The Bull Terrier is known as the gladiator of the canine race and is one of the oldest terrier breeds native to England. The Bull Terrier was originally bred for combat with dogs and other animals, a sport that was permissible in England in the 1800s. Since the late 1800s the Bull Terrier has been bred as a companion dog.
Average lifespan
Bull Terriers will normally live for ten years, but given heaps of attention and the right foods it can live up to 13 years of age.
Average size and weight
The healthy male of this breed should be 22kg and 38cm tall, while the female should be 16kg and 30cm tall.
Breed personality, characteristics & temperament
The Bull Terrier is a combination of balanced power, grace and agility. It desires human companionship and its character and individuality win it lifelong friends. It is very devoted to its family. The Bull Terrier has an innate sense of humour, brains, imagination, personality, and to those who love it – beauty. Its appearance, along with its character, is unique in the spectrum of dogs. The character and personality of the Bull Terrier is very complex.
A Bull Terrier is very active and acts similar to a child and so you must be prepared for anything, and you must supervise it. Activity is a common characteristic in nearly every young Bull Terrier. All puppies are extremely busy and many Bull Terriers remain active and playful until well into middle age (5 to 6 years). A Bull Terrier will not do well in a situation where it is expected to remain alone in the home or yard for long periods of time.
Compatibility with other pets
Many Bull Terriers can and do enjoy the company of other dogs – with certain exceptions. Male Bull Terriers that have not been desexed do not as a rule get along with other males. A male and female Bull Terrier can live together quite happily, and two females can often share the same home. Again care must be taken that jealousies do not arise.
Care requirements
A Bull Terrier sheds its coat twice a year. Loose hair can be removed with a daily rub-down using a special glove or brush. Nails and dewclaws should be checked monthly and clipped with dog nail clippers. Bull Terriers are natural sun-bakers and care should be taken in the hotter months to apply sunscreen.
A Bull Terrier requires a securely fenced, average to large sized back yard and it will take exception to being chained or tied up, and they require a considerable amount of human companionship.
Please take note
Although generally healthy, Bull Terriers can be prone to skin allergies, particularly those caused by insect bites. Pups should be checked for deafness.
Ideal owners
A Bull Terrier can be wonderful with children if handled with common sense. It will tolerate a large range of children’s behaviour, but will not tolerate being teased and can be rough if constantly provoked. Owning a Bull Terrier is a big responsibility and the breed only deserves responsible and caring owners.
Click here for advice on adopting a rescue dog and finding a breeder. All information has been provided by the Kennel Club.
