Notable Traits of the Bull Terrier Dog Breed
The origins of the Bull Terrier dog breed date back to the 19th century in Great Britain, where the ancestors of today's Bull Terrier were selected for dog fighting, which was very much in vogue at the time, but also with bears and bulls, and again for hunting mice. The history of its selection is rather complicated as countless breeds have been crossed to obtain today's Bull.
But as early as the 18th century, the Old English Bulldog breed (now extinct) and the Old English Terrier breed (now known as the Manchester Terrier) were crossed, this to combine the speed and dexterity of the Terrier with the tenacity of the Bulldog. Out of these crosses came two smaller breeds, the Miniature Bull Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
It would be around 1870 when a breeder named James Hinks began a selection process resulting in new crosses between the Bulldog and the English White Terrier, which is no longer selected today but which looked very similar to the current Bull Terrier.
This research continued for a good 12 years because the breeder wanted slimmer dogs with a more pleasing head to the eye. From this research the progenitor of the breed was born, which was called Puss, which participated in a dog show with great success, but cross-breeding continued with the aim of giving elegance and agility and reducing the nose stop. All the way to today's standard.
Character of the Bull Terrier dog breed
The Bull Terrier is a courageous dog, so much so that it is also called ‘the gladiator of dog breeds’, but it is also lovable, joyful and with a calm temperament and inclined to discipline, very protective and affectionate towards its family, but it needs early training and an owner who knows how to give it a firm and consistent upbringing, and above all who will make it respect itself.
It is therefore not suitable for first-time dog owners, as it is somewhat stubborn. It should also be remembered that it was originally bred as a fighting dog and would react if challenged, but normally it rarely makes the first move.
The Bull Terrier when he is with people he knows is a quiet dog and is discreet with strangers, unless he sees them as a threat, he is a faithful and reliable companion for his owner and his family, so much so that he is considered an excellent guard dog. Provided he respects his space, he is also an excellent companion for children as he is very playful.
It is suitable for flat living because it is also a dog that likes to be indoors, is calm and not prone to destructiveness or excesses. The important thing is that he needs movement and lots of exercise to vent his innate energy and active spirit. But after exercise he needs a lot of sleep, in fact this breed sleeps much more than many others. The puppy even sleeps 50% of the day.
He hardly ever barks and when he does, it is for a reason. If well socialised, it has no problems being with other dogs and even cats.
Appearance of the Bull Terrier dog breed
The Bull Terrier is a medium-sized dog with a strong, very muscular and solid build. There are, however, two distinct breeds: the Bull Terrier and the miniature (or dwarf) Bull Terrier. The Bull Terrier has a height at withers of 40 centimetres and a weight of around 28 to 30 kilograms for the male, for the female slightly less. The miniature is rather smaller.
It has a typical long, egg-shaped head, which makes it unique and gives it an intelligent and alert but also fearsome expression. The eyes are small and triangular, placed sideways, dark brown or black in colour. The small, thin and close-set ears are carried straight and must be set very vertically, the tail is low and short.
The coat is also short and therefore withstands low temperatures poorly. The coat is rather sparse, even and hard to the touch. The classic colour is pure white, although the skin reveals some darker pigmentations that never extend over the coat, but it can also be tiger, tricolour and coloured, i.e. with black or brown fur predominating over the white.
Care and health of the Bull Terrier dog breed
The Bull Terrier is a robust and healthy dog that generally does not present any particular health problems compared to other breeds. The all-white Bull Terrier, however, may suffer from allergies and dermatitis as it is more delicate, and also from congenital deafness. Its life expectancy is about 12 years, although very often it can be longer.
Its diet must be followed very carefully as it tends to put on weight because it has a big appetite and tends to eat more than necessary, but if well fed and exercised it remains in excellent shape.
As for looking after his coat, just brush him periodically and give him a bath 2 or 3 times a year. It is important to clean his ears often, using a suitable detergent.
