The Bull Terrier or ‘Bullie’ is a lively and powerful dog that has a long, egg-shaped head with a convex shaped profile, without a definite stop. The Bullie’s body is short and well muscled with a broad chest.
This breed combines strength and agility with a spirited and affectionate personality. Originally bred for agility and courage, the Bull Terrier has evolved into a much gentler dog, retaining its fearless nature but with a loving and comical side, making it more suitable for experienced dog owning families.
Bull Terriers are members of the American Kennel Club (AKC) Terrier Group.
Characteristics and Appearance
The Bull Terrier’s coat is short, harsh and lies flat on the body giving a fine sheen or gloss to the coat. They are usually white in color and can have head markings. Another variety of Bull Terrier called the ‘colored variety’ can have any color of coat.
The Bull Terrier’s most notable feature is its distinctive head, which gives the breed a definitive silhouette. Their bodies are compact and well-muscled and their small, triangular eyes sparkle with mischief and intelligence, reflecting their playful and determined nature.
In terms of size, the Bull Terrier stands between 20 to 24 inches at the shoulder and weighs between 45 to 70 pounds. They are sexually dimorphic with males being slightly larger than females on average.
History of Bull Terriers
The Bull Terrier or English Bull Terrier was developed in the mid-19th century by crossing the Bulldog and the now extinct English Terrier. The intent of the breeding was to develop a more agile fighting dog.
Later refinement in the breed has resulted in the Bullie becoming a much gentler dog. The Bull Terrier was ranked 68th out of 154 dog breeds in 2004 AKC registrations.
Temperament of Bull Terriers
Bull Terriers are fearless, assertive, comical and mischievous. The breed is loyal, affectionate and loving and can make a good family pet. Bullies are probably too exuberant for small children but will do fine with older children who are taught not to tease these dogs.
They need lots of attention and stimulus, doing better in rural or suburban environments with lots of space. They can be kept in the city reasonably well if they are kept engaged and involved in family activities. These dogs can be quite strong willed and are difficult to train. They need early socialization when they are puppies and on-going obedience training.
Male Bullies, especially those which haven’t been neutered, can be extremely aggressive with other male dogs and even other pets. Without plenty of attention they can become destructive when bored or frustrated. Bullies do make good watchdogs, but they need an experienced dog owner. It’s not advisable to own this type of breed without experience, and they are not suitable for a novice owner.
Training and Exercise
This breed needs moderate but regular daily exercises and playtime. They generally have to be kept on a leash at all times though, to prevent them from fighting with other dogs. As I’ve mentioned above, they can adapt to apartment life, and often do. But for this, they have to be given lots of exercise and attention.
Training a Bull Terrier can be challenging due to their strong-willed nature, but with patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, they can learn a wide range of commands and behaviors. Early socialization and ongoing obedience training are crucial for this breed. I can’t stress this enough. They need this training and reinforcement to help channel their energy, natural intelligence and eagerness to please in a positive direction.
Activities that stimulate both their mind and body can help prevent boredom and promote a well-rounded, obedient dog.
Grooming
Grooming a Bull Terrier is relatively straightforward due to their short coat. Regular brushing will help to remove loose hair and maintain the coat’s natural gloss. They are average shedders, and their grooming routine can be complemented with occasional baths to keep their coat clean and shiny. Regular attention to their nails, ears, and dental care should be part of the routine, as with any breed.
Health Considerations
Bull Terriers generally enjoy good health, with a life expectancy of 11 to 13 years. The breed is generally fairly healthy, but some common health concerns can become a problem. They may develop heart or kidney disease, or occasionally deafness, particularly in white-colored dogs.
Family Compatibility
Bull Terriers are loyal, affectionate, and make excellent family pets if early and ongoing training is taken seriously. Their exuberant nature suits families with older children who can match their energy and playfulness, but they are not suitable for families with young children.
Early socialization and clear boundaries can help Bull Terriers integrate well into family life, where they thrive on attention and involvement in daily activities. Their strong will and protective nature make them vigilant watchdogs, though they may require careful introduction to other pets and dogs. They have a strong fighting instinct, which is unfortunately why they are often bred illegally as fighting dogs.