Breed Group: Terrier Group
Shoulder Height: 18-22 in.
Weight: 50-85 lb.
Life Span: 10-13 years
Colors: White, brindle, fawn, black
Interesting Facts
- The Bull Terrier is instantly recognizable by the prominent egg-shaped head and flat nose.
- Bull Terriers were originally bred by farmers to deal with rats and other vermin.
- The breed originated in England and was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885.
Overview
The Bull Terrier has perhaps developed a reputation as being quite fierce and unapproachable. However, beneath that bad reputation is actually a friendly, playful dog that is highly misunderstood.
These dogs have plenty of personality and will make their owners laugh every day. With a Bull Terrier, you have a dog that will always be loyal to you. Though practical training is difficult on account of their stubbornness — something they inherited from the Bulldog — as well as their independence, they are rather smart dogs, a trait that is consistent to a terrier. For this reason, they are not recommended for inexperienced pet parents. Their history as a rodent hunter means they have a strong prey drive and will respond well to food and toy rewards.
Proper training and socialization from puppyhood is essential to raise a well-mannered family companion. With appropriate training, however, the Bull Terrier can become quite amiable towards other people and other animals. Physical discipline must be avoided at all times.
Physical exercise is important to this breed, though like any terrier, they also require a decent amount of mental exercise with the use of toys. Their short coat does mean that grooming is not particularly difficult.
Health Facts
Bull Terriers were developed to work and hunt, and are a hardy breed with relatively few physical issues.
- Deafness affect a fifth of the population with white Bull Terriers being particularly susceptible.
- Bull Terriers usually have to deal with skin allergies and are quite susceptible to rashes. Their white skin is vulnerable to sun damage and cancer.
- The breed is rather long-lived even for terriers, with individual dogs sometimes living up to 13 years.
- They can suffer from heart disease, kidney disease, and luxating patellas, or dislocating kneecaps.
Notable Animals
- The mascot for Target is a Bull Terrier named Bullseye.
- General George Patton kept a Bull Terrier named Willie, which was short for "William the Conqueror".
- Spuds MacKenzie, the mascot for Bud Light during the late eighties, was a Bull Terrier.
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