Is a Bull Terrier The Right Pet For You? Find out Below:
The Bull Terrier are loyal dogs that are playful and mischievous. They are a constant source of entertainment. They need human companionship and lots of affection. Bull Terriers make great pets for homebodies that do not have any other pets.
Bull Terrier Characteristics Summary
Breed: Bull Terrier
Energy Level: High
Exercise Requirements: 40 Minutes a day
Height: 20-24 inches
Hypoallergenic: No
Lifespan: 11-14 years
Maintenance: Low
Recommended for: Homebodies
Social/Attention Needs: High
Temperament: Playful, mischievous, friendly
Tendency to Bark: Low
Tendency to Dig: Low
Tendency to Drool: Low
Tendency to Snore: Low
Weight: 35-65 pounds
Bull Terrier Body Characteristics
Bull Terriers stand between 20-24 inches tall. They should weigh between 45-65 pounds. They are muscular, powerful and agile.
Their look is unmistakable due to their unique egg-shaped shaped head and pointy ears.
Bull Terriers have a short coat that can vary in colour. They can be a solid colour, solid with markings or have brindle striping. Their overall grooming requirements are low.
Bull Terrier Temperament
A Bull Terrier’s looks intimidating due to its muscular build and head shape. However, they are friendly and gentle. They have a playful personality that can get them in trouble. These goofy dogs are fun to be around, and they love meeting new people in the proper situations.
Without proper training, the Bull Terrier can have aggressive tendencies. You want them to learn early on to share and not be jealous. They have dominant traits that can become a problem if they are not corrected
Bull Terriers often suffer from obsessive compulsive disorder. This is why they can often be seen pacing or chasing their tail. Your vet can prescribe medication to help manage the condition.
Maintenance and Safety for Bull Terriers
The Bull Terrier can get in a lot of trouble if it is left alone. They need companionship all day long. If left alone, they will be destructive and eat anything they can get into their mouths. The breed is prone to gastrointestinal blockages that can be fatal. They should not be given rawhide toys due to these issues.
Bull Terriers require 30 to 40 minutes of physical exercise every day. Most Bull Terriers enjoy getting outside and playing or going for walks. They are also a good breed for agility and obedience trials. A Bull Terrier should always be walked with a leash. They have a high tendency to run off and chase animals.
The Bull Terrier needs high-quality dog food with natural calcium. Especially when they are young and still growing. The amount they need will change as they age. Bull Terriers are prone to becoming overweight. If you use treats for training, choose something low in calories. They should have clean water available at all times.
Appearance of the Bull Terrier
The bull terrier has a unique look. Its head is shaped like an egg that slopes down to its nose. It has pointed ears and small triangle shaped eyes.
Bull Terriers can vary in size and weigh anywhere from 35 to 65 pounds. They are a stocky breed that are strong and agile.
They have short, shiny coats that can vary greatly in colour. Their fur has a hard texture. It should be brushed once a week. Except during shedding seasons, when it should be brushed twice a week.
Bull Terriers are prone to dental disease. They need to have their teeth brushed at least twice a week. And they need dental cleaning once a year.
A Bull Terrier only needs a bath once a month, or when they get dirty. They have sensitive skin, so need a special dog shampoo that will not irritate their skin.
Their ears should be checked regularly and cleaned whenever needed.
Bull Terrier Suitability
Bull Terriers need constant human companionship. They are playful and need daily exercise. They should not be left alone due to their destructive nature.
The Bull Terriers are for people that are home a lot. If you cannot be your pet’s constant companion, the Bull Terrier is probably not the breed for you.
Trainability
Training is essential for a Bull Terrier. It needs to be consistent and start early. They need strong discipline without physical force. A Bull Terrier can be stubborn and difficult to train. The best way to train a Bull Terrier is with positive reinforcement techniques.
Bull Terrier puppies can be tough to house train. It will often take a lot of time and patience for them to learn to go outside.
Bull Terriers do not like strangers. If you are not around to correct them, they can become aggressive. They do not get along well with other animals either. This is why they need to be socialised at a very early age. They need to be introduced to many different people and situations.
Bull Terrier Health Problems
Bull terriers are normally a healthy breed. However, they still are susceptible to certain health issues.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder:
Bull Terriers are known for being susceptible to obsessive compulsive disorder. They will often chase their tail for hours. OCD can be treated with medications from your veterinarian. Never give your dog human medications.
Deafness
White Bull Terriers are more susceptible to complete deafness. While coloured Bull Terriers are more likely to only lose hearing in one ear.
Skin Problems
Bull Terriers have sensitive skin. They can develop rashes and sores. When you own a Bull Terrier, you may have to change your detergent and cleaning chemicals. They may also have allergic reactions to their food. You will need to inspect the skin regularly. If there are any sores or rashes, they need to be treated immediately.
Hereditary Nephritis
This is a serious kidney disease that is often discovered at an early age. It is due to undeveloped or faulty kidneys. This leads to high protein levels in the urine. Bull Terriers who develop hereditary nephritis will often die before they reach three years of age. However, some can live as long as 6 to 8 years old.
Heart Disease
Heart disease is an issue that is sometimes found in Bull Terriers. The severity of the issue can vary from a heart murmur to heart failure. Treatment will depend on the seriousness of the disease. It can sometimes be treated with medication. More serious issues may require surgery.
Lens Luxation
The ligament holding the lens of the eye can deteriorate, displacing the lens. This condition may be treatable with medication or surgery. In some instances, the eye must be removed.
Breeding Bull Terriers
A female Bull Terrier will often have an average of 5 puppies in a litter. However, they can have anywhere from 1 to 15. The pregnancy must be overseen by a veterinarian.
Females should not be bred with males larger than her. This can lead to the puppies being too big, leading to delivery problems. The puppies can get stuck, and emergency surgery would need to be performed.
Complications are high during a Bull Terrier birth. Make sure you are ready to get help immediately if needed. This can have a large financial impact.
Female Bull Terriers are not always the best mothers. They are impatient and stubborn. There is a good chance you will have to take care of the puppies yourself.
Bull Terrier Puppies
Bull Terrier puppies are naturally aggressive and need to be trained early. They require socialising to learn how to act properly. They should never be left alone with other animals or small children. The dogs will treat these objects as prey, since they were bred to hunt.
Male puppies should be neutered at a young age. As they age, they can overproduce testosterone, making them aggressive.
You will need a lot of patience when training your Bull Terrier puppy. They are hyper and stubborn. Make learning fun and use positive reinforcements. They require firm training and lots of physical exercise.
Bull Terrier puppies need high-quality food that includes natural calcium. You will have to watch them constantly and safe proof your house. They are not picky eaters and will eat anything they get a hold of.
History of the Bull Terrier Breed
Bull terriers were developed around 1835, in England. They are a cross between the Bulldog and the Old English Terrier. Then they were crossed between the Spanish Pointer, English Terrier and Dalmatian. This breeding created a strong, unique dog.
Bull Terriers were originally bred for blood sports and hunting. They were powerful dogs that are strong and fearless.
Today, Bull Terriers have become domesticated. They are kinder and friendlier than their ancestors. But they are still tough and courageous dogs.
They make great pets for some people. But are not suitable for all families due to their stubbornness and aggressive tendencies.
