rocksss, Flickr
Today's roundup features the beloved bull terrier.
Frankie loves to play, but how is he supposed to have fun
when there are those big ole stairs in the way?
Posts tagged "bull terrier"
Today's roundup features the beloved bull terrier.
Frankie loves to play, but how is he supposed to have fun
when there are those big ole stairs in the way?
Vizion PR
One such case involves the most decorated show dog in bull-terrier history and veteran therapy dog, Rufus, who was honored at this year's National Dog Show presented by Purina (which took place last weekend but will air on NBC Thanksgiving Day). Five years after winning the triple crown of U.S. dog shows -- The National Dog Show, the Westminster Dog Show and the Morris & Essex Kennel Club Show -- Rufus is back in the ring to be honored and raise awareness about misguided breed bans.
Honoring past champions has become a mainstay of the Thanksgiving Day event, explains co-host John O'Hurley. "I'll equate it to 'Dancing with the Stars,'" Hurley tells Paw Nation. "It's a big happy family of former champs. It's been interesting to see the champions and what they've gone on to do."
O'Hurley, who's hosted the NDS alongside renowned dog expert David Frei since its inception in 2002, has worked with Rufus on a number of occasions. "He's the gentlest dog, pound for pound -- and he's stuffed with about as much muscle as his frame can hold -- that I've ever met," O'Hurley tells Paw Nation.
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J.C. Rojas, Flickr
Personality: Now here's a dog who knows how to fun, and we're not just saying that because his was the breed chosen to depict Budweiser's Spuds MacKenzie. "Playful and clownish, the bull terrier [aka the English bull terrier] is best described as a three-year-old child in a dog suit," says the American Kennel Club. The breed's intimidating physicality belies its true demeanor, which the AKC goes on to describe as "exceedingly friendly... sweet and fun-loving." Dog Breed Info Center agrees: "Though this breed was once a fierce gladiator, he is much gentler now... courageous, scrappy, fun-loving, active, clownish and fearless... loyal, polite and obedient."
Grooming: No need to set aside tons of time to care for the short-haired bull terrier's coat. "An occasional combing and brushing will do," according to Dog Breed Info Center, which alternately recommends a quick, daily rubdown with a special rubber glove to pick up loose hairs.
Common Health Issues: The bull terrier experiences a number of debilitating, sometimes deadly health issues at a rate significantly higher than that of other breeds. These include luxating patella, heart defects and kidney failure, according to Dog Breed Info Center. These dogs are also "prone to suffer from a zinc deficiency, which can cause death." They also gain weight easily, and white bull terriers are deafness-prone.
Training Tips: When a dog is both way too sweet and slightly physically threatening, that adds up to being "somewhat difficult to train," according to Dog Breed Info Center, best dealt with by providing the "firm, consistent leadership," on which this breed thrives. The California-based Bull Terrier Rescue, Inc. says they are "easily trained if a game appealing to their innate sense of fun can be made of the process."
Miniature dogs, like micro-pigs, are small, compact and too cute for words. From the Miniature Schnauzer to the Miniature Dachshund, these mini pups may be smaller in height and weight, but their personalities are undoubtedly full-scale.
Photo: American Kennel Club
A Look Back
Bulldog-terrier crosses of various sizes and colors became popular as sporting dogs in the early 1800s. Around 1860, English dog dealer James Hinks developed a more refined version of these crosses, distinguished by its all white coat. These dogs soon established themselves as a new breed -- the Bull Terrier. In Hinks' day they were often referred to as White Cavaliers. In the early 1900s Bull Terriers were back-crossed with brindle Staffordshires to produce a colored variety.
Did You Know...
Playful and clownish, the Bull Terrier is best described as a three year-old child in a dog suit. Given his muscular build, the Bullie can appear unapproachable, but he is an exceedingly friendly dog, with a sweet and fun-loving disposition. Bullies are very popular in the obedience, agility and show rings.
Is a Bull Terrier the right breed for your family?
Bull Terriers can adapt to life in the city or the country as long as they get enough exercise to maintain their fit, muscular physique. The breed also becomes quite attached to their owners and families and does not thrive when left alone. Bullies love children, but obedience training is necessary and care must be taken that they don't get over stimulated around younger kids. Their short coats are easy to care for with only minimal brushing and bathing.
Thinking about buying a Bull Terrier?
Additional information for those considering a Bull Terrier -- including things to know before you get a dog, tips on how to find a breeder near you, or a list of training clubs in your local area -- can be found on the American Kennel Club Web site.
© The American Kennel Club, Inc.
Upload a picture of your Bull Terrier and we may feature it in an upcoming gallery!
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