Bull Terrier

With a face plastered with an everlasting grin, the Bull Terrier is unforgettable. Get this muscular, brave pup started on the right paw with some early training, and you’ve got yourself a great family friend.

Country of Origin

United Kingdom
Breed Group

Terrier
Height

Male 21-22 In
Female 18-20 In
Weight

Male 55-65 Ib
Female 45-55 Ib
Life Span

12-13 years

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In a Nutshell

The bull terrier, originally bred for participation in brutal bullfights, is a robust and spirited dog breed that may occasionally exhibit a certain inclination toward aggression. In the US, this breed is subject to some breed-specific legislation in some states.
However, and this is a significant “however,” the bull terrier can also be an ideal addition to a family, bringing humor, playfulness, and love to your home. The key is to ensure they undergo proper training and socialization from a young age.

Life With a Bull Terrier

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Energy level

Trainability Level

Amount of Shedding

Tendency of Barking

Exercise Needs

Kid Friendly

Pet Friendly

Looks & Personality

In addition to its distinctive oval head, the bull terrier boasts remarkably small eyes that sit closer to the ears than to the nose, a robust and muscular physique, and alert, pointed ears that stand tall when it’s on the lookout. This breed sports a thick neck, a deep chest, and powerful, well-defined legs. Its coat is typically short, glossy, and stiff, with white being the most common color, although some bull terriers may have more variegated coats in shades of brown and red.

One remarkable trait worth noting is the bull terrier’s formidable jaw strength. In an attack situation, its jaws can lock onto a target, making it nearly impossible to break free.

The bull terrier is a playful and affectionate dog that has a deep love for people and a remarkable attentiveness to their needs. This breed possesses an uncanny ability to understand the thoughts, emotions, and intentions of its owners. While it’s true that at times, the bull terrier can display a streak of stubbornness, it remains unfailingly loyal and willing to perform any task you ask of it.

This athletic and energetic dog thrives on physical activity and will always be eager for playtime and exercise. Without proper exercise, it may be prone to weight gain and may develop destructive behaviors like excessive barking, chewing, or causing damage to household items, engaging in tail-chasing, and more. In situations where you must leave your bull terrier at home for extended periods, it’s essential to ensure they have expanded their energy through physical activity beforehand.

If you already have a dog, cat, or any other pet at home, it’s important to consider that a bull terrier may not necessarily be the right fit for your household. A bull terrier that hasn’t undergone proper socialization at a young age or hasn’t grown up alongside another animal from day one may exhibit aggressive behavior towards them. This situation would necessitate constant supervision and intervention on your part. Just do yourself a favor and don’t bully or tease the bull terrier, not even while playing. This means avoiding power struggles, provocation, or confrontational play.

Common Health Problems

Bull terriers, like many breeds, do have certain genetic health issues that are associated with them. These may include heart problems, kidney problems, and one of the most prevalent issues - deafness. It's worth noting that approximately 20% of bull terriers may experience hearing loss at some point in their lives and become deaf. These hereditary concerns are particularly common in bull terriers with white fur.

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A tip from a vet

Bull terriers exhibit a peculiar behavior known as "trance-like syndrome." This phenomenon involves the dogs moving in an unusual, slow, swaying motion, often seen when they pass beneath branches or hanging laundry. Many owners are understandably concerned and may mistake it for a neurological event like a seizure or stroke. However, it appears to be a behavior-based occurrence, possibly even an inherited compulsive disorder and is not detrimental to the dog's health. A simple way to differentiate this behavior from a genuine neurological issue is to call the dog by its name or gently tap it. If the dog responds and returns to its regular behavior, there is typically no cause for concern, as it is likely just a manifestation of this unique trance-like syndrome.

A tip from a trainer

Proper training can transform a dog labeled as "stubborn" into a friendly, family-loving companion that adores everyone. The key factor lies in early exposure, starting from the puppy stage to various people, animals, places, and situations. Bull terriers are inherently powerful, and without balanced training, they might exhibit behaviors that could lead to potentially dangerous situations. Regardless of the breed, it is crucial to conduct the training process in a positive, firm, and non-aggressive manner. This is particularly important for strong breeds like the bull terrier, as aggressive methods can produce counterproductive and destructive outcomes.

Did You Know

Chasing their tails is a favorite hobby of bull terriers, who seem to indulge in more enthusiastically than other dog breeds.

The bull terrier also has a miniature version that stands at a compact height of 35 cm, making it an excellent choice for those who love the breed but have limited space in their homes.

A statue commemorating a bull terrier named Patsy Ann graces the entrance to a harbor in Alaska. Remarkably, Patsy Ann was deaf, yet she possessed a unique talent for sensing and recognizing approaching ships, serving as an unofficial harbinger of their arrival.

In The News

One of the world’s most renowned bull terriers is Bullseye, the iconic mascot of the retail giant, Target. Bullseye made his debut in commercials back in 1999 and has since risen to local stardom, making appearances at special events, product launches, and garnering an impressive 150,000 mentions on social media platforms. The company even introduced plush toy dolls modeled after him.

For those curious about how the distinctive red Target symbol around Bullseye’s eye is achieved, it’s accomplished using a special paint made from tomatoes. Importantly, this paint has received approval from the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) in the United States. It can be easily removed and does not cause any harm to the dog in any way.

The History Behind the Breed

In 1830, one of the most popular sports in England was bullfighting between bulldogs. However, by 1860, a local breeder named James Hincks sought to create a dog with superior fighting abilities compared to the common bulldog. Hincks achieved this by crossing the bulldog with the English terrier and the Spanish pointer, giving rise to the bull terrier—a breed known for its intelligence and combativeness. Thankfully, bullfighting with dogs was outlawed in the 1830s, leading to a shift in the bullterrier’s role. They began to be employed as shepherds, guard dogs, and adept rat hunters.

The original Hinks bull terrier was entirely white, but in the early 20th century, they were crossed with Amstaffs (American Staffordshire Terriers), resulting in bull terriers of various colors. Bull terriers made their way to the United States in 1885 and were officially recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club.

Famous Bull Terrier Owners

Taylor Swift, Eric Clapton, Lily Allen, Liam Gallagher, Tom Hardy, Don Cherry, Princess Anne.

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