B
Species Profile

Bull and Terrier

Canis lupus familiaris

Grit and agility, forged in history.

Bull and Terrier Distribution

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Origin Location

This map shows the native origin of the Bull and Terrier. As a domesticated species, they are now found worldwide.

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Found in 1 country

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Size Comparison

Human 5'8"
Bull and Terrier 1 ft 5 in

Bull and Terrier stands at 25% of average human height.

Black and white photo from 1863 of Rose, a Bull and Terrier

At a Glance

Domesticated
Also Known As Pit dog, Pit-fighting dog, Fighting dog, Game dog
Diet Omnivore
Activity Diurnal+
Lifespan 5 years
Weight 32 lbs
Status Not Evaluated
Did You Know?

Bull-and-terrier was a historical crossbred *type*, not a single standardized kennel-club breed with one fixed look.

Scientific Classification

The bull-and-terrier was a historical crossbred dog type (not a single uniform breed) produced by combining bulldog-type dogs with terrier-type dogs, originally selected for tenacity and athleticism. It is widely regarded as foundational stock for several modern bull-type terriers.

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Species
Canis lupus

Distinguishing Features

  • Historical bulldog–terrier cross (type rather than standardized breed)
  • Compact, muscular, athletic build; strong jaws relative to size
  • Short coat commonly described in historical accounts
  • Selected historically for gameness/tenacity (later redirected into companion and sport roles in descendant breeds)

Physical Measurements

Males and females differ in size

Height
♂ 1 ft 5 in (1 ft 4 in – 1 ft 7 in)
♀ 1 ft 3 in (1 ft 1 in – 1 ft 5 in)
Length
♀ 2 ft 7 in (2 ft 4 in – 2 ft 11 in)
Weight
♂ 51 lbs (40 lbs – 62 lbs)
♀ 32 lbs (24 lbs – 40 lbs)
Tail Length
♂ 10 in (8 in – 12 in)
♀ 9 in (8 in – 11 in)
Top Speed
28 mph
fast in short bursts

Appearance

Primary Colors
White Brown Black Tan
Secondary Colors
Red Cream Striped Spotted
Skin Type Short, smooth, close-lying coat typical of bulldog-terrier crosses; skin generally tight. As a historical working type rather than a standardized breed, coat and skin characteristics likely varied by locality and breeding.
Distinctive Features
  • Historical 'type' (bulldog x terrier crosses), not a single modern standardized breed; appearance ranged from more bulldog-like (heavier, broader head) to more terrier-like (lighter, leggier).
  • An early bulldog-terrier cross used in 19th-century blood sports (bull-baiting and later dog fighting) and a foundation for several modern bull-type terriers; selectively bred for athleticism and persistence in combat (often called "gameness").
  • Typically compact, muscular build with deep chest and strong shoulders; comparatively short coat; strong jaws and broad, well-muscled head relative to many other domestic dog types.
  • Compact, muscular, deep-chested build with a broad head and powerful jaws; typically a short, smooth coat.
  • Care requirements (type-typical): high daily exercise needs; mental work to prevent frustration; secure containment; consistent reward-based training with clear boundaries; careful dog-dog introductions due to historically selected combativeness in some lines.
  • Health risks: short-faced, more bulldog-like dogs may have breathing and heat problems; heavy muscles and hard work can strain hips and knees; some bull lines get skin allergies; gripping work can wear or injure teeth.
  • Heat management: short coats and muscular bodies can overheat during intense exertion; requires shade/water and avoiding peak heat, especially in shorter-muzzled individuals.
  • Grooming: generally low-maintenance coat (weekly brushing), but routine skin checks for abrasions/irritation and nail/ear care are important for active dogs.

Sexual Dimorphism

As in most domestic dogs, dimorphism was present but not uniform because this was a crossbred type; males tended to be larger, broader, and more heavily muscled, while females were typically smaller and more streamlined.

♂
  • Heavier bone and broader head/neck; more pronounced cheek/temporalis musculature.
  • Greater overall mass and chest width; often a more blocky silhouette in bulldog-leaning individuals.
♀
  • Generally lighter frame and slightly narrower head/neck; often more agile/terrier-leaning outline.
  • May present a more refined waist tuck and less overall bulk while retaining strong musculature.

Did You Know?

Bull-and-terrier was a historical crossbred *type*, not a single standardized kennel-club breed with one fixed look.

It arose in Britain when bulldog-type dogs were crossed with terrier-type dogs to blend strength and "hold" with speed and gameness.

