The English Bull Terrier – NOT bred for fighting!

The origin of the Bull Terrier

The English Bull Terrier was first introduced by its creator James Hinks in Birmingham 1862. This was 27 years after fights between animals were forbidden by law. – Therefore it is most unlikely he wanted to create such a dog.

Recently - and the only research in different sources, including James Hinks private documents, Shows that this breed was created as a show dog and companion.

James Hinks Bull Terrier is in literature mentioned as  “The New Bull Terrier”, because it was very different from the early “Bull and Terriers” (a combination of bulldogs and different terriers). His goal was to create a completely white dog and the old day’s dog people appreciated this, and James Hinks “White Cavaliers” did really well on dog shows.

Both in literature and amongst dog people is the “Bull and Terrier” often mistaken with the “New Bull Terrier”, when the origin of the breed is described. Because of this the breed is wrongly classified as a fighting dog of origin.

James Hinks used different breeds to reach his goal. Amongst others the Dalmatian, the English Bulldog and the now extinct English White Terrier was the main breeds used. There is even some evidence to suggest that the Borzoi and Collie were used to help elongate the head. His first priority was a completely white dog, which he wouldn’t if he wanted to create a fighting dog. Also the main bred was the Dalmatian, which also would decline a dogs fighting ability.

The temperament of the Bull Terrier

The breed standard from England describes the English Bull Terrier as a dog with a good temperament. It’s receptive towards discipline and that it despite of its stubbornness can be trained. The English Bull Terrier is exceptional good with people.  It is described as brave, full of life and joy and funny!  Great Brittan is the country where most English Bull Terriers is being bred. In the period 1998-2007 there was 2.899 English Bull Terriers registered in average per year.

In Denmark The Danish Kennel Club have registered 73,1 dogs per year and we have a population counting around 700 specimens.  

 Source: www.engelskbullterrier.dk

The first impression you get when you meet the English Bull Terrier, is it's very special triangle black eyes. The way it looks at you is very intense and you almost feel as if it's a voyeur. Then it's very special egg shaped head and very heavy and strong, compact body.

Most people find the Bull Terrier ugly at first sight. Then you see the unique shapes almost like art!

This noble knight of dogs is truly beautiful!

The Bull Terrier can run with the speed of lightning on short distances. This breed is a very good friend to bring when you are going out running/biking or on long walks. But please mark that you should NOT bring it along until it’s at least 1-1½ year old! The dog must be fully developed otherwise you will damage its heart and lungs and also hips and joints.

This breed actually do have very good eyesight, although some says differently, the also has a super memory, I say like an elephant...

The temperament of this breed, well it’s a proud dog, and should not be afraid of anything, it is loving and it want to be close to you all the time. It is very good with children, but I won’t say it’s an easy breed to start with. You will have to be very strict in razing it and YOU must set the limits. But it is worth all in the end.

Normally the tough period is from 6 months to 2 years. Like with teenage children, they have a mind of their own. It is a terrier and therefor patience is the key word.

This is a very friendly breed and loves all people and kids. Often they like other animals too but there can be problems between dogs (males/ or just same sexes), as in all other breeds.

This breed comes in different colours: red smut with or without white markings, tri-colour, and brindle with white or solid brindle, fawn or pure white or whites with marks on head. These colours are all accepted by FCI and it’s up to you which one you prefer. There are 2 colours that are NOT accepted by FCI: Silver/grey or liver/chocolate-brown. Often there are faults and health problems connected to these 2 colours.

The eye colour must be black or as dark brown as possible. Light brown or blue eyes are not accepted. A Bull Terriers nose must be completely black, "butterfly" noses or ½ pigmented noses is considerd as a fault. Not to mention completely pink noses. - read the breed standard for details.

Size and weight

The standard doesn't put any exact height or weight on this breed.

Normally the bitches is about 40-45 cm and has a weight around 25 kilos.

The dogs can be somewhat larger and measures 50-55+ cm and have a weight at around 30-35+ kilos. 

This breed has a healthy appetite and during growing up it must contain enough protein. The exercise of the puppy must not be overdone, so NO long walks the first 6-8 months. Exercise your puppy no more than 30 minutes a day!

You must never allow your Bull Terrier to get fat, it loses the look but most of all it dies sooner! Talk to you breeder if you do not know how to feed it the right way or follow the Vets advice. REMEMBER to buy proper food of excellent quality; it’s very important that it gets the right food and amount so it grows the right way.

Many feed their dogs too much fat in order to get more substance. But either your dog have the substance or it don't. It will just get fat of too much food!

Upbringing

You must set rules for the dog from day one, so it adapts the environment of its home. Love and consequence is the way. This breed can do obedience with success but often it takes some time and effort. Never force your Bull Terrier to do things that seems unfair or of low character, it will refuse at once and you will not get anything through. Teach it boundaries and that it’s you who set them, but let it be a part of the family at the same time, this way is the best for the dog.

NEVER EVER use violence towards your dog!!! It is your friend for life, and if you treat it with respect and love it will do anything for you.

It’s a much laid back breed and loves to relax on the sofa or in your arms. They are very social dogs and make an effort of entertaining the whole family.

- And more

None of our dogs will be sold to places where they will be held in kennels/cages/outdoor, and therefore not will be a part of a family.

ONLY approved and loving families can be kept in mind for a Redbull Royale's Bull Terrier.

All in all the English Bull Terrier is a GREAT breed. They are loving, sweet, funny and the best friend you can have.

But it is not a breed for anyone. You should not buy this breed if you don't know it, haven't met it or just because you think it looks unique, funny or other things.

You should buy one if you know you can't live without one!

Think twice, visit shows, kennels and talk to different breeders.

Remember that this is a new member of your family, and that you must care and love it for the next 10-15 years.

Look at the parents of the puppy you want to buy, are they in good condition? Nice temperaments? Keept under good conditions? Are they healths tested? If not, don't buy the puppy no matter how cute it is. Wait and find a proper breeder. It's worth it in the long run!

A dog, regardless the type of breed, is A LIVING being and you must treat it with respect and love.

The bull Terrier is a loving family dog which loves to sit on your lap for hours and hours without knowing how num your legs are or how sore your bum is. It is truly a great dog!

Have fun with your friend!

All the best wishes,

Katherine.