The Bull Terrier dog breed is a muscular dog that is known for its unique appearance. They have a large head with a short muzzle and are also known for being loyal and protective of their family and home.
If you are considering adding a Bull Terrier to your family, be sure to do your research first as they can be high-energy dogs that require a lot of exercise and training.
Bull Terriers are also prone to certain health conditions, so be sure to talk to your veterinarian about these risks before getting one.
Breed characteristics
Bull Terriers are medium-sized, muscular dogs. They grow to about 22 inches tall and weigh between 60 to 65 pounds.
- Egg shaped head and pointed ears,
- They’re protective but have a good temperament
- The Bull Terrier has a life span approximating 11 to 14 years
Bull Terriers have quite the distinctive look to them but there’s more that you should know about them. Let’s take a look at Bull Terriers and what else you need to know!
Appearance
Besides the distinctive head shape that is very broad at the top and narrow at the muzzle, Bull Terriers have small, triangular ears that stand erect. They have a short, smooth coat that can be any color.
However, according to the American Kennel Club breed standard, Bull Terriers are white, though some have head markings. The Bull Terriers also come in a miniature variety that is 14 inches tall.
Bull Terrier breed size and distinctive physical traits
Fully-grown ‘standard’ Bull Terriers are classified as medium dogs, though some can weigh as much as 75 pounds. This is over 10% heavier than the 60 to 65 pounds average weight noted in the official AKC breed standard that most Bull Terriers will fall into.
Miniature Bull Terriers
There is also a miniature version of the Bull Terrier. The Miniature Bull Terrier is a small Bull Terrier breed. They are very playful and make great family pets.
The Miniature Bull Terrier is only about half the size of a standard Bull Terrier.
Miniature Bull Terrier puppies are the smallest of the Bull Terrier breed. They stand about 10-12 inches tall and weigh about 25 pounds. They are a popular breed for families because of their good temperament and loving nature.
Miniature Bull Terriers have an average full-grown weight of 33 pounds and a height of a mere 14 inches. Despite their diminutive build, both Minature Bull Terrier and standard Bull Terrier sizes have flat-topped oval heads and doggy-weight lifter builds.
Bull Terrier temperament
Don’t let all of their bluff and bluster fool you – while fiercely loyal and protective of their family, these mini-muscle dogs are actually quite gentle, with the exception of when it comes to showing you affection. Sometimes they just can’t help themselves!
They are also very playful, but this brings us back to that bit about fierceness when it comes to their families. With this breed, you want to socialize them as early as possible. Trips to the dog park and introducing them to your human friends is a must if you want to avoid any misunderstandings.
Bull Terrier personality
Despite their unique and intimidating appearance, Bull Terriers are incredibly gentle. Bull Terriers are energetic and playful dogs that make good companions for children. They are also very loyal and protective of their families.
Bull Terriers are also known to be stubborn and headstrong, so training must be consistent and firm.
The Bull Terrier is a sweet dog, don’t get us wrong, but when a Bull Terrier thinks that someone is threatening their family, their first objective is to keep that person safe.
By giving your dog some broader social horizons, they will learn to better recognize when a situation calls for their protective assistance.
Is Bull Terrier a good family dog?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as Bull Terriers may or may not be good family dogs depending on their individual personalities.
However, Bull Terriers are generally good-natured and loyal dogs who love spending time with their families, so they can make great pets for people with children.
Bull Terriers are also known for its friendly and outgoing personality, and it is often used as a companion dog. Many celebrities own them.
Some of the most well-known Bull Terrier owners have included Paris Hilton and Kelly Osborne who had a Bull Terrier named Floyd.
David Beckham is a famous owner of Bull Terriers, and he has two Bull Terriers named “Brooklyn” and “Cruz”.
Bull Terrier exercise
Bull Terriers need plenty of exercise to stay healthy and happy. A good long walk or jog will do the trick, but make sure to give your Bull Terrier lots of playtime that provides mental stimulation that challenges them without over exerting them. For example, great activities that Bull Terriers love include:
- fetch and chasing balls
- play tug-of-war
- playing frisbee
It is important to make sure a Bull Terrier gets enough exercise because if they don’t get enough, it is a breed that can become destructive.
Bull Terrier coat
Bull Terrier’s coat comes in two colors: white and colored.
— Colored Bull Terrier coat
Colored Bull Terriers include all shades of brindle, fawn, black, red, and tri-color. Tri colored Bull Terriers are popular, but you’ll also find white markings, brindle, black, and some assorted combos within that range.
