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Bull Terrier Dog Breed Introduction
Bull Terrier ( also referred to as BT, English Bull Terrier, and Bully) is a type of terrier dog originally from England. It has a distinctive egg-shaped head when viewed from the front. This dog also has unique triangular eyes. Bull Terrier dogs may be both stubborn and independent, and therefore, they are not considered suitable for an inexperienced dog owner. Early socialization for Bull Terriers ensure that they will get along with other dogs and animals. A miniature version of this breed is Miniature Bull Terrier.
Origin
In the early 1800, the now-extinct Old English Bulldog and Old English Terriers were crossed to develop bull and terrier in order to satisfy the animal-based blood sports and vermin control. The new breed combined the dour tenacity of the Bulldog and the speed and dexterity of lightly built terriers.
Bulldogs were poor performers having been bred exclusively for fighting bears and bulls tied in a post. This prompted many breeders to start breeding bulldogs with terriers justifying that such a mixture enhanced the quality of fighting. Eventually, bull and terrier divided into the ancestors of Staffordshire Bull Terriers and Bull Terriers due to lack of breeding standards.
In the 1850s, bulls and terriers were bred with the now extinct English White Terriers by James Hinks while looking for a cleaner appearance with nicer heads and better legs. The dogs bred by Hinks did not yet possess the now egg-shaped head but kept the stop in the skull profile. Following the popularity of this dog, breeding continued using Whippet, Dalmatian, and Spanish Pointer to increase agility and elegance.
They were also bred with Rough Collie and Borzoi to reduce the stop. Hinks also wanted his dogs white and specifically bred for this. The first dog with no stop at all, Lord Gladiator was recognized in 1917 as the modern ancestor of Bull Terriers. Colored dogs of these breeds were introduced by Ted Lyon using Staffordshire Bull Terriers in the 1900s.
Lifespan
This breed has a lifespan of 10-14 years with a good number of Bull Terriers having a life expectancy of 10 to 15 years. According to a survey carried out in the UK, Bull Terriers have a median lifespan of 10 years and a mean of 9 years.
Grooming
Bull Terriers have a harsh, short, flat, and glossy coat that requires minimal maintenance. Brushing weekly using a hound glove or soft-bristle brush will help to remove dirt and loose hair while keeping the dog in its best look.
During the shedding season in Spring and Fall, daily brushing is recommended to collect the dead hair using the brush than rather having dander spread around the house. These dogs don’t require frequent bathing unless they have rolled in something stinky.
Remember to brush the teeth of Bull Terriers at least twice a week if not daily using a dog-formulated toothpaste and toothbrush. Regular teeth cleaning helps to get rid of bad breath, gum inflammation, and periodontal diseases. Nail clipping should be done once after every two weeks. Overgrown nails hinder running and walking.
Wipe the face of a Bull terrier using a damp washcloth. Bull Terriers have large and erect ears that collect dirt. Regular ear cleaning at least once a week using an ear cleanser and cotton balls is recommended. Getting your pet accustomed to touch prepares a positive experience for professional grooming.
Shedding
All-year round, Bull Terriers shed at moderate levels as compared to non-terrier dogs. However, they shed heavily as compared to other terrier dogs like Boston Terrier, Yorkshire Terrier, and Rat Terrier. This breed experiences heavy shedding during the seasonal change in spring and/or fall.
Coat
It is a single coated breed with a short, glossy, rough, and flat coat. During winter, the coat keeps the Bull Terriers warm and protects them from sun rays during summer. When spending time outdoors during winter, it is recommended to get a jacket or coat for these dogs.
Hypoallergenic
Bull Terriers are not hypoallergenic because they shed moderately throughout the year. The coat is also short and incredibly sticky to human skin, carpets, furniture, and clothes. Bull Terriers are also susceptible to atopic dermatitis which leads to greater dander shedding. These dogs also have a tendency of drooling. Excessive drooling licks saliva on the surfaces. Mucus, dander, saliva, hair, and urine contain a protein allergen that causes allergic inflammation in people who suffer from dog allergies.
