The History of the Bull TerrierThe family tree of the Bulldog is massive with many branches. One of those branches holds the bull-and-terrier breeds, the various results of 18th-century crosses between bulldogs and terriers. Those crosses were made with the intent of producing a dog with the strength and tenacity of the bulldog and the intensity, alertness, agility and “game” nature of the terrier. The earliest Bull Terriers came in a variety of sizes. Some were as small as four to seven pounds and were considered toy breeds. Others were medium-size at 15 pounds and some ranged up to 45 to 60 pounds, close to the size of the modern Bull Terrier. They had an arched back, bent legs and an undershot jaw, all features that were reminiscent of the breed’s bulldog heritage. James Hinks of Birmingham, England, was a well-known breeder of Bull Terriers in the 1860s, and it was he who started them on the road to the more refined look they have today: the longer head and the more symmetrical body that was predominantly or completely white. To create them he used existing bull-and-terriers, his white Bulldog Madman, and white English Terriers, which are now extinct. Nicknamed White Cavaliers, they became fashionable accessories for gentlemen about town and could be soon sitting alongside them as they drove their carriages through the park. A rhyme of the time tells the story of the breed succinctly, saying that Hinks “Found a Bull Terrier a tattered old bum; Made him a dog for a gentleman’s chum.” The fad spread to the United States. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1885, and the Bull Terrier Club of America was founded in 1897. A new variety of Bull Terrier was invented in the early 20th century when some breeders crossed them with Staffordshire Bull Terriers, adding color to the coat. The “Colored” variety of Bull Terrier was recognized in 193 Today the Bull Terrier ranks 53rd among the breeds registered by the AKC.
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White Bull Terriers: What a Unique Breed!
Your dog is special! She’s your best friend, companion, and a source of unconditional love. Chances are that you chose her because you like BTs and you expected her to have certain traits that would fit your lifestyle:
However, no dog is perfect! You may have also noticed these characteristics:
Is it all worth it? Of course! She’s full of personality, and you love her for it! Tireless playmates, Bull Terriers love kids; however, their high energy and stocky build can be too much for small children.
The first examples of the Bull Terrier were all white and originated in Britain in the 1800’s. The colored version was created by cross-breeding with a brindle Staffordshire in the early 1900’s. They were created as pit fighters but are now bred for companionship. They are known for their large egg-shaped head and their tendency to grumble and groan when vocalizing. Bull Terriers are a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of 11-13 years. They can suffer from some common conditions such as allergies and kidney disease. Early detection is the key to a long and happy life, so be sure to schedule routine checkups.
We know that because you care so much about your dog, you want to take good care of her. That is why we have summarized the health concerns we will be discussing with you over the life of your Bull Terrier. By knowing about health concerns specific to Bull Terriers, we can tailor a preventive health plan to watch for and hopefully prevent some predictable risks.
Many diseases and health conditions are genetic, meaning they are related to your pet’s breed. There is a general consensus among canine genetic researchers and veterinary practitioners that the conditions we’ve described herein have a significant rate of incidence and/or impact in this breed. That does not mean your dog will have these problems; it just means that she is more at risk than other dogs. We will describe the most common issues seen in Bull Terriers to give you an idea of what may come up in her future. Of course, we can’t cover every possibility here, so always check with us if you notice any unusual signs or symptoms.
This guide contains general health information important to all canines as well as the most important genetic predispositions for Bull Terriers. This information helps you and us together plan for your pet’s unique medical needs. At the end of the booklet, we have also included a description of what you can do at home to keep your BT looking and feeling her best. You will know what to watch for, and we will all feel better knowing that we’re taking the best possible care of your pal.
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A popular companion for adults and families alike, the modern Bull Terrier is very loyal to its family, playful and good-natured. They will warm up to strangers after a brief friendly encounter or two.
The Bull Terrier is a stubborn, inquisitive, bold, independent and adventurous dog. The breed doesn’t need a lot of attention to remain happy, but they do require regular human contact and enjoy being inside the house. They, tend to suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for an extended period of time and may develop behavioural problems as a result.
Bull Terriers are very focused on their owners, thriving on body contact and interaction. Boisterous and energetic, they love a good play and can easily get overexcited; keeping a lid on their emotions isn’t a Bull Terrier’s strength. They might knock you over from sheer excitement or bark loudly and hysterically, but they don’t mean any harm – it’s just their way of showing their love for you.
There are four key aspects to the Bull Terrier’s happiness: early socialisation with dogs and people, firm but loving training, sufficient exercise, and lots of quality time with its favourite humans. If these needs are met, there is no more loyal, lovable, and entertaining companion.
Although the Bull Terrier’s original role was a fighter, today the dog has been developed over time to be a companion animal. Unfortunately, the breed is sometimes reputed to be dangerous or aggressive, largely because a number of attacks and behavioural issues that have been reported in other terrier sub-breeds, such as Pit-Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers.