Bull Terrier is a unique mixture of power, elegance, and agility, and is affectionately regarded as the gladiator of the canine world. While the breed isn’t for everyone, it’s believed that once you’ve met or had one, you’ll be hooked for life. They are boisterous by nature and have little tolerance for other animals or pets, although they are generally even-tempered.
Their unique ‘egg-shaped’ head reveals both their intense and firm look as well as their formidable jaw power. Their walk is effortless and fluid. The coat is short, flat, and harsh, and the skin is tight.
Today, these dogs are loved all around the world as they make excellent pets and also have traits that can make them great family dogs.
Read on to find out all about the Bull Terrier.
Overview Of The Breed
|
Breed Type |
Height | Weight | Lifespan |
Price |
| Terrier Dogs | 21-22 inches tall at the shoulder | 35-75 pounds | 10-14 years | $800 to $2000 |
History
The Bull Terrier was created in England in the 1800s by breeding a Bulldog with an extinct breed known as the Old English Terrier, and then a Spanish Terrier to give the new breed some height. This mix of breeds resulted in a powerful and muscular breed that was originally employed for dogfighting.
Around the 13th century, inhumane blood sports involving animals were popular in Britain. Bull-baiting, for example, included a bulldog battling a tethered bull while spectators gambled on the outcome.
In the 1800s, Britain outlawed such blood sports. However, some individuals hid them underground. They focused on dogfighting instead of bull-baiting, which was too obvious. They also desired more ferocious and agile dogs, so they mixed their bulldogs with a variety of terriers. The bull terrier was one of the breeds that resulted from this.
In response to the growing demand for an all-white breed, James Hinks mixed the “bull and terrier” with a white English Terrier and a Dalmatian. The public’s attention was instantly drawn to the new all-white breed, which quickly became a fashionable companion for young males who want a good-looking macho dog at their side. The dogs were called “the white cavalier” because they were known for protecting themselves without initiating a fight.
The Bull Terrier’s unique head evolved as the canines got more streamlined. Mixes with Staffordshire Bull Terriers returned color to the breed about 1900. This combination was initially unpopular, but in 1936 it was given equal recognition as a separate AKC variety. Although the white type is still the most popular, both hues have been shown to be appealing as pets.
Appearance
The Bull Terrier is a terrier mix of English, Irish, and Scottish breeds. These dogs are known for their distinct appearance and physical traits. They have a broad head with a blunt muzzle and almond-shaped eyes. They have erect ears that are triangular in shape.
Here’s a detailed look at the Bull Terrier’s appearance.
Bull Terrier Size
Bull Terriers stand between 21 and 22 inches tall and weigh between 50 and 70 pounds.
Bull Terrier Head/Skull
Bull Terriers are recognized for their distinctive “egg-shaped” heads. It has an oval shape skull and softly curves downward from the top of the head to the nose. The head is long, robust, and deep. From the side, you can see an arc from the top of the head to the tip of the snout. It is also known as a Roman nose for this reason.
Body Structure
Bull Terriers are robust and well-built dogs. They move with a fluid pace and a jaunty attitude that conveys quickness and power, and they have powerful shoulders, a short back, and big-boned yet straight legs.
Coat Type
A Bull Terrier’s coat is short, flat, and rough to the touch. It has a nice sheen to it, and the skin is well-fitting.
Coat Colors
Bull Terriers come in a variety of colors and patterns. Colored Bull Terriers can be any color, however, brindle is favored, and all other colors are equally acceptable in the show ring.
There are two types of Bull Terriers: “White” and “Colored.” This may appear strange at first. Why are there just two groups while “Colored” has so many different and gorgeous shades? Find out all about it in our article ‘A Complete Guide To Bull Terrier Colors.’
Personality/Temperament
There are many reasons why people love to own Bull Terriers. They are loyal, intelligent, and make great companions.
The Bull Terrier, however, has a bad reputation. This breed has been known to attack people, livestock, and even other dogs. It is also not uncommon for these dogs to be aggressive and territorial with their owners. These dogs are often the victim of their own reputation as they are often seen as dangerous dogs that need to be put down. In fact, they are considered to be so aggressive that it is illegal in many countries to own one as a pet.
But Bull Terriers are not aggressive by nature and they aren’t raised to be aggressive. These dogs have a possessive, jealous, and attention-seeking mentality that, if not properly socialized and trained, can lead to violent behavior. But a Bull Terrier is an amiable dog breed in general.
Bull Terriers are good with children trained from a young age and socialized with kids from an early age. A well-socialized Bull Terrier is known to be very affectionate and playful with children. These dogs are great for families with older kids. Older children know how to deal with them, such as never tormenting them or pulling their tails. Young children may not notice the warning indications of a dissatisfied Bull Terrier and they will bite if they are treated aggressively. Children should be reminded not to approach a Bull Terrier who is eating or playing with their favorite dog toy or reward.
Bull Terriers are also good with other dogs. But remember that they require early socialization in order to be comfortable and well-behaved in the presence of other dogs. Bull Terriers that do not have the opportunity to socialize with other dogs may become possessive and violent.