A colored Bull Terrier still has a short, dense coat that is easy to care for.
— White Bull Terrier coat
The American Kennel Club specifies that for AKC breed shows, dogs participating in any show should be a White Bull Terrier.
White Bull Terriers should be completely white with a glossy coat and not one with colored markings. The AKC guideline about White Bull Terriers is noted in their standard.
The White Bull Terrier requirement for show events can be viewed on the AKC website.
Bull Terrier Grooming
Your beloved Bull Terrier has a flat short coat so requires little grooming. It’s one of the dog breeds that do not need regular brushing like other dogs.
Using a soft bristle brush a few times per month should suffice. You can run a damp cloth across your Bull Terrier, periodically to remove any loose hair.
As far as bathing, once every 3 months is sufficient, though you can certainly bathe them as often as once a week if you like.
Different doggy shampoos and conditioners can really make for a sweet-scented pet, but more than once a week of bathing is not recommended – you don’t want to wash out their natural fur oils.
Bull Terrier health considerations
As far as health concerns, Bull Terriers are a brachycephalic breed, which is a fancy way of saying they have flatter faces than most breeds. This can make them a little more prone to allergies and they ‘snuffle’ a bit as a result.
Beyond that, a Bull Terrier can sometimes develop patellar luxation, which is a condition where the kneecap moves out of place, so be sure to try to avoid overexertion around difficult urban terrain such as stairways.
Some may also develop minor heart conditions, kidney issues, or even deafness – though with regular vet visits the chances are minimized.
Bull Terrier health testing
Bull Terriers are generally a healthy breed with very few health problems. Some common issues that the breed should be tested for, as noted by the national Bull Terrier Club standards include:
- Kidney disease
- Heart issues
- Hearing – BAER testing
- Patella testing
The Bull Terrier versus other breeds
Just because “Terrier” is part of the name, some people incorrectly believe that the Bully Terrier is the same or similar breed to other dogs. One example, is the Yorkshire Terrier or Yorkie.
Bull Terrier vs. the Yorkie
Yorkies are a breed of dog that is much smaller than a Bull Terrier. They have long hair that can be straight or wavy. Yorkies can be any color but are most commonly black, gold, or silver. They are bred for their small size and their ability to be kept as lap dogs. Yorkies are known to be very yappy and have a lot of energy for their size.
Bull Terrier vs. the Pug
Pug dogs are a breed of dog that is short and stocky. They have wrinkled skin, especially around their faces. Pugs have short, smooth coats that come in a variety of colors including black, fawn, silver, and apricot. Pugs are bred for their small size and their docile dispositions. Pugs are known to be very loyal and loving companions.
English Bull Terrier History
Around 1835, a mix between a Bulldog and the old English Terrier produced a dog known as the Bull and Terrier. A later mix to the Spanish Pointer added needed size, and the result was a tenacious, strong, yet agile dog.
Around 1860 James Hinks mixed the Bull and Terrier with the extinct White English Terrier and the Dalmatian, producing an all-white strain he called Bull Terriers.
The new white Bull Terrier became an all white strain that immediately captured the attention of the public. The white Bull Terrier became the fashionable companion dog of choice for many elites during the time.
Bull Terrier roundup
As you can see, there’s a lot more to the Bull Terrier than what you might have seen from the famous Budweiser commercials during the holidays.
The Bull Terrier is a fierce guardian of their families, but they have a sweet disposition and a gentle side that you really have to experience to fully appreciate.
Remember to schedule regular vet visits to ensure that they don’t develop any known health issues. Also, remember the importance of early socialization of this breed from an early age.
Now that you have an overview of this dog breed, you should be ready to bring your Bull Terrier home.
Final word
Bull terriers are intelligent and loyal dogs that make excellent companions for active families. These playful pups love spending time outdoors playing fetch or going on long walks in the park.
Bull terriers are also known for their friendly temperament, making them great pets for children of all ages.
However, Bull Terriers do have some unique needs that should be taken into consideration before bringing one home. These energetic dogs require a lot of exercise and regular grooming to keep their coats looking healthy and neat.
Bull terriers also have strong, stubborn personalities, so training can be a bit challenging at times. Despite these challenges, they are ultimately lovable and affectionate companions that will bring endless joy to any family.
If you’re ready for the commitment of caring for a high-energy breed like the Bull Terrier, then this dog is the perfect companion for you!
