Bull Terriers & How To Breed Them
by
R H Glyn
Revised by J Barnes
Hardcover:
Publisher: Beech Publishing House;
7Rev Ed edition (1 Mar 2007)
Language English
ISBN 1857364074
Product Dimensions: 27.4 x 21 x 2.2 cm
Approx weight: 840g
This book covers the history of the ‘Bull Breeds’ from early times. Although on Bull Terriers, the scope is much wider than indicated by the title. In fact, the author gives a complete history of the bulldog and the results with crosses to produce faster moving dogs, for various sports.
The old sports such as Bear- and Bull-Baiting are covered, supplemented by fine engravings. He also deals with another outlawed pas time, dog fighting
The leading dogs of the early period and the personalities involved are also included.
In this new edition there are illustrations in colour by the famous artists Alken and Stubbs.
PUBLISHER’S FOREWORD
Seventh Edition
This book on Bull Terriers was written by a man of great experience in Bull Terriers and the Dog World generally. In its long history it has been revised and enlarged many times.
The Content is much wider than implied by the title because the author traces the history of the Bull Breeds and covers the old sports in which the dogs were involved. They give an insight into the reasons for developing these splendid dogs from the Bulldog and the Terrier.
Quite rightly we now frown on the barbaric activities of bull baiting, bull running and dog fighting, but without them the Bull Terriers would not be in existence. The Bulldog, sadly, is now purely a show dog and some believe the process of ‘improving’ this wonderful breed has gone too far. They are friendly and excellent companions, but their days of activity and exercise are no longer feasible, so those who wish to keep an active breed now turn to the Bull Terriers.
The main growth area in Bull Terriers has been the Staffordshire Bull Terriers which are now a very popular breed. Therefore, it was felt necessary to give more details of this favourite dog. Walking in any town these days there is sure to be at least one around, yet the English Bull Terrier is relatively scarce.
According to the Standard the head should be “Egg Shaped”, but there is a tendency to develop a rather exaggerated head which is rather too strong, making the skull appear rather large. The breed is certainly different from the early specimens and that may not be a bad thing, provided whatever is added is good for the breed. However, as Richard Glyn states -- a Bull Terrier should not look like a sheep. Breeders should therefore aim for the correct type of head, which looks more attractive than the very large skull any way.
JB March, 2007