| The Bull terrier has an "egg-shaped" head when viewed from the front, almost flat at the top, with his muzzle sloping evening down to the end of his nose with no stop. He is thick-set and muscular, full and round, with breed-unique triangle-shaped eyes that are small, dark, and closely set. |
| Height: |
20-24 inches |
| Weight: |
44-85 pounds |
| Color(s): |
White, any other color, or any other color with white markings |
| Coat: |
Short, dense |
| Description: |
The Bull Terrier was developed in England when a breeder crossed an English White Terrier with a New English Bulldog. Subsequently, Bull Terrier breeders crossed their dogs with Staffordshire Bull Terriers, which created the colored Bull Terriers seen today. There is also a Miniature Bull Terrier, which is a distinct breed. Spuds Mackenzie, a dog featured in an advertising campaign for Bud Light beer in the late 1980s, was a Bull Terrier. |
| Temperament: |
The Bull Terrier is intelligent, and can be fun and playful. Bull Terriers are typically very affectionate dogs, and love human company. They make a great family pet, as they are calm and relaxed, but will also actively play. They are particularly good with children, and usually have a high pain threshold, which reduces the risk of injury to the child from a defensive bite. However, younger dogs may regard children as playmates, and because of their strength, could inadvertently cause injury. Bull Terriers, especially females, are protective of children in their charge. The Bull Terrier makes a formidable guard dog. Due to his great physical strength, the Bull Terrier is not a good choice for a first-time dog owner. |
| Training: |
Bull Terriers may be difficult to train for some owners. |
| Care & Grooming: |
The Bull Terrier's coat is easy to maintain, and grooming can keep it in near-perfect condition. The Bull Terrier requires a fair amount of exercise. Overworking the dog at a young age will cause strained muscles. The Bull Terrier can be extremely greedy, and can easily become overweight if overfed and under-exercised. |
| Shedding: |
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| Health: |
Many Bull Terriers have a tendency to develop skin allergies. Insect bites, such as those from fleas, and sometimes mosquitoes and mites, can produce a generalized allergic response of hives, rash, and itching. The best preventative measure is to keep the dog free of contact from these insects, which is a consideration in climates where exposure to these insects is inevitable. It is a good idea to check the Bull Terrier’s ears, eyes, nose, and mouth daily, for signs of infection. All puppies should be checked for deafness, as this sometimes occurs, most commonly in pure white dogs, and is difficult to notice, especially in a relatively young puppy. |
| Lifespan: |
10-12 years |
| Litter Size: |
About 5 puppies |
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