Bull Terrier History
To fully understand the Bull Terrier, one must
understand how the breed came to be. The Bull Terrier started out as 2 separate breeds the “Bull” dogs and the “Terrier”
Bull dogs were created during the reign of King John in 1209 for the then popular sport of “Bull Baiting”
This was a sport where dogs were thrown into a pit and matched against Bulls to the death.
It was one of several “Blood sports” dogs were used for at that time. The first breed standard was not written for Bull
Dogs until 1865.The Bulldogs of that era where much different
from the Bulldogs we know today.
The standard described them as “very mistreated”
Mr. James Hinks of Birmingham England Began
experimenting with Bulldog crosses as well as the now extinct English White
Terrier. By 1850 Mr. Hinks had created what he refereed to as the “Bull and Terrier” By combining the strong, muscular Bulldogs to the
light weight and agile Terriers, he created a dog with not only strength and power-but quickness and light on its feet
by that time, Blood sports had become illegal,
though many were still involved in back alley ways out of the public eye, and
Bull and Terrier breeds did exceptionally well in the pits.
Around 1804 a dog named “Trusty” was written
about several times in “sporting magazine” due to his fighting ability, the 42
pound dog was sold many times during his career and each time for higher and
higher amounts. At one time he was owned by the famous Champion boxer Jem
Belcher, being said that it was only an undefeated man worthy of owning an
undefeated dog.
It was said of those “new Bull and Terrier” type
dogs
“When bred in this way, the Bull and Terrier is
the fighting dog Par excellence and in actuality there is scarcely a task that
you could use a dog of this size for that it could not do just as well, far
better then others”-Stonehenge
“ This new breed is without a doubt highly
suitable as a life's companion for active venturesome young men...” Pierce
Egan
Mr. Hinks is credited with correcting the rather
roached back and stiff back legs of the Bulldog while also settling a fairly
level bite instead of the undershot bite of the Bulldog. Hinks wanted to breed a “gentle mans” dog, a dog
who, would be eager to fight to the death for his master in the ring, but still be able to win ribbons at the dog shows. The Bull Terrier became the loyal companion of
the Upper class Gentleman and sports man, who still enjoyed occasionally sporting there dogs against each other to prove who was who.
The Bull Terrier was never to start fights-but would never be afraid to finish them-which is still known of the breed today.
The Bull Terrier was known as
“The White Cavalier”
Other breeds Hinks used to create the Bull Terrier were most likely
The Manchester Terrier, Dalmatian, Spanish Pointer, Grey hound, Fox hound.
Until 1895, when Cropping became outlawed, a Bull Terriers ears would be cropped as close as possible, in what's known as a “Battle Crop” to help protect them during fights-without ears, other dogs were unable of grabbing hold and tearing them off. It was a bit of a set back to the breed, as the
Bull Terrier did not have that elegant, sleek look without the ear cropping, and
breeders went to work trying to create natural pricked ears while still maintaining the body structure Due to the crossing of white dogs over and over
to create pure white dogs, Deafness became very problematic, until a Mr. Ted
Lyon was able to be credited with the development and acceptance of the Colored Bull Terrier in the show ring. It was found that, Brindle had a lot of genetic
assets to the breed-hence the reason Brindle is prefer d.
The first Bull Terrier club was start in 1888, the colored Bull Terrier club did not come about until 1937
In the United States, the Bull Terrier Club of America was started in 1897.
understand how the breed came to be. The Bull Terrier started out as 2 separate breeds the “Bull” dogs and the “Terrier”
Bull dogs were created during the reign of King John in 1209 for the then popular sport of “Bull Baiting”
This was a sport where dogs were thrown into a pit and matched against Bulls to the death.
It was one of several “Blood sports” dogs were used for at that time. The first breed standard was not written for Bull
Dogs until 1865.The Bulldogs of that era where much different
from the Bulldogs we know today.
