<P> All puppies should be checked for deafness, which occurs in 20.4% of pure white Bull Terriers and 1.3% of colored Bull Terriers and is difficult to notice, especially in a relatively young puppy . Many Bull Terriers have a tendency to develop skin allergies . Insect bites, such as those from fleas, and sometimes mosquitoes and mites, can produce a generalised allergic response of hives, rash, and itching . This problem can be stopped by keeping the dog free of contact from these insects, but this is definitely a consideration in climates or circumstances where exposure to these insects is inevitable . A UK breed survey puts their median lifespan at 10 years and their mean at 9 years (1 s.f., RSE = 13.87% 2 d.p.), with a good number of dogs living to 10--15 years . </P> <P> At the start of the 19th century the "Bull and Terrier" breeds were developed to satisfy the needs for vermin control and animal - based blood sports . The Bull and Terriers were based on the Old English Bulldog (now extinct) and Old English Terriers with possible other terriers . This new breed combined the speed and dexterity of lightly built terriers with the dour tenacity of the Bulldog, which was a poor performer in most combat situations, having been bred almost exclusively for fighting bulls and bears tied to a post . Many breeders began to breed bulldogs with terriers, arguing that such a mixture enhances the quality of fighting . Despite the fact that a cross between a bulldog and a terrier was of high value, very little or nothing was done to preserve the breed in its original form . Due to the lack of breed standards--breeding was for performance, not appearance--the "Bull and Terrier" eventually divided into the ancestors of "Bull Terriers" and "Staffordshire Bull Terriers", both smaller and easier to handle than the progenitor . </P> <P> In the mid-19th century James Hinks started breeding Bull and Terriers with "English White Terriers" (now extinct), looking for a cleaner appearance with better legs and nicer head . In 1862, Hinks entered a dam called "Puss" sired by his white Bulldog called "Madman" into the Bull Terrier Class at the dog show held at the Cremorne Gardens in Chelsea . Originally known as the "Hinks Breed" and "The White Cavalier", these dogs did not yet have the now - familiar "egg face", but kept the stop in the skull profile . The dog was immediately popular and breeding continued, using Dalmatian, Spanish Pointer, and Whippet to increase elegance and agility; and Borzoi and Rough Collie to reduce the stop . Hinks wanted his dogs white, and bred specifically for this . The first modern Bull Terrier is now recognised as "Lord Gladiator", from 1917, being the first dog with no stop at all . </P> <P> Due to medical problems associated with all - white breeding, Ted Lyon among others began introducing colour, using Staffordshire Bull Terriers in the early 20th century . Coloured Bull Terriers were recognised as a separate variety (at least by the AKC) in 1936 . Brindle is the preferred colour, but other colours are welcome . </P>

How did the bull terrier get its head
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