The Bull Terrier is affectionately known as the Gladiator of the canine race and is one of the oldest terrier breeds indigenous to England. He was originally bred for combat with other dogs, a sport which was permissible in England up until the mid 1800’s. A mixture of terriers and ancient bull baiting dogs, including the cumbersome English bulldog, were used to perfect the “bull and terrier” fighting machine, a name later shortened to bull terrier. Towards the end of the bull baiting era a man named James Hinks, a dog breeder from Birmingham, began to establish a new breed based on this ‘bull and terrier’ type. He used the now extinct, white English terrier to produce a dog that had cleaner more classical lines but still retained the fiery characteristics of its forebears.
Even today, the bull terrier displays all the characteristics of a terrier, including its independence, courage, and speed, but also has a cool headed personality, power and robustness of the larger bull baiting dogs. Today’s bull terrier is a combination of balanced power, grace and agility.
Whilst great emphasis is put into breeding bull terriers with the best temperaments, we mustn’t forget his heritage which gave him some of the endearing qualities that make him unique.
The modern Bull Terrier’s appearance is what first sets him apart from other breeds. He retains the compact muscular body of his predecessors, but his head is egg shaped when viewed from the front, and from the side the profile slopes down in a convex manner to the tip of the nose (often called a roman nose). They are also the only breed of dog with triangular eyes.
Whilst his appearance can be intimidating to those who don’t know him, it belies a natural affectionate nature and penchant for luxury. Their obstinate nature should not be mistaken for stupidity. They are highly intelligent and they thrive on human interaction and praise. They have a great sense of humour, imagination and personality, and simply like to do things on their terms.
Bull terriers are wonderful companions and family dogs but they are not for everyone. Any prospective owner must remember that bull terriers have a fighting heritage, and demand respect and responsibility. A properly socialised bull terrier will not start a fight, but even the mildest natured bully will not tolerate an insult. They will not back down from a challenge, and still retain their fighting instincts. They possess the knowledge and the power to end a fight quickly, sustaining little damage to themselves. The same cannot usually be said for the opponent.
It is for this reason that a bull terrier must be socialised from a puppy with other dogs and animals. They must be on a lead when in areas where they may encounter dogs, animals or children. Not all dogs (or people) appreciate the bull terriers rough and tumble style of play. You will often see dogs of fighting heritage display their techniques during play by wrestling and chesting one another, chewing legs and holding their playmate’s throat. This type of play is all fun and games to bull terriers but other dogs may not appreciate this behaviour and take offense. Whilst you may trust your bully, you can never trust other dogs and if an altercation erupts, the bull terrier will usually be blamed regardless of who started it.
Bull Terriers are active and must be entertained, they cannot be left alone all day. Often likened to a three year old child in a dog suit, and they can be extremely destructive if not properly stimulated. This behaviour, whilst often expected of puppies, can continue into adulthood as a form of protest when they are ignored. And beware, nothing is safe! Their powerful jaws can chew through objects that you would have trouble using a hacksaw on! The new puppy must be supervised and any object lying around (rubber, clothing, plastic) must be well out of reach as a bully will eat and ingest things that may need to be surgically removed a few days later. The bull terrier has an incredible pain threshold thanks to his fighting heritage and this can spell death if the owner is not vigilant. Often by the time you have noticed something is wrong, it is nearly too late.
Bull terriers make excellent indoor dogs and generally consider it an insult if separated from the rest of the pack. They love luxury and will want to sit on your knee on the couch (despite many of them being far too big to be lap dogs). They are also heater hogs, and will get in the heater if you let them. They also do well as outside dogs as long as they get to spend lots of time with you and your family. Outside, they require protection from the summer heat and sun (they are notorious sunbathers) and also from the winter cold. If you decide to put a coat on your bully, you may want to start with a cheap one until they are used to wearing it, a coat can be just something else to chew on whilst killing time.
All in all, bull terriers are playful, clownish, witty, silly, humorous, stubborn and conniving all in one. And a warning, once you have met or owned a bully, you will be hooked for life. Their charm lasts forever. Many people who enquire about buying a bully for the first time remember growing up with one. It is also not uncommon to for people who have an ageing bull terrier, to purchase a replacement pup. They cannot bear to not have a bully in their life!