The standard described them as “very mistreated”
Mr. James Hinks of Birmingham England Began
experimenting with Bulldog crosses as well as the now extinct English White
Terrier. By 1850 Mr. Hinks had created what he refereed to as the “Bull and Terrier” By combining the strong, muscular Bulldogs to the
light weight and agile Terriers, he created a dog with not only strength and power-but quickness and light on its feet
by that time, Blood sports had become illegal,
though many were still involved in back alley ways out of the public eye, and
Bull and Terrier breeds did exceptionally well in the pits.
Around 1804 a dog named “Trusty” was written
about several times in “sporting magazine” due to his fighting ability, the 42
pound dog was sold many times during his career and each time for higher and
higher amounts. At one time he was owned by the famous Champion boxer Jem
Belcher, being said that it was only an undefeated man worthy of owning an
undefeated dog.
It was said of those “new Bull and Terrier” type
dogs
“When bred in this way, the Bull and Terrier is
the fighting dog Par excellence and in actuality there is scarcely a task that
you could use a dog of this size for that it could not do just as well, far
better then others”-Stonehenge
“ This new breed is without a doubt highly
suitable as a life's companion for active venturesome young men...” Pierce
Egan
Mr. Hinks is credited with correcting the rather
roached back and stiff back legs of the Bulldog while also settling a fairly
level bite instead of the undershot bite of the Bulldog. Hinks wanted to breed a “gentle mans” dog, a dog
who, would be eager to fight to the death for his master in the ring, but still be able to win ribbons at the dog shows. The Bull Terrier became the loyal companion of
the Upper class Gentleman and sports man, who still enjoyed occasionally sporting there dogs against each other to prove who was who.
The Bull Terrier was never to start fights-but would never be afraid to finish them-which is still known of the breed today.
The Bull Terrier was known as
“The White Cavalier”
Other breeds Hinks used to create the Bull Terrier were most likely
The Manchester Terrier, Dalmatian, Spanish Pointer, Grey hound, Fox hound.
Until 1895, when Cropping became outlawed, a Bull Terriers ears would be cropped as close as possible, in what's known as a “Battle Crop” to help protect them during fights-without ears, other dogs were unable of grabbing hold and tearing them off. It was a bit of a set back to the breed, as the
Bull Terrier did not have that elegant, sleek look without the ear cropping, and
breeders went to work trying to create natural pricked ears while still maintaining the body structure Due to the crossing of white dogs over and over
to create pure white dogs, Deafness became very problematic, until a Mr. Ted
Lyon was able to be credited with the development and acceptance of the Colored Bull Terrier in the show ring. It was found that, Brindle had a lot of genetic
assets to the breed-hence the reason Brindle is prefer d.
The first Bull Terrier club was start in 1888, the colored Bull Terrier club did not come about until 1937
In the United States, the Bull Terrier Club of America was started in 1897.
Miniature and Toy Bull Terriers
There were many different sizes of Bull Terriers, including “toy” sized that were mostly for Ratting purposes, as well as fashionable pets.
Though, there are many references to fighting dogs ranging between 6-20 pounds between 1820-1850.
Records from the AKC stud book state that-the first Champion Bull Terrier weighed less then 16 pounds!
Toy Bull Terriers were listed as being“10 pounds or under” While to us now days, a tiny Egg headed Bull
Terrier seems cute- Back then they more closely resembled the English White
terrier or Manchester terrier-not the Bull Terriers we know today. These dogs were difficult to breed while keeping
the original form and purpose. By 1883 the “small class” was limit was raised to
under 25 pounds and for a while toy Bull Terriers were doing well. The last time Toy Bull Terriers where shown at
Westminster was in 1922
The Miniature variety was defined at 12 pounds in
1914-though, the lack of quality in these tiny dogs made them less appealing and
the weight limit was raised to 18 pounds. The Miniature Bull Terrier club was founded in 1938
There were many different sizes of Bull Terriers, including “toy” sized that were mostly for Ratting purposes, as well as fashionable pets.
