The Bull Terrier
Often referred to as 'the gladiator' or by contrast 'the three year old child in a dog suit', the Bull Terrier is a truly unique breed, and one that is sometimes misunderstood. Whilst many see the English Bull Terrier as merely a mellowed ancestor of a 'fighting' breed, the distinctive dog as we now know it was originally developed to be a gentlemans companion. Here we shall take a brief look into the origins of this strong yet loveable breed.
The Bull Terrier's early predecessor was a dog referred to as the 'Bull and Terrier'. These dogs were created by crossing the Old English Terrier and Old English Bulldog.Unfortunately, these dogs were used in barbaric blood sports for 'entertainment' and gambling. These sports regularly involved pitting the dogs against an enraged bull, hence the use of the name 'bull' in Bulldog, Bull Terrier etc. By adding terrier blood to the Bulldog (which was more akin to a smaller mastiff) the dogs became more agile and presented the 'gameness' that could be seen in terriers hunting vermin. The courage of the bulldog and the tenacity of the terrier combined was used to create a more bloodthirsty event. It was not unusual for these dogs to be put in a pit with a bear.
Sadly, Although Bull Baiting was banned in 1835, it still continued, sometimes secretly. However, the ban led the barbaric sports to become something associated with people and places of an undesirable nature.
With the abolishen of blood sports, bull and terrier type dogs proved to be useful for vermin control, unlike the old type Bulldog (which virtually became extinct until admirers of the breed developed it into the modern Bulldog) the Bull and terriers were still considered practical.
However the bull and terrier was about to make an appearance in dog shows, and was developed into a breed that attracted the upper echelons of society.
Dog dealer James Hinks begun to mix the bull and terrier dogs with the White English Terrier, and furthermore introduced Dalmation's blood. He presented his 'New Bull Terrier' in 1862, appearing at a dog show with a white female dog named 'Puss'. She was the earliest example of the modern day Bull Terrier and she certainly turned heads.
In an article published in the Danish Terrier Club magazine, Kevin Kane describes Hinks as an 'Entrepreneur' who saw an opportunity to develop a fashionable pet for the middle classes, who would like a dog 'with a hint of the past but not tainted by the dog pit itself'. These dogs were originally all white and were often referred to as the 'White Cavalier' in reference to their popularity as a gentlemans companion, and as a credit to their pleasant nature. Later developments to the breed were considered to involve out crossings of the Borzoi, creating the Bull Terriers distinctive profile.
Whilst the all white dogs were thoroughly popular, there became health problems due to the lack of genetic diversity in creating all white dogs. In 1936, 'coloured' Bull Terriers were also recognised in the world of dog showing and today we have Bull Terriers of varying colours, including white.
Nowadays the Bull Terrier makes an excellent companion, just as the 'White Cavalier' did. Unfortunately the Bull Terrier, as with all Bull breeds can be misunderstood as some individuals associate the dogs with their very distant and unfortunate relatives that were fought in the pits. The reality is a friendly, affectionate breed that adores its family, and is noted for its affinity for children. Bull Terrier owners regularly refer to their dogs as clowns as they seem to possess a unique sense of humour, and love to play the fool.
The media has been somewhat kinder to Bull Terriers in recent years. The breed is the mascot of the store 'Target', and one famously appeared in commercials for Bud Light. The dog was referred to as 'Spuds McKenzie' and was portrayed in a light hearted manner
the Bull Terrier is an active breed and therefore potential owners must be prepared to provide sucfficient exercise. Also this is a breed that wants to be around its family so would not do well in an outdoor kennel. The breed is usually excellent with children if raised with them and socialised, but potential owners must be aware that these 'little tanks' could easily knock down a toddler in play.
Famous Bull Terriers include...
Spuds McKenzie
Theodore Roosevelt's 'Pete'
Woodrow Wilson's 'Bruce'
Meet our featured Bullys
The beautiful Bull Terriers posing for this article are Cher, owned by @jks_89 and 7 year old Spud, owned by @sheila_molyneux. Big thank you for allowing me to feature your dogs.
Bibliography
Anderson, Nancy Fix. The Sporting Life: Victorian Sports and Games.Oxford, Praeger, 2010
Alexender, Carolyn. Bull Terriers. New York, Baron's Educational Series, 2006
Cunliffe, Juliette. The Encycloedia of Dog Breeds. Bath, Parragon, 199
Kane, Kevin. Not Bred to the Business. Danish Terrier Club Magazine 2002
Read, Tony. The Bull Terrier in Sport and Show. Read Country Books, 2005
Taggart, Caroline. Encyclopedia of the Dog. London, Chancellor Press, 2002.