Breed Characteristics:
Apartment Friendly
?How well will this breed adapt to apartment living? Is the apartment size the most important factor when it comes to proper living conditions? Is the breed suitable for apartment living?
Good For First-Time Owners
?Some dogs aren't suitable for first-time dog owners. Is this breed a good match for someone with no dog experience? Can training help them be on their best behavior with owners with no dog experience? Are they suitable to be handled by someone who is just entering the canine world?
Overall Sensitivity
?Some dogs are sensitive. Certain breeds are rough on the outside, while having the softest heart on the inside. In other words, some dogs are 'thick-skinned' while some are 'easygoing.' Is this breed prone to sensitivity?
Tolerates Being Alone
?Separation anxiety in dogs is a serious condition that can affect a dog's life quality. Is this breed prone to this condition? Can you leave him alone for hours? How destructive this breed can become when bored, neglected, or not loved enough?
Affectionate With Family
?How affectionate this breed will be around his humans? Will he welcome new family friends easily or he will choose to be shy? Some breeds can be clingy with owners, while others don't attach a lot. Will this breed act as the family's best friend?
Kid-Friendly
?Some dogs will tolerate children, while others will adore well-behaved ones. Dogs and children should always be supervised, no matter how well trained the dog might be. Will this breed act as a nanny dog or he will stay away from children?
Friendly Toward Other Dogs
?Some dog breeds cannot wait to run to the dog park and run with others. Others prefer to be with their humans, and not to be a part of a multi-pet household. Is this breed dog lover or not? How friendly this breed will be toward other dogs?
Friendly Toward Strangers
?Some dog breeds tend to be reserved toward strangers and highly suspicious. Others are fast to walk away with them easily. How welcoming this breed is toward strangers?
Drooling Level
?If you love to clean all the time drooling level in dogs is a trait that you should mind. Is this breed less likely to drool, or you will always need a towel on hand?
Easy To Groom
?Heavier shedding during the shedding season is something that every dog needs to go through. However, some dogs shed just a bit all year round. Is this breed one of them? How often should you groom this dog?
Overall Health
?What can you expect from this breed in terms of health? Are there any genetic conditions to vary about? Is obesity a major issue in this breed? By knowing more about the dog's health, you are learning how to help him live a longer and healthier life.
Prone To Obesity
?Treats are a great addition to training sessions. Dogs love sweet bites of dog treats but they should be served in moderation. Treats can lead to obesity, next to poor nutrition. Can this breed gain extra weight from treats? How prone to obesity this breed actually is?
Trainability Level
?Training some dogs is easier than others. How easy this dog will be to train? What can you expect? Some dogs are huge people pleasers and they will master commands easily, while others will try to outsmart you.
Intelligence Level
?Dogs are smart beings. We do our best to train them, but they do still end up training us to adapt to their needs. How intelligent is this breed? Will he try to outsmart you? Or he will need multiple training sessions to master basic commands?
Prey Drive
?Dogs were bred for a specific purpose. Those who were bred to hunt have natural instincts to hunt, even today. This is why many dogs, like Terriers, will chase other animals. They will also have a hard time concentrating on your commands when there is something small moving. Is this breed prone to following his prey instincts?
Barking Level
?How vocal this breed is? Can you expect neighbors to ring you often to calm your dog? Or you can sleep without worries of hearing your Fido bark? Some breeds are highly vocal, others have unusual sounds, and some are silent. Is this breed prone to barking?
Energy Level
?Low-energy dogs are happy with regular walks and indoor chill times. High-energy dogs are always ready for action. Is this breed a couch potato, energetic dog, or somewhere in between?
Exercise Needs
?Some dogs are more than happy with a slow stroll down the street. Others need hours of active time to stay happy and fit. Is this breed demanding in terms of exercise? How much exercise this breed needs to stay happy and healthy?
Playfulness Level
?Some dogs never lose that puppy spirit, not even in their senior years. Others are more serious and prefer having a job to do. Is this breed demanding in terms of playfulness? Can you expect playfulness in their senior years as well?
Bull Terriers were initially developed as fighting dogs and for a long time that was, sadly, their main purpose.
These robust and big-boned dogs are strong-willed and difficult to train.
As such they are highly recommended only to experienced dog owners who know how to handle independent breeds using only positive reinforcement methods.
As powerful and active dogs, Bull Terriers need structured training and regular exercise. Without proper training and early socialization, Bull Terriers can be aggressive toward other dogs, animals, and people.
They may be especially cautious of people they don’t know. Otherwise, the Bull Terrier is known for his ‘egghead’ with erect and pointed ears.
Coats come in two types white and any other color, including brindle striping, either solid or with white markings. This breed isn’t for everyone, and every need for this breed needs to be met to have a loyal, lovable, and well-behaved dog.
Overall, the Bull Terrier is a fairly healthy breed although some issues may be seen during the lifetime, including deafness, heart disease, eye disorders, and luxating patellas.
If you are sure that Bull Terrier is for you, you should know that leaving this breed alone for 8 hours or more isn’t an option.
Quick Facts
Real name: Bull Terrier
Other names: English Bull Terrier, Bully
Origin: England
Breed type: Terrier Dogs
Weight: 35 to 75 pounds
Height: 21 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder
Lifespan: 10 to 15 years
Litter Size: 4 – 5 puppies
Color: Whiite with head markings of different color
Coat: Short,and flat with hard texture
Bull Terrier History
Bull terriers are famous dogs who were developed in England during the far 19th century.
This white dog was created by combining the old English Terrier and the Bulldog.