Socialization plays a big role in the behavior of Bull Terriers toward other canines. If you wish to introduce a Bull Terrier to another dog in the house, allowing your Bull Terrier and another dog to progressively get to know each other is a great way to start the process.
Bite Force
Bite force may be used to gauge the power of a Bull Terrier’s jaw. The biting force of a Bull Terrier is 200 PSI (pounds per square inch). This makes them one of the top 20 canines with the strongest bite force.
The Bull Terrier has a “uniquely powerful bite force” because their jaws are packed with extra-large, dense, and well-developed molars that have a “massive bite surface area.” This allows them to exert more than twice as much pressure in their bite compared to most breeds. Bull Terriers can break through wood, brick, and even concrete when they’re on the hunt for prey.
Trainability
Bull terriers are notoriously hard to train because they tend to have an independent mind and want to do things their own way. These dogs benefit from obedience training since it teaches them which behaviors to adopt and which to avoid. You should begin teaching your Bull Terrier with basic commands like sit, stay, stand, down, sleep, and others. However, the degree of training, as well as the outcomes, should improve over time.
Dos and Don’ts When Training Your Bull Terrier
|
Do’s |
Don’t’s |
| Use a leash and collar to help your dog control their movements. | Don’t punish your dog for bad behavior, only correct them if they do something wrong. |
| Start with a friend or family member who is familiar with dogs to help you train your new pup. | Don’t leave your Bull Terrier alone with small children during training. |
| Use treats to reward your dog for good behavior. | Don’t use food as a way of controlling your dog’s behavior. |
| Socialize them from an early age. Bull Terriers need plenty of interaction with people to stay happy and healthy. | Don’t let your Bull Terrier off-leash in public places or near other dogs. |
Grooming
Bull Terriers are not the easiest dogs to groom. However, they are not difficult to groom either. The key is to prepare for their grooming routine and know what tools you need to get the job done.
Bull Terriers have a lot of hair that needs to be brushed regularly. They also shed a lot, so it is important to clean them every day or two. They need regular baths and dry shampooing as well as brushing their teeth at least once a week.
Following are the tips to help you keep your bull terrier looking great all year round:
- Brush your Bull Terrier’s coat with a metal comb once a week. This will help maintain their coat’s health and appearance while also getting rid of any tangles that might be forming in the fur.
- Bathe your Bull Terrier once a week. Use a shampoo that is specifically for Bulldogs or Terriers.
- Brush your Bull Terrier’s teeth every day with a toothpaste that is specifically for Bulldogs or Terriers.
- Trim your dog’s nails every week.
- Clean their ears at least once a week with a cotton ball dampened with ear cleaner or a veterinarian-recommended solution to avoid infection, redness, or irritation in the ears.
Adaptability
Bull Terriers are not for everyone, but they are perfect for some people.
Bull Terriers are known for their ability to be good apartment dogs because they are not too big and not too small. They are also known for their intelligence, which makes them easy to train to live in and around your apartment.
However, Bull Terriers, similar to the Terrier dog breeds in general, have a lot of energy and require some form of exercise on a regular basis. Living in an apartment makes this significantly more difficult because you won’t have the option of letting your Bull Terrier run about in a fenced-in yard to burn off some energy.
Raising Bull Terriers can also be a challenge for first-time dog owners. These are not the easiest dogs to adopt. They are known to be stubborn and difficult to train. Some people even think that they are violent. Bull Terriers were bred for fighting, and they still have some of those instincts left over. They also require a lot of exercises, so it’s easy for them to become bored and destructive if they don’t get enough attention or exercise.
Bull Terriers are also for their devotion to all members of their family. However, because of their friendliness and love of humans, they don’t like to be left alone for lengthy periods of time. They desire to be a part of what their people do on a daily basis.
During the day, the Bull Terrier needs supervision. Leaving a Bull Terrier alone in a room full of bombs is about as wise as leaving a creative and bright kid alone in a room full of explosives. For one thing, they’ll eat almost anything, and many of them die as a result of gastrointestinal obstructions that aren’t identified until it’s too late.
Heat and humidity levels have an impact on the health and comfort of your Bull Terrier. As the temperature increases, so does your Bull Terrier’s risk of having a heat-related sickness or injury. While some Bull Terriers are tolerant to heat and humidity, others grow overheated rapidly. You must limit outside playtime to the cooler morning or evening hours to reduce the risk of heatstroke.
Bull Terriers, as a breed, are also not well-suited to endure lengthy periods of cold weather. Because of their short coat and thin physique, Bull Terriers are prone to being chilly. The Bull Terrier’s body type does not provide much protection from the cold.
Health
The Bull Terrier is generally healthy, however, heart illness, deafness, luxating patella, and eye abnormalities like ectropion and keratoconjunctivitis sicca, or dry eye, have been found in the breed. Bull Terriers are prone to allergies, which can result in skin irritation and secondary illnesses, such as ear infections.
1. Deafness:
Deafness in Bull Terriers has been documented since the breed’s beginnings. According to recent research in the United States, up to 18 percent of white Bull Terriers may have hearing problems, For many years, it was assumed that hereditary deafness only afflicted White Bull Terriers. However, it is now recognized that colored Bull Terriers can be affected as well, albeit this is significantly less common, with studies in the United States showing that less than 2% of colored are affected. Deafness can affect one or both ears.
