raised in a stable environment, the Bull Terrier will become a well rounded
dog, but correct upbringing is essential with this breed, as their stubborness
needs to be kept under control, and any aggressiveness must be dealt with as
early as possible to prevent future problems. Bull Terriers are very focused on
their goals, and will do anything to get what they want. Be sure to keep unsafe
items out of their reach, as they can choke, and make sure foods stay out of
their reach, or they will quite happily eat as much as they can. Bull Terriers
can also jump a fair height, and are quite curious creatures, so be sure to make
your house secure. They also need a lot of mental stimulation, and they enjoy
games such as tugging and fetching, although they may be reluctant to bring back
the toy!
Health
Bull Terriers are generally free of disabling genetic diseases. All puppies
should be checked for deafness, as this sometimes occurs (most commonly in pure
white dogs) and is difficult to notice, especially in a relatively young puppy.
A common problem to many Bull Terriers is a tendency to develop skin
allergies.
Insect bites, such as
fleas, and sometimes
mosquitoes
and mites, can
produce a generalized allergic response of hives, rash, and itching. This
condition can be stopped by keeping the dog free of contact from these insects,
but this is definitely a consideration in climates or circumstances where
exposure to these insects is inevitable. Their lifespan is somewhere between 11
and 14 years. The Bullterrier's coat is easy to maintain, but grooming can keep
it is near perfect conditions. Adding oils to their meals can also vastly
improve the quality of their coat. The Bull Terrier requires a fair amount of
exercise, but overworking the dog at a young age will cause strained muscles.
Older dogs do require exercise, but in small doses, whereas younger ones will be
happy to play for hours on end. The breed is reknown for being extremely greedy;
be sure to maintain a good balance of exercise and food, or the dog can become
overweight. Also, be sure to check ears, eyes, nose and mouth everyday for signs
of infection.
Although Bull Terriers will be happy to eat anything, it is best to feed them
a homemade meal, consisting of brown rice and pasta, fresh vegetables, eggs and
a small amount of olive oil. Feeding the dog a wholesome meal will greatly
improve their appearance, and combined with exercise and a warm bed, you will
find yourself in the company of an extremely happy dog.
History
Bull Terrier
The now extinct breeds
Old English Bulldog and
Old English Terrier were crossed to form a new breed of dog called the
Bull and Terrier. It is also known that Dalmation comes into their genetics,
and this can be seen by looking on the stomach area, where dark, spotted pigment
can be seen on the skin. Around
1860, the Bull and
Terrier breed split into two branches, the pure white Bull Terrier
and the coloured forms that lived on for another seventy years in the dog
fighting pits until they finally were recognized as a legitimate dog breed
called the
Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
Pedigrees of Bull Terriers date from the period during which the English Stud
books were first written (circa 1874-6). Although the breed was developed from
fighting dogs, the Bull Terrier was intended to be a showdog and companion.
Miscellaneous
Rick Springfield's dog Ronnie, a bull terrier/Great
Dane mix appeared on several of his album covers.
- There is also a miniature version of this breed; this distinct breed is
officially known as the
Bull Terrier (Miniature).
- Bull Terriers feature in several movies, including "Oliver!",
"The
Incredible Journey", "Patton",
and "Babe:
Pig in the City".
- Bull Terriers have also featured in
television shows such as the
1970s
television show "Baa
Baa Black Sheep", in the opening credits of the British
television show "Barking
Mad", and in the short lived Fox series "Keen
Eddie".
- The Bull Terrier is one of several breeds in which the dog (male)
and bitch (female) must have distinctly different appearances.
Famous Bull Terriers
- Blue
-
Bullseye
-
Patsy Ann
-
Spuds McKenzie
-
Willie (William the Conqueror), owned by General
George S. Patton.
See also
Rat
baiting
External links
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