Bull Terrier Training
Socialization is key while training your dog between 3 to 12 weeks of life. This training also recurs when your dog is six months since they may experience fearful socialization when they are teenagers. Socialization exposes your dog to other dogs, situations, people, experiences, smells, sights, and sounds like whistles, washing machine, lawn mowers, sirens, and vacuum cleaners. Enrolling Bull Terriers in puppy training classes also serve as a form of socialization.
Bull Terriers may also be difficult to train because they exhibit the courage and tenacity of bulldogs. These dogs are also independent free thinkers with a high commitment to fun and games rather than work ethic. A Bull Terrier, therefore, operates on the principle, that if it is fun, I will do it. Striving to make training fun using positive reinforcement methods with food, treat, or toys is the way to go.
There is also no limitation to what these dogs can do as long they are trained in a positive manner with humor and patience. Teach once command word at a time to avoid confusion. Some of the basic commands words for Bull Terriers include come, sit, stay, lie down, and leave it. Keep the training sessions short, upbeat, and challenging for a span of 5 to 10 minutes since dogs easily get distracted and bored.
Training Tips
For effective house breaking, create a feeding schedule, crate train, and also do potty training. A crate is a safe place where your pooch retreats to. Remember to create positive associations with the device through use of toys, treats, and verbal praise. While in the house, always leave the door of the crate open so that Bull Terriers may understand that staying in a crate is not a forced experience.
Resist using a crate as a form of punishment. For effective potty training, take your Bull Terrier in the designated potty area after every 2 to 3 hours, 20 minutes after meals and drinks, before bedtime, after naps, and immediately your pooch wakes up. When housebreaking, a Bull Terrier may have accident in the house.
When you get it in the act, don’t yell, but instead utter a firm No and take the dog to the designated potty spot. Clean the mess using an enzymatic detergent that will help remove the odor. Failure to remove the odor, the pet will sniff the area and eliminate there again.
Exercise Needs
This breed needs 30 to 60 minutes of exercise every day to meet its physical and mental exercise needs. Bull Terriers may enjoy chasing a ball, going for walks, or even testing their wits against an interactive toy. Walk your dog on a leash so that it does not go off wandering or running after other animals. These dogs also excel in a number of dog sports including freestyle, agility, bomb detection, assistance, health-alert, search-and-rescue, therapy, service, weight pull, and carting.
Bull Terrier Temperament
- Independent.
- Stubborn.
- Courageous.
- Has a Fun-loving attitude.
- Full of Spirit.
- Loves children.
- Active.
- Friendly.
Barking
These dogs seldom bark, however, this depends on the individual dog. Bull Terriers were also developed as sporting dogs and gentlemen companion and have great agility and strength. Failure to exercise your dog may result in frequent barking as a means of releasing the pent-up energy.
Aggressive
Bull Terriers may be aggressive to other dogs, animals, and strangers if not properly socialized. Early socialization ensures that this breed gets along with other dogs and animals as well as strangers.
Bite Force
This breed may bite if it is attention and affection deprived. It has a bite force of 269 PSI.
Some of the other breeds of dogs include:
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Pug.
Bull Terrier Types
There are two types of Bull terriers in terms of color:
- White-colored Bull Terriers.
- Colored Bull Terriers i.e. Brindle and White, Red and White, and Modern-colored.
American Kennel Club recognized the colored breed as a separate variety in 1936. However, others may categorize Bull Terriers according to size including the standard and the miniature Bull Terriers.
Bull Terrier Size
Male Bull Terriers are slightly large in size as compared to their female counterparts in terms of weight. A female Bull terrier has a weight of 45 to 55 pounds ( approx. 20.4 to 24.9kg ) while a male counterpart has a weight of 55 to 65 pounds ( approx. 24.9 to 29.4 kg).
Height
A dog breed of this kind has no height limit with the majority of Bull Terriers standing at a height of about 21 to 22 inches ( approx. 53 to 56 cm ).