Though, there are many references to fighting dogs ranging between 6-20 pounds between 1820-1850.
Records from the AKC stud book state that-the first Champion Bull Terrier weighed less then 16 pounds!
Toy Bull Terriers were listed as being“10 pounds or under” While to us now days, a tiny Egg headed Bull
Terrier seems cute- Back then they more closely resembled the English White
terrier or Manchester terrier-not the Bull Terriers we know today. These dogs were difficult to breed while keeping
the original form and purpose. By 1883 the “small class” was limit was raised to
under 25 pounds and for a while toy Bull Terriers were doing well. The last time Toy Bull Terriers where shown at
Westminster was in 1922
The Miniature variety was defined at 12 pounds in
1914-though, the lack of quality in these tiny dogs made them less appealing and
the weight limit was raised to 18 pounds. The Miniature Bull Terrier club was founded in 1938
A Note On The History of the Bull Terrier:
Many people find The history of the Bull Terrier disturbing. Many people like to imagine that- The Bull Terrier has lost all its original working ability and is now nothing more then a humble and sweet family lap dog who loves everyone.
However, That is FAR from truth for a large majority of them. You CAN NOT train away that Terrier drive and work ability.
When Purchasing a new Bull Terrier, If you are inexperienced or unable to care for a very drivey Terrier Type Bull Terrier- Make extra sure you do your research into a RESPONSIBLE breeder who is breeding the right Bull Terrier for your family.
Many Breeders will tell you that Bull Terrier's can be iffy around cats, small dogs, same gender dogs,rodents, livestock,birds,etc,etc.
Some breeders know there lines well enough to refuse to sell to a family who has one or more of these in the household-Those breeders are being responsible and saving the owner and the dog a world of heartache, so should a Breeder deny you a pup due to owning cats or other dogs or livestock, simply move onto the next breeder without hurt feelings and know it would not have worked out.
Also, Should you find yourself with a Bull Terrier who grows up to have high drive or develops a disliking to your cat in adulthood- PLEASE do not blame yourself and above all else- please DO NOT BLAME THE DOG! Prey drive can kick in at any time for any reason.
Your best bet is to use caution when your Bull Terrier is around other pets or living with other pets to prevent issues.
1. make sure rodents,fish,birds,etc cages are kept up and away from the Bull Terrier- they do not need to be friends, they need to stay safe.
2. Make sure your cats have a safe place to get away from the Bull Terrier, be it a tall cat tree, a counter, or a bedroom. They need a place to go to feel safe that the Bull Terrier understands is OFF limits.
3. NEVER leave the Bull Terrier roaming freely around your house- keep them crated safely while your gone to protect everyone!
If introduced in a positive way, dogs LOVE their crates.
4. NEVER EVER let a cat or other pet tease your Bull Terrier! no matter how cute or silly! you are protecting all involved that way.
5. NEVER let the Bull Terrier overpower or become overly excitable when playing with other pets. I personally never allow my dogs to chase my cats or initiate/solicit play in ANY way,shape or form. My cats are too old and have no interest in playing with dogs. I want them to feel safe and my dogs to understand that kind of energy and being around them in not allowed. Of course, some cats and dogs have great dynamic and enjoy playing together, so always monitor and regulate the energy level. cats can be notorious about teasing dogs- do not let them. just as dogs can be notoriously rough with cats, also don't let them to make sure play time is enjoyable and safe for everyone.
When it comes to other Dogs, Many Bull Terrier's are naturally Dog aggressive, this is not a "Fault" this does not a Bad dog Make, this is just the way of the world and the way these dogs have been being bred for man generations. I speak more in depth about Dog aggression in the "Things You Need To Know!" Section .
Should you find your Bull Terrier has suddenly (or not so suddenly) developed Dog aggression,
PLEASE LEARN TO MANAGE THE BEHAVIOR! True dog Aggression CANNOT be trained out and should NOT be attempted.
Learn to manage the behavior by keeping other dogs away from your Bull Terrier, Crate and rotate if you own a second dog, do not allow them together freely without a door or bars between them.
