Sudden influx of bull terriers in Modesto? Here’s why

Bull terriers from all over the country have been strutting their stuff in Modesto since Thursday, vying for accolades and trophies – and maybe a treat or two, as well.

The canines are competing – along with their human handlers – in the Silverwood XLVII, the North-American-Bred National Competition for Bull Terriers, at Modesto Centre Plaza.

The muscular breed is best known for its somewhat egg-shaped head. The American Kennel Club website calls the terriers playful: “The Bull Terrier is best described as a three-year-old child in a dog suit.”

Judges from as far away as England have been rating the terriers – full and miniature breeds – on such traits as agility and obedience during the show put on by the Barbary Coast Bull Terrier Club.

The Silverwood XLVII concludes Sunday. For more on the show and the breed, see www.silverwood2017.com and barbarycoastbullterrierclub.com.

This story was originally published October 14, 2017 at 4:31 PM with the headline "Sudden influx of bull terriers in Modesto? Here’s why."