Weight
Male Bull Terriers have a weight of 55 to 65 pounds ( approx. 24.9 to 29.4 kg) while the female counterparts have a weight of 45 to 55 pounds ( approx. 20.4 to 24.9kg ).
Tail
A Bull Terrier has a horizontally carried tail that looks thick at the base and tapers to a fine tip.
Tail Chasing
Tail chasing for Bull Terriers is considered a common compulsive behavior. According to a case-control study and survey carried out in this breed, male Bull Terriers are more susceptible to tail chasing than their female counterparts. Tail chasing repeatedly in dogs has been associated with providing a psychological reward that creates a sense of well-being and relaxation especially when your pet is stressed or frustrated.
Bull Terrier Health Issues
Bull Terriers are more prone to skin allergies as compared to other breeds. Pure white dogs of this kind have a 20.4% chance of experiencing deafness while colored dogs have 1.3% deafness occurrence. Other health issues that this breed may suffer from include:
- Lens Luxation.
- Canine Compulsive Disorder due to tail-chasing.
- Heart disease.
- Hereditary Nephritis.
- Patellar Luxation.
- Ectropion.
- Dry eye syndrome.
Bull Terrier Allergies
Bull Terriers are susceptible to allergies caused by skin, food, inhalant, or environmental allergens. Allergies in this breed are hypersensitive and have a damaging response to the immune system, especially to food and environmental allergens. Some of the symptoms that your dog may exhibit if it is affected by allergies include chronic ear infections, vomiting, diarrhea, sneezing, paw chewing, breathing issues, dry flaky skin, itchiness, excessive scratching, and nasal discharge. The allergies that affect Bull Terriers are briefly discussed below:
Skin allergies – Bull Terriers have a tendency of developing skin allergies from environmental allergens such as fleas, food allergens, and contact allergens.
Food allergies – This breed is affected by both food allergies and intolerance. Food allergies are rare and they cause an immune response with a wide range of symptoms from skin conditions symptoms to gastrointestinal stress.
Environmental allergies – Bull Terriers are prone to environmental allergies due to their thin, short, and smooth coat that lacks an undercoat. Some of the environmental allergens that affect Bull Terriers include ragweed, dust and dust mites, house molds, pollen, grass, mites, fleas, and mosquitoes. However, flea allergy dermatitis is far common and result in excessive biting, scratching, and licking of the affected body part until the skin surrounding the bite is raw. Flea allergy affects the tail and back legs. If left untreated may result in secondary skin infections. Some of the symptoms of environmental inflammation include a runny nose, itchiness, swollen eyes, and scratching of various body parts including armpits, groin, muzzle, belly sides, around the ears, paws, and between the toes.
Contact allergies – This inflammation occurs after an allergen comes in contact with the skin. Some of the contact allergens that result in inflammation include bed linens, grooming products such as conditioner and shampoos, plastics, lawn chemicals, plastics, medication, and latex. The most affected body parts include paws, belly sides, and around the mouth.
Inhalant allergies – This allergy cause discomfort in Bull Terriers once they inhale the allergen. Some of the inhalant allergens include perfumes, ragweed, pollen, cigarette smoke, etc.
Bull Terrier Skin Allergies
As earlier discussed, Bull Terriers have a high tendency to suffer from skin allergies which may be caused by food intolerance or environmental allergens such as pollen. Insect bites from fleas, mites, and mosquitoes may produce a generalized allergic response to itching, hives, and rash. Skin allergies in Bull Terriers manifest as redness, sores, or dry skin on the folds of the skin, ears, feet, belly, paws, and sides. Bull Terriers also suffer from Atopic dermatitis which is an allergic skin disease.
Skin Allergies Treatment
It is recommended to use a hypoallergenic shampoo to soothe the itchy and inflamed skin of Bull Terriers. A Hypoallergenic shampoo rinses off the allergens present on the skin such as pollen and molds. Over-the-counter antihistamines, omega-3 fatty acids, and prescription steroids will also help with skin allergy treatment.
Skin allergies caused by environmental allergens such as flea bites may be regulated through the use of modern flea medicines at least once a month. Wiping the coat of a Bull Terrier after an outdoor activity with a damp washcloth will help in removing the allergen from the skin.