Later on, breeders even add to the cross Spanish Pointer, white English terrier, and even Dalmatian. This is how this stylish, muscled, and white dog was created.
In the mid-1800s, this dog became extremely popular and known as “white cavaliers.”
In no time, this breed became one of the favorites within the dog lovers’ circle.
Bull Terries that we have today are far softer and gentler than their ancestors, but they are still strong and fearless.
Plus, they have one of the most unusual appearances in the canine world. Also, these white dogs are great pets, and amazing family pets, but that doesn’t make them suitable for every family.
Let’s explore the breed’s appearance and temperament further to see if this breed is for your home.
Bull Terrier Physical Appearance
The most prominent feature about Bull Terriers is their ‘egg head.’
In fact, this shape is included in the breed’s standard. When viewed from the top the skull is almost flat, while that famous egg-shaped head is noticeable when viewed from the front.
The nose should always be black with well-developed nostrils. The lower jaw is strong and deep, while the eyes are small and black. Another unique feature in this breed are their triangular eyes.
Overall, this breed has a full and strong body with extremely muscular shoulders. The tail is covered in short hair and carried horizontally.
As for the color, they are commonly white, but they may be either fawn, white, brindle, black, or a combination of these.
In fact, the biggest factor when it comes to color change is linked with crosses to Staffordshire Bull Terriers, who actually brought in the various colored markings. These markings are best seen in the Colored Bull Terrier variety today.
Bull Terrier Personality
Bull Terriers, just like any other terrier, tend to be a bit stubborn. This doesn’t mean that they won’t be able to learn basic commands, follow the house rules, and come when called.
No, it just means that they will make a stand for what they want and you will have to find a way on how to deal with it.
As an independent breed, they need to be free to explore the world as they see fit. This is mostly why this breed isn’t recommended for first time dog owners.
The Bull Terrier needs an experienced dog owner. Perfectly, they need an owner who has experience with terriers.
They may be stubborn from time to time, but they will do their best for people to like them. These athletic and white dogs are great with people, and early socialization and training can only make the connection stronger and more respectful.
Bull Terriers are full of spirit, which makes them suited for families with children who know how to behave around dogs.
Bull Terrier Training
Before you start training your Bull Terrier, you should always have breed traits on the mind. This means that training sessions should be structured in such a manner that it reflects the dog’s nature.
In other words, training should be fun, short, engaging, based on positive reinforcement methods, and ended with treats.
Start training as soon as you bring your Bull Terrier home. Have enough toys on hand, master indoor games, and provide enough exercise.
Bull Terrier Exercise
Bull Terrier needs a fair amount of exercise to stay happy and fit. Dogs thrive on activity.
To keep your dog active, mentally stimulated, and fit, you will have to provide regular walks.
During these moments dogs will explore the world: sniff around, discover new smells, and meet other dogs and people. This is how they learn about the world.
Yet, to keep this breed happy, you will have to provide more than regular and short walks.
To keep your Bull terrier happy and active, provide 30-60 minutes of exercise per day.
Walking, running, and jogging are great activities for keeping your Bull Terrier happy. Having a fenced yard can only be a plus.
Bull Terrier Grooming
You are not a fan of grooming you are in luck. Bull Terrier is an easy-to-groom breed. They need a weekly brushing with the right brush.
You should use a rubber mitt or curry brush to keep his coat healthy, shiny, and clean.
Make sure that you check the skin during the brushing. You should focus on spotting any signs of fleas or skin infection.
Brushing is a great way to connect with your dog, to build a stronger connection.
The rest is basic care:
- Trim or grind nails once a month
- Check eyes and gums weekly
- Bathe only when needed
- Learn when to clean dog’s ears and how
Bull Terrier Health
Once you bring your Bull Terrier home you are directly responsible for his weight.
Obesity in dogs is on the rise across the States and you don’t want your dog to be part of this growing trend.
Weight gain is something that may occur for many reasons, but you should keep it in balance.
Do your best to know how much to feed your Fido exactly, how often, and which food brands will serve his health the best.
The most common health issue in this breed is deafness. This condition occurs in around 20% of pure white Bull Terriers.
The tricky part with deafness is that it’s hard to notice it at a young age. They are also prone to various skin allergies and conditions.
Talk with your veterinarian on how to care for your Fido’s skin and how to keep it clean and healthy.
If you want to be sure that you are getting a healthy dog, deal only with responsible dog breeders. They are professionals who care about dogs’ health and overall well-being.
Responsible dog breeders will screen puppies for most common health conditions, and present you with medical documentation.
Responsible dog breeders will also show you the facilities, let you meet the bitch, and ask you a lot of questions.
They want to make sure that their puppy is going to the best family possible.
Once you take the dog home, make sure that you take him to the vet first. No matter how reputable the breeder might be, you still want your vet to check him.
Plus, this is a great way to make your dog feel comfortable when being handled.
Is Bull Terrier For You?
Bull terriers love their people!
Still, for you to earn their full affection, love, and admiration you will have to work hard. They will try to outsmart you and be the leader. However, since this isn’t a breed for first time dog owners, you should use only positive training methods that will give proper results.
This is a breed for those who love spending time outside and don’t like spending long hours grooming their dog.
Bull Terrier is easy to groom, but you will have to be extra careful when it comes to keeping their skin flawless.
Plus, summertime will be extra challenging because you will probably have to use creams to keep his skin safe.
This is something that should be discussed with your veterinarian. If you have serious experience as a dog owner, and you know how to train a true terrier, this is a breed for you.
On the other hand, if you are just thinking about getting a dog for the first time, you might want to choose a breed that is more fitting for first time dog owners.
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