Bull Terriers: A guide to dogs and puppies of the Bull Terrier breed

The Bull Terrier!

A typical Bull Terrier is active, interesting, playful and clownish. It is this character that is probably the outstanding feature which draws prospective owners to the breed. Known for his sense of humor, the Bull Terrier is an outgoing dog with a dominant nature and needs firm handling by his owner. A tenacious fighter, the Bull Terrier is most often dog-aggressive and has a high prey drive towards small animals such as cats. Bull Terriers become very attached to their owners and their families.

Some Quick Facts:

Life Expectancy:
11-13 years

Energy Level:
Average

Living Conditions:
Flexible, but need lots of attention. Should not be left alone all day. Sensitive to extreme temperatures.

Barking:
Average

Exercise Needs:
Exercises to maintain muscle tone. Needs daily yard play and walks.

Breed Group:
Terrier

Size:
Medium

Height:
21-22 inches

Weight:
45-65 pounds

Standard Hair Colors:
White or colored variety. Often come with markings on head. For color variety, any standard color allowed; brindle preferred.

National breed club:
The Bull Terrier Club of America

Bull Terrier Skills

The Bull Terrier was originally bred for combat with the other dogs, a sport which was permissible in England in the 1800s. Today the Bull Terrier is a companion dog. His keen and uncanny sense of judgment, coupled with a delightful sense of humor and a sincere craving for human affection make him one of the most loved pets.

Bull Terrier Personality

Bull Terriers think for themselves, are very lively, and tough. Provided proper social training has taken place, it gets along fine with cats or other household pets. Bull Terriers will tolerate a large range of children's behavior but they will not tolerate being teased and can be rough if constantly provoked. They are tireless playmates and will chase balls, follow the children and watch their games for hours on end.

Exercise Needs

Because they are so muscular, Bull Terriers need plenty of exercise to stay fit, and love nothing more than playing catch with a bouncy rubber ball. They make the most delightful of companions -- in the city or country. This dog loves going for long walks and running and playing off the leash.

Living Conditions

The Bull Terrier is very strong and likes to be doing something. For this reason they fit very well into active families where they receive a great deal of companionship and supervision. They also adapt well to quieter situations such as homes of elderly (but active) retired persons who have a great deal of time to spend with their dog. Bull Terriers do not do well in situations where they are expected to remain alone in the home or yard for long periods of time or where their physical activity is very restricted.

Grooming Requirements

Bull Terriers shed their coats twice a year. The loose hair can be removed by a daily rubdown with a special rubber glove. The ears need to be cleaned on a regular basis.

Health Issues

Bull Terriers, as a breed, are quite fortunate in being generally free of disabling genetic diseases. One problem common to many Bull Terriers is a propensity to skin allergies. Certain insect bites, such as fleas, and sometimes mosquitoes and mites produce a generalized allergic response of hives, rash and itching. This can be controlled by keeping the dog free of contact with these insects, but this is definitely a consideration in climates or circumstances where exposure to these insects is inevitable.

If you liked this dog…

...you may also like the playfulness, great strength and feistiness, of the Norfolk, Cairn or West Highland White Terrier. Many continue to project the attitude that they're always eager for a spirited argument. In general, they make engaging pets, but require owners with the determination to match their dogs' lively characters.