If you remember the late 1980s, you probably recall the Budweiser commercials featuring a Bull Terrier named Spuds Mackenzie, whose sly grin and on-screen antics turned the breed into a pop icon.
Spuds MacKenzie is a fictional dog (bull terrier) character used for an extensive advertising campaign marketing Bud Light beer in the late 1980s. … The dog was portrayed by a female bull terrier named Honey Tree Evil Eye, or Evie for short (October 7, 1983 – May 31, 1993).
History of the Bull Terrier
Inhumane bloodsports involving animals became popular in Britain around the 13th century. In particular, a sport known as bull-baiting involved a bulldog fighting a tethered bull as people bet on the results.
Britain banned such bloodsports in the 1800s. But some people took them underground instead. Rather than bull-baiting, which was too conspicuous, they focused on dogfighting. And they wanted more fiery and nimble dogs, so they crossed their bulldogs with various terriers. Several breeds arose from this, including the bull terrier.
As dogfighting diminished toward the mid-1800s, breeders worked to refine the bull terrier to make it more of a companion dog. They bred for a sweeter temperament and less rugged appearance. It would still take several more decades before the dog acquired its trademark curved head.
The American Kennel Club first recognized the breed in 1885. And there have been several notable bull terriers throughout history. President Theodore Roosevelt owned a bull terrier. And bull terriers have helped to market both Bud Light beer (Spuds MacKenzie) and Target (Bullseye).
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History, Care Tips, and Helpful Information for Pet Owners
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The bull terrier is a medium-large terrier dog breed from England that has a short, smooth coat and a unique “egg-shaped” head. Its ears are small and pointed, and its eyes also are small with a triangular shape. Overall, these dogs have a solid, muscular build. They tend to be quite entertaining and energetic companions—goofy and stubborn, at times. They’re often called a “kid in a dog suit.”
HEIGHT: 21 to 22 inches
WEIGHT: 50 to 70 pounds
COAT: Short, smooth
COAT COLOR: Nearly any color, including white, red, fawn, black, blue, or brindle
LIFE SPAN: 12 to 13 years
TEMPERAMENT: Affectionate, lively, friendly
HYPOALLERGENIC: No
ORIGIN: England
Why do bull terriers look like that?
The Bull Terrier was originally a cross between a terrier and a bulldog. Traits are inherited from both breeds — that meant the strong, wide jaws and face of a bulldog with the longer snout of a terrier, which led to a chunkier, flatter face than other terriers.
FAQ
What breed of pitbull is Spuds MacKenzie?
Is a bull terrier a good family dog?