Bull Terrier

The Bull Terrier is a breed of dog. A thick-set, muscular, well-proportioned animal, the Bull Terrier has a short, dense coat that comes in pure white, black, brindle, red, fawn and tri-color. Its most distinctive feature is its head, which is descibed as 'egg-shaped', almost flat at the top, sloping evenly down to the end of the nose with no stop. The eyes are small, dark, almond-shaped 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'.

History

Bull Terriers arose from the old fashioned Bulldog, crossed with the now extinct Old English Terrier, during the 19th century. Crosses with other breeds doubtless could have occured, but the elogated head with that beautiful 'fill' under the eyes is a product of modern showrings.

From the time when the English Stud books were first written (1874), pedigrees of Bull Terriers were recorded and the breed was developed purely as a showdog and companionship, but not for fighting.

During the creation of the old fashioned Bulldog at the beginning of the nineteenth century, the sport of dog fighting was prevalent. By the middle of the century, dog fighting had been outlawed and replaced by dog showing. Then, the price of a good showdog was far more than that which could be won by wagers at dog fights! So, a dog that appealed to the general public because it was beautiful to look at, evolved. For the past 136 years, this breed's sole purpose is that of a showdog and companion.

Trivia

• There is also a miniature version of this breed; this distinct breed is officially known as the Bull Terrier (Miniature).

• In 1987, the Budweiser brewing company used a Bull Terrier named "Spuds McKenzie" for their advertisements.