All About
American
Bull Terrier Dogs
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The American Bull Terrier: Muscular, Mutable, and Amenable
By: Stephanie Hetu
Like most of the thirty-three terrier breeds (which were first
used for hunting vermin and for baiting) that have an innately
spirited and aggressive character and a tendency to chase moving
creatures and objects, the American Bull Terrier is tenacious,
courageous, and ready to please by performing on command. But the
American Bull Terrier is also playful, puckish, and
misunderstood.
Once used as a nation's icon representing bravery and pride, the
American Bull Terrier was first bred to fight. The American Bull
is of the English Bull Terrier--terrier breed dubbed «The White
Cavalier» for its bull-baiting abilities--which was a cross
between the first Bulldog breed and the last (now-extinct) White
English Terrier, made to bait bulls. But with the popularity of
blood sports events, the English Bull Terrier was bred again, a
bull baiter and terrier cross, this time used to fight to the
death badgers, vermin, and other dogs. Hence the most muscular
and athletic of all terriers is the American Bull Terrier.
Fortunately, blood sports were outlawed (in 1835), but not until
after conditioning a dog that is especially strong, especially
adaptable, and a survivor. Today, however, the American Bull
Terrier has slowly evolved into a breed that continues to lose
its viciousness and grit, though it has retained some of its
instinct to fight (if necessary) and protect with great agility.
That is, they are more people- and other animal-friendly than
they are mean-spirited. More in need of affection than fight, the
American Bull Terrier today needs what most terrier breeds
require: occasional exercising and frequent human and other
animal companionship.
As well, this 18- to 22- inch and usually very healthy 35- to
55-pound (sometimes to 110-pound) breed with the short but harsh
colored or all one colored coat needs minor grooming: a
once-a-week bristle brushing or rubber brushing is all it needs.
Again, with the innate penchant for the feisty activity of
conflict, pit fighting, and bull-baiting, this muscular and
tough-looking but fun loving and dynamic American Bull Terrier
needs company and companionship. It does not like being alone at
all, and will grow destructive and disagreeable when trapped in a
house for eight hours. In addition, without specific
socialization and training, its natural energy can run rampant,
thereby being too much for some people or mindsets.
In other words, while it no longer runs with the bulls, and while
it no longer fights like the champion that it is, it does not
favor the stagnation of staying inside the ranch house all day
long with no guidance and no attention.
For more really great info and lot's of fun stuff for
Terrier Dogs & Terrier Dog Lovers.....Please visit:
Happy Terrier Dogs A virtual Paradise for
Terrier Dogs
Reprinted with permission
Copyright © 2005
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