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BULL TERRIER |
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Bred from crosses
of the bull-baiters and the now extinct English White Terrier, with a
bit of Dalmatian, the Bull Terrier remains the closest to the original
bull-and-terrier breeds. Size, color and head shape were in great variance
during its development, and some authorities believe Pointers, Greyhounds
and Whippets added their influence. The fighting dogs showed their prowess
in the pits, with survivors continuing the fray—this time for ribbons—in
the show ring, proudly bearing their battle scars.
Englishman James
Hinks first standardized the breed, in the early 1850s, selecting for
white color, gameness and the unique egg-shaped head. After type was fixed,
the colored variety was added. Ears were originally cropped. Bull Terrier
admirers formed a club in England in 1887, with Americans following in
1907.
Bull Terriers
were rated by Colonel James Y. Baldwin, Commandant of the War Dogs Training
Establishment, as the third most suitable breed in wartime achievements.
General George Patton had a Bull Terrier, "Willie," as a companion
and a mascot for his troops. One also followed President Theodore Roosevelt
around the White House.
The Bull Terrier
of today, although still strong and agile, is peaceful and tractable.
Stories abound of famed pit-fighting dogs avoiding a confrontation when
not "at work." One title-holder actually turned tail and headed
for home when challenged by a street-tough cur, which was obviously beneath
the champ's ability. Another, losing patience with a defiant Pekingese,
picked up the annoyance and dropped it in a waste basket. Bred to defend
himself and his human family but not to instigate hostility, he became
known as the "white cavalier."
In 1895, when cropping
was outlawed, the Bull Terrier suffered a setback while breeders attempted
to obtain the required upright ears without losing other qualities. Naturally
erect ears have now been fixed, along with his tiny triangular eyes, giving
him a determined but jaunty air. His one-of-a-kind designer head adds
to his distinctive appearance, which people seem to find variously exquisite
or homely.
BTs are superb
athletes, always eager for a game of ball or frisbee. As puppies, this
bounding energy combined with amazing strength often makes them rowdy
and in need of a firm hand. Their clowning antics have made them a subject
of cartoonists and commercials. Like the AmStaff, the Bull Terriers
are wonderful people dogs and long-suffering with children. (This, of
course, does not mean abuse, but normal, active, clumsy behavior.) Today's
Bull Terriers have been out of the pits for many years and most will
tolerate family cats and dogs.
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