That long, egg-shaped head with no stop and small, triangular eyes makes the Bull Terrier one of the most recognizable dogs anywhere. The breed took shape in mid-nineteenth-century England, when James Hinks refined rough bull-and-terrier fighting crosses into a sleek, white gentleman's companion; colored Bull Terriers came later and are judged as a separate variety. Underneath the short, harsh coat is a compact, heavily muscled dog of about 50 to 70 pounds.
Many Bull Terriers are clownish, affectionate and devoted, with a mischievous streak and a stubborn one. They often crave company and can be boisterous, chew hard and react poorly to unfamiliar dogs. Some develop compulsive habits such as tail chasing, especially when bored or stressed. Adopters who enjoy a strong-willed, funny dog and can offer steady, positive training and daily exercise often find them endlessly entertaining.