English Bull Terriers

Hi there
Dont start me off on EBT's........utterly wonderful, hugely "Ugly", though beautiful, and always an aquired taste, with their Egg shaped heads and wonderful little slit eyes.
that "regard you with the inscruitable air of an Oriental" (Kennel Club standard description from years ago)

I have had them from a small child and am now without one for the first time in many years. My wonderful old warrior was put down last year at age of 11 as he had developed skin problems and was in huge discomfort that steroids, painkillers, skin lotions and baths could not help.

Thay are trainable, sort of........! But you do need to be tactful with them, as i think they are intelligent and suss you out ultra quickly. I have only ever had boys, and no experience with bitches, so they may be an easier option. If you click with them, they are your friend for life. Sadly the rescue centres are full of them, as they are so easily ruined by alot of people allowing them to take charge. An out of control EBT is not a pleasant sight, and although mine have been fabulous, I have heard of many who have problems. They do seem to be a breed that takes a long time to grow up, and I dont think they ever lose their inbred obstinance.....which can add to their charm. I think horsey people like them, as they are fabulously easy to compare with our horse friends, right down to their paces. My old chap had a fab Extended trot and excellent flying changes! That said, I always thought if he were a horse, he would be a show Cob needing a very good Kimblewick bit in to get him round and over the back!!

Mine, with one exception, have always been a bit Cat phobic, but always excellent with kids and horses. They are quite independant and usually ignore other dogs, though I often hear of aggression when with others especially the males.

I would say that you would treat and manage a EBT in the same way as you would a Stallion...........always let them know you are in charge and set the ground rules. They are not a first time owner dog for sure, but are a lovely unique breed and always attract comments wherever you go.

I once heard Anna Raeburn (agony aunt who was a big fan) say that they are dogs for "Grown ups"..

For sure, they have a grace and presence about them that is unbeatable. Only in my opinion of course, though am very biased!!
 
Thanks for your replies. We are looking for another dog. We have a GSD bitch and a Sheltie x bitch so I have been keeping my eyes open. I found this bitch and can you believe she is the kennels next to my yard, not even 30 feet away. OH isn't too keen as we have rehomed rescues in the past and it was alot of hard work, I think he is worried about the "fighting" part of the EBT's breeding and not knowing her full history and mixing her with a very bouncy GSD.

http://www.dogsblog.com/category/english-bull-terrier/
 
A friend of mine used to show hers and her mum used to breed them, she has one at the moment that is now 8 and it is fantastic with her two kids 3,7yo, she is very placid but playfull. She made sure she went to puppy classes when she had her to socalise her and made sure she walked her in busy areas so that she was used to all different atmospheres and obstacles!

Hence why my hubby is desperate for one, but we already have three dogs so I have had to put my foot down!
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