2. Kidney Disease:
Kidney Failure in Bull Terriers has been recognized as a concern for many years, much like deafness. It can strike at any point in a dog’s life, and it frequently leads to the animal’s premature and sad death. There is little that can be done once an animal has been diagnosed with kidney failure because there is no cure, although specific veterinarian diets may assist to prolong an animal’s quality of life if the condition is detected early enough.
3. Patella Luxation:
The canine patella is the canine homologue of the human knee joint. It’s about halfway up and in front of the dog’s hind leg. Patella Luxation occurs when the groove in the knee joint is not deep enough to keep the patella in place, allowing it to slide out to either side.
4. Heart Disease:
Bull Terriers have been found to be prone to heart disease in varying degrees. This generally causes a constriction of the arteries or a failure of the heart valves to seal correctly. Heart attacks can occur in affected animals, and additional symptoms include lack of movement and shortness of breath.
5. Skin Problems:
Skin issues in Bull Terriers are possibly the most frequent disease. They generally appear to be allergy-related and might be seasonal. The symptoms can range from minor rashes and patches to other disorders, which, if left untreated, can result in full hair loss and the formation of Rhino-like hard skin. Even while the disease is rarely lethal, it can cause significant discomfort and itching.
The Bull Terrier has an average life expectancy of 10 to 14 years.
Bull Terrier Cost
Bull Terriers are the most popular dogs in the United States, and they have captured the hearts of many people. Many of these pets are far less expensive than you may think. When buying a puppy from a reputable breeder, prices range from $800 to $2,000. This is comparable to other dog breeds of similar size.
You must, however, factor in the cost of owning and raising one of these pets. Their expenses do not end once you have paid for the dog.
You’ll have to pay for things like food and vet expenses on a monthly basis. A few upfront fees are also required for most pups. These include products such as dog beds and cages, as well as less expensive items such as dog bowls and collars. While many of these expenses are little, they may rapidly mount up.
According to Pet Budget, A Bull Terrier puppy is likely to cost between $815-$2,000 with the average price being $1,500. First-year expenses are around $4,590 and will be about $1,635/year (or $136/month) after that. Through the dog’s lifetime, the average cost of owning a Bull Terrier is $24,210.
Miniature Bull Terrier
Miniature bull terriers have all of the characteristics of the Bull terrier but in a much smaller package. In comparison to the regular bull terrier, which is 21–22 inches tall and weighs 50–70 pounds, minis are only 10–14 inches tall and weigh 18–28 pounds. Miniature Bull Terriers are often referred to as “miniature” or “teacup” bulldogs because they have similar features to the larger bulldog breeds like the American Bulldog, English Bulldog, French Bulldog, etc.
The breed might be ‘miniature’ in size, but they make up for it with their big personality. These dogs are described as amusing and mischievous, and they enjoy showing off for their owners—but they’ll get into trouble if they don’t get enough physical and mental exercise and training.
The miniature bull terrier was developed in the 1800s by crossing a Doberman with a Bulldog. It was originally bred to be used as a hunting dog, but due to its small size, the breed became popular as an ideal pet for children. The popularity of the miniature bull terrier has been steadily increasing over time.
If a Standard Bull Terrier is too much for you, why not consider a Mini Bull Terrier? For more information, check out ‘Bull Terrier Vs Miniature Bull Terrier.’
Bull Terrier Pitbull Mix
The Bull Terrier Pitbull Mix is a crossbreed of the two breeds, which are both well-known for their bravery and strength- the Bull Terrier and the Pitbull. These dogs are cute, loyal, and have a distinct appearance.
In terms of breed history, bull terriers and Pitbulls are quite similar. Both dogs are classified as terriers (The term pit in pitbull relates to the combat pit where these dogs were most commonly utilized.) So, the tale of bull terrier pitbull hybrids is frequently linked to the two species’ dreadful reputations. Pitbulls and bull terriers have both been stereotyped as vicious, unpredictable canines. As a result, both kinds have been banned in a number of nations.
Since the bull terrier pitbull mix is a very recent crossbreed, it has no official name.
While the Bull Terrier and Pitbull are both courageous fighting dogs, these two breeds can vary quite drastically. Check out our article ‘Bull Terrier Vs Pitbull’ for more information.
Conclusion
The Bull Terrier is the breed for you if you want a dog that you can do activities with. These dogs are natural at both structured and unstructured canine exercises. They’ll love hiking with you and can be a great agility and obedience dog too.
Like many strong breeds, the Bull Terrier is not the ideal pet for every home. It takes a strong and attentive owner to handle these dogs and encourage the best they have to offer.
Thank you for reading the article.
For more interesting facts about the Bull Terriers, check out ‘10 Interesting Bull Terrier Facts That You Probably Didn’t Know About’
Do you have a Bull Terrier? What do they look like? Are they good family dogs? Are they trained? We want to know it all! Share with us your experience with Bull Terriers in the comments!