BULL TERRIER TIMES COMPILATION

James Hinks and the White English Bull Terrier

Although born of humble stock, James Hinks is widely credited with and accepted as, being the man responsible for the foundation of the White English Bull Terrier breed that we know today.

Hinks began his working life as an apprentice carpenter in the bustling city of Birmingham. After serving his traineeship, he very quickly established himself in business, at which he proved himself to be both shrewd and successful. He diversified into many kinds of businesses, but was perhaps best known for his pet dealership, which offered those that were interested, the opportunity to buy "game" dogs and birds that were tried and tested.

The status and perhaps more importantly, the wealth that these successful businesses brought to Hinks, allowed him to travel widely and to improve his basic education. But he never forgot his humble beginnings and despite his elevated status, as one of the city's self-made men, he would walk amongst the working men as easily as he would amongst the civic leaders and titled classes of the city. History has it, that Hinks was never as happy as when he was in the company of working men, dressed in casual attire, sitting in the local hostelries discussing the "game" attributes of some local mans bird or dog, or perhaps relating tales of some "match" that they had attended.

Despite the introduction of legislation which sought to ban Bear and Bull baiting and Dog and Cock fighting, etc. these activities continued in certain areas of the Midlands. Working men and their wealthier acquaintances such as Hinks, would often arrange to meet at some clandestine venue and wager vast amounts of money on the outcome of a "match" between dogs or cocks, bulls or bears. No doubt some of these events actually involved Hinks' own dogs or birds, which were specially bred for the purpose.

It was from this stock of Bull and Terrier dogs that Hinks began to lay the foundation for a breed of dog that he could show publicly, but which would retain the fighting abilities that he so admired. Over the coming years Hinks crossbred his own stock with other "game" lines that existed throughout the Black Country, including the White English Terrier. This breed was thought to be related to the Black and Tan Terrier of the time, but was eventually bred out of existence in later years.

Towards the end of the 1850's Hinks actually presented to the public his new, more refined all white Bull Terrier. Writers of the time were quick to note that the new breed was still capable of fighting, ratting and badger baiting, of which Hinks was a keen supporter and saw it quite simply as no more than a more socially acceptable pit dog.

Some of today's sources advise a "standard" of some 18" at the shoulder and a relative weight of between 35 and 55lbs. Some dogs are much larger than this, with heights of 20" to 22" at the shoulder and weights nearing some 90lbs.

Students of the breed who view the dog in a certain light, may well argue that the main difference between one of Hinks' Bull Terriers and their modern-day counterparts is in the temperament. Fondly called the "White Cavalier" by some, the breed is known today for its non-provocative nature, but its ability to defend itself or its master. It should also be pointed out, that a small number of individual dogs from the present day have been tested in the "pit" and have acquitted themselves with honour.

Ultimately, there is only one person that could make the judgement between those early dogs and the ones that are produced today. That person would be James Hinks himself. If nothing else, the existence of the English Bull Terrier is testimony to the years of his own life that he dedicated to producing a certain "type" of dog. The sort of dog that he was proud to breed and own and we should all be grateful to him for that

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