Bull Terrier - a true sportsman's dog!

Bull Terrier

At a Glance

Best Friend

Olympic Athlete

The Life of the Party / The Body Guard

Natural Beauty

Famous Owners

Musician Rick Springfield (dog’s name – Ron)

U.S. General George Patton (dog’s name – William the Conqueror, or Willy)

U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt (dog’s name – Pete)

Breed History

English Bull Terriers are the result of a cross between a Bulldog and a white English Terrier (now extinct) and were originally called “bull and terrier” dogs. The Bull Terrier was bred to be a true sportsman’s dog — both a fierce fighter in the ring and a distinguished gentleman in the show ring. Around 1860 it was suggested that a pure white dog would be more attractive than the colored Bull Terriers. James Hinks took on the task and produced the first all white Bull Terrier. But, it seems the love for the colored variety never died away and today the Bull Terrier comes in both the colored variety and the white variety.

Bull Terriers Today

The Bull Terrier is between 15 and 19 inches tall and is solidly built, usually weighing between 52 and 62 pounds. His face has a distinct look owing to his unique triangular eyes and oval-shaped head. He’s moved beyond his fighting days and is now used primarily as a companion dog. The white variety must be completely white while the colored variety may be of any color or of any color and white, as long as the white doesn’t dominate. Having said that, though, it's the opinion of this writer that few dogs are more attractive than a white English Bull Terrier with a brown, brindle or even black "patch" over one eye.

One of my prized childhood memories is of such a dog on a farm in Essex. He lived out of doors in a kennel, but I loved him and he loved me. We'd talk to each other for hours on end.

Though it’s true that the white variety is attractive and certainly draws attention, his flashy look isn’t without drawbacks. The white variety is more prone to health problems, such as hereditary deafness and heart problems. In many dogs, the "white" gene seems to have this link with deafness. The colored variety is much less likely to have health issues, though hereditary juvenile kidney failure may occur.

Personality and the Perfect Owner

You might not know it from his looks, but the Bull Terrier is most definitely a lover, not a fighter. While he’s capable of a good fight and doesn’t let go once he’s sunk his teeth into something, he’s not likely to start the fight himself. The Bull Terrier is a loving and playful dog who is wonderfully gentle with children and a devoted protector of his master. He has an enthusiastic attitude, craves affection, and is always ready for a romp. Be aware, though, that he may require a great deal of work to become a gentleman — he’s headstrong and not easily trained.

Common Health Problems

Before adding a Bull Terrier to your home, ask your breeder about the dog’s health history. Common Bull Terrier ailments are:

· Patella problems · Skin problems · Deafness