Description: The Bull Terrier tends to
be friendly and have a good temperament, known for its ability to distinguish
when and when it should not fight. Known for their sense of humor, they are
an outgoing dog with a dominant nature who needs firm handling by their owner.
Bull Terriers are tenacious fighters. They are generally not as nippy as other
terriers, but when they do bite they don't like to let go. They are sometimes
aggressive towards other dogs, and should be socialized early on. Although males
generally do not get along with other males, the breed is usually good with
other pets as long as they are socialized and introduced properly. Bull Terriers
are short and well muscled, resembling both the physical characteristics of
a Bulldog and the personality of a Terrier. They can be feisty in the fighting
ring, but have been known to avoid a fight when out on the street. Bull Terriers
are also known for their affection and playfulness. Puppies love to play and
will be entertained with children non-stop. Adult Bullies are also very good
with children and have been known to be completely devoted and faithful. Fierce
in appearance and history, this breed's reputation does not give credit to the
loving heart behind the brawn.
Other Names: English Bull Terrier, Bull and Terrier, Bullies
Type: Terrier
Height:
21 - 22 inches.
Weight: Females: 45 - 60
lbs.; Males: 60 - 70 lbs.
Colors: The originally
preferred color was pure white, although when color was introduced to the breed
the preferred color became brindle. Bull Terriers can also be black, red, fawn
and tri-colored.
Coat: Short, flat, and
dense.
Temperament: Bull
Terriers are fearless, determined, bold, but recognize when not to fight. One
Bullie who was confronted with a frustrated Pekingese picked up the little dog
and dropped it in a trash can to avoid a fight. Bull Terriers are good with
children, and puppies are a useful playmate. This breed is tough, loyal and
can be stubborn. They love to be around people and follow them, but can occasionally
have an independent mind. They are generally friendly and affectionate with
people, although males do not usually get along with other males. They can guard,
are lively, inquisitive and busy. They are also largely comical, assertive,
exuberant and can also be mischievous.
With Children: Yes, if properly socialized
and supervised. Bull Terriers are known to be faithful, devoted and excellent
with children as long as they are socialized. If not properly socialized, they
may become snappy and food and toy possessive.
With Pets: English Bull Terriers are good
with other pets as long as it is not another male dog, and they are properly
socialized as pups. Dog-aggressiveness is apparent in some lines, but Bullies
can be trained.
Special Skills: Family pet, ratting, fighting
- when commanded.
Watch-dog: Very High, looks
are a tremendous deterrent. Bull Terriers are also alert.
Guard-dog: High. Bull Terriers know
when to fight, and do not let go easily when they bite.
Care and Training:
A Bull Terrier's coat should be brushed with a firm bristle brush. They should
be brushed once a week, and bathed only when necessary. Rubbing of their coat
will keep it shiny and clean. Bull Terriers need plenty of exercise, as well
as mental stimulation. They should be walked and given a mental work out as
well. They should also be kept on a leash when in public. Puppies need early
socialization to prevent them from becoming dominant or possessive.
Learning Rate: Medium. Smart, independent
thinker. But Bullies can be stubborn as well.
Activity: High. This is
a high energy breed who can play for a long time.
Special Needs: Attention, socialization, supervision around water, and training.
Living Environment: Indoor - outdoor dog
that does best with a fenced yard and plenty of play outlets. Bull Terriers
are medium sized dogs and therefore need according space. They need an area
to run and play in order to exercise. The best owner for this breed would be
an active, dog-experienced person or family with time to socialize it and play
with it, in a rural, suburban or city home. They adapt well to different living
environments.
Health Issues: Because of the original attention to breeding the dogs who had white fur, hereditary deafness, heart disease, kidney failure and skin allergies may occur. Dogs with colors are less likely to receive these genes. Other health concerns include hereditary zinc deficiency, renal problems, and spinning disorder.
Life Span: 11 - 14 years.
Litter Size: 4 - 8 puppies. Some puppies may be born
deaf due to hereditary genes, usually the white ones.
Country of Origin:
Great Britain
History: Bull Terriers were crossed
with the old English Bulldog and English White Terrier (now extinct) in the
early 19th century. James Hinks, from Birmingham in Great Britain, originally
developed the breed between the 1830s and the 1860s. They are also most certainly
mixed with Dalmatian, and are thought to have converged with the Spanish Pointer,
Greyhounds and Whippets. White being Hinks' favorite color for the breed, the
dogs were originally all white. The characteristics chosen from this mixing
of the breeds was the egg shape of the head, the white color, and the small
triangular eyes. Along with these preferred attributes came frequent deafness,
heart disease and skin problems. At this time they were a lighter more agile
dog who was used to bait bulls, dog fighting and to tackle vermin. Color was
only added later on in the 1900s when crosses were made with the Staffordshire
Bull Terrier. Added as an AKC variety of Bull Terrier, the coloreds were not
originally well-received, but soon found their place. The white Bullies were
nicknamed the "white Cavalier" because of their ability to discern pit fighting
from confrontations outside of work. Some Bull Terriers were known to avoid
a fight when they weren't in the pit, and were bred for the ability of not provoking
a fight. Bull Terriers were prized for their courage, agility and tenacity.
They were rated as the third most suitable breed in wartime achievements by
Colonelt James Y. Baldwin, Commander of the War Dogs Training Establishment.
President Theodore Roosevelt also owned one of these lovable dogs. Originally,
the ears had to be cropped, but since 1895 when cropping was outlawed the breed
has since been fixed to have naturally cropped ears. Sometimes a defender and
sometimes a clown, this uniquely shaped breed has since become a popular sight
among Americans.