Bull Terrier

Characteristics

Temperament & Train-ability

Clownish, rowdy and playful, the Bull Terrier is the party animal of dogs. Sweet but intense, this small powerhouse is affectionate, loyal, and always entertaining. This breed is active, and has high exercise requirements; they will need an hour minimum per day of strenuous exercise and mental stimulation. Without this, they will easily succumb to boredom and frustration, and likely take it out on your property and belongings. There are many legendary tales of Bull Terrier’s de-stuffing of sofas, chewing through drywall and excavating the yard. A secure fence is a must; if they escape, they tend to be wanderers and can quickly get themselves into trouble running at large. They are terriers through and through; they’re likely to be aggressive with other dogs, particularly of the same sex, and will go after cats and small animals. These are muscular, forceful dogs not suited to first time dog owners. Timid people are likely to be totally exasperated with them. But for an active family that has the time to invest in them, Bull Terriers are always ready for sharing life’s next adventure. Their zest for life is infectious, and they meet each day with unbridled enthusiasm.

Because of their vigorousness, toddlers are not recommended, although older children can find a tireless playmate in a Bull Terrier. Just as your Bull Terrier will need careful socialization to learn appropriate behavior around children, your children must be taught how to properly interact with dogs. Never allow children to sit on, attempt to ride or pull ears, etc. Children should be taught how to recognize when a dog needs a break and give them space. Normally a friendly (if feisty) extrovert, Bull Terriers may be aggressive to children they don’t know, especially if kids are roughhousing; they can misinterpret the children’s screams, and feel the need to ‘protect’ their kids. Interactions between children and dogs should always be supervised.

Bull Terriers cannot handle the cold, and may need a coat or sweater in the winter. Sometimes barkers, nearly always chewers, Bull Terriers sometimes eat anything they can get their paws on. Investing in the toughest chew toys you can find will help them satisfy their need to chew while preserving your belongings. Some lines of Bull Terriers produce aggressive tendencies and others have problems with shyness; choosing a breeder carefully is critical. Also check with your insurance company, as owning this breed may require you to purchase additional liability insurance.

Early and ongoing socialization will help your Bull Terrier understand that new sights, sounds and people are nothing to be concerned about. This will in no way negate their natural protectiveness, but serve to make them a well-balanced dog. Housetraining can be difficult, so stick to a plan and don’t give them too much freedom too soon.

Although strong willed, Bull Terriers are intelligent dogs, and if training is approached correctly, they are easy to teach. With the high prey drive of a terrier, using toys and games can make for great rewards your dog will love. It is a good idea to teach your Bull Terrier to accept handling and grooming procedures and to give up items when asked. This should all be done through positive reinforcement; terriers are traditionally thought of as ‘stubborn’ because old training methods were based on force. If you push a terrier, they will push back, and you can end up with quite the battle. This is a completely unnecessary situation as Bull Terriers are quite delighted to be part of a training process that allows them to use their minds.

Grooming

The Bull Terrier coat is a short, smooth coat with a hard texture. While easy care, be prepared for high shedding; the short hairs can be very difficult to remove from fabrics; they don’t sit on top but tend to weave their way in. Your Bull Terrier’s skin and coat will benefit from weekly brushing with a curry or soft bristle brush, which will also collect any dead hairs. Twice a year, in the spring and fall, your dog will go through a coat change; the old coat will shed out and new coat will come in. During this time, be prepared for a higher than usual amount of hair everywhere; daily brushing can keep this to a minimum. Most Bull Terriers need baths infrequently, as they tend to stay clean.

Ears must be cleaned regularly, and toenails will need to be trimmed; even if your Bull Terrier wears their nails down, you will want to maintain the ability to handle their feet, especially useful as they age, when wear to the nails typically slows down. Teeth should also be checked and cleaned as necessary, and eyes should be examined daily.

Diet

Most Bull Terriers will eat about 1 1/2- 4 1/4 cups of food per day, fed in two meals; free feeding is not recommended as they can easily become overweight. The amount fed can vary depending on age, activity level, and type of food fed. A high quality diet will produce the best results. If food-related allergies and sensitivities surface, some experimentation may be needed to find a food that your dog tolerates. Clean, fresh water should always be available.
 

Find A Bull Terrier Breeder

Bull Terrier Puppies For Sale

Adopt A Bull Terrier

Cost

Prices for Bull Terriers typically range between $500 all the way to $2,000. Breed rescue groups provide screening and rehoming of dogs that, through no fault of their own, have lost their homes. Adoption fees vary, with an average fee of $400-$700.

As with many purchases, the initial purchase price of any dog is only the beginning of the money you’ll be spending. Buying supplies, food, and regular vet visits all add up; even in well-bred dogs, it is common for Bull Terriers to have a fairly high need for regular vet care, and a constant supply of sturdy chew toys will be needed.

Paws ‘N’ Pups Ranking

Paws ‘N’ Pups ranks every breed out of 4 with 1 being easiest to integrate into your life and 4 being the toughest – The lower the ranking the better.

Ranking takes into account a few basic factors such as cost, skill level needed, high vs. low maintenance, and how critical regular training is to success.
The Bull Terrier rates 3; this breed requires considerable stimulation and exercise to keep happy.

American Pit Bull Terrier

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Manchester Terrier

Fox Terrier