 |
| The Bull Terrier of the 21st century has come a long way from the fighting pits, where they were used for bull baiting and dog fighting. Today's Bull Terrier and Miniature Bull Terrier are now used as companions for all ages. Even though he still has the strong and wilful personality, his main aim in life is to be human company.
He is still the gladiator of the canine race, but today's Bull Terrier would rather curl up on the lounge, just to be with you and be part of everything you do. So if you want a dog to sit out in the back yard and do nothing, a Bull Terrier is not for you. The fact is that no two people will interpret the standard in exactly the same way, hence the vast difference in the size, shape and weight of pedigree Bull Terriers. Although the appearance of the Bull Terrier is still, strongly-built, muscular and well balanced, the head is the main feature that sets this breed apart from all other breeds. To breed the unique egg-shaped head, as described in the standard, still represents a major challenge for breeders today to perfect. In most cases, when a breeder is finally satisfied with the head shape that has been produced, they are often disappointed by the final placement of the teeth, usually ending in a reverse scissor bite. This is one of the reasons why the numbers of Bull Terriers in the show ring has declined. The same cannot be said about the popularity with the general public. The breed has continued to be popular with young and old, but is still misunderstood by a few. The breed is often blamed or accused of wrongful doings - often because of their name or even the colour of their coat. The Club has endeavoured to educate the general public by participating in Pet Expos and Fun Days in the Park where people have a chance to meet and interact with this people-loving breed. The Bull Terrier Club of Qld. Inc, has become synonymous with Hereditary Disease Testing of this breed, which has seen a dramatic increase in healthy puppies being housed with the general public. The Club has shown the rest of the world what can be achieved if strict breeding practices are adhered to. The five designated diseases targeted by the Club are Polycystic Kidneys, Nephritei, Kidney Disease, Patella, Heart Disease, Deafness and Lens Luxation in Miniature Bull Terriers. Since inception of testing in 1997, Polycystic Kidney Disease has not been found for the last two years. The other four diseases, although still present in the breed, have greatly declined. |
| BREED INFO |
 |