Inflammation to the skin caused by food allergies may be controlled by working closely with the Vet who will suggest conducting an elimination method or totally switching to a fresh diet.
Bull Terrier Food Allergies
Pet owners may have a difficult time distinguishing food allergy from food intolerance or sensitivities. The former causes an immune response which results in a wide range of symptoms including skin issues symptoms such as hives, facial swelling, pruritus, and dermatitis and gastrointestinal stress such as acute vomiting and/or diarrhea.
Even though rare, Bull Terriers also suffer from food allergies. On the other hand food allergy is a result of a gradual response to an offending ingredient in the food and doesn’t cause an immune response. Some of the ingredients that cause food sensitivities include wheat, chicken, eggs, beef, dairy, soy, corn, lamb, pork, turkey, fish, additives, flavors, preservatives, etc.
Some of the symptoms of food intolerance in Bull Terrier include itchiness, poor skin and coat, vomiting, diarrhea, chronic ear infections, foot infections, and loss of appetite. It is highly advisable to take your pet to the vet in order to manage the symptoms and find the offending ingredient in the diet of your pet.
Colors
- Pure White.
- Tri-color.
- Red and White.
- Brindle & White.
- Fawn & White.
- White & Black Brindle.
- Modern-colored.
Bull Terrier Ears
These dogs have naturally erect large ears that are not cropped and should not be placed too far apart. Originally, Bull Terriers were bred as a sporting breed. Therefore, ear cropping might have been a thing to reduce the aftermath of ear injury due to its large ears.
Ears Down
The puppies of Bull Terriers are born with their ears down and they will eventually stand up when the pet is about six weeks old. Some puppies have large thick drop ears that might need taping in order to stand up.
Ear Infection
A Bull Terrier has large and erect ears that collect a lot of dirt. If the ears are not cleaned regularly, the accumulated dirt could lead to ear infections. Apart from dirt other causes of ear infections include yeast imbalances, ear mites, moisture accumulation, excess wax and debris, endocrine disorders such as hypothyroidism, injury to the ear canal, and excessive cleaning.
Bull Terriers are predisposed to three types of ear infections including Externa, Media, and Interna otitis respectively. However, this breed is more vulnerable to externa otitis that affects the cells located in the external ear canal. If externa otitis is not treated, it may result in infection in the middle and inner ear canal. Media and Interna otitis refers to the inflammation to the middle ear and inner ear canal respectively.
These infections may cause facial paralysis, vestibular signs such as dizziness, disorientation, blurred vision, etc. and deafness if left unattended. A dog suffering from ear infections may exhibit the following signs redness and swelling of the ear canal, dark thick discharge, odor, itchiness, pain, head shaking, and scabs in the affected ear.
Ear Problems
- Ear Infection.
- Deafness.
Eye Problems
A Bull dog is predisposed to various eye problems including:
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca or dry eye – This is an eye condition that causes the tear glands to produce inadequate tears that keep the eyes moist which results in eye infections, itchy eyes, and sores. Symptoms of dry eye disease include dry appearance of the eye, a thick discharge, and pawing at the eye due to pain.
Cataracts – this is an eye condition that results in a cloudy and whitish pupils that affects the vision of Bull Terrier. Senior dogs are mostly affected. Cataracts may be removed through surgery to restore eye sight.
Cherry eye – A prolapsed gland of the eyelid causes protruding of a red tissue from the inside corner of the eye that often looks like a third eye. Cherry eye is far more common in Bull Terrier pups.
Entropion is an inherited eye condition in Bull Terriers that makes the eyelids to roll inward making the eyelashes to rub against the cornea.
Eye Discharge
Normal Eye discharge of a Bull Terrier is clear with a water consistency or whitish grey in color. Eye discharge in dogs is also medically referred to eye gunk or eye boogers. However, a plain clear discharge with no water consistency may be a sign of eye viral infection while a thick yellowish green discharge indicates that the eye has a bacteria. Dry eye syndrome also results in a mucus-like discharge from the eye.