After blood sports were curtailed (e.g., post-1835 Britain), the same type was redirected into ratting, guarding, and general-purpose work.

Bull-and-terrier stock is widely cited as ancestral to several modern breeds/types, including the Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and later American pit-bull-type dogs.

Because it wasn't standardized, individuals ranged from more "bulldoggy" (shorter muzzle, heavier front) to more "terrierish" (leggier, quicker).

Selection emphasized athletic efficiency: compact muscle, powerful neck/forequarters, and intense persistence-traits later preserved in many bull-type terriers.

Unique Adaptations

  • Power-to-size build: a compact, muscular frame with strong neck and forequarters-useful for sustained pulling and close-in work.
  • Agility blended with strength: terrier influence favored quick feet and rapid turns compared with heavier bulldog types.
  • High arousal tolerance: historically selected to keep functioning in loud, chaotic environments (crowds, pits, vermin contests).
  • Domestic-dog social cognition (species context): like other domestic dogs, individuals were shaped by human selection for reading human cues and working under direct handling-amplified here by close, hands-on management in competitive settings.

Interesting Behaviors

  • Grip-and-hold play style: many show intense tugging and a tendency to clamp and brace, reflecting historical selection.
  • High "task persistence": once engaged, they may work a problem (or a toy) longer than many other domestic dogs.
  • Fast prey-trigger response: quick orientation to scurrying animals and a strong chase instinct reminiscent of terrier ratting work.
  • Human-directed focus: despite dog-on-dog competitive origins in some lines, many were handled closely by people and selected for manageability with humans.
  • Body-checking, shoulder-led movement: using chest/shoulders to push into objects during play or work, consistent with a front-heavy power style.
  • Vocal intensity under arousal: excited grunts, "talking," and sharp barks can appear during high-drive play or frustration.

Cultural Significance

The bull-and-terrier (Canis lupus familiaris) marks a turning point in dog history: linked to 19th-century working-class pastimes like bull-baiting, pit contests, and ratting, it became foundation stock for bull-type terriers and shaped urban life, sport, and animal welfare debates.

Myths & Legends

Old sporting accounts describe celebrated pit and ratting dogs of "bull-and-terrier" blood with near-legendary stamina-named individuals were sometimes written about like prizefighters, with owners recounting dramatic comebacks and last-second wins.

In Victorian-era dog lore, exceptional "white" bull-and-terrier descendants were romanticized as the well-mannered 'White Cavalier'-a reputation later strongly associated with James Hinks' Bull Terrier, whose origin story is entwined with earlier bull-and-terrier stock.

Later popular culture attached the 'nanny dog' tale to bull-type terriers, portraying them as instinctive child-guardians in family homes; this story persists as a piece of modern folklore around bull-and-terrier descendants.

Immigrant and working-dockside anecdotes in Britain and North America often cast bull-and-terrier descendants as steadfast companions of laborers-dogs said to sleep by toolkits or doorsteps, valued as both vermin control and personal protection.

Conservation Status

NE Not Evaluated

Has not yet been evaluated against the criteria.

Population Stable

Life Cycle

Birth 6 pups
Lifespan 5 years

Lifespan

In the Wild
3–12 years
In Captivity
8–15 years

Reproduction

Mating System Polygynandry
Social Structure Managed Domestic
Breeding Pattern Serial
Fertilization Managed Selective
Birth Type Internal_fertilization

Bull-and-Terrier (Canis lupus familiaris) dogs can mate with multiple partners (polygynandry) and have internal fertilization with a copulatory tie. Under human control, breeders usually select and limit mates, pairing dogs per heat; lifelong bonds or other dogs helping raise pups are uncommon.

Behavior & Ecology

Social Pack Group: 4
Activity Diurnal, Crepuscular, Cathemeral
Diet Omnivore Meat-rich foods (e.g., beef or lamb-based meals and organ meat treats)

Temperament

High tenacity and persistence (historically selected for sustained engagement); can show intense focus once aroused.
Athletic, energetic, and stimulus-driven; benefits from daily structured exercise plus training that channels drive (e.g., tug with rules, scentwork, controlled flirt-pole).
Bold/confident presentation is common; may be less environmentally cautious than many dogs (distinct from wolf neophobia).
People-oriented with frequent desire for close contact; typically responds well to consistent, reward-based handling, but can resist coercive methods when highly aroused.
Often high prey drive and chase/grab tendencies; management around small animals is frequently required (leash, secure fencing, muzzle training where appropriate).
Dog sociality is variable across this historical 'hub': from sociable to dog-selective; careful early socialization and lifelong management reduce risk of inter-dog conflict.
Arousal can escalate quickly; care requirement: prioritize impulse-control training, predictable routines, and decompression time to prevent frustration-driven behavior.
In some bull-and-terrier dogs: joint strain from high activity, skin allergies, and breathing and heat trouble if bulldog genes are present. Care needs weight control, joint-safe exercise, and heat-aware outings.

