Bull Terrier Dog Breed

Posted by Jeanne on December 3, 2008

Bull terriers are the gladiators of the canine world. Although fighting has been ruled out today, these dogs retain the qualities. They are wonderful watchdogs, keen ratters, and remarkably affectionate and loyal companions to the ones they acknowledge as master.

• General appearance is that of a symmetrical animal, an embodiment of agility, grace, strength and determination, and in whose formation there should be an entire absence of exaggeration of any kind.
• Head – Should be long, but type should not be sacrificed to length. Skull flat and widest at the ears. Viewed from above it should taper gradually and merge into the muzzle without break in the line. There should be a slight indentation down the middle but without “stop” and without noticeable brow. Foreface filled right up to the eyes, and should have a perceptible “downness.”
• Eyes very small, black, set close together and obliquely. They should be triangular. Muzzle wide and tapering, but without such taper as to make the nose appear pinched or snipy.
• Nose broad, wholly black and with wide-open nostrils. Under jaw strong and well defined. Lips should fit tightly and evenly and should not run too far back. There must be an entire absence of “lippiness.” Teeth sound, strong, dean, regular and meeting evenly. Any deviation, such as “undershot” or “overshot,” is a bad fault.
• Ears when standing erect should not cause conspicuous wrinkling of the skin on the head. Ears should be cropped, carried erectly and of moderate length. It is important that there be as little cheek as possible; but where it is present, it should not be bunchy or prominent, but should merge gradually into the lines of the muzzle and neck.
• Neck – Slightly arched, neither long nor short, tapering from shoulders to head and free from looseness of skin.
• Shoulders – Strong and muscular, but without any appearance of heaviness or “loading.” Shoulder-blades wide, flat, and sloping well back.
• Back – Short, strong, and muscular. Should be higher at withers than hips. There should be no slackness nor falling away back of the withers, and back should be only slightly arched at loin, with loins well developed and flanks only slightly tucked. Ribs well sprung, with no falling away back of the shoulders. Ribs close together and intercostal muscles well developed; back ribs deep. Chest deep from withers to brisket and wide from front to back ribs, and broad as viewed facing the dog.
• Tail – Straight, set on low, thick where it joins the body and tapering to a fine point. Should not reach below the hocks, nor be carried above the level of the back.
• Legs – Should be big boned. Forelegs straight with strong and upright pasterns, but without the stiltiness of the Fox Terrier. Thighs, thick and wide; upper thighs, long, with muscle well developed, but without “loading.” Hocks well let down. Hindlegs should turn neither in nor out, as viewed from behind, and carried back. Hind pasterns, short and upright.
• Feet – Well knuckled. Toes, short, well arched and close together; the middle toes slightly longer than outside toes. Pads thick and tough. Nails, short and strong.
• Coat – Dense, short, flat, stiff to the touch and with fine gloss.
• Gait – Springy and swinging, without roll or pace.
• Color – White. Markings are a bad fault.
• Weight – From 12 to 60 pounds, inclusive.