Bull Terrier

File:bullterrier.jpg

The Bull Terrier's most recognizable feature is its head, described as 'egg-shaped', when viewed from the front; the top of the skull and face is almost flat. The profile curves gently downwards from the top of the skull to the tip of the nose, which is black and bent downwards at the tip, with well-developed nostrils. The lower jaw is deep and strong. The unique, triangular eyes are small, dark, and deep-set.{{Cite web|url=http://archive.org/details/dogsofallnations00masorich|title=Dogs of all nations|first=Walter Esplin|last=Mason|date=14 August 1915|publisher=[S.l.: s.n.]|via=Internet Archive}} Bull Terriers are one of the only dogs that have triangular eyes. The body is full and round, with strong, muscular shoulders. The tail is carried horizontally. They are either white, red, fawn, black, brindle, or a combination of these.[http://www.ckc.ca/en/Default.aspx?tabid=99&BreedCode=BLT CKC Breed Standards], ckc.ca, [https://i.kym-cdn.com/entries/icons/mobile/000/027/707/henry.jpg archived] at the Wayback Machine, 20 February 2008.

Bull Terriers can be both independent and stubborn{{cite web|last=Breeder Retriever|title=Bull Terrier Temperament|url=http://www.breederretriever.com/dog-breeds/116/bull-terrier.php|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120203200625/http://www.breederretriever.com/dog-breeds/116/bull-terrier.php|archive-date=3 February 2012}} and for this reason are not considered suitable for an inexperienced dog owner. A Bull Terrier has an even temperament and is amenable to discipline. Although obstinate, the breed is described by the Bull Terrier Club as particularly good with people.{{cite web|url=http://www.thebullterrierclub.org/breed-standard/|title=BREED STANDARD - The Bull Terrier Club|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151120022214/http://www.thebullterrierclub.org/breed-standard/|archive-date=20 November 2015}} Early socialization will ensure that the dog will get along with other dogs and animals.{{cite web|url=https://adbadog.com/puppy-socialization/|title=ADBA American Pit Bull Terrier Puppy Socialization|date=8 February 2018|website=adbadog.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730152838/https://adbadog.com/puppy-socialization/|archive-date=30 July 2017}} Their personality is described as courageous, full of spirit, with a fun-loving attitude, a children-loving dog and a perfect family member. Although the breed has been a target of breed-specific legislation, a 2008 study in Germany did not find that Bull Terriers had any significant temperament difference from Golden Retrievers in overall temperament researches.Ott, Stefanie A.; Schalke, Esther; von Gaertner, Amelie M.; Hackbarth, Hansjoachim (May - June 2008). [http://www.journalvetbehavior.com/article/S1558-7878(07)00264-X/abstract "Is there a difference? Comparison of golden retrievers and dogs affected by breed-specific legislation regarding aggressive behavior"]. Journal of Veterinary Behavior. Volume 3, Issue 3, Elsevier Inc. pp. 134–140

A 2024 UK study found a life expectancy of 12 years for the breed compared to an average of 12.7 for purebreeds and 12 for crossbreeds.{{cite journal | last1=McMillan | first1=Kirsten M. | last2=Bielby | first2=Jon | last3=Williams | first3=Carys L. | last4=Upjohn | first4=Melissa M. | last5=Casey | first5=Rachel A. | last6=Christley | first6=Robert M. | title=Longevity of companion dog breeds: those at risk from early death | journal=Scientific Reports | publisher=Springer Science and Business Media LLC | volume=14 | issue=1 | date=2024-02-01 | issn=2045-2322 | doi=10.1038/s41598-023-50458-w | page=531| pmid=38302530 | pmc=10834484 | bibcode=2024NatSR..14..531M }}

