Bull and Terrier

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, that 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.

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. However, they still had their pros and cons, which included:

Pros

• Bull and Terriers made excellent guard dogs
• They were highly intelligent
• Bull and Terriers were obedient and easy to train

Cons

• Extremely aggressive towards other  animals
• Not suitable for families with children
• 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 13^th 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 Terriers Size and Weight

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 since they were used in blood sports and had rigorous training sessions.

Bull and Terriers 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 Pitbulls 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 Terriers 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 outburst 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, five are recognized by the AKC (American Kennel Club). They include:

• Boston Terrier
• Miniature Bull Terrier
• Bull Terrier
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier
• American Staffordshire Terrier
• American Pit Bull Terrier

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 dog fights!
• 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 min 30 sec!

Popular Names for Bull and Terriers

• Butch
• Kane
• Rusty
• Bruno
• Rex
• Knight
• Queen
• Athena
• Willow
• Beast
• Bullet
• Rocky
• Killer

1. Doglime, Available here: https://doglime.com/bull-and-terrier/
2. Wikipedia, Available here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bull_and_terrier#Famous_bull_and_terriers