Agates
Margaret O Sweeten
I had the privilege of growing up around bull terriers, something that instilled a long-term love for the breed. My first dog was only ever going to be a bull terrier. My Grandmother, Margaret Sweeten ran a successful breeding programme, producing many champions from her well known kennels in Maidenhead - 'Agates'. She was also a respected judge, having spent time judging many of the breed's champions through the 1960's, 1970's and 1980's.
Some of my fondest memories were of playing in her garden with various bull terriers, or venturing down to the nearby green, whilst being towed by a enthusiastic bully (usually Margory) on a mission to get wherever it wanted to go.
Bull Terrier Book
She was also an accomplished writer, especially within bull terrier circles as she edited and contributed to the bull terrier books (editions 1 - 5), published by The Bull Terrier Club.
This is my favorite passage taken from The Fifth Bull Terrier Book...
Ask a dedicated bull terrier owner why he has chosen this type of dog and the invariable response is "because of its character, once you have had a bull terrier you could never own another breed".
Of course people would prefer a show dog but it's the character that counts. Show points are the wrapping and while breeders strive to improve the conformation, let it never be forgotten that it is what is inside that counts. Better an engaging clown with lop ears than an evil tempered Adonis.
The bull terrier is an individualist, not a pack dog, he prefers human company to that of his own kind. A powerful dog weighing about 60 pounds but convinced that he is ideally suited to his owner's bed and chair. Obstinate, humorous, comfort loving, courageous and possessive and this last feature is all important in the understanding of the dog. He returns your fondness for him with deep affection. You become his property. The dog owns you and what he owns he will guard. What is yours is his, what is his is his own. Naturally fond of children, he will be a wonderful playmate, guarding them because they belong to you and so to him.
Margaret Sweeten, 1981 The Fifth Bull Terrier Book
Bonzo Sketches
My grandmother had a huge amount of bull terrier photos, trophies and figurines, most of which are still in the family. These sketches of 'Bonzo the Bull Terrier' were framed on her wall. I think she cut them out of a magazine from around the early 1980's. I love them as they capture the bull terrier's character perfectly, and hold some great memories of growing up.
Agates 'Sweet Sauce'
info coming soon
Agates 'Sweet William'
info coming soon
Agates 'Ottoman'
info coming soon