Seizures
Fits, convulsions, or seizures refer to temporary involuntary disturbance of the normal functioning of the brain that is usually accompanied by uncontrollable muscle activity. Bull Terriers may experience Grand Mal seizures and focal seizure. However, focal seizure are far more common and result in behaviors like unprovoked aggression, tail chasing, and irrational fear.
There are three types of seizures categorized according to causes; primary, reactive, and secondary seizures. Primary seizures are hereditary although the cause is unknown. For this reason, they are referred to as idiopathic seizures. Reactive seizures occur when the brain detects a metabolic problem including low blood sugar, toxins, and organ failure. Secondary seizures are a result of trauma, stroke, and brain tumor.
A Grand Mal seizure lasts for a period of 1 to 3 minutes. It has the following signs disorientation, urination or defecation, foaming mouth, loss of consciousness, muscle stiffening, staring, and hiding after an episode. Pet parents are advised against putting anything in the mouth of a Bull Terrier while it is experiencing a seizure.
Hair Loss
Bull Terriers experience normal hair loss in minimal levels all-year round referred to as shedding. Apart from shedding this breed may experience hair loss in patches due to:
Mange – Bull Terriers develop an overabundance of demodex, a microscopic mite that lives in the hair follicles of dogs. In mild cases, pet parents may notice irritated and hairless lesions. This normally occurs in the feet or face.
Hypothyroidism – This breed has been ranked number 61 among the dog breeds that are likely to suffer from hypothyroidism which is the inadequate production of the thyroxine hormone by the thyroid glands. Thyroxine controls the level of metabolism. This condition results to thinning of the skin and the hair easily falls out of the sides of the body, neck area, tail, and back of the legs.
Hormones – During the heat cycle, a female Bull Terrier experiences change in hormones especially an increase in estrogen levels which results in thinning of the coat. A dam Bull Terrier is also likely to experience hair loss due to nesting behaviors.
Allergies – These dogs are affected by skin, food, environmental, and contact allergies which causes itchiness, scratching, biting, and licking. Flea allergy dermatitis particularly causes hair loss and secondary skin infections if left untreated. This is because a Bull Terrier scratches the skin around the bite until it turns raw.
Stress – This breed easily gets bored and it also suffers from separation anxiety if left alone for long hours. This may result to restlessness and anxiety hence developing behavior issues such as chewing up furniture, digging up the garden, and excessive licking. Lick granuloma (excessive licking) results in hair loss in the licked body parts such as the paws.
Bull Terrier Names
The most important exercise that a Bull Terrier parent engages in after getting a pet from a responsible breeder or a rescue center is searching for a name. Some of the names given to this breed may be inspired by the appearance of the pet or personality, movies, books, food, color, pop culture, celebrities, and songs.
Regardless of the name that the owner will select, it should freely roll off her tongue. The name should not cause embarrassment to the owner if uttered out loud in public malls and parks. Bull Terriers and other breeds understand better names that have vowels. Resist giving your pet a name that rhymes with the command words to avoid confusion. Giving your pooch a name that is used by other family members and people who frequent the household may result in confusion.
Some of the common names given to these fur babies include Dana, Edith, Wilfreda, Audrey, Lyla, Wren, Marlee, Landon, Howard, Hayden, Grover, Cooper, Udele, Diana, Goldie, Jadira, etc.
Names Male
- Simon.
- Graham.
- Edgar.
- Tanner.
- Jack.
- Jasper.
- Trevor.
- Maceo.
- Davis.
- Skip.
- Tucker.
- Grayson.
- Alvin, etc.
Heat Cycle
The heat cycle of a Bull Terrier may last for 2 to 3 weeks. If intact, the heat cycle will reoccur after every 6 to 8 months. Majority of Terriers experience their first heat cycle from the age of 6 months. It is also possible for an intact senior Bull Terrier to get pregnant since they do not experience menopause.
