BULL TERRIER

Temperament: Playful, Charming, Mischievous
Height: 21-22 inches
Weight: 50-70 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-13 years
Group: Terrier Group 

MORE ABOUT THIS BREED

The Bull Terrier was originally developed in the 19th century as a fighting dog and, later, a fashionable companion for gentlemen, but these days they’re a family companion and show dog. They’re a dog breed distinguished by their long, egg-shaped head.

Bull Terriers are robust, big-boned terriers who move with a jaunty stride suggesting agility and power. The breed’s hallmark is a long, egg-shaped head with erect and pointed ears, and small, triangular eyes that glisten with good humor. Coats come in two types: white; and any other color (including an attractive brindle striping), either solid or with white markings.

This dog is a lover, not a fighter. In fact, Bull Terriers are known for being affectionate to all the members of their household, especially children. Their friendliness and love of people also means they don’t like to be left alone for long hours, though. They want to be a part of all their humans’ daily activities. Because they have high energy and intensity, these dogs need plenty of exercise and vigorous playtime. If you can be firm and consistent with training, stay active to keep up with your pup, and provide plenty of love and attention, then this dog may be your new best friend!

PERSONALITY

Bull terriers are gentle, affectionate and playful with family members. They also are loyal pets that will guard the family. As with any large or tough breed, proper precautions around strangers, children, and other animals is essential.

If not given enough exercise and attention from the owners, Bull terriers can be destructive.

FEEDING

Recommended daily amount: 1 5/8 to 4 1/4 cups of a high-quality dog food daily, divided into two meals.

How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. 

HEALTH

Owners of potential sires and dams being bred should show proof of testing for kidney and heart issues, and pups should be tested for hearing before leaving the breeder. Dedicated breeders communicate with each other regularly and work together for breed health and the preservation of the breed’s best qualities. Bull Terriers from good breeders who health-test usually become healthy, happy, family members.

Recommended Health Tests from the National Breed Club:

• Cardiac Exam
• Kidney-urine Analysis
• Patella Evaluation
• BAER Testing

CARE

The Bull Terrier needs someone at home during the day. Leaving a Bull Terrier to entertain himself is about as smart as leaving a creative and intelligent child unsupervised in a room full of explosives.

A Bull Terrier needs half an hour to an hour of physical and mental exercise daily. He’ll enjoy going for walks, chasing a ball, or testing his wits against an interactive toy.

High-impact exercise can damage growing bones, so until your puppy’s full grown, at 12 to 18 months of age, beware of bone-jarring activities such as jumping on and off the furniture, playing Frisbee, or running on slick wood or tile floors. These can all stress or injure the still-developing joints and ligaments.

A Bull Terrier isn’t the easiest breed to train, and you’ll be most successful if you appeal to his love of play with positive reinforcement techniques while still remaining firm and consistent in what you expect.

Bull Terriers can be difficult to housetrain. Follow the housetraining program closely; the crate method is best. A crate will also prevent your Bull Terrier from destroying your belongings or otherwise getting into trouble.

Bull Terriers are suspicious of strangers and can be aggressive toward other animals (especially dogs of the same sex) and people. Take him to puppy socialization classes as early as possible, as well as to dog-friendly public places so he can get used to many different situations, people, and dogs. He should also learn to welcome visitors to your home.

GROOMING

Grooming the Bull Terrier is a cinch. Though the breed is naturally clean with little doggie odor, a bath every three months (or when he’s dirty) in a mild shampoo is a good idea. Brush his sleek coat with a natural bristle brush or rubber hound mitt once a week. Use coat conditioner/polish to brighten the sheen.

His ears need to be checked every week and cleaned if needed, and toenails trimmed once a month. Regular tooth brushing with a soft toothbrush and doggie toothpaste keep the teeth and gums healthy and the breath fresh. Introduce grooming to the Bull Terrier when he is very young so he learns to accept the handling and fuss patiently.   

SOME PICTURES ABOUT THIS BREED

Source: dogtime, akc, hillspet.