The Bull and Terrier, often written as bull-and-terrier is an extinct breed of crossbreed dogs. It is the progenitor of several modern breeds like American Pit Bull Terrier, Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Miniature Bull Terrier.

The Bull and Terrier was a medium-sized dog with short-coated and muscular body. Their ears were pointed towards front and had slightly long skulls.

Origin & History

The Bull and Terrier originated as the result of the cross between the Old English Bulldog and one or two varieties of Terrier dogs. There are no written records of when this breed developed. Nonetheless, the only known thing is that they originated from the lands of Britain by few breeders who crossed some Terrier with the Old English Bulldog.

Late Charlie Lloyd with his Bull and Terrier pet dog Pilot.

It is believed that the very first specimens of this breed existed in the early 18th century. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, these dogs existed in different kinds and varieties. Furthermore, the best varieties of this breed were Old English White Terrier, Black & Tan Terriers, Old English Wire-Haired Terriers.

How Did The Bull and Terrier Become Extinct?

The Bull and Terrier became extinct around the 19th century because it no longer remained a pure breed. In 1860, this breed was divided into two different categories: the pure white terrier and the colored ones. Following the split, breeders focused on developing the types only. Also, they didn’t care much about the original bull-and-terrier breed.

Therefore, they became extinct by the end of the 19th century but their predecessor breeds are still living.

Temperament, Behavior, & Personality

The Bull and Terrier had a ferocious, aggressive, and intelligent temperament. Their agility and intelligence helped them learn new fighting tasks easily. There were very few tasks that they couldn’t do and other dogs would do. Moreover, their independent and bold personality made them want to run their pack themselves.

Was Bull and Terrier Good For Children?

No, the Bull and Terrier wasn’t a breed that people owned for their children. The fact that they were used in dog-fighting and bull-fighting made them possess a very vicious attacking instinct. So, these dogs would easily cause harm to small children with or without such intentions. Therefore, they were not kept by families with kids.

Some Lesser-Known Facts

  • The Bull and Terrier were also known as Fighting Bull Terrier, Bull-Terrier, Half-and-half, Pit Dog, and Bulldog Terrier.
  • It is the ancestor of the many Pit Bull and Bull Terrier breeds.
The Bull and Terrier is a crossbreed of Old English Bulldog and Terriers.

Colors

The Bull and Terrier was found in the following colors:

  • Tri-color
  • Brindle and White
  • Fawn and White
  • Black and White
  • Brown and White

Size

The Bull and Terrier’s height ranged somewhere between 16-24 inches (41-61 cm) whereas they weighed around 30-65 lbs (13-29 kg).

Puppies

On average, a mother Bull and Terrier dog used to give birth to 3-12 puppies at a time.

Similar Dog Breeds

Check out Doglime if you want to know about other extinct dog breeds.

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