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The Canine Chronicles Directory
Bull Terrier
The Bull Terrier is a sturdy, medium-sized, strongly built dog. Their dense coat
comes in white, black, brindle, red, fawn and tri-color. White Bull Terriers might
have colored markings on the head, but should not have it anywhere else on the body
when showing. The large head is oval or egg shaped with an almost flat top sloping
down to the tip of the nose and has no stop. The Roman nose is black with well developed
nostrils. The strong jaw is deep and the teeth have a scissor-like bite. The deep-set,
triangular shaped eyes are slanted and black or dark brown in color. The small ears
are thin and set close together. The long, arched neck tapers from the muscular
shoulders to the head. The body is round and compact with a strong, level back.
The chest should be broad. The legs should be strong and straight and the hindlegs
should have a well-developed second thigh. The round compact feet should have well
arched toes. The short tail should sit low and be carried horizontally. Two varieties
of the breed are accepted in the AKC standard: the White Bull Terrier and the Colored
Bull Terrier.
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Temperament
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Bull Terriers are friendly, courageous, fun loving, active, and have a wonderful
sense of humor. They are very affectionate and become very attached to their owners.
This breed should not be left alone for an extensive amount of time since they will
become bored and their strong jaws can produce a lot of damage. Bull Terriers can
become very protective, willful, jealous, or possessive. This behavior should not
be encouraged. This breed is not recommended for first time owners. They might try
to participate in family rough housing and quarreling. This should also be discouraged,
since this may result in nipping or knocking down. Due to their powerful jaws, nipping
could cause a lot of damage, even if they are playing. They should be thoroughly
socialized so that they will feel comfortable and not aggressive around other dogs.
Although this breed is usually placid if threatened or challenged, they will attack.
Due to their strong prey drive, Bull Terriers are generally aggressive towards smaller
animals such as cats, rodents, birds, and smaller dogs. They should not be in the
same household as other dominant, aggressive, or assertive pets. Males and females
usually can successfully cohabitate. Two females can sometimes live together although
they need a lot of care and supervision. This breed should not be off a leash in
public areas. Bull Terriers should be purchased through reputable breeders since
different lines can have distinct personalities. For example: Some may be more dominant
than others. They also may have unusual personality traits such as incessant barking
and tail chasing.
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Height, Weight
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Standard Bull Height: 20-24" ; Weight: 45-80 lbs.
Miniature Bull Height: 10-14" ; Weight: 24-23 lbs.
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Health Problems
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Bull Terriers are generally a healthy breed although there are several hereditary
ailments that show up in certain lines. Some are prone to suffer from a zinc deficiency
which can cause death. Others are prone to slipped patella (dislocation of the kneecaps).
Males in this breed may suffer from an overabundance of testosterone, however neutering
often resolves this problem. White Bull Terriers are highly prone to deafness. Make
sure that breeders screen their stock. Obsessive compulsive behavior is another
issue that some Bull Terriers struggle with. They will obsessively chase their tail
or a specific item. This breed also may be sensitive to fleas or other parasites.
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Living Conditions
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Bull Terriers can live okay in an apartment if they are given sufficient exercise.
A small yard will do for this breed and they prefer warmer climates.
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Exercise
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This breed needs vigorous exercise but should always be on a lead as they are very
aggressive towards other dogs. Exercise is needed with this breed as they can tend
to become overweight.
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Life Expectancy
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About 10-12 years
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Grooming
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The Bull Terrier is easy to groom. They are an average shedder with heavier shedding
twice a year.
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Origin
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In 1830, battles between Bulldogs and bulls were at an all time high. During this
time enthusiastics of the "sport" decided to develop a dog that would attack with
more agility. They crossed the Bulldog with the Old English Terrier. They then added
a small amount of Spanish Pointer and in the 19th century developed the Bull Terrier.
They were produced to fight to the death. The White Bull Terrier variety was developed
in 1850. Its original nickname was the "White Cavalier". This dog became fashionable
as a pet for the aristocracy in the late 19th century. Today, they are one of the
most popular dogs in Britain and have proven to be an incredible guard dog. The
miniature version of the Bull Terrier has been around as long as the standard but
was recognized as a separate breed in 1939 by the British Kennel Club. They are
also recognized by the AKC and the UKC.
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Group
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AKC and UKC Terrier
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