BULL TERRIER Breed Standards
Throughout the long and bloody history of dog fighting, aficionados of the sport have sought to create the ultimate dog gladiator. Such was the case in 1835, when breeders crossed the Bulldog with the now extinct Old English Terrier to create what was then called the “Bull and Terrier.” Subsequent crosses with the Spanish Pointer added size and increased the breed’s value as a pit fighter.
As time passed, dog fighting became less popular and dog shows were on the rise, and breeders therefore set out to improve the appearance of the breed. In 1860, James Hinks crossed the “Bull and Terrier” with the White English Terrier and Dalmatian, creating an all-white dog known as the Bull Terrier that was taken up immediately by young gentlemen of the day. These refined dogs were known to never pick a fight with dog or man, but to defend themselves and their masters ardently if challenged, and were thus given the nickname “White Cavalier.”
The Bull Terrier was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885, though at the time the breed standard specified that the only color acceptable in the breed was white. By 1900, crosses with the Staffordshire Bull Terrier created a colored variety of the Bull Terrier; though initially scorned by breeders, the dog was eventually accepted and brought into the AKC standard in 1936.
The Bull Terrier’s considerable success in television and cinema puts it in the same league as the Jack Russell Terrier, German Shepherd and Collie in terms of on screen presence. The best known Bull Terrier is Spuds MacKenzie, who appeared in one of Budweiser’s most popular advertising campaigns during the late 1980s.
SKILLS: Family Pet. thick-set muscular, well-proportioned animal. Though this breed was once a fierce gladiator, he is much gentler now. A Bull Terrier, might have a preventive effect and it might defend it's owner in a truly critical situation, but it isn't breed to be a guard dog. Courageous, scrappy, fun-loving, active, clownish and fearless. The Bull Terrier is a loyal, polite, and obedient dog. They become very attached to their owners. The Bull Terrier thrives on affection and makes a fine family pet.
SIZE: There is no standard size for this dog; the most important point is for the build to create an impression of a substantial dog.
COAT: The short-haired coat can be plain white, white with markings on the head, and or coloring broken with highlights. Red, broken black, fawn and black and tan with a little white are all accepted. With non-white animals, one color must predominate.
CARE REQUIRED: A minimum of grooming is required for a Bull Terrier. Brushing the coat with a rubber brush to remove dead and loose hairs to considered adequate to keep it in good condition. In addition, you should regularly clean the ears. These dogs need a soft place to lie down.
CHARACTER: Bull Terriers can be hard on themselves (they seem to have almost no sensitivity to pain), and are affectionate but often stubborn and with a mind of their own, lively and boisterous, loving with children, spontaneous, and cheerful. Some Bull Terriers are rather keen to fight other dogs.
TRAINING: Take your puppy to a good obedience training course. When fully grown, this dog is very strong for its size and it is very difficult to train when it is an adult. The Bull Terrier is intelligent and learns relatively quickly, but it is also stubborn, with a mind of its own. The handler needs plenty of patience but must also be consistent towards the dog, possess understanding and be able to express affection.
SOCIAL BEHAVIOR: This breed usually gets on well with children and, provided they have social training when young, will not present difficulties with cats or other household animals later. Some Bull Terriers may try to dominate other dogs but this depends on the basic nature of the individual dog and the manner in which its social and other training was carried out. If you already own a dog, don't but a Bull Terrier as a second dog. It may take years before it happens, but sooner or later there will be a major battle between the two dogs
EXERCISE: When they get enough exercise, Bull Terriers are calm indoors. These dogs enjoy running alongside your bicycle but don't try this until they are fully- grown, and even then not for too long at one session. These dogs also like going for long walks and running and playing off the leash.
