BILL LAMBERT:    The Definitive Bull Terrier (From Puss to Gully)

The Bull Terrier, is a relatively new breed with a reasonably well-documented history, and its roots can be traced back quite clearly through many published works, most of which give fairly similar accounts.  In recent years however, some doubt has been placed on the accuracy of some of these tales, which is perhaps unsurprising when considering the times that existed when the breed was conceived; the breed has a dark past and it’s quite likely that some stories have grown in the re-telling or perhaps have deviated from the original.  Frank Dyson’s new book “The Definitive Bull Terrier (From Puss to Gully)” attempts to unravel the true story and by researching much of the available literature he has put together what is an extremely valuable history of the breed.

Frank takes us back to the middle of the 19th Century, where we find that the breed which was developed as “a gentleman’s companion” was not exclusively owned by gentlemen, but was also the companion of rogues, cheats and vagabonds.  Indeed, it brought gentry and rogue together and Frank attempts to shine a light into some of these murky corners.  By careful analysis of much of the early writings on the breed, he has developed a fascinating journey through history.  He clearly takes nothing at face value and it would seem that he has checked and double checked each event before committing to paper.

He resists the temptation to repeat what is written elsewhere and clearly he is not one to take stories at face value, as each event that he records is backed up by an analysis of the available evidence.  We learn that as the breed was developing there were many cross-overs in type and even in breed; the lines between Bulldog and Bull Terrier were blurred to the extent that in some cases it was not clear which “box” each belonged in.  It seems likely that some dogs may have been shown as either “Bulldog” or “Bull Terrier” and may even have switched breed from one to the other to suit the fancy of the judge of the day.  Add to this the fact that many dogs carried the same name with many bitches being called “Puss” or many dogs being called “Madman”, and with ownerships changing frequently, it’s little wonder that the stories may have become confused.  However, by diligent research of the available literature, Frank attempts to get to the bottom of many of these stories and each event is backed up with a review of the relevant evidence.

Frank’s research does not stop at just the dogs and their pedigrees; personalities, events and locations are uncovered and one gets a distinct flavour of the time.  It is disappointing that so many of the locations described have now disappeared as a photographic record would be an equally interesting journey.  Neither, however does he stop in the UK; he also takes us to the USA and perhaps more surprisingly to France which it appears was used as an outlet for the disposal of some dogs that were obtained by less than honest means.

Whereas James Hinks is credited as the true founder of the breed, he did not work in isolation, and this book makes it clear that there were others who added something to the breed as it was developed.  Hinks was not just a breeder, he was clearly a dog dealer, and by today’s standards would himself been considered a rogue.  Hinks did not restrict himself to the Bull Terrier and Bulldog but clearly owned other breeds including Greyhounds, some of which may have contributed to the breed and in addition to investigating this, Frank has uncovered much more about Hinks and his family.  Certainly there is much new interesting and fascinating evidence in this book all of which is carefully analysed before being presented.

Frank writes in a clear “matter of fact” style.  He is easy to follow as he takes you back in time.  The book is a fascinating read and a must-have for anyone interested in the history of the breed.  It’s not a book to be read just once, but will be referred to time and time again and used as a reference poit.  It thoroughly deserves its place on the bookshelf of any enthusiast.