bull terrier

n.

one of an English breed of medium-sized, short-haired dogs having a white, brindled, or tan and white coat, produced by crossing the bulldog and the terrier.

Also, bullterrier.

[1840-50; BULL(DOG) + TERRIER¹]

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Breed of dog developed in 19th-century England from the bulldog and the now-extinct white English terrier.

The Spanish pointer was later bred into the line to increase its size. The bull terrier was developed as a courageous fighting dog but not an aggressive fight provoker, and it is generally friendly. A muscular dog, it is considered, for its weight, the strongest of all dogs. It has a short coat, tapering tail, erect ears, and deep-set eyes. It stands 19–22 in. (48–56 cm) high and weighs 50–60 lbs (23–27 kg). There are two varieties, coloured and white.

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▪ breed of dog

 breed of dog developed in 19th-century England from the bulldog, the white English terrier (a breed now extinct), and the Dalmatian; other breeds including the Spanish pointer, foxhound, and greyhound may also have been incorporated.

      The bull terrier was developed for the dog-fighting pits as a courageous fighter but not an aggressive fight provoker. A muscular dog, it has a short coat; tapering tail; erect ears; small, triangular, deep-set eyes; and a distinctive egg-shaped, or convex, head. It stands 21 to 22 inches (53 to 56 cm) and weighs about 50 to 60 pounds (23 to 27 kg). The miniature bull terrier, recognized as a separate breed, stands 10 to 14 inches (25 to 35 cm) and weighs 24 to 33 pounds (11 to 15 kg). In both sizes the coat may be coloured—i.e., any colour but white, including brindle; or white—i.e., all white or white with darker head markings. The bull terrier is active, loyal, and playful—even clownish—and is considered for its weight one of the strongest of all dogs.

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