Bull Terrier Dog Breed – The Amazing Temperament & Facts of This Lovely Canine

Adorable Bulldog Terrier

Bull Terriers are considered to be the ultimate kids in the world of dogs. Energetic and entertaining, this particular breed can easily pull off the role of a clown. While others are big fans of the Pitbull or American Bully, many still prefer Bull Terriers for many good reasons.

History of the Bull Terrier

The origin of Bull Terriers goes as far back as the 1800s, in that era when bull-baiting was a very famous sport, and fans of the sport wanted to have a dog that can have a more fierce attack compared to the existing ones. This is what inspired them to start the journey to create the Bull Terrier through mixing the breed of Bulldog with the Spanish Pointers and Old English Terriers, which then resulted to the Bull Terrier that everyone is familiar with today. Contrary to popular belief, Bull Terriers did not really become great fighters at all. Thus, the amazing popularity of the breed swayed the original goal in mind of its creators.

An English dog dealer by the name of James Hinks was the man behind the creation of the adorable breed. He was the one who bred the White Cavalier, as what Bull Terriers were called back then. These dogs became extremely fashionable pets for all the nobles. After some time, however, after being crossed with the brindle Staffordshire, colored variations of the Bull Terriers also came to life and enjoyed a remarkable prominence.

As an alternative to the supposed main role of Bull Terriers, the breed was the used in other fields. They became herders, ratters, watchdogs, and guards. Not long after that, Miniature Bull Terrier also came to the spotlight. While these are considered as two different, there have been debates if they should be known as a single breed instead of different sizes or as two separate breeds. When it comes to character, they are cheerful, daring, robust and energetic dogs.

Appearance

According to the AKC standard for the breed, considering their muscular breed, Bull Terriers may appear unapproachable. But in reality, they are actually very friendly dogs with a fun-loving and sweet disposition. They are also famous for agility, show and obedience rings. The Bull Terrier is a medium-sized and strong dog with extremely large heads of oval shape. Their small eyes are also unique with their triangular shape but are often described to be piercing.

Coat Colors

The coat of the Bull Terrier is shiny, flat and short with a hard texture. Bull Terriers come in two varieties, namely colored and white. It’s White variety usually has markings on the head but cannot be found in other parts of the body. Meanwhile, the Colored Bull Terriers come in white, fawn, red, black brindle, brindle or tricolor.

Size

The Bull Terrier is available in an extensive array of sizes which can range from 35 pounds to as much as 75 pounds. In general, the males can weigh around 55 to 65 pounds while females are at 45 to 55 pounds. This breed stands around 21 to 22 inches at the shoulder point.

The Amazing Personality of Bull Terrier

Not a breed that will be willing to take the backseat to anything or anyone, the Bull Terrier is a feisty and friendly extrovert who is always more than ready for a great time and will still be happy to see its owner. It is entirely not normal to see a Bull Terrier who feels shy and backs away from the sight of humans.

This particular breed is also best described as full of fire and courageous. These are both excellent traits although these can also veer into a disagreeable category when the dog is allowed to be jealous or possessive. With no socialization and training early on its life, which includes exposure to dogs and other kinds of animals, a Bull Terrier can become a potentially aggressive enemy of other animals. But when it comes to people, this breed has a very sweet disposition. The only disadvantage is that they can be tail chasers, barkers, and chewers, not to mention that it can be a challenge to housetrain them.

As mentioned earlier, Bull Terrier was originally bred to fight. Crossing a Bulldog and a Terrier produced a breed with tenacity, strength, and fearlessness which made them natural gladiators. Good thing that the fighting branches of the family tree of the breed have long withered away and the contemporary breed is a loyal, loving clown of a dog that can be an ideal companion for families with active lifestyles. They love to be with people and want to be part of every family activity, whether it is a romp in the park, a stroll around the neighborhood or a ride in the car.

2 cute mini bull terrier dog breeds

Bull Terrier Temperament

Bull Terrier can be active, fun loving and clownish most of the time. The breed is an obedient, loyal and polite one and has the tendency to become courageous and fearless to protect their owners. Bull Terriers require a firm and consistent leadership with some level of affection thrown in for them to be a happy family pet.

This dog can also be fond of grown-up kids and might be too energetic for the little ones. The breed also needs daily exercise, fair but firm rules inside the home and a meek owner is a big no-no. Without clear leadership, these dogs can be extremely possessive, can get quite jealous or join in quarrels inside the house. They also need plenty of structure, or you risk them into becoming destructive. Puppies of the breed have to be properly socialized so that it will not be too aggressive with other dogs or pets. It is also not recommended for this breed to love with non-canine pets. Again, the breed can be a bit hard to train.

Most of its aggression has been bred out of Bull Terrier, and they are now very affectionate and loving dogs. This dog becomes attached to its human family and likes to be with them always. Bull Terriers will suffer once they are away from their human family for a long period of time. This dog is also very playful and loves being with kids. However, its exuberance is too much for small kids.