Deafness occurs in 20.4% of pure white Bull Terriers and 1.3% of colored Bull Terriers,[http://www.lsu.edu/deafness/incidenc.htm Breed-Specific Deafness Prevalence In Dogs (percent)] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130128021739/http://www.lsu.edu/deafness/incidenc.htm |date=28 January 2013 }}. LSU.edu often being difficult to notice at a young age. Many Bull Terriers have a tendency to develop skin allergies.Richards, Michael. [http://www.vetinfo4dogs.com/dskin.html#Skin%20Problems%20-%20Bull%20Terriers Skin Disorders and Problems of Dogs] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071120041214/http://www.vetinfo4dogs.com/dskin.html |date=20 November 2007 }}, vetinfo4dogs.com Insect bites, such as those from fleas, and sometimes mosquitoes and mites, can produce a generalised allergic response of hives, rash, and itching. A UK breed survey puts their median lifespan at 10 years and their mean at 9 years (1 s.f., RSE = 13.87% 2 d. p.), with a good number of dogs living to 10–15 years.{{cite web|title=Individual Breed Results for Purebred Dog Health Survey|url=http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/570|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070504083007/http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/570|archive-date=4 May 2007}}

Lethal acrodermatitis, also known as Acrodermatitis of the Bull Terrier is a rare genodermatosis monogenic autosomal inherited disease found exclusively in white Bull Terriers (including the miniature Bull Terrier). The condition is usually fatal and is characterised by poor growth, decreased serum copper and zinc levels, immunodeficiency, bronchopneumonia, skin lesions, and erosions on the distal extremities. Other symptoms that occur later on include crusting, papules, pustules, erythema, hyperkeratosis, and colour dilution. The condition manifests within the first few weeks of life and most puppies affected die before the age of 2. Their size is roughly half of their unaffected litter mates at a year old. Unlike the human condition acrodermatitis enteropathica, zinc supplements do not improve symptoms.{{cite book | last1=Rhodes | first1=Karen Helton | last2=Werner | first2=Alexander H. | title=Blackwell's Five-Minute Veterinary Consult Clinical Companion | publisher=Wiley-Blackwell | publication-place=Ames, Iowa | date=2011-01-25 | isbn=978-0-8138-1596-1 | pages=473–474}}{{cite journal | last1=Bauer | first1=Anina | last2=Jagannathan | first2=Vidhya | last3=Högler | first3=Sandra | last4=Richter | first4=Barbara | last5=McEwan | first5=Neil A. | last6=Thomas | first6=Anne | last7=Cadieu | first7=Edouard | last8=André | first8=Catherine | last9=Hytönen | first9=Marjo K. | last10=Lohi | first10=Hannes | last11=Welle | first11=Monika M. | last12=Roosje | first12=Petra | last13=Mellersh | first13=Cathryn | last14=Casal | first14=Margret L. | last15=Leeb | first15=Tosso | title=MKLN1 splicing defect in dogs with lethal acrodermatitis | journal=PLOS Genetics | publisher=Public Library of Science (PLoS) | volume=14 | issue=3 | date=2018-03-22 | issn=1553-7404 | doi=10.1371/journal.pgen.1007264 | doi-access=free | page=e1007264| pmid=29565995 | pmc=5863938 }}

A UK study found the Bull Terrier to have a predisposition to neutrophilic cholangitis, with the breed being 25.34 times more likely to acquire the condition.{{cite journal | last1=Bandara | first1=Y. | last2=Bayton | first2=W. A. | last3=Williams | first3=T. L. | last4=Scase | first4=T. | last5=Bexfield | first5=N. H. | title=Histopathological frequency of canine hepatobiliary disease in the United Kingdom | journal=Journal of Small Animal Practice | volume=62 | issue=9 | date=2021 | issn=0022-4510 | doi=10.1111/jsap.13354 | pages=730–736| pmid=34155648 }}

File:Hinksbullterrier.jpg Bull terrier]]

