Welcome to the Bull Terrier Club of America. Whether you just wandered by or are a lifelong Bull Terrier owner, read on and learn about a terrific breed and an amazing club devoted to Bull Terriers.

It all began in 1897 when the American Kennel Club recognized the Bull Terrier Club of America (BTCA) as the parent club for the breed, making it the official voice for Bull Terriers.

What, you say, is a parent club? Read on, and in just a brief look at the many facets of the BTCA, you will have the answer.

From its early days the BTCA held a National Specialty Show that drew entries from near and far. It was the prestige win for any Bull Terrier. In 1939 the Isis Vabo Trophy, for the top winning Bull Terrier of the year, was first sponsored by the Bull Terrier Club of New England and then, after a gap, by the BTCA.

However, 1970 marks the commencement of the annual Silverwood Trophy competition which soon laid claim to the top win of the year. It is patterned on the Trophy Show of The Bull Terrier Club in England. When it and the National Specialty are scheduled on the same long weekend, they are a magnet for bull terriers and their owners.

Another innovation by the BTCA was the introduction of the Recognition of Merit Award. This ROM award is achieved by wins at regional clubs shows sanctioned by the BTCA and BTCA shows. These ROM designated shows are most often judged by breeder judges approved by the BTCA. These judges are required to prepare written critiques.

While the bulk of competition is in conformation, we should not overlook the vital and rapidly growing competition in performance. What is performance? It can range from traditional obedience and agility to barn hunt, nose work, tracking, and more. There is a VERSATILITY AWARD for those Bull Terriers excelling in multiple such activities. Their events are often found on the Silverwood Weekend.

One of the highest responsibilities for the BTCA is in the area of communication.

You are now on the website for the breed and it is top notch. Show results, judge critiques, loads of bull terrier photos and much more crowd its pages.

On the hard copy front, the club bulletin, BARKS, is eagerly anticipated by all club members. It carries useful articles, judge critiques and some terrific photos of Bull Terriers in the advertising section. Every year the history of breed activity in the prior years is detailed in the RECORD. To any student of the breed this publication is essential.

The BTCA plays a prominent role in supporting and financing the rescue of needy Bull Terriers through the Rescue Welfare Trust Fund. It is so well thought of that it received a million dollar plus gift from a Bull Terrier enthusiast.

Not all BTCA awards go to the dogs. Annually, it awards the BAR SINISTER award to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the club and the breed. It also awards the David Merriam Lifetime Achievement Award. This has been awarded but three times.

So, there you are with a very brief glimpse into the Bull Terrier Club of America.
Tarry no more. Reach out into the depth of this website and enjoy.

The Hon. David C. Merriam  (The BTCA’s longest-tenured and most treasured member.)