Some of the signs that a Bull Terrier exhibits while on a heat cycle include frequent urination, tail flagging, bloody discharge, swollen vulva, mood swings, nesting behaviors, and loss of appetite. Before mating your dog, ensure that both the female and male Bull Terriers undergo genetic testing to ensure that they are not suffering from any underlying health issues.
Wait until a female dog turn two years old before mating to ensure that it is physically mature to avoid pregnancy complications. The 2-year-mark also gives time for the genetically linked faults to express themselves.
Pregnancy Length
This breed has a gestation period of about 63 days which is approximately two months.
Pregnancy Signs
- Increased appetite.
- Weight gain.
- Increased urination.
- Behavioral changes.
- Enlarged and firm abdomen.
- More affectionate.
Litter Size
During birth, Bull Terriers may have a litter size of 1 to 9 puppies. However, the average litter size for this breed is 5 puppies. Although, the number of puppies a dam has depends on several factors including age and health.
Head Shape
This breed has an egg-shaped head. If viewed from the front, the top of the skull is almost flat.
Nose Shape
Bull Terriers have been described to have a Roman nose that is large and curves outward at the top. The nose is also black in color. This breed may also suffer from various nose problems such as dry nose that should be remedied by using a nose butter moisturizer.
Bull Terrier Food
Dog owners of Bull Terriers have to make the important decision of whether to feed the pet with homemade food or commercial dog foods. If you bring a new pup into your home, continue feeding it with the exact brands that the breeder weaned it with. Changing new food instantly for your puppy may cause gastrointestinal worries such as vomiting. It is recommended to wait for your pup to settle for a few weeks before introducing new food in small portions until it gets used to the food. Raw food diets are particularly recommended by Bull Terriers owners as well as breeders.
Feeding Chart
An adult dog of this breed feeds twice a day a total of 4 cups, 2 cups per serving. The amount of food that you feed your Bull Terriers may also vary depending on the weight and activeness of an individual dog. A pup of this breed feeds three times a day and should feed 1/2 to 1 cup per serving.
Eye Patch
It is not unusual for a white-colored breed of this dog to have a dark-colored eye patch, either dark brown or black. Some of the dogs have the patch located at the base of the ears.
Speed
A Bull Terrier may ran up to a speed of 25 to 30 miles per hour ( approx. 40 to 48 km/h).
Bull Terrier Muzzle
A well-trained and socialized Bull Terrier gets along with other dogs and animals. These dogs have been a target of breed-specific legislation. However, a study conducted in Germany in 2008 didn’t find any significant temperament difference from Golden Retrievers in the overall temperament searches. Therefore, it is not surprising to find some countries or states require a muzzled Bull Terrier while in the public places.
However, even non-aggressive dogs are also muzzled in a situation where the owner is not sure how the dog will behave to a new stimulus. It is also highly recommended to muzzle a Bull Terrier and any other dog breed that is in pain since it is likely to nip or bite.
AKC encourages dog owners to create positive associations with the accessory so that the dogs don’t associate a muzzle with hostility when it is really needed. Although, a muzzle should not be used to correct behavior issues such as chewing of furniture, barking, and biting.
Harness
A collar is recommended for a dog that knows how to walk on leash without pulling to avoid putting pressure in the neck region. If a Bull Terrier likes to pull while on leash, use a harness as it distributes pressure evenly over the back and shoulders. However, a pet parent may use both a collar and a harness. A harness will attach the leash while a collar with attach rabies and ID tags.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is A Bull Terrier Hypoallergenic
No, this dog is not hypoallergenic even though they shed moderately throughout the years since the skin produces excessive dander which is an allergen.
Are Bull Terrier Dangerous
No, these are kid-friendly dogs and make good family pets. However, if not properly socialized, Bull Terriers may be aggressive towards other dogs and animals.
What Is the Difference Between Bull Terrier and a Pitbull
A Bull Terrier has an egg-shaped head while a Pitbull has a square-shaped head.
Bull Terriers Quick Facts
- They are the only dog breed with triangular-shaped eyes.
- Bull Terriers have an egg-shaped head.
- These dogs are prone to skin allergies.