Communication

Short, sharp alarm barks for novel stimuli; can be less 'howly' than wolves and more bark-oriented.
Low growls and grumbles during threat displays or resource disputes; important early indicator of discomfort that should not be punished.
Excited whining/whimpering with anticipation Leash, play, owner return
High-pitched yelps during sudden pain or startle; may also vocalize during high-arousal play Varies by individual
Direct, sustained staring and forward-weight posture when focused on a target; in this type, fixation can be pronounced due to selection for grip/tenacity.
Rigid body, high tail carriage, piloerection, and closed mouth as escalation signals; loose body, curved approach, and play bow as de-escalation/play signals.
Mouth-oriented interaction (grabbing, tugging, 'hold' behaviors) as a common social/play language; requires taught bite inhibition and clear rules.
Scent marking and investigative sniffing typical of domestic dogs; may overmark in high-arousal or territorial contexts.
Physical contact and leaning into humans as affiliative behavior; seeking touch/pressure can increase under stress.
Displacement behaviors (shake-off, sniffing the ground, scratching) when conflicted; useful for handlers to recognize and reduce pressure.

Habitat

Urban Suburban Agricultural/Farmland Woodland Deciduous Forest Coniferous Forest Grassland Shrubland Desert Tundra Mountain River/Stream +6
Biomes:
Temperate Forest Temperate Grassland Mediterranean Desert Hot Desert Cold Boreal Forest (Taiga) Tundra Alpine Tropical Rainforest Tropical Dry Forest Savanna Freshwater Wetland Marine +8
Terrain:
Plains Hilly Coastal Valley
Elevation: Up to 16404 ft 3 in

Ecological Role

Human-associated omnivorous mesopredator/commensal (domestic working dog type) with strong vermin-hunting potential; ecological effects are primarily mediated through human environments.

rodent and pest suppression around homes, yards, stables, and urban areas deterrence of some nuisance wildlife via presence and scent conversion of human-provided foods into companionship/working utility (cultural ecosystem service) support roles for people (guarding, historical baiting/pit work; modern analogs include sport/working companionship)

Diet Details

Main Prey:
Rodents Rabbits and hares Small birds and ground-nesting birds Small mammals
Other Foods:
Fallen fruit Vegetable matter and roots Grasses Human food waste

Human Interaction

Domestication Status

Domesticated

Domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris). The Bull-and-Terrier was a 19th-century British cross of bulldog-type and terrier dogs, bred for blood sports (bull-baiting, later dog fighting) and ratting. Bred for strength, grip, agility, and persistence, its look varied. It helped make breeds like the Bull Terrier and Staffordshire Bull Terrier as uses shifted toward pets and shows.

Danger Level

Moderate
  • Strong jaws/neck and high intensity can increase injury severity if a bite occurs
  • High arousal/poor impulse control without careful training can raise bite risk in chaotic environments
  • Dog-directed aggression or predatory behavior may lead to redirected bites during fights or attempted separations
  • Low tolerance for rough handling in some individuals; poor socialization increases risk
  • Secure containment is important; roaming can create public safety incidents involving other animals and people trying to intervene

As a Pet

Not Suitable as Pet

Legality: Not a known breed and extinct as a separate type. Today, questions about owning similar bull-type or pit-bull-type dogs come up. Laws change by area; some places ban or limit them, or require registration, muzzles, insurance, or extra fences.

Care Level: Expert Only

Purchase Cost: Up to $2,000
Lifetime Cost: $15,000 - $40,000

Economic Value

Uses:
Historical blood sport and wagering (now illegal/condemned) Vermin control (ratting) Breeding foundation stock for modern bull-type terriers Companion animal market (via descendant breeds/types) Animal control/shelter-rescue ecosystem
Products:
  • pest-control/ratting labor (historical)
  • sporting match revenue and gambling (historical; illegal)
  • foundation breeding used to develop/standardize later bull-type terrier breeds
  • modern companion services (pet ownership, training, sporting activities)
  • rescue/rehabilitation and behavior/training services demand (modern)

