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Pronunciation

Description

The Bull Terrier is a strongly built, muscular dog. The body is well round with a short strong back. The head is long and strong, oval looking in shape, almost flat at the top, sloping evenly down to the nose with no stop. The nose is black. The eyes are almond-shaped, small and deep-set, dark in color. The ears are small, thin and close together. The long neck is very muscular, with robust shoulders. The tail is set low and on the short side carried horizontally. The coat is dense, short, flat and harsh to the touch. The AKC recognizes two color varieties, the White Bull Terrier and the Colored Bull Terrier. The White Bull Terrier is allowed to have colored markings on the head, but no where else on the body. The Colored Bull Terriers may be black, brindle, black-brindle, red, fawn and tri-color with white markings.

Temperament

Though this breed was once a fierce gladiator, he is much gentler now. A Bull Terrier might have a preventive effect and it might defend it's owner in a truly critical situation, but it isn't bred to be a guard dog. Courageous, scrappy, fun-loving, active, clownish and fearless. The Bull Terrier is a loyal, polite, and obedient dog. They become very attached to their owners. The Bull Terrier thrives on firm, consistent leadership and affection and makes a fine family pet. Bull Terriers like to be doing something and fit in well with active families where they receive a great deal of companionship and supervision. They do not do well in situations where they are left alone for 8 hours a day. With the right type of owner this breed is a joy to own, but not recommended for most households. Fond of both grown-ups and children, but if they do not get enough physical and mental exercise they may be too energetic for small children. Children should be taught how to display leadership towards the dog. Meek owners will find them to become very protective, willful, possessive and or jealous. Bull Terriers may try to join into family rough housing or quarrel. They need very firm training and lots of exercise. Bull Terriers must be given a lot of structure, or they may become destructive. Be sure to socialize them well and remain their pack leader 100% of the time, otherwise, they can be extremely aggressive with other dogs. Unaltered males may not get along with other male dogs. They are not recommended with other non-canine pets such as rabbits, hamsters and guinea pigs. They make excellent watch dogs. This breed can be somewhat difficult to train.

Height, Weight

Health Problems

Prone to slipped patella (dislocation of the kneecaps), heart defects, kidney failure and skin and flea allergies. Prone to suffer from a zinc deficiency, which can cause death. Gains weight easily. Do not overfeed. White Bull Terriers are prone to deafness.

Living Conditions

Exercise

Life Expectancy

Litter Size

Grooming

The Bull Terrier is easy to groom. An occasional combing and brushing will do. This breed is an average shedder, shedding twice a year. You can remove loose hair by a daily rubdown with a special rubber glove.

In the early 1800's Bulldogs crossed with terriers were popular. By 1830 combat between Bulldogs and bulls were at the height of their popularity. Lovers of this so called "sport" decided to create a dog that would attack even more agilely. They crossed the Bulldog with the Old English Terrier adding in some Spanish Pointer blood, the result was the Bull Terrier breed. They soon found that the Bull Terriers were not the most successful fighters. In 1860 the white-coated variety, which was nicknamed the "White Cavalier" was bred by a dog dealer named English dog dealer James Hinks and soon became a fashionable pet for nobles. The colored variety of Bull Terriers were created by back crossing them with brindle Staffordshires The breed has been used as a guard, ratter, herder and watchdog. The Miniature was developed to have the same qualities as the Standard Bull Terrier but with a more manageable size. The Standard Bull Terrier was first recognized by the AKC in 1885 and the Miniature Bull Terrier in 1991. While the AKC sees the Standard Bull Terrier and the Miniature Bull Terrier as separate breeds the standard requirements are the same accept for size. Whereas most other clubs see them as different varieties of the same breed or the same breed without placing a variety label. For example the FCI (Federation Cynologique Internationale) has both breeds listed under Bull Terrier separating them by a Standard and Miniature variety. The UCK (United Kennel Club) does not place any height or weight restrictions but does require the dog to be in proportion. The Bull Terrier was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1948.

FCI = Federation Cynologique Internationale
AKC = American Kennel Club
UKC = United Kennel Club
KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain
CKC = Canadian Kennel Club
ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club
NKC = National Kennel Club
NZKC = New Zealand Kennel Club
CKC = Continental Kennel Club
APRI = American Pet Registry Inc.
ACR = American Canine Registry
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.