Short and flat over a
tight-fitting skin. White, when head may have coloured markings, or coloured,
preferably brindle.
About 53-56 cm (21-22 in).
Long and
strong, with an almost flat skull and tapering only slightly to the tip of
the muzzle so as to appear egg shaped from the front. Dark, narrow, triangular
eyes. Small erect ears are set quite close.
Broad, muscular shoulders. The short back slopes downwards from withers to
loins and well-tucked-up belly forms a graceful curve on the underside.
Longish and
very muscular.
Strong and well-boned, hind legs have powerful thighs and well bent stifles.
Compact, round feet.
Shortish, low set, broad at the base and tapering to a point. Carried no higher
than level with the back.
Beauty
is certainly in the eye of the beholder so far as the Bull Terrier is concerned.
But the breed has many admirers, and its devotion to its owner cannot be faulted.
The ancestors of the Bull Terrier were fearless fighting dogs, probably the
result of crossing Bulldogs and terriers. Although dog fighting, bear baiting
and allied sports were outlawed in Britain in the early part of the 19th century,
admirers of this type of dog nevertheless continued to breed it.
The Bull
Terrier will fight to the death if necessary and males in particular are innately
hostile to other dogs. But in human company the breed is surprisingly docile,
given its pugnacious history. It is affectionate, good with children and likes
lot of attention. Normally a healthy dog, it will run to fat if it is not given
plenty of exercise.White Bull Terriers are often born deaf - have a puppy's
hearing tested before you commit yourself in buying it. Variations in colour
were introduced in the 1920s to combat this fault and deafness does not seem
to be so prevalent in coloured dogs