The Bull Terrier Guide

You may know the Bull Terrier by its one-of-a-kind appearance. This breed has a lot to offer, and will always surprise you with its playful antics and hilarious behavior. It’s a loyal companion whose looks will sure to grab attention wherever you go.

Quick Stats

Group: Terrier

Size: Medium

Height: 21-22 inches (53-56 cm.)

Weight: 52-62 pounds (23.5-28 kg.)

Shedding: Moderate

Grooming: Easy

Lifespan: 12-14 years

Bull Terrier History

The Bull Terrier was developed during the 1800s in England. It was created from crossing the now-extinct Old English Terrier, and the Bulldog, with a bit of Spanish Pointer, mixed in as well. James Hicks is credited with the creation of the white Bull Terrier in the mid-1850s.

This breed was created and used for bull-baiting and dog fighting. However, it did better as a companion and was later nicknamed the White Cavalier. It was considered a gentlemen’s dog and was known for being well-mannered but when challenged it would not back down or be intimidated.

Breed Characteristics

The bull terrier stands between twenty-one and twenty-two inches tall and weighs between fifty-two and sixty-two pounds. (There is also a smaller version of this breed: the miniature bull terrier.) It has a very distinct egg-shaped head, a thick neck, a wide chest, and naturally upright ears.

This breed is categorized into two color groups: white and colored. A white bull terrier may be all-white or have colored markings, but only on its head. A colored bull terrier may be brindle, black, fawn, red, red smut, or tri-color. Regardless of color, the coat is made up of short, hard, and glossy hairs.

Bull Terrier Health 

As with all dog types, this breed is known to be affected by certain health conditions. The most common Bull Terrier health problems include:

-obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

-skin allergies

-patellar luxation (dislocated knee caps)

-deafness (particularly for white Bull Terriers)

-zinc deficiency

The average Bull Terrier life expectancy is from twelve to fourteen years.

Bull Terrier Temperament  

While in the past this breed was quite fierce, the modern Bull terrier is an obedient companion dog that enjoys spending time with its family. It is extremely loyal and loving however it can be quite independent and even stubborn making training a challenge. The Bull Terrier is an active and playful breed that will need an outlet for its energy on a daily basis whether that is in the form of play, exercise, or both.

If it doesn’t have this, it may find other and often destructive ways to entertain itself. They do have a strong prey drive which can be a problem with other pets unless they are raised together. A male Bull Terrier, particularly if it isn’t neutered may not accept the presence of other male dogs in the home.

Who Should Own A Bull Terrier?

The Bull Terrier is an ideal pet for active families preferably with older children. That’s because they often don’t realize their own strength. So even though they mean well, they can be a bit rough when playing and showing their affection. This breed does best with an experienced and strong owner who at the same time is not too firm.

It thrives on attention from its family and therefore does not do well in situations where it is left alone for long periods of time. Typically because of its prey drive, the Bull Terrier should be kept in a home without small pets. And when kept with other dogs, they may only get along well with dogs that are of the opposite sex.

Bull Terrier Facts

Interestingly the Bull Terrier is the only dog breed with triangular-shaped eyes. It’s also pound for pound the most muscular. And the extremely distinct look of this breed is something people tend to either love or hate with just about no middle ground. An adult Bull Terrier is a powerfully built dog with very strong jaws.

So it’s very important to make sure that you socialize your puppy early on to help prevent dog aggression from developing in the future. Consistent training is also a must and clear boundaries need to be set and maintained not just in puppyhood but even when the dog is full-grown. Because of this breed’s high prey drive, to prevent any problems it should always be walked on a leash.

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