English Bull Terriers are small to medium-sized dogs that originated in England where they were used for bull baiting and to kill rats. They are known by a variety of different names including English Bull Terriers, Bull Terriers, Bullies and Gladiators. Additionally, this is a breed that comes in standard and miniature varieties. English Bull Terriers were created in England by crossing Old English Terriers with Bulldogs. These “Bull Terriers” became quite popular in the 1830s when bull baiting was at its peak. Bull Terriers were often used for the sport because they were much more agile than many other breeds that were used for bull baiting at the time. Nevertheless, their careers in bull baiting rings were short-lived as they became popular among noble families in the 1860s. Locals also kept Bull Terriers for use as ratters, herders and guard dogs. Smaller terriers were often preferred for killing rats while the larger terriers were preferred for guarding purposes.
The Bull Terrier is a strong, muscular, medium-sized dog that was originally bred for dog fighting. It has strong jaws and is sturdy and strong. Its coat is dense, short and flat. There are two varieties of English Bull Terriers: standard and miniature. While dogs of the standard variety can weigh between 45 and 80 pounds fully grown, adult miniatures typically weigh anywhere from 24 and 33 pounds. Both varieties have short hair that can come in several colors including white with colored markings, brindle, black, tri-colored with white markings, fawn or red. They are known most for their characteristic oval-shaped head, sloped nose, triangular prick ears and small eyes that are set close together.
Personality
Bull Terriers are affectionate, playful dogs that are very active. This dog breed needs physical and mental stimulation. They’re intelligent and sometimes mischievous. They need daily exercise and love to play games. They hate being alone and will become bored and destructive if left alone for too long. They are affectionate towards children but will get aggressive if challenged, for example through rough play. They are therefore not the best dogs for kids. Even though it is amiable and good-natured, this dog is aggressive towards strangers and other dogs.<br><br> They are also very affectionate and form strong bonds with their owners. English Bull Terriers are active dogs that love to spend time playing with their human family members. If you are thinking about adding one of the dogs to your home, you will want to make sure that you have the time to play with your pet and the space it needs to run and play.
Breed Characteristics
| Type: | Pure |
| Family: | Mastiffs |
| Function: | Sporting |
| Origin: | Europe |
| Preferred Climate: | Warm |
| Group: | Terriers |
| Life Span: | 12-13 Years |
| Nicknames: | English Bull Terrier, Bullies, Gladiators |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
Bull Terrier Build Information
The Bull Terrier is a strong, muscular, medium-sized dog that was originally bred for dog fighting. It has strong jaws and is sturdy and strong. Its coat is dense, short and flat. There are two varieties of English Bull Terriers: standard and miniature. While dogs of the standard variety can weigh between 45 and 80 pounds fully grown, adult miniatures typically weigh anywhere from 24 and 33 pounds. Both varieties have short hair that can come in several colors including white with colored markings, brindle, black, tri-colored with white markings, fawn or red. They are known most for their characteristic oval-shaped head, sloped nose, triangular prick ears and small eyes that are set close together.
| Size: | Medium |
| Length (Male): | 19-25 in. |
| Length (Female): | 18-20 in. |
| Weight: | 41 – 65 lbs |
| Litter Size: | 4 – 5 Puppies |
| Tail Dock or Crop: | No |
Behaviour and Personality
Bull Terriers are affectionate, playful dogs that are very active. This dog breed needs physical and mental stimulation. They’re intelligent and sometimes mischievous. They need daily exercise and love to play games. They hate being alone and will become bored and destructive if left alone for too long. They are affectionate towards children but will get aggressive if challenged, for example through rough play. They are therefore not the best dogs for kids. Even though it is amiable and good-natured, this dog is aggressive towards strangers and other dogs.<br><br> They are also very affectionate and form strong bonds with their owners. English Bull Terriers are active dogs that love to spend time playing with their human family members. If you are thinking about adding one of the dogs to your home, you will want to make sure that you have the time to play with your pet and the space it needs to run and play.
| Activity Level: | Very Active |
| Affection Level: | Affectionate |
| Aggressiveness Level: | High |
| Barking: | Moderate |
| Dominating or Submissive?: | Dominating |
| Energy Level: | Very Active |
| Good to Other Pets: | Moderate Friendly |
| Guardian Skills: | Yes |
| Independant: | No |
| Kid Friendliness: | Moderate Friendly |
Appearance
You will only need to bathe your English Bull Terrier once or twice a month unless it becomes overly dirty. Nevertheless, you should check its ears regularly and clean them with a cotton ball if necessary. Additionally, clip the nails with a pliers-type nail clipper when they grow too long.
| Colors: | Black, Fawn, Red, Red-Black Brindle, Tri-Color |
| Shedding: | Moderate |
| Grooming: | Low Maintenance |
| Coat Type: | Dense |
Bull Terrier Common Health Conditions
English Bull Terriers are generally healthy dogs that can live up to 13 years or longer. However, white Bull Terriers can be prone to deafness, and dogs of the standard variety often suffer from various allergies. Miniature varieties are prone to a number of health issues including patellar luxation, skin allergies, zinc deficiency, kidney problems and heart defects. Both varieties tend to gain weight rather easily.
Bull Terrier Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
Due to their unique nature, English Bull Terriers do not get along well with small animals such as cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters and birds. Dalmations are thought to have contributed to the developement of white Bull Terriers. Bull Terriers can be extremely possessive and overly protective of their humans. Although the English Bull Terrier is a courageous dog that is aloof with strangers, it can be quite loving and clownish with its human family. These dogs are extremely active and love running and playing games.
| Training: | Easy |
| Hunting Companion: | No |
| Jolly for Jogging: | Yes |
| Sighting Capabilities: | No |
| Ideal for Tracking: | No |
| Retrieving Skills: | No |
| Pointing Breed: | No |
| Herding Skills: | No |
| Dutiful Watchdog: | Yes |
| Security Guard Capable: | Yes |
| Police Performer: | No |
| Wet Water rescues: | No |
| Assist Disable Owners: | No |
| Dog Sledding: | No |
| Able to Perform Dog Carting: | No |
| Agile/Zippy: | No |
| Fun with Lure Coursing: | No |
| Obedient: | No |
| Possible Schutzhund Work: | No |
| Trainable for Tricks: | Yes |
