Bull Terrier Club of Philadelphia

Established 1926

About Us

The Bull Terrier Club of Philadelphia, is the oldest regional club in America. It was founded on May 17th, 1926. Our Original President was the late William Kendrick, a prominent man and the Nephew of the Mayor of Philadelphia.

Since its' inception, the Club has been actively involved promoting the Bull Terrier in our area. In 1983, The BTCP hosted the Silverwood Competition in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Currently, we place our Specialty shows at the Wilmington Kennel Club, in April and the Devon Kennel Club in October.

As such an old club, the BTCP has been involved in all the Bull Terrier controversies , from ear cropping to the acceptance of the colored variety. Rather than create a Tome, what I would like to do is to present you with a "Who's Who" of our past members. You can have fun by reading these names in all your "Bully Books", and recognize that these luminaries played for "Our Team".

Dr. Edward S. Montgomery, a great character in Bull Terriers, BTCA President in 1960-61, and one of the earlier enthusiasts of the colored variety. He was active throughout the 50's and 60's, importing dogs, and breeding under the Monty-ayr prefix. A dominant exhibitor, his imports included Ch Abraxas Old Trinity, and Ch. Romany Ritual. Probably the most famous that he bred was Ch. Radar of Monty-ayr, a record breaking dog.

Dr. Howard and Bunnie Doble. The owners of Ch Radar of Monty-ayr. They are remembered at Specialty shows today, through the bequest of Doble money. This prize is presented at certain Specialties to honor the Best American Bred White Bull Terrier at the event. Their award harkens back to a time when imports dominated the American Show scene.

Ernest Eberhard, a very vocal Bull Terrier fancier from the forties through the seventies. An AKC judge, he bred under the Ernicor prefix. His greatest contribution was the book that he authored, The New Complete Bull Terrier. This is a comprehensive history, that was later updated by another BTCP member, John H. Remer.

Bill and Hope Colket were active and successful exhibitors of the White Bull Terrier throughout the 1960's, under the Silverwood Prefix. Their dream to emulate the English Trophy shows was realized only after their deaths in the Silverwood Trophy competition, named in honor of their West Chester, PA. kennel. The BTCP also did its part to remember this well-respected couple through the Colket memorial books. Published in 1970, 1973, 1976, 1979, 1982 and 1986, these books have advertisements, honored club achievers, and contained interesting and amusing articles about Bull Terriers. Some editions are still available via the Club Books.

Finally, we are proud to have had in our ranks, an Honorary Life Member of the BTCA, (there were very few), Peter DeFlesco. He was a tireless champion of the breed, and had imported many top stud dogs. At dinner once, He and the Colkets chose their kennel prefixes as they gazed into the woodlands near his home. Peter chose "Hickory", while Bill and Hope favored--"Silverwood". His greatest contribution, was his gift to America in the name of Eng./Am Ch. Catrana Eyeopener of Aricon ROM. No Dog has surpassed "Dominics'" influence since his arrival in the early 1980's. Sadly, both He and his wife Eleanor have recently passed away leaving an "empty run", in the breed that will be very hard to fill.