Quick Stats for the Bull Terrier Dog
- Height (at the shoulders): 20 – 24 inches (51 – 61 cm)
- Weight: 45 – 80 pounds (20 – 36 kg)
- Life Expectancy: 10 – 12 years
- AKC Group: Terrier Group – AKC recognized in 1885
- Shedding: average shedder; sheds twice per year
- Living Conditions: okay in apartment (with sufficient exercise); fairly active indoors; okay with a small yard
Personality of the Bull Terrier Dog
The Bull Terrier can be described as assertive, exuberant, and comical. They have very high energy levels and can be mischievous at times.
Like many of the bully breeds, they can be a bit stubborn, which can make them a challenge to train. However with patience and the right attitude, these dogs can certainly be trained.
They make excellent watchdogs and will protect their property and their family. However, they were not bred to be guard dogs.
Bull Terriers are sweet natured, affectionate, and devoted to their family. In fact, they can become quite attached to their owners. They get along well with both adults and children. However, they can be a bit too energetic for smaller children.
History of the Bull Terrier Dog
During the 1800s, the Old English Terrier was crossed with the Bulldog. The result was an offspring called the Bull and Terrier. Eventually, this dog was crossed with the Spanish Pointer to increase the overall size of the dog.
The result was a strong, agile, and fierce dog that was bred to fight in the dog pits that were a leading form of entertainment throughout Europe at that time. These Bull and Terrier dogs became increasingly popular at dog fighting contests, but never reached the popularity level of other dog fighting breeds. This was probably because they were associated with the lower class at that time.
Eventually, dog fighting was abolished, and dog enthusiasts started to show the Bull and Terrier in the show ring. Sometime during the 1860s, this dog was crossed with Dalmatians to create an all white dog that became known as the Bull Terrier.
Through additional breeding, the Bull Terrier’s distinctive head started to emerge. During the early 1900s, the all white dog had other colors incorporated into the breed by crossing it with the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
The AKC considers the Miniature Bull Terrier to be a separate breed.
The breed was officially registered by the American Kennel Club in 1885.
The Bull Terrier Dog Care and Grooming
Bull Terriers require daily mental and physical stimulation to remain happy and healthy. Daily long walks and fun outdoor games are encouraged and recommended. They are prone to becoming overweight and lazy so provide them with exercise daily.
Because of its short coat, only minimal grooming is required. A weekly brushing with a good dog brush is needed to remove dead hairs from the coat. You can also remove dead hairs by using a rubber grooming mitt to rub down the coat daily.
These dogs are average shedders, usually shedding twice per year.
Health Problems of the Bull Terrier Dog
The average life expectancy of the Bull Terrier dog is about ten to twelve years.
Major health concerns for this breed are:
- kidney problems
- deafness
Minor health issues include:
- dog allergies
- compulsive behavior
- heart problems
- gains weight easily
These other issues can occur, but are rarely seen:
- patellar luxation
For even more information about this dog breed check out the book:
[...] Most miniature and toy dog breeds are considered lapdogs. However, the Miniature Bull Terrier does not have the same characteristics as these other small dogs. As far as personality is concerned, these dogs are literally just smaller versions of the standard-sized Bull Terrier. [...]
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Omar Reyes, Omar Reyes. Omar Reyes said: Bull Terrier Dog Breed Profile http://goo.gl/fb/93EJi [...]
[...] breeders began crossing these dogs with the Bull Terrier, the Black and Tan Kelpie, and the Dalmatian. These dogs became known as the Queensland Blue [...]
[...] became so popular in Boston, that lovers of the breed created an organization called the American Bull Terrier Club. However, shortly after the dog’s name was officially changed to the Boston [...]