Bull Terrier

BULL TERRIER

History Today's Bull Terrier is the direct descendant of the original bull-and-terrier crosses made in England, specifically to bait bulls and, later to fight in pits. The breed was standardized in England in the early 1850's by James Hinks. The first accepted color was white, but colored dogs were later allowed. The Bull Terrier was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1948. General Appearance The Bull Terrier is strongly built and muscular, presenting a symmetrical appearance, with a determined and intelligent expression. The breed is active, with a sweet disposition and is responsive to discipline. Dogs should look masculine; bitches should look feminine. Characteristics Although their appearance is one of strength and agility, the breed is peaceful and tractable, with a jaunty air. The breed is categorized in two color varieties, white and colored, but is shown as one breed in U.K.C. conformation events. The egg-shaped head, complete with naturally erect ears and small triangular eyes, give the breed a distinctive appearance. Head and Skull The head is long, strong and deep right to the end of the muzzle. The face is full and oval in outline and filled in completely, giving the impression of fullness, with no hollows or indentations (i.e., egg-shaped), without excessive muscle in the cheeks. In profile, it curves gently downward from the top of the skull to the tip of the nose. The forehead is flat across, from ear to ear. The distance from the tip of the nose to the eyes is noticeably greater than the distance from the eyes to the top of the skull. The underjaw is deep and well defined. The lips are clean and tight. Faults: Coarse head. TEETH - A full complement of strong, even, white teeth meet in a scissors or level bite. EYES - The eyes are well sunken and small, with a piercing glint. They should be as dark as possible. They are small, triangular in shape, and obliquely placed, set near together and high up on the head. NOSE - The nose is black. The well-developed nostrils bend downward at the tip. EARS - The ears are small and thin. They are placed close together, and should be capable of being held stiffly erect, and should point upward. Neck The long, muscular neck is arched and clean, tapering from the shoulders to the head. It is free from loose skin. Forequarters The shoulders are strong and muscular, but not heavy. The shoulder blades are wide and flat. There is a very pronounced backward slope from the bottom edge of the blade to the top edge. FORELEGS - The forelegs are big boned, but not coarse. They are perfectly straight and of moderate length, providing a firm base of support. The elbows turn neither in nor out. The pasterns are strong and upright. Body When viewed from the front, the chest is broad. There is great depth from the withers to the brisket; the brisket being nearer to the ground than the belly (underline of abdomen). The underline, from the brisket to the belly, forms a graceful upward curve. The body is well rounded. The spring of rib is well marked, and carried well back. The back is slightly arched over the loin. Faults: Slack withers. Dip at withers. Hindquarters HIND LEGS - The hind legs are big boned, but not coarse. When viewed from the rear, they are parallel. The thighs are very muscular. The stifle joint is well bent, with a well-developed second thigh. The hocks are well let down. The rear pasterns are short and upright. Feet The feet are round and compact. The toes are well arched (like a cat). Tail The tail is short, is set on low, and is carried horizontally. It is thick at the root, tapering to a fine point. Coat The coat is short, flat, glossy and harsh to the touch. The skin fits tightly. Color The breed is categorized in two color varieties: White and Colored. White - The dog is white, though markings on the head are permissible. Skin pigmentation on the body is permissible. Colored - Any color other than white. The preferred color is brindle, but they may also be red, fawn, and black and tan. The colored dogs may or may not have white markings. Size and Weight There are no height or weight limits, but there is an impression of maximum substance in relation to the size of the individual dog. Gait The Bull Terrier moves smoothly, exhibiting a free, easy, ground-covering stride. When viewed from front or rear, front and hind legs move parallel to each other. The forelegs reach out well. The head is carried high, and the back remains level. The hind legs move smoothly at the hip, flexing well at the stifle and hock. The dog exhibits a jaunty air, suggesting agility and power. Faults Departures from the above standard are judged as faults; their severity determined by the degree of deviation from the ideal. Disqualifications Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. Viciousness or extreme shyness. Blue eyes. Unilateral or bilateral deafness.