Relationships

Predators 5

Gray wolf
Gray wolf Canis lupus
Coyote
Coyote Canis latrans
Cougar
Cougar Puma concolor
Leopard
Leopard Panthera pardus
Golden eagle
Golden eagle Aquila chrysaetos

Related Species 10

Domestic dog
Domestic dog Canis lupus familiaris Shared Species
Gray wolf
Gray wolf Canis lupus Shared Species
Dingo
Dingo Canis lupus dingo Shared Species
Coyote
Coyote Canis latrans Shared Genus
Golden jackal
Golden jackal Canis aureus Shared Genus
African golden wolf Canis lupaster Shared Genus
Red fox
Red fox Vulpes vulpes Shared Family
Raccoon dog
Raccoon dog Nyctereutes procyonoides Shared Family
Dhole
Dhole Cuon alpinus Shared Family
African wild dog
African wild dog Lycaon pictus Shared Family

Ecological Equivalents 7

Animals that fill a similar ecological role in their ecosystem

Bull Terrier
Bull Terrier Canis lupus familiaris Modern standardized descendant-type breed. Shares the historical bull-and-terrier niche as an athletic, tenacious bull-type terrier lineage originally selected from bulldog-terrier crosses.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Staffordshire Bull Terrier Canis lupus familiaris Often cited among modern breeds shaped by bull-and-terrier stock; has a similar compact, muscular build and a historically high drive associated with baiting and ratting.
American Pit Bull Terrier
American Pit Bull Terrier Canis lupus familiaris Bull-and-terrier-type performance dog. Overlaps strongly in working style (strength, agility, persistence) and in historical selection for tenacity.
American Staffordshire Terrier
American Staffordshire Terrier Canis lupus familiaris Close bull-type terrier relative in form and function. Shares common ancestry and a similar companion/working crossover niche.
American Bulldog
American Bulldog Canis lupus familiaris Different bulldog line but fills a similar 'catch dog' (bull-baiting–derived) functional niche: strong gripping power, athleticism, and human-directed handling.
Boxer
Boxer Canis lupus familiaris Bull-type working/guardian breed with a comparable athletic build and historical big-game/holding roles, though developed via different lines.
Dogo Argentino
Dogo Argentino Canis lupus familiaris Shares a comparable functional niche as a strong, athletic catch-and-hold dog, with similar management needs (training, containment, exercise) despite different genetic origins.

The Bull and Terrier is an extinct English breed that was a cross between a Bulldog and various terriers. While they don’t exist anymore, their legacy lives on through several descendants like the Bull Terrier, Pit Bull Terrier, Miniature Bull Terrier, and American Staffordshire Terrier.

Bull and Terriers were medium in size and had muscular bodies with short coats. They had longer skulls, and their ears were small, erect, and ended in pointed tips.

This breed developed in the early 1800s; by the 1900s, there were multiple types and varieties to choose from. Some of these breeds included the Old English Wire-haired Terrier, Black and Tan Terriers, and the Old English White Terrier.

Black and white photo from 1863 of Rose, a Bull and Terrier

Bull and Terriers are an extinct breed that were medium-sized and had muscular bodies with short coats.

© – License

Three Pros and Cons of Owning a Bull and Terrier

These dogs lived in a different era than pets these days. Instead, they had a specific purpose and weren’t generally seen as part of the family.

ProsCons
Bull and Terriers made excellent guard dogs.Extremely aggressive towards other animals.
They were highly intelligent.Not suitable for families with children.
Bull and Terriers were obedient and easy to train.Prone to joint issues.

Bull and Terrier History

Bull and Terriers were explicitly bred for bull-baiting, a savage blood sport where certain dog breeds would attack an angered bull tied to a pole. To make matters worse, spectators would bet on which animal would come out on top.

This sport dominated Britain at the beginning of the 13th century. However, by the 1830s, it was outlawed. But, just like many illegal activities, it found its footing underground. People couldn’t get enough of the carnage, and it was even used as a marketing strategy by businesses trying to attract more patrons.

But luckily, it did not last as it was too conspicuous to keep hidden. Sadly, this opened the door for another gruesome sport, dog fighting. Spectators would make their way to cellars, usually underneath taverns, to witness the carnage.

Initially, bulldogs were used in bull-baiting, but were too slow, so breeders decided to cross-breed them with the fiery terrier. The combination proved successful because the Bull and Terrier inherited the Bulldog’s power and the Terrier’s unstoppable spirit and agility.

This made them excellent candidates for dog fighting, and the breed quickly grew. However, soon after, dog fighting was banned in Britain, and dogs were starting to become a status symbol. So, breeders decided to cross-breed the Bull and Terrier with other breeds to make a less aggressive, family-friendly breed, resulting in the Bull Terrier among others.