Avoid dog parks, always keep your dog on a leash and train them to ignore other dogs passing by during walks by teaching them to focus on you and remain calm and ignore the other dogs.
This can be difficult so please contact a Behaviorist to help you and DO NOT Smack, slap, kick, hit, choke, or yell at your dog for growling or biting other dogs who get too close and again- contact a knowledgible behaviorist or training to work with you.
Many people find The history of the Bull Terrier disturbing. Many people like to imagine that- The Bull Terrier has lost all its original working ability and is now nothing more then a humble and sweet family lap dog who loves everyone.
However, That is FAR from truth for a large majority of them. You CAN NOT train away that Terrier drive and work ability.
When Purchasing a new Bull Terrier, If you are inexperienced or unable to care for a very drivey Terrier Type Bull Terrier- Make extra sure you do your research into a RESPONSIBLE breeder who is breeding the right Bull Terrier for your family.
Many Breeders will tell you that Bull Terrier's can be iffy around cats, small dogs, same gender dogs,rodents, livestock,birds,etc,etc.
Some breeders know there lines well enough to refuse to sell to a family who has one or more of these in the household-Those breeders are being responsible and saving the owner and the dog a world of heartache, so should a Breeder deny you a pup due to owning cats or other dogs or livestock, simply move onto the next breeder without hurt feelings and know it would not have worked out.
Also, Should you find yourself with a Bull Terrier who grows up to have high drive or develops a disliking to your cat in adulthood- PLEASE do not blame yourself and above all else- please DO NOT BLAME THE DOG! Prey drive can kick in at any time for any reason.
Your best bet is to use caution when your Bull Terrier is around other pets or living with other pets to prevent issues.
1. make sure rodents,fish,birds,etc cages are kept up and away from the Bull Terrier- they do not need to be friends, they need to stay safe.
2. Make sure your cats have a safe place to get away from the Bull Terrier, be it a tall cat tree, a counter, or a bedroom. They need a place to go to feel safe that the Bull Terrier understands is OFF limits.
3. NEVER leave the Bull Terrier roaming freely around your house- keep them crated safely while your gone to protect everyone!
If introduced in a positive way, dogs LOVE their crates.
4. NEVER EVER let a cat or other pet tease your Bull Terrier! no matter how cute or silly! you are protecting all involved that way.
5. NEVER let the Bull Terrier overpower or become overly excitable when playing with other pets. I personally never allow my dogs to chase my cats or initiate/solicit play in ANY way,shape or form. My cats are too old and have no interest in playing with dogs. I want them to feel safe and my dogs to understand that kind of energy and being around them in not allowed. Of course, some cats and dogs have great dynamic and enjoy playing together, so always monitor and regulate the energy level. cats can be notorious about teasing dogs- do not let them. just as dogs can be notoriously rough with cats, also don't let them to make sure play time is enjoyable and safe for everyone.
When it comes to other Dogs, Many Bull Terrier's are naturally Dog aggressive, this is not a "Fault" this does not a Bad dog Make, this is just the way of the world and the way these dogs have been being bred for man generations. I speak more in depth about Dog aggression in the "Things You Need To Know!" Section .
Should you find your Bull Terrier has suddenly (or not so suddenly) developed Dog aggression,
PLEASE LEARN TO MANAGE THE BEHAVIOR! True dog Aggression CANNOT be trained out and should NOT be attempted.
Learn to manage the behavior by keeping other dogs away from your Bull Terrier, Crate and rotate if you own a second dog, do not allow them together freely without a door or bars between them.
Avoid dog parks, always keep your dog on a leash and train them to ignore other dogs passing by during walks by teaching them to focus on you and remain calm and ignore the other dogs.
This can be difficult so please contact a Behaviorist to help you and DO NOT Smack, slap, kick, hit, choke, or yell at your dog for growling or biting other dogs who get too close and again- contact a knowledgible behaviorist or training to work with you.