ORIGIN OF BULL-TEKKIEKS. 99 



is thus alluded to : " In England the cross of Terriers is perceptible in sheep and cattle dogs, 

 but most of all in the breed called Bull-terriers, because it is formed of these two varieties, 

 and constitutes the most determined and savage race known." 



From all recognised accounts the ancestors of the modern Bull-terrier must have been a 

 rough-and-ready race, and the illustration overleaf is useful in conveying an idea to our readers 

 of what the creatures were like. In the dog situated in the lower portion of the plate may 

 be found the type of a really half-bred dog, showing perhaps rather more bull, especially about 

 the flews, than was permitted in even those days of careless breeding, but still displaying some 

 Terrier characteristics. The two dogs on the top of the steps very much resemble the Bull 

 and Terrier still used for fighting purposes in the Midland Counties, but in form and colour 

 they are as unlike a modern show Bull-terrier as it is possible to imagine. 



To the late Mr. James Hinks, of Worcester Street, Birmingham, is due the credit 

 of bringing the breed before the notice of the public in its later and more desirable 

 form, and with his well-known Old Madman and Puss he farmed our leading shows for a long 

 period. After a time, Mr. J. F. Godfree, of Birmingham, appeared in the field. His 

 celebrated Young Victor fairly monopolised the prizes at the great exhibitions for many a day ; 

 and on his death his mantle fell upon his son Tarquin, for some considerable__time our own 

 property, whose portrait will appear in due course amongst the coloured plates.XAlntostall the 

 leading breeders of the day have dipped deeply into Hinks' Old Victor strain, whilst 

 Mr. Godfree is equally well patronised ; and it is an undoubted fact that the breeding of BuU> 

 terriers is now a much easier task than it was some time back, as the offspring of dogs 

 belonging to the above strains are more similar in type and uniform in general appearance than 

 is the case with those whose ancestors are of less fashionable blood. 



The Bull-terrier varies in size from five pounds weight up to fifty, and thus admirers of 

 the breed have the opportunity of selecting a dog whose size is adapted for the work or kennel 

 accommodation at hand, which is no small recommendation in the case of those whose out- 

 door space is limited. Though his extreme docility and intelligence render this breed of 

 dog eminently qualified for an in-door pet. few varieties require more genuine hard work and 

 out-door exercise to get them into show condition, as the muscles which should be so plainly 

 visible on the fore and hind quarters of a dog in perfect trim become relaxed and flabby if 

 his proper amount of exercise is curtailed. Many exhibitors residing in towns, and who are 

 unable to spare sufficient time to run their dogs in the country, have adopted the expedient 

 of making them chase a ball about th* ir gardens for an hour or two a day, or else by 

 hanging a piece of cat-skin on a wall, or at the end of a stick, and keeping it out of the 

 dog's reach they cause their Terrier to exercise himself in his unceasing endeavours to obtain 

 possession of the treasure by jumping up at it. These methods of exercising a dog in a 

 small space may perhaps be novel to readers who are unacquainted with the devices to which 

 many successful breeders and exhibitors are compelled to resort, in their endeavours to 

 compete with others whose opportunities for bringing their dogs fit and well to the post are 

 more extensive. 



A very silly prejudice exists against the Bull-terrier on account of his alleged in- 

 variable ferocity of temper and irresistible inclination to fight with all other dogs that come 

 within his reach ; thus many would-be supporters of the breed have held aloof from it in 

 consequence of the reports they have heard concerning him. That there is a slight founda- 

 tion for these detractions we cannot deny, but after a pretty considerable experience of Bull- 

 terriers we unhesitatingly affirm that the prejudice against his temper is grossly exaggerated ; 



