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Bull Terrier

The Bull Terrier is a strongly built, deep-chested muscular dog. They have a long, strong, egg-shaped head with a Roman nose. The most usual colour for this breed is white, often with a coloured marking on the head or sometimes on the back. They can also be black, brindle, red, fawn or tricolour. Adults are about 45cm in height and 33kg in weight.

The need-to-know
 

  • Dog suitable for owners with some experience
  • Some training required
  • Enjoys active walks
  • Enjoys walking one to two hours a day
  • Medium dog
  • Minimum drool
  • Requires grooming once a week
  • Non hypoallergenic breed
  • Chatty and vocal dog
  • Guard dog. Barks and alerts
  • May require training to live with other pets
  • May require training to live with kids
Lifespan:
12–14 years
Weight:
Adult males weigh 13–17kg and females 11–15.4kg
Height:
36–41cm
Colours:
Red, fawn, white, black or blue, brindle, or any of these with white
Size:
Small/Medium
Kennel Club group:
Terrier
Personality

Bull Terriers are friendly dogs with a seemingly wonderful sense of humour. They can be obstinate and are not ideal dogs for the first-time owner. As a breed, they are generally placid, but it always remember that they were originally bred as fighting dogs and will react if challenged, but they will not normally make the first move. They are very affectionate dogs and love company, so it is not a good idea to leave them alone for long time as with their strong jaws they can cause lots of damage if bored.

History and Origins

Bred by crossing a bulldog with a terrier, this dog was produced to fight to the death in the bloody sport of bull baiting. They are now one of the most popular dog breeds and have proved to be an impeccable guard dog. The Miniature Bull Terrier breed has existed for as long as the Standard breed and was recognised as a separate breed by the British Kennel Club in 1939.

Nutrition and Feeding

Your dog's diet needs to have the right balance of all the main nutrient groups including a constant supply of fresh water. It's also important to conduct regular body condition scores to ensure you keep your dog in ideal shape, and remember to feed him at least twice daily in accordance with the feeding guidelines of his particular food.

Exercise

Bull Terriers are an active breed that require a fair amount of exercise, both free running and roadwork. An hour's daily exercise should be considered a minimum, though this breed will happily accept more!

Other Information

Health and common issues

Deafness is the most common health problem within the breed, most frequently encountered in white Bull Terriers. Dogs can be tested for deafness from a young age. Inherited kidney problems, and heart problems can occur, and skin disorders arise relatively frequently.

Best family dog breeds

While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children , all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.