Meet the groom: Darel Raw Buddy Bull

A lovely article about Darel appeared in the KABT 2025 yearbook (written by Barbora Hurtová), and so, with the owner's permission, we are pleased to reproduce it here in full:

Is Darel your first bull terrier, or have you had a bully before?

Darel is my second bull terrier and my fifth dog overall.

Do you have experience with other breeds?

I grew up with German Shepherds. My first dog was a Shih Tzu. I've never met a more dominant dog — he was the one who "trained" me. Then came a Bandog and the bullies.

Why a bull terrier in particular?

My first encounter with bullies was at a friends' cottage; they run a kennel. Back then ten bullies came bounding out at me. The more I got to know how different they are from other breeds, the more they won me over. I love how affectionate, characterful and intelligent they are. And when a friend rang to say she had puppies, I fell in love at first sight with one little white ball of fluff with a black ear.

Darel is a therapy dog — what led you to this work?

I once worked in a hospital and I now work as an inspector in the healthcare sector. I sometimes miss the work of a medical professional. When I discovered that Darel had a natural aptitude for this work, I didn't hesitate.

Was it difficult to pass the therapy-dog exams with Darel?

At six months old Darel began to show a talent for this work. You can't take the exams until the dog is at least 18 months old. I started training him individually for various situations, both in public and in private. Preparing for the exams was demanding; the exams themselves were not.

What exactly is animal-assisted therapy?

It is a psychosocial and physio-rehabilitative influence on the client. You tailor the therapy to the client's individual needs. Through the dog you help develop the client's motor skills, verbal and non-verbal communication, memory practice, concentration, the emotional dimension and social behaviour.

Have you come across prejudice against bull terriers?

Never during therapy work, because there people already see a clearly marked therapy dog arriving. If anything, they are pleasantly surprised that a bull terrier has come as a therapy dog. But in everyday life, once we take off the working markings, I run into prejudice all the time.

Do you and Darel take part in other activities too?

If we still have the time and energy, you might bump into us at a dog show. Darel enjoys those — he's quite the extrovert and loves showing off. At the moment he is a champion of 3 countries. In canine sport he enjoys tracking and mantrailing. We are currently preparing for the ZOP exams.