With their triangular faces and stocky build, it's easy to get the wrong impression of
Bull Terriers. Despite their somewhat intimidating appearances, Bull Terriers are top doggos who love playing with other pups and spending time with their pet parents.
On April 1, instead of playing practical jokes, we're celebrating International Bull Terrier Day in honor of these quirky canines. Read on to learn about the most famous Bull Terriers in history and fun facts about these misunderstood mutts.
Famous Bull Terriers throughout history
One of the most famous Bull Terriers in modern
history is Bullseye, the Target dog. This white Bull Terrier is the
Target brand mascot, appearing in TV commercials, promo events, and
store openings.
Bullseye first appeared in a 1999 ad campaign and
has been a brand staple ever since. With over 150,000 social media
mentions and his own range of plush toys, Bullseye is among America's
most famous Bull Terriers.
Fun fact: His signature red
bullseye is painted around his eye using vegetable-based paint approved
by the Humane Society. It wipes off easily and doesn't harm the dog in
any way.
Spuds MacKenzie
Bull Terriers have featured in some famous ad campaigns, and Spuds MacKenzie is right up there with Bullseye in terms of fame.
In the late 1980s, Spuds was the Bud Light mascot, first appearing in a
Super Bowl ad in 1987. With his signature sunglasses and Hawaiian shirts, Spuds was a big hit with audiences across the US.
But
Spuds MacKenzie caused plenty of controversy during his time as the
face of Bud Light. It was revealed that a female Bull Terrier named
Honey Tree Evil Eye actually played Spuds MacKenzie. (How's that for a
unique dog name?)
Bud
Light retired the character in 1989, but his cultural impact remains —
Spuds has been mentioned in popular shows like The Golden Girls,
Futurama, and Family Guy.
Rufus
Rufus is famous for being the most successful Bull Terrier
show dog
in history. Registered under the name Rocky Top's Sundance Kid, Rufus
became the first tri-colored Bull Terrier to win Best in Show at the
Westminster Dog Show.
Between 2005 and 2006, Rufus won Best in Show at three of the US's most prestigious dog shows: The
National Dog Show,
Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, and the Morris & Essex Kennel
Club Show. By the end of his career, Rufus had claimed over 30 Best in
Show titles!
Rufus was also a minor celebrity outside of dog shows. After retiring, Rufus became a popular
therapy dog,
working for Angel on a Leash and Therapy Dog International. His work
took him to many hospitals and cancer centers across the US, including
NYC's Ronald McDonald House. Now that's a good boy!
Willie
Lager-than-life World War II US army commander General George S. Patton Jr is famous for having a Bull Terrier as his fur-baby.
Named
after William the Conqueror, Willie became a cult figure in the US
Army, standing at Patton's side as his tank corps swept across western
Europe. By some accounts, Willie would enter a room before General
Patton, alerting soldiers that the general was on his way.
Despite
his reputation as a stern leader, General Patton had a huge soft spot
for Willie. Patton commissioned special dog tags for Willie and even
threw him a birthday party!
Related: Famous K9 Heroes Throughout History
Coming in at number 61 on the American Kennel Club's list of most popular dog breeds in 2021, Bull Terriers aren't a popular breed in the US. But their unique appearance and bubbly personalities mean they've acquired their fair share of famous admirers.
Bull Terriers seem especially popular with musicians. World-famous artists like Taylor Swift, Eric Clapton, Lily Allen, and Liam Gallagher have all had Bull Terriers as their fur-babies at some point. Other famous folks who love these distinctive doggos include Tom Hardy, Don Cherry, and Princess Anne.