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Bull Terrier: Temperament, Exercise, Grooming, Health
(English Bull Terrier)
Group: AKC and
KCGB Terrier; Mastiff
Also Known As:
English Bull Terrier; Standard Bull Terrier; English
Standard Bull Terrier
Ranking: 61 in
AKC, 18 in KCGB
About
Bull Terrier
Origin
and History of the Breed
The Bull Terrier was developed
to combine the spirit and agility of the terrier
with the courage and tenacity of the Bulldog.
The white-coated Bull Terriers became known
as ‘White Cavaliers’ and were
pets of the gentry.
A General Appearance
of the Dog
The Bull Terrier is a strongly
built, muscular dog who is very active and
determined. His head is his most distinctive
feature – almost flat on top, then a
long slope all the way from the forehead to
the end of the nose, topped off with large,
erect ears.
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His eyes are well-sunken and dark
with a piercing glint. They are small and obliquely
placed. His black nose points downward.
The Bull Terrier is broad, his
hips and shoulders are widely set and muscular.
His chest is deep and broad. His body is low, set
on fairly short, very sturdy legs. The Bull Terrier’s
straight legs are set far apart to support his body
mass. The Bull Terrier’s horizontally-carried
tail is short and pointed.
Coat Color
The coat color of the Bull Terrier
can be all white with no other color except on the
head, or any color other than white with the ability
to have white markings. Most likely colors are black,
brindle, red, fawn, and tri-color.
Coat Type
The Bull Terrier’s coat
is short, close, stiff to the touch, and very shiny.
Height: 20 -
24 inches
Weight: 45 -
80 lbs
Personality
Temperament of the Dog
The Bull Terrier can make a family
pet if care is taken to locate a responsible breeder.
The Bull Terrier is courageous, fun-loving, active,
and entertaining. He thrives on attention and companionship.
And he is very full of life, wanting always to be
in the thick of activity.
If thoroughly socialized and trained
firmly, Bull Terriers can be obedient and polite.
They are very willful and often hard to train. You
must carefully consider if you are capable of being
his pack leader every minute of his life as he needs
someone who really understands the pack mentally
and how to be the leader. He must also be in a family
where any children do not tease him and have high
respect for him and his possessions.
Bull Terriers tend to be very
possessive and protective of their things. They
usually do not tolerate other pets. They can be
a good watchdog.
Because of the domineering, protective
nature of the breed, they should never be off lead
in the presence of canines that are unfamiliar to
them – most are quite dog aggressive. Bull
Terriers are too strong for children or older adults
to handle in training.
Better suited to an indoor
or outdoor lifestyle?
Bull Terriers need to live indoors.
They have a number of allergies and skin problems.
They will do okay in an apartment, but they are
very active and need long, daily walks. Bull Terriers
will be lazy and become overweight if not properly
exercised. A small, securely fenced yard is a big
help.
Are they suited to homes
with kids?
Bull Terriers are not recommended
for homes with children as they are not very tolerant.
Activity
Level
How Active is the Breed?
This is a very active breed.
Puppies are more energetic than
adults. Apartment life is adequate as they find
exercise in play but they will still need supplemental
walks.
Grooming
Grooming needs are relatively
simple and can be done by most owners at home. A
regular (monthly) bath and brushing with nail clip
will keep its short coat in shape. Rubbing with
a piece of toweling or chamois will make the coat
gleam. Loose hair can be removed by rubbing the
dog with a rubber glove on your hand. They are average
shedders except in spring and fall when they shed
rather heavily.
Health
and Care
Genetic Problems
The health of the Bull Terrier
is often very good with responsible breeding but
some instances of hereditary cataracts, hip dysplasia
and congenital heart disease are found. Sensitivity
to cold makes them want to live in warm climates
or wear a sweater.
Breeding the Dog and any
Cautions
A qualified breeder should be
sought to help you find the right mate. This is
a difficult breed for breeding and whelping a litter.
Litter Size
Litters are very unpredictable.
There can be as few as one puppy or as many as nine
puppies.
Life Span: 10
- 12 yrs
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National Breed Clubs
British – Bull Terrier Club
– www.thebullterrierclub.com
Coloured Bull Terrier Club – www.thecolouredbullterrierclub.co.uk
US – Bull Terrier Club of America –
www.btca.com
Other Recognition:
CKC, FCI, AKC, CKC, UKC, NKC, NZKC, KCGB, APBR,
ANKC, APRI, ACR
Rescue Link: www.btca.com/rescue
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