Bull-and-Terriers - crosses between Bulldogs and various terriers - gained popularity

among the sporting fraternity during the early 1800s. These crosses combined the

determination and courage of the Bulldog with the natural agility and intensity of the

terrier. They ranged in size and color, some showing more Bulldog heritage, while

others were more terrier-like.

During the early 1860s, James Hinks of Birmingham, England responded to the

introduction of formal dog shows and the burgeoning demand for pet and prize dogs

by developing the breed we know today as the Bull Terrier. Hinks' dogs were more

refined and consistent in type than previous Bull-and-Terriers. They were

characterized by their hallmark pure white coats, often being referred to as White

Cavaliers. As the rhyme goes Hinks "Found a Bull Terrier a tattered old bum" and

"Made him a dog for a gentleman's chum".

These White Cavaliers gained a strong foothold among discerning owners as both

show dogs and exceptional pets and companions. Soon their popularity spread

across the Atlantic, with the Bull Terrier Club of America being established in 1897.

Records indicate that Hinks' breeding program employed existing Bull-and-Terriers,

his own white Bulldog Madman and the now extinct White English Terriers. These

early dogs were all white, with no colored markings permitted, but over time

patches of color on the head became acceptable. In the early 1900s a few

breeders crossed their White Cavaliers with colored Staffordshire Bull Terriers and

established the colored coat. The "Colored" was recognized as a separate variety of

Bull Terrier in 1936. The standard for the Colored variety is the same as for the

White except for coat color, which must be any color other than white, or any color

with white just so long as the white does not predominate.

Given his muscular build and oft-times diabolical expression the Bull Terrier can

appear quite unapproachable. To the contrary he is an exceedingly friendly dog,

thriving on affection and always ready for a frolic. The Bull Terrier is the cavalier

and clown of the canine race, robust and spirited, yet of a sweet and fun-loving

disposition.