Bull Terrier Breed Profile

Breed History:

Dating back to approximately 1835, and having a unique appearance in the Terrier group and the dog world, the Bull Terrier was bred in England as a fashionable fighting dog. Its characteristic and unique egg-shaped head has no stop and a roman finish (the actual nose bends downward). This breed is a product of the attempt to make the Old English White Terrier more elegant and a better fighting dog, and eventually to create a more attractive, pure white dog, and it became very popular in England. Until 1895, this breed was cropped, until this practice was banned by King Edward VII, at which point breeders created a standing ear, the practice of which was called "genetic cropping." This breed can adapt to any climate, and became popular in the British colonies worldwide, used for a variety of tasks, even to hunt such game as hyenas and baboons in Africa. Some have even been used as police dogs. The Bull Terrier is the national breed of Great Britain and Canada. Around 1915, the standard was created for the white Bull Terriers, and the whites were superior to the colored until around 1947, when the great Romany Reliance handed down his excellent type to his offspring. Today, the white Bull Terriers are equal in quality to the Colored Bull Terriers. When raised well, this breed is a lovely companion and reliable member of society, but keep in mind that nicknames for the breed include both the "Gentleman Terrier" and the "Gladiator."

Distinguishing Characteristics:

Heavily built dog with a very athletic appearance. Very characteristic egg-shaped head with no stop. Since they were used in the early days for dog fights, be wary when this dog is among other dogs. Very friendly towards people.

• AKC Group:
  Terrier
• FCI Group:
  Group 3- Section 3- Bull Type Terriers
• KC Group:
  Terrier
• Country of Origin:
  Great Britain
• Patron Country:
  Great Britain
• Original Function:
  Fighting
• Body Type:
  Rectangular
• Coat Type:
  Short
• Relative Size:
  Large
• Male Height (AKC):
  To 22"
• Male Weight (AKC):
  To 60 lbs
• Female Height (AKC):
  To 21"
• Female Weight (AKC):
  To 50 lbs
• Other Coat Types:
  None
• Coat Color:
  White with markings on the head allowed, colored with the color predominant

Detailed Structure Information

Head Structure

• Head Type:
  Ram Like or egg shaped
• Skull Type:
  Brachycephalic
• Top of Skull Type:
  Flat
• Head Plane:
  Diverging
• Skull to Muzzle Ratio:
  Distance from the eyes to the nose should be perceptibly longer then from the eyes to the top of the skull
• Bite:
  Scissors
• Ear Type:
  Prick
• Ear Set:
  Close Erect
• Ear Faults:
  Set too low; Drop ears
• Eye Type:
  Triangle
• Eye Placement:
  Set oblique; Set deep; Appearing narrow
• Eye Color:
  Brown
• Eye Faults:
  Yellow Eyes; Blue Eyes

Profile Structure

• Body Type:
  Rectangular
• Coat Type:
  Short
• Front Type:
  Bully, without tacked on shoulders
• Forechest:
  Yes
• Forehand Type:
  Normal
• Chest Type:
  Barrel
• Topline Type:
  Level
• Tuck Up Type:
  Moderate
• Backhand Type:
  Normal
• Rear Type:
  Normal Gothic Window
• Foot Type:
  Cat
• Tail Type:
  Whip
• Tail Set:
  Normal
• Tail Carriage:
  Horizontal