File:Bull Terrier from 1915.JPG

At the start of the 19th century, the "bull and terrier" breeds were developed to satisfy the needs for vermin control and animal-based blood sports. The bull and terriers were based on the Old English Bulldog (now extinct) and Old English Terriers with possible other terriers. This new breed combined the speed and dexterity of lightly built terriers with the dour tenacity of the Bulldog, which was a poor performer in most combat situations, having been bred almost exclusively for fighting bulls and bears tied to a post. Many breeders began to breed bulldogs with terriers, arguing that such a mixture enhances the quality of fighting. Despite the fact that a cross between a bulldog and a terrier was of high value, very little or nothing was done to preserve the breed in its original form. Due to the lack of breed standards—breeding was for performance, not appearance—the "bull and terrier" eventually divided into the ancestors of "Bull Terriers" and "Staffordshire Bull Terriers", both smaller and easier to handle than the progenitor.{{cite web|url=http://www.canterbury.bullterriersnz.com/info.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081121053325/http://www.canterbury.bullterriersnz.com/info.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=21 November 2008|title=Canterbury Bull Terrier Club|date=21 November 2008}}

In the mid-19th century, James Hinks started breeding bull and terriers with "English White Terriers" (now extinct), looking for a cleaner appearance with better legs and nicer head. In 1862, Hinks entered a dam called "Puss" sired by his white Bulldog called "Madman" into the Bull Terrier Class at the dog show held at the Cremorne Gardens in Chelsea, London. Originally, these dogs did not yet have the now-familiar "egg face", but kept the stop in the skull profile.[http://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/bull-terrier/detail/#history American Kennel Club:Bull Terrier History] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150805021741/http://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/bull-terrier/detail/ |date=5 August 2015 }}, akc.org

The dog was immediately popular and breeding continued, using Dalmatian, Spanish Pointer, and Whippet to increase elegance and agility; and Borzoi and Rough Collie to reduce the stop. Hinks wanted his dogs white, and bred specifically for this. The first modern Bull Terrier is now recognized as "Lord Gladiator", from 1917, being the first dog with no stop at all.[http://www.ankc.org.au/_uploads/docs/82635Bull_Terrier___Bull_Terrier_(Min)_BSE.pdf ANKC: Extended Breed Standard of The Bull Terrier & Bull Terrier (Miniature)] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080722005947/http://www.ankc.org.au/_uploads/docs/82635Bull_Terrier___Bull_Terrier_%28Min%29_BSE.pdf |date=22 July 2008 }}, ankc.org.au

Due to medical problems associated with all-white breeding, Ted Lyon among others began introducing colour, using Staffordshire Bull Terriers in the early 20th century. Colored Bull Terriers were recognized as a separate variety (at least by the AKC) in 1936. Brindle is the preferred colour, but other colors are welcome.T.W. Hogarth published The Coloured and Colour Breeding, Galashiels: A Walker & Son in 1932, which included chapters – 'Colour Breeding in Bull Terriers' by Major T Grahame and Captain J.N. Ritchie and 'Colour Inheritance in Bull-terriers' by Dr F Fraser Darling.

Along with conformation, specific behaviour traits were sought.

File:Bulterier i miniatura LM.jpg|With a Miniature Bull Terrier

File:Bull Terrier Chico 10.jpg|Brindle and white Bull Terrier

File:Bull Terrier R 01.jpg|White Bull Terrier

File:Close up of a Bull Terrier.jpg|Red and white Bull Terrier

File:Bullterrier standing in garden.jpg|Modern-colored Bull Terrier

File:Willie-Patton-LIFE-1944.jpg, wearing his regulation Army dog tag, with General Patton and the U.S. Third Army on the drive to Paris (August 1944)]]