Bull and Terrier Size and Weight

SexHeightWeight
Male18 to 24 inches35 to 65 pounds
Female16 to 22 inches30 to 60 pounds

Bull and Terriers Common Health Issues

There is not much information about Bull and Terrier’s health issues, as people didn’t really care about them when these dogs existed. But, according to their body size and structure, they likely suffered from joint problems, primarily because they were used in blood sports and had rigorous training sessions.

Bull and Terrier Temperament

Bull and Terriers were highly intelligent but extremely aggressive. They were in high demand in the bull-baiting world because of their smarts, obedience, and agility.

Their drive was limitless, and they would continue going even when severely injured. However, Bull and Terriers were very dominant and independent, so they required a strong trainer.

How to Take Care of Bull and Terriers

These muscular power dogs did not need much maintenance. Instead, a good meal, water, and shelter were all they required. If around today, they would fall under the same category as Bull Terriers and Pit Bulls regarding grooming and care.

Bull and Terriers Maintenance And Grooming

Bull and Terriers had short coats with smooth hair that wouldn’t have required much grooming. However, a good brush once a week with a soft brush would have rid them of loose hairs and dirt particles.

Because of the shape of their ears, a lot of dirt and gunk got trapped in the folds. These would have required a cleaning when necessary.

When used in blood sports, their nails would have been an asset to scratch their prey; however, if the breed existed today, they would need a trim every 6 to 8 weeks to keep the dog comfortable.

Luckily, their fur was short and glossy, so bathing them wasn’t necessary. Instead, a quick wipe with a damp cloth would have been sufficient.

Bull and Terrier Training

Bull and Terriers were very clever and obedient, making them easy to train with the right trainer. However, because they were so independent and dominant, they needed a trainer to put them in their place and not let them take any chances.

Bull and Terrier Exercise

Bull and Terriers were moderately energetic but had a strong drive. When used in blood sports, breeders would make these dogs overexert themselves. However, as companions, they would have only needed 30-60 minutes of exercise a day.

Obedience training, tracking, and agility courses would have worked well with them. However, their minds needed stimulation as well. If they did not receive mental stimulation, they would act out in destructive behavior.

Bull and Terrier Puppies

Young pups were playful, energetic, and mischievous. Unfortunately, training started at a young age for these pups, primarily damaging their developing joints. If these puppies were around today, they would need moderate exercise daily, along with interactive toys for mental stimulation.

While Bull and Terriers did not get along with other animals, if socialized from an early age, they could have lived with other dogs.

Bull and Terriers and Children

Bull and Terriers would not have been a suitable pick for a family pet. They were very aggressive and not good with children. Their brute strength and vicious outbursts could have hurt a child, even unintentionally.

Dogs Similar to Bull and Terriers

Six primary breeds descend from the Bull and Terrier. Of that six, four are recognized by the AKC (American Kennel Club). They include:

Famous Bull and Terriers

Bull and Terriers were famous for all the wrong reasons. The most vicious of the breed were praised for their fighting and survival skills.

  • In 1804, England, Trusty the Bull and Terrier was more famous than Emperor Napoleon. Trusty was undefeated after 104 dogfights.
  • Then in 1812, Dustman the Bull and Terrier reigned when he pulled off the best attack on a badger anyone had ever seen.
  • And in 1825, in a Cockpit in Tufton Street, a Bull and Terrier named Billy, who weighed 26 pounds, killed 100 rats in 5 minutes and 30 seconds.

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Sources

  1. Doglime / Accessed August 9, 2022
  2. Wikipedia / Accessed August 9, 2022
Chanel Coetzee

About the Author

Chanel Coetzee

Chanel Coetzee is a writer at A-Z Animals, primarily focusing on big cats, dogs, and travel. Chanel has been writing and researching about animals for over 10 years. She has also worked closely with big cats like lions, cheetahs, leopards, and tigers at a rescue and rehabilitation center in South Africa since 2009. As a resident of Cape Town, South Africa, Chanel enjoys beach walks with her Stafford bull terrier and traveling off the beaten path.
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Bull and Terrier FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Yes, the Bull and Terrier is an extinct English breed that was a cross between a Bulldog and various terriers. While they don’t exist anymore, their legacy lives on through several descendants like the Bull terrier, Pit Bull Terrier, Miniature Bull Terrier, and American Staffordshire Terrier.

View Bull and Terrier Photos