About the Varkhond

In celebration of Remy's 6 month birthday, here's a bit of information on Bull Terriers. :)

Varkhond is the Afrikaans word for a Bull Terrier. It means Pig-Dog (presumably because of their egg-shaped head.) Miniature Bull Terriers are exactly the same as the standard variety except in regard to their size.

Standard Bull Terrier
Height: 20-24 inches at the shoulder (51-61 cm.) Weight: 45-80 pounds (20-36 kg.)
Miniature Bull Terrier
Height: 10-14 inches (25-33 cm.) Weight: 24-33 pounds (11-15 kg.)

History
Bull Terriers were originally bred in the early to mid-1800s for blood sports like bull baiting. The breed we know today as the Bull Terrier was created by crossing the popular 'bull and terrier' dogs (crosses between the Old English Bulldog and Old English Terriers) and the now-extinct English White Terrier. They were originally known as the Hinks Breed (for James Hinks, credited as being the original creator of the breed) or as White Cavaliers. When it was found that they were not particularly adept at the sport of bull baiting, they were bred instead as a 'gentleman's companion', a dog that would not actively seek out fights with other dogs, but one that could surely finish a fight once started. Due to health issues that arose with the all-white dogs, cross breeding with Staffordshire Bull Terriers introduced a brindle variety. AKC recognized the Bull Terrier in 1885 and the Miniature Bull Terrier in 1991.

Appearance
Both the standard and miniature varieties of the Bull Terrier breed are solidly built, muscular dogs. The AKC recognized two color varieties, the White (allowing for color on the head only) and the Colored (brindle is preferred). Their ears are naturally erect and must not be cropped or altered. Tails are carried horizontally instead of vertically. They are considered a 'head' breed, as their distinctly sloping skull is their dominant trait. Referred to as a 'roman nose' or 'roman muzzle' the head is flat on top and curves without stop to the nose. They have tightly set toes (some refer to them as cat-like) and no hanging jowls. Eyes are triangular and set close together, giving the breed a very expressive look.

Temperament
Known today as 'little gladiators' they are a tough breed that is nonetheless clownish and happy go lucky. They are known to be 'bull-headed' or stubborn in general, but firm and consistent leadership makes them great dogs. They aren't recommended for the first time owner because of the level of leadership they require. They tend to be courageous, energetic and playful. They love people, though their energetic nature means they can get a little overzealous in playing with small children and should be supervised (as with any dog). However their higher pain tolerance makes them good playmates for children because of the normal poking and prodding nature of kids. (Note: Never leave young children unsupervised with any animal, and make sure children learn the proper way to treat and handle dogs and other animals. While bullies have a higher pain tolerance, no one likes their eyes poked at or their skin pinched.) They have a reputation of not getting along well with other dogs, but early socialization can make them social butterflies. Training is not an option with this breed it is a requirement, and though they are stubborn they are very intelligent. If they lack the proper mental stimulation that intelligence can quickly translate to destructive behavior. Channeling their energy toward positive goals can prevent nearly all of the bad traits associated with this breed. They are known to obsess over certain objects (vacuum cleaners are most common) but the proper amount of exercise and training can prevent or fix this problem. Their intelligence means that they can work out how to do tricks quickly if properly taught, and their clownish nature makes their tricks that much more enjoyable to watch.

Health/Care
Bullies have short glossy coats that require minimal grooming. They are average shedders and the occasional brushing helps to remove that dead hair. Care should be taken in their diet as obesity is a known problem (they are Pig-Dogs after all.) Sunscreen may be needed on white patches of fur where the fur is sparse, such as near the nose, on the stomach and occasionally on the hindquarters. White dogs are predisposed to deafness, an issue in any white-coated breed. The Mini Bulls are prone to luxating patellas, a problem in small dogs where the kneecap slips out of place. This can be remidied with surgery. Primary Lens Luxation (PLL) is an eye problem associated with the Miniatures, but there is a DNA test which can tell you if your dog carries the gene or is affected by it. Some Minis suffer from skin allergies or 'hot spots' but this can normally be cleared up by feeding a diet lower in grains. Bullies are suseptible to heart and kidney diseases as well, but overall they are a healthy breed. They are a fairly long lived breed and can be expected to live 10-12 years, though older dogs are not unheard of.

The Bull Terrier breed is not for everyone. No breed is. Firm leadership and consistant training are necesities. With bully breeds as a whole being targeted and labeled as 'vicious' and 'unstable' it is all the more important that our bullies are the best canine citizens they can be. I highly recommend obedience training for any bully breed. Get your bully certified as a Canine Good Citizen. If he has the right temperament, get him certified as a therapy dog. Socialize with other dogs, adults and children from early on. Don't accept inappropriate behavior; your dog is happiest when he is making you happy. Show him how. As owners, we need to take on the responsibility of showing others that the myths about 'vicious, unpredictable and evil' bully breeds are just false. Make your bully an ambassador for the breed!