Of the thirty-three terrier breeds (most of whom were first used for hunting vermin and therefore now have an innately spirited and aggressive character with a tendency to chase moving creatures and objects), the English Bull Terrier is today quite playful and puckish. Given this current temperament, it is reasonable to say this particular dog has come quite a long way from its ancestors» days.
Once dubbed «The White Cavalier» for its bull-baiting abilities, the English Bull Terrier first came into being in England in the early 1800»s. A cross between the first Bulldog breed and the last (now-extinct) White English Terrier, it was made to bait bulls, primarily, but also to fight in blood sports events against badgers, vermin, and other dogs. Fortunately, blood sports were outlawed (in 1835), but not until after the crossbred animal was again crossed with a Spanish Pointer (to give it more bulk).
The English Bull Terrier is a survivor, though, and following the elimination of pit fighting, it was slowly losing its viciousness and grit, especially by the time the new breeder, James Hinks, came on the scene to develop a purebred all white dog, which took it from the sides of sportsmen and brought it into the homes of gentlemen. Here it retained its instinct to fight and protect with great agility if necessary, but adapted to a simple, active life it now enjoys.
More in need of affection than fight, the English Bull Terrier today needs only occasional exercising with much more human and other animal companionship. As well, this 19-20 inch and healthy 45 pound breed with the short but harsh colored or all white coat needs minor grooming: a once-a-week bristle brushing or rubber brushing is all it needs.
Still, with the innate penchant for the feisty activity of conflict, pit fighting, and bull-baiting, the muscular and tough-looking but fun loving English Bull Terrier needs company and companionship. It does not like being alone at all, and will grow destructive and disagreeable when trapped in a house for eight hours. In addition, without specific socialization and training, its natural energy can run rampant, thereby being too much for most children and for people of any age or mindset. In other words, while it no longer runs with the bulls, it does not favor the stagnation of staying inside the ranch house all day long with no guidance and no attention.
