| The only Bull Terrier to win Crufts BREED HISTORY |
Hinks would no doubt have used many breeds and types of dog in his quest to breed his "Gentleman’s Companion", but it seems likely that the Bulldog, the (now extinct) English White Terrier, and the Dalmatian. were the main contributors. His preference was for a white animal and it seems that the dog fancy of that time were in agreement, as his "White Cavalier" quickly gained popularity, and was successful at the early dog shows which were rapidly becoming popular at that time. The “New Bull Terrier” gained in popularity and in 1887, after several attempts, The Bull Terrier Club was formed. At this time the breed consisted mainly of white specimens, the coloured generally being of a different type. Shortly after the 20th Century commenced, determined and successful efforts were made to breed coloured Bull Terriers, today the coloured and white are one breed. The children of white parents are always white, although these can and often do, have head markings; the offspring of a white+coloured parent can be white and/or coloured. The prime colours consist of brindle, red and tri-colour (black, white & tan and black, tan & white) with various shades between these. By Selective breeding the Bull Terrier has today developed into a companion animal and much loved family pet. He is extremely affectionate with people, and is particularly noted for a fondness towards young children. Nevertheless he is a strong and powerful animal, and it should always be remembered that he is a first and foremost a Terrier with a competitive spirit and may not always be tolerant of other animals, though many live together in a household quite happily with other pets. |
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