Bulldog Terrier Playing Outside

Health Issue

Bull terrier dog breed is mainly prone to some health conditions including dislocation of kneecaps, kidney failure, heart defects, flea and skin allergies. They can also suffer from a deficiency of zinc that can cause death, so you must be careful when feeding your dog properly. Nevertheless, don’t overfeed them as they might gain weight easily and you’ll risk making them lazy dogs. White bull terriers are prone to deafness than colored ones. Twenty percent of white bull terriers risk being born deaf.

  • Hereditary NephritisIt’s a form of kidney disease, which can be found in a Bull Terrier at an early age. It’s the result of underdeveloped and small kidneys or filter malfunction that cause high protein levels in urine. Typically, it’s lethal, and this dog could die before reaching the age of 3, even if others have survived the condition until the age of six or eight until kidney problem happens. It’s preferable to perform creatinine tests and urine protein annually from when your dog is eighteen months old.
  • Skin Problems – These can be rashes, sores, and irritations. Typically, white Bull Terriers experience these problems due to having more sensitive skin in comparison to colored Bull Terriers. Issues may also imply the allergy’s presence that can be from numerous substances for which you require allergy tests done.
  • Heart Disease – There could be defects found in the heart structure as well as function in Bull Terriers, yet not at a big spread. Heart diseases are detected through the presence of heart noise. Depending on the problem’s severity, others may outlive it, and some might continue living fairly with this. The problem’s severity also predicts whether your dog will get treatment through surgery or medication.
  • Spinning – It’s an obsessive-compulsive disorder in Bull Terriers that they chase their tails for several hours. Spinning may start even when they’re just puppies. Sometimes, it depends and spinning can be a mild or strong obsession. This may also indicate a kind of seizure that needs proper treatment.
  • Lens LuxationThis condition may happen when the lens of the eye of your Bull Terrier is displaced due to a deteriorating ligament. Depending on the severity, this can be treated through surgery, medication or may be necessary to get rid of the affected eye completely.

Feeding Tips

The recommended amount of food daily for adult Bull Terriers differs from 1 5/8- 4 ¼ cups of high-quality dry food that must further be divided into 2 meals every day. The meals of your dog should be given in a regular manner as dogs enjoy routine. When it comes to Bull Terrier puppy, you need to consult with your breeder for you to know more about how often you should feed your newly adopted Bull Terrier puppy and the amount you must give within a particular day.

Depending on what you have discussed, you should determine what to feed your dog and the exact amounts you need to take note. It’s good to add raw vegetables and fruits to their diet from time to time. Even if you should consult your vet about this problem, you must understand particular vegetables and fruits that are allowed to be in the diet of your dog.

Aside from that, you have to be careful when feeding your dog. At any cost, avoid overfeeding. The reason behind it is that it might lead to some health issues. Also, you should not leave foods in their bowl. The joints of Bull Terriers are vulnerable until a particular age, either way, so don’t increase the pressure through unnecessary extra weight.

As Bull Terriers grow rapidly during the first 4 to 7 months, you should be careful about exercising and feeding as they’re highly vulnerable to developing some bone disorders. During such particular months, balancing fat intake and protein is a good idea for you to avoid rapid growth, which may result in damaging their overall health condition.

It is also important to note that the amount of food that your adult Bull Terrier eats depends on his level of activity, metabolism, built, and age. If you have noticed the excessive weight in your Bull Terriers, you must attend quickly. You have to keep your dog in good shape and fit to avoid some health problems and mood issues that could arise because of lowering energy levels.

Grooming

The bull terrier dog breed is easy to keep tidy and clean, only needing a brushing occasionally. It’s an average shedder typically twice every year. As your Bull Terrier has short hair, it’s easy to groom. Weekly brushing will keep its coat in great shape. Check your dog’s eyes and ears occasional for irritants to ensure that the nails stay short.

Living Conditions

If your dog has enough exercise, he will live happily in your place. These dogs are active indoors and need a small garden. Not only should Bull Terriers be considered as an indoor dog because of its coat length, but also due to its attachment to its human family. Bull Terriers are not happy when kept out of family activities. Some behavioural problems may also arise if this dog doesn’t get attention.

Price

The price of this canine may vary from one breeder to another. Depending on your preferred pet shop or known breeder in your local area, the amount may be based on several factors like shipping rates. So, before you purchase one, make sure to shop around first to save an ample amount of money and transact only with the most reliable breeder of Bull Terriers.

Rescue Groups and Clubs

Here are some list of Clubs and Rescue Groups for Bull Terriers and Miniature Bull terrier

Overall Stats

  • Lifespan: 10 to 14 Years
  • Groups: Terriers
  • Height: Male – 22 Inches Female – 21 Inches
  • Social Needs: Moderate
  • Weight: 45 – 70 Pounds

Bull Terrier Breed Pictures and Video

White Bull Terrier Pictures

Pure White Bull Terrier

White Bull Terrier Dog
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Bull terrier family dog breeds
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Beautiful Miniature Bull Terrier
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Read Also:

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  2. The Sweet and Adorable American Pitbull Terrier