History of the American Bull Terrier

Bull terriers are smart, friendly dogs. Although they were originally bred as fighters, "bullies" quickly proved themselves to be better as pets. The breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885, found a place in performance and working disciplines, and continues in its popularity today.

  1. The Facts

    • American bull terriers are medium-sized, compact dogs. They stand 20 to 24 inches tall and can weight up to 80 lbs. They have unique, long-nosed faces, floppy ears, short legs and muscular bodies. Colors range from pure white to red, fawn, and combinations of black and white, brown and white, and brindle and white.

    Personalities

    • American bull terriers are both playful and clownish. The AKC describes them as "three-year old child[ren] in a dog suit." Bull terriers are highly intelligent and can be successfully trained in a wide array of different disciplines. They are friendly and sweet-tempered, good with families, and display outstanding obedience and loyalty to their owners.

    History

    • Bull terriers were first bred and registered in the 1800s, according to the Bulldog Information Library. They are part of a group of dogs bred and raised in early England for bull and bear baiting and dog fighting. Bull terriers were not successful as fighting dogs, and transitioned to being popular family pets in 1860.

    Ancestors

    • The Bulldog Information Library states that all bull breeds descend from different bull-and-terrier combinations. Bull terriers are a product of breedings between British white terriers and bulldogs. They also have blood from Spanish pointers.

    Relatives and Connections

    • The American bull terrier is a popular member of the pit bull family. Some common relatives are Staffordshire terriers and American pit bulls. These intelligent dogs are commonly used in national advertising campaigns.