A Bull Terrier has been likened to a mischievous three-year-old child in a fur coat but with the constitution of an armored tank. The breed is officially described as “obstinate” although “particularly good with people” and “of even temperament and amenable to discipline.” They love people unconditionally, even vets, and absolutely adore children. They believe that owners exist entirely to be company for them, to be sat on, to share the settee with, to be played with, or walked with. Physical contact whenever possible is a prime objective. Children are for playing, cuddling, and if necessary, watching over. Though most Bull Terriers are friendly with other dogs they can be territorial and resent the intrusion of other dogs on ‘their’ patch. Bull Terriers are brainy and think for themselves. Cunningly, they pretend to be stupid, unable to understand the simplest of instructions, and so get their own way.

Bull Terriers have two characteristics, which are unique to the breed. The first is that they ‘trance’ (or ‘ghost walk ’) The dog’s eyes glaze and movement is in ultra slow motion; the dog almost looks as though it is stalking prey whilst sleep walking. In sharp contract, the second unique activity takes place at top speed. It is variously called ‘freaking’. The dog suddenly takes off at full speed and sprints all over the house, round rooms, in and out of furniture, often in a figure of eight. The best ‘freaks’ involve going at full speed head first towards a wall/door/piece of furniture, and then at the last minute doing a half turn to slam