Breed history?

Lucaseashby

Hey everyone!

I like getting on this forum instead of the FB page sometimes, it's more close-knit. I have a question about the Bull Terrier breed history.
I am constantly asked by people how the breed came about and when.
When did the breed come about? (From James Hinks).
What was first, Bull Terrier or the Pit Bull breeds?
What breeds are believed to be mixed to make the dog we love today?
Does anyone have any good links on the breed history I can read up on so next time someone asks I can give an educated answer?

Thank you guys again and God bless you!

BulliesofNC

The Bull Terrier breed has been around for a LONG time and back then there was no such thing as the "Pit Bull Terrier." However, there most certainly were "Bully Breeds." They were often referred to as "Bully Breed" instead of any specific name.
One of the breed types used in the development of the Bull Terrier was the "White Terrier" some called it the Cavalier Terrier. Sadly, the wide majority of these solid white dogs were deaf. However, back then many men used these breeds for the sport of gambling on rat herding contests in a ring. Being that they were deaf the crowd cheering was of no distraction as the dog would fully concentrate on gathering up the rats thrown in the ring. However, the "White Terrier" is now extinct but if you've ever wondered why deafness runs within the Bull Terrier breed now you know. Bull Terriers that are solid white obviously stand the highest chances of being deaf. Bloodlines are important factors since most reputable breeders conduct BAER testing to ensure breeding stock has no issues with hearing impairment. Dalmatians were also formed from the "White Terrier" as well.
Many websites will say the Bull Terrier initiated from the Bull Dog and other breeds but what we know for sure is that the Bull Terrier was developed from the "Bully Breed" and the "White Terrier." For many years Bull Terriers were solely white in color but later on color was introduced to the breed for the purposes of having more available options in color that people wanted and to minimize the hereditary defect of deafness that still plagues the breed today.

JParanee

One of the original Pit Bulls