English
Bull Terrier
History
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. |