The muscular and often clownish Bull Terrier has one of the most distinct appearances and temperaments of all dogs. There’s a lot you’ll want to know about this one-of-a-kind breed. So here are the top Bull Terrier facts.
Part Bulldog And Part Terrier
The Bull Terrier gets its name from its roots. It was first developed by crossing the Olde English Bulldog with the Olde English Terrier (both of which are now extinct). The breed was created in an attempt to make a superior fighting dog that would have the best traits from both of these types of dogs.
Hinks’ Bull Terrier
In the mid-1800s a breeder named James Hinks helped to bring the breed much closer to what we know it as today. This includes its white color and eventually the lack of a stop. He used several different dog breeds to get the traits he desired. The now extinct English White Terrier, Dalmatian, Whippet, Spanish Pointer, Rough Collie, and Borzoi are just some of the ones we know about. There are likely a few others as well.
The White Cavalier
Early on in its history, the Bull Terrier was nicknamed, “The White Cavalier.” This was because of its all-white coat (colored dogs were considered a separate breed at the time) and its manners. It was considered a gentleman’s dog that wouldn’t start a fight but that could end one if needed.
Failed Fighter To Family Pet
While the breed was used by some for dog fighting, it wasn’t very successful. It had more success at rat-baiting. In this blood sport rats were released in a pit and spectators would bet on how long it would take for the dog to kill them.
A Bull Terrier named Jacko for example once held the record for killing one thousand rats in less than one hundred minutes. And also for killing twenty-five rats in one minute. Once such spectacles were banned the breed was used as a companion and loving pet.
Deafness
One of the health issues that affect this breed is deafness. The pure white Bull Terrier actually has a much higher rate of deafness than colored dogs with around two out of every ten puppies being born deaf. However all Bull Terrier puppies, regardless of color need to be checked for deafness.
Award For Most Muscular
While many people know these dogs are strong, one of the lesser-known Bull Terrier facts is that pound for pound they have the most muscle of any breed. Bull Terrier muscle is typically thick and dense giving them a robust appearance and making them very powerful.
Hilarious Displays Of Excitement
One of the many benefits of owning a Bull Terrier is getting to regularly experience the breed’s entertaining displays of excitement that are often affectionately referred to as the “hucklebutt,” by owners. The hucklebutt often includes the dog running, spinning, jumping, along with a range of other funny behaviors.
Egg-Shaped Head
There’s one physical characteristic that makes the breed instantly recognizable, its head. The Bull Terrier head has an oval or egg shape. It’s also sometimes described as being the shape of a shark-head since it lacks what’s known as a stop, the indentation between the muzzle and forehead.
Cat Feet
This breed has what are commonly known as, “cat feet.” These are feet that are round, compact, and have toes with a high arch which make them similar in appearance to that of a cat. Several other breeds have this feature as well such as the Shiba Inu, Akita, and Airedale Terrier.
Two Sizes
The breed actually comes in two sizes, the standard, and the Miniature Bull Terrier. Unlike other breeds that come in different sizes, the standard and the miniature are the exact same dog. That is except for the fact that the Mini Bull Terrier is has a maximum height of fourteen inches at the shoulder.
Unique Eye Shape
This breed has the distinction of being the only one in the world that has triangular-shaped eyes. Bull Terrier eyes are also small and dark. And the fact that they are located closer to their ears than their nose adds to the distinct look of the breed’s head and overall appearance.
Stubbornness Is A Breed Trait
One of the English Bull Terrier facts that all potential owners need to know is that this is a breed well-known for its stubbornness. For this reason, it is not a dog that is recommended for first-time owners. It needs an owner that has experience and understands the nature of the breed.
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