• General George S. Patton owned a Bull Terrier named Willie. The dog had belonged to a fallen RAF pilot, and Patton bought him in England in 1944. When Willie got into a fight with Dwight D. Eisenhower's Scottish terrier dog Telek, Eisenhower said he would send Telek upstairs, but Patton apologized, saying that Telek outranked Willie, and therefore it was Willie who would be confined to quarters.Amanda Macias, [http://www.businessinsider.com/general-pattons-dog-day-of-pattons-death-2015-12 "This photo shows Gen. Patton's dog Willie after the general's death"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160410024959/http://www.businessinsider.com/general-pattons-dog-day-of-pattons-death-2015-12 |date=10 April 2016 }}, Business Insider, 21 December 2015.{{cite book |last1=D'Este |first1=Carlo |title=Eisenhower: A Soldier's Life |date=24 November 2015 |publisher=Henry Holt and Company |isbn=978-1-62779-961-4 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=g72pCgAAQBAJ&pg=PT988 |access-date=13 August 2020 |language=en}}{{cite book |last1=Forty |first1=George |title=Patton's Third Army at War |date=19 April 2015 |publisher=Casemate |isbn=978-1-61200-316-0 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QvzkDAAAQBAJ&pg=PA71 |access-date=13 August 2020 |language=en}}
• Theodore Roosevelt owned several pets, including the Bull Terrier Pete. Pete received plenty of contemporary press, having bitten a naval clerk as well as chased and bitten the French ambassador.{{cite book |last1=Coren |first1=Stanley |title=The Pawprints of History: Dogs in the Course of Human Events |date=18 April 2002 |publisher=Simon and Schuster |isbn=978-0-7432-2770-4 |pages=279 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JhflH2NIXxUC&pg=PA279 |language=en}}{{cite book |last1=Dickey |first1=Bronwen |title=Pit Bull: The Battle over an American Icon |date=10 May 2016 |publisher=Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group |isbn=978-0-307-96177-8 |pages=67 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KNBfCgAAQBAJ&pg=PA67 |access-date=13 August 2020 |language=en}}{{cite web |title=21 of Theodore Roosevelt's Most Memorable Pets |url=https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/610385/theodore-roosevelt-pets |website=Mental Floss |access-date=13 August 2020 |language=en |date=23 December 2019}}
• Patsy Ann (1929-1942) was a deaf bull terrier who lived in Juneau, Alaska, during the 1930s. She was known for predicting the arrival of ships to the harbor. A bronze statue of her stands at the harbor as a memorial to her role as the greeter of Juneau.
• In the 1963 film The Incredible Journey, based on Sheila Burnford's novel of the same name, a female bull terrier named Muffy played the part of Old Bodger, the eldest of the three animals.
• In the 1955 movie It's a Dog's Life, the main dog Wildfire is played by a white bull terrier of the same name voiced by Vic Morrow.
• Grim, the titular dog of Mother Goose and Grimm, a syndicated comic strip running since 1984, is a bull terrier.https://www.gocomics.com/mother-goose-and-grimm/2024/10/19
• Spuds MacKenzie is a fictional character used for an extensive advertising campaign marketing Bud Light beer in the late 1980s, portrayed by a bull terrier named Honey Tree Evil Eye.
• Bullseye (formerly known as Spot) is a Miniature Bull Terrier and currently the official mascot of Target Corporation.
• Scud is the pet Bull Terrier of Sid Phillips, the main antagonist, in Toy Story.
• Jonah is a pet of the Binsford Family, the main character, in Family Dog.
• In the 1998 film as a bodyguard for Babe to express his gratitude for saving his life, in Babe: Pig in the City.
• The 1977 novel Hell Hound by Ken Greenhall centers around a homicidal white bull terrier named Baxter. It was adapted as the French film Baxter (1989), in which the titular character was played by a bull terrier named Chimbot and voiced by Maxime Leroux.
• Gaspard and Lisa, a pair of anthropomorphised bull terriers who feature in a series of children's books.
• Sparky is a main character in Tim Burton's film Frankenweenie (1984), which later received an animated feature-length remake with the same title (2012).
• Spunky is Rocko's bull terrier in Rocko's Modern Life (1993-1996). He eats anything he sees, has a distinctive high-pitched bark, and is host to two parasites, Bloaty and Squirmy.
• In the movie Oliver Twist, Bullseye is a bull terrier owned by the criminal Bill Sikes. He is a loyal companion to Sikes and a reflection of his brutal nature, often seen at his side.
• Spudnick, a bull terrier, is a character in the American science fiction comedy film Space Buddies (2009).

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