Bull Terriers are one of the most unique dogs around. Not only because of their temperament (though that is one of the best as well), but because of the appearance.
If dogs were human races, then the bull terrier would be the Greek or Roman race. Their forehead goes right down to their nose without a break just like that of a high class Greek profile! In addition, they have triangular eyes that lend them an air of distinction.
Bull Terriers are often thought ugly, but discerning dog owners know that their ugliness is a form of beauty, rarely found in dogs. They belong in a different class altogether and are excellent family dogs who are very good with children too. They make excellent playmates and don’t mind a bit of roughing up!
Popularly known as the gladiator of the canine race, these dogs combine strength with gentleness and intelligence. They are not very easy to train though as they seem to have an independent and stubborn streak that cannot be concealed. But for those willing to put in the effort, it’s well worth the time. A unique specimen of a dog indeed!
The Bull Terrier was originally bred to be pure white in color. Even today, most fans of this breed will tell you that the white ones are the best looking ones.(or thos that are most favored). However, where pigments have been “debred” out of an individual, so to speak – or where there is a lack of pigmentation, like with albinism, for instance- one can find many more congenital defects. Therefore it is not surprising that this dog – when white! – suffers from many more diseases compared to its counterparts who have some form and level of pigmentation. Hereditary deafness, heart disease, kidney failure and skin allergies may occur and are more likely to develop in the white Bull Terriers. Bull Terriers that are of a certain color other than pure white are less likely to be prone to these genetic problems. Other health issues to look out for, take not of and monitor include hereditary zinc deficiency, renal problems, and spinning disorder.
The Bull Terrier is the only recognised breed that has triangle-shaped eyes! It is strange, but true. A very unique character of this very unique dog! The eyes should be well sunken and as dark as possible, with a piercing glint. Their small size and triangle shape is expected according the breed standard. The eyes need to be obliquely placed; set near together and high up on the dog’s head. Blue eyes are a disqualification. Another strange and wonderful fact about this equally strange and wonderful breed.
The Bull Terrier’s most recognizable feature is its head. It is described as ‘egg shaped’ when viewed from the front. It is almost flat at the top, with a Roman muzzle sloping evenly down to the end of the nose with no stop. This a unique feature, that no other dog breed can boast with. A Bull Terrier’s head should be long, strong and deep right to the end of the muzzle, but not coarse. Full face it should be oval in outline and be filled completely. By this, I mean it should be devoid of hollows or indentations, i.e., egg shaped. In profile it should curve gently downwards from the top of the skull to the tip of the nose. The forehead should be flat across from ear to ear. The distance from the tip of the nose to the eyes should be perceptibly greater than that from the eyes to the top of the skull. The underjaw should be deep and well defined.
Whenever one sees a Bull Terrier, often one experiences a shiver of fright. Why? Is it the look of the Bull Terrier, or the negative publicity that it has gotten over a couple of decades? Probably the latter is true, since the Bull Terrier – for all its viscious look- is a friendly and outgoing dog. They can be clowns and love to play with humans as they like to be around people. This is a placid breed that usually won’t make the first move. They love to play with children, and often unaware of their sheer strength will cause unwanted injury to younger children. Supervision is thus necessary. But it has to be noted that injury in this case is not deliberate! Their intelligence is matched with their strength, and being a hardy and powerful breed it is often unaware of its own strength!But if it is in charge of a child, it will guard him or her with its life! That is guaranteed! Constant stimulation mentally and physically will keep this breed occupied and happy. The American Temperament Test Society, Inc. (ATTS), which is a not-for-profit organization that creates temperament testing for dog breeds, has given the Bull Terrier a pass rate of 91.5%. This is a very positive indicator of the Bull Terrier’s misconstrued temperament, since the average for all breeds is 81.5%! Thus next time you see a Bull Terrier, don’t let its formidable look or name scare you off. They are more beauties instead of beasts!
Welcome Dear Reader and fan of the Bull Terrier…which is also known as the English Bull Terrier. This amazing- and rather misunderstood- dog breed need more attention, and this blog is dedicated to posting informative and interesting information about this rather unusual breed!
