What makes the Bull Terrier Unique?
The bull terrier is the cavalier gladiator — a good-looking tough character. It is strongly built and muscular, longer than it is tall. Its muscle mass combined with its relatively low center of gravity make it difficult for opponents to knock it off its feet. Its distinctive head not only shows off its keen and determined expression, but also its great jaw strength. Its gait is smooth and easy. Its skin is tight, and its coat short, flat and harsh. Exuberant, comical, playful, assertive and very mischievous describes the bull terrier. It is an imaginative breed that often sees things its own way and is stubborn to the end. It needs daily physical and mental exercise lest it exercise its powerful jaws on your home. For all its tough bravado, this is an extremely sweet-natured, affectionate and devoted breed. It can be aggressive with other dogs and small animals.
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| Size: | Males – 55 to 65 cm (22 to 26 inches) Female – 45 to 55 cm (18 to 22 inches) |
| Weight: | Males – 20 to 36 kg (45 to 80 pounds) Females – 20 to 36 kg (45 to 80 pounds) |
| Origin: | England |
| Life Span: | 9 – 15 Years |
| Colour: | Fawn & White, White & Black Brindle, Brindle & White, Tri-color, Red & White and White |
| Litter Size: | 1 puppy to 9 puppies, 5 being the most common |
Is the Bull Terrier Right For You?
The bull terrier is the cavalier gladiator — a good-looking tough character. It is strongly built and muscular, longer than it is tall. Its muscle mass combined with its relatively low center of gravity make it difficult for opponents to knock it off its feet. Its distinctive head not only shows off its keen and determined expression, but also its great jaw strength. Exuberant, comical, playful, assertive and very mischievous describes the bull terrier. It is an imaginative breed that often sees things its own way and is stubborn to the end. It needs daily physical and mental exercise lest it exercise its powerful jaws on your home.
In 5 Words
- Possessive
- Socialization
- Aggressive
- Chewers
- Barkers
Characteristics
Learn About the Bull Terrier
Description
The Bull Terrier is a strongly built, muscular dog. The body is well rounded with a short, strong back. The head is long and strong, oval-looking in shape, almost flat at the top, sloping evenly down to the nose with no stop. The nose is black. The eyes are almond-shaped, small and deep-set, dark in color. The ears are small, thin and close together. The long neck is very muscular, with robust shoulders. The tail is set low and on the short side, carried horizontally. The coat is dense, short, flat and harsh to the touch. The AKC recognizes two color varieties, the White Bull Terrier and the Colored Bull Terrier. The White Bull Terrier is allowed to have colored markings on the head, but nowhere else on the body. The Colored Bull Terriers may be black, brindle, black-brindle, red, fawn and tricolor with white markings.
Short History of the Bull Terrier
In the 19th century, English breeders combined Bulldogs and Terriers to create several popular breeds, one being the Bull Terrier. From the get-go, “Bullies” proved to be superb ratters, herders and guard dogs with a unique look that made them popular in the dog show circuit. Bull Terriers continue to be prized for their intelligence, protectiveness and camaraderie.
Temperament
Bull Terriers were breed to fight. Crossing a terrier and a bulldog produced a breed with fearlessness, tenacity and strength that made them natural gladiators. The fighting branches of the Bull Terrier’s family tree have since withered away, and the modern breed is a loving, loyal, clown of a dog who makes an excellent family companion for those with active lifestyles. They love being with people and want to be included in all family activities whether it’s a ride in the car, a neighborhood stroll or a romp in the park.
Caring for Your Bull Terrier
General Health
May include allergies, congenital deafness, familial nephropathy, mitral dysplasia, patellar luxation, hip and elbow dysplasia and zinc deficiency. They also are prone to eye problems such as entropion and ectropion, as well as enlarged hearts and bone cancer.
Grooming & Bathing
The short coat of the Bull Terrier only requires an occasional brushing. But because he sheds you may find yourself brushing him once or twice a week to remove loose hair. What you get out with a brush doesn’t fall out in your home.
Exercise & Training
Bull terrier needs to be entertained, either with a good exercise session or mental stimulation every day — preferably both. This is an active breed that enjoys a good run, but it is best to run it only in a safe area. It should not stay outdoors except in temperate weather, but it should live primarily as a house dog with access to a yard.
Bull Terrier Picture Gallery
