Let's talk Bull Terriers
The Bull Terrier lives up to the canine moniker of ‘(wo)man’s best friend’. They welcome anyone and everyone with open paws, making them a faithful and affectionate companion. You will find the Bull Terrier wherever the action is, as they like to stay busy and as close as possible to their people. Their intelligence makes the Bull Terrier a fantastic playmate and with consistent training, the Bull Terrier is a welcome addition to the family unit, capable of getting on very well with children.
Official name: Bull Terrier
Other names: English Bull Terrier, Bully
Origins: United Kingdom
Drooling tendencies
1 out of 5Shedding Level
3 out of 5Energy level*
3 out of 5Compatibility with other pets
4 out of 5Warm weather?
4 out of 5Suited to apartment living
4 out of 5Family pet?*
5 out of 5Can stay alone
2 out of 5
| Male | Female |
|---|---|
| Height | Height |
| 56 - 57 in | 53 - 54 in |
| Weight | Weight |
| 25 - 30 lb | 20 - 25 lb |
| Life stages | |
|---|---|
| Puppy | Adult |
| 2 to 12 months | 1 to 7 years |
| Mature | Senior |
| 7 to 10 years | 10 years onwards |
| Baby | |
| Birth to 2 months | |
Drooling tendencies
1 out of 5Shedding Level
3 out of 5Energy level*
3 out of 5Compatibility with other pets
4 out of 5Warm weather?
4 out of 5Suited to apartment living
4 out of 5Family pet?*
5 out of 5Can stay alone
2 out of 5
| Male | Female |
|---|---|
| Height | Height |
| 56 - 57 in | 53 - 54 in |
| Weight | Weight |
| 25 - 30 lb | 20 - 25 lb |
| Life stages | |
|---|---|
| Puppy | Adult |
| 2 to 12 months | 1 to 7 years |
| Mature | Senior |
| 7 to 10 years | 10 years onwards |
| Baby | |
| Birth to 2 months | |
Get to know the Bull Terrier
All you need to know about the breed
There is never a dull moment with a Bull Terrier around. Friendly. High energy. Loyal. They are a charming breed, who also like to play the class clown from time to time. With their unique egg-shaped head, they have won hearts many times over.
Active types need only apply! Exercise for your Bull Terrier should be between 30 and 60 minutes per day, and they excel when given fun tasks such as flyball or agility exercises. The Bull Terrier suits a confident owner, who will be firm and constant in their approach to training, taking the breed’s stubborn streak in their stride. Overall, teaching your Bull Terrier should be a pleasant experience for both parties, as the breed learns quickly and likes to please their owners.
The Bull Terrier much prefers to be around people and does not do well if left to their own devices. Early socialization makes for a super sociable canine, who is great at being a guard dog, and feels comfortable in a crowd.
The Bull Terrier is always down to play, which makes them great company for older children who show them respect. Younger children however may find the breed a little too boisterous - he never means any harm but just gets over excited when the fun happens. However, if you’re looking for an affectionate and loving canine companion and enjoy a good amount of daily exercise, then the Bull Terrier may well be the breed for you.
2 facts about Bull Terriers
1. Mister Lonely
A Bull Terrier prefers company, so this is not the breed for you if work involves travel or long days away from home. If left to entertain themselves, they are likely to eat anything they can sink their teeth into. A Bull Terrier will not expect your undivided attention 24/7, they just love being around people! Social butterflies, if you will.
2. More exercise please
Exercising a Bull Terrier is not just physical, they also need their minds to stay sharp on a daily basis. Take your Bull Terrier for a jog or a long walk - always on a leash to prevent them wandering off - but also buy them interactive toys that will work their brain cells. The Bull Terrier will expend their energy in whatever way possible, so the more entertaining you make it for them, the more devoted they will be to you.
History of the breed
Let’s rewind to 1835, when the Bull Terrier first appeared on the scene. A cross between a Bulldog and an English Terrier (now extinct), the Bull Terrier was known for its strength and success in the dog-fighting ring.
In 1860, an Englishman named James Hinks set out to create a white coated Bull Terrier, which set a new trend. Suddenly the breed became the must-have companion of distinguished gentlemen throughout England. This led to them being nicknamed “White Cavalier”, because of their dignified manner towards people while also being ferocious in the ring.
Happily, dog-fighting is now a thing of the past but the Bull Terrier remains as sweet and friendly as ever - with a silly side to boot that they’re not afraid to reveal. The American Kennel Club (AKC) first registered the breed in 1885, with a Bull Terrier named Nellie II. In 1936, the coloured Bull Terrier variety was officially recognised, and more recently, in 1992, the Miniature Bull Terrier was recorded as a separate breed
Much like his distant relatives, the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, many still believe the Bull Terrier of today to be some sort of canine gladiator. Brave, yes. Likes to stay active, also yes. But in reality, the Bull Terrier makes for an affectionate and loyal companion - for life.
From head to tail
Physical characteristics of Bull Terriers
1.Head
2.Ears
3.Eyes
4.Coat
5.Body
Things to look out for
From specific breed traits to a general health overview, here are some interesting facts about your Bull Terrier
Skin type: sensitive
Bull Terriers are a pretty healthy breed in general, but one thing to look out for is sensitive skin, especially those with a white coat. The breed can also have contact allergies with dust, pollen or washing detergents. Keep a close eye out for rashes or irritations during the weekly brush, which can be easily treated by your vet. There are also long-term treatment options if necessary, to keep your Bull Terrier feeling good!
Spinning around
Young Bull Terriers (6 months +) can sometimes develop an obsession for chasing their tail. Often, this suggests that they are bored, in which case there’s a simple solution. More exercise, both physical and mental! Play a game with your Bull Terrier or distract them with a nice walk outside. If this doesn’t work, don’t go into a tailspin of your own. Consult your veterinarian, who will either suggest a medication to help your canine companion or refer you to a trusted behaviorist.
Tailored nutrition for Bull Terriers
When choosing food for a Bull Terrier, there are many factors to consider: their age, lifestyle, activity level, physiological condition, and health including potential sickness or sensitivities. Food provides energy to cover a dog’s vital functions, and a complete nutritional formula should contain an adjusted balance of nutrients to avoid any deficiency or excess in their diet, both of which could have adverse effects on the dog.
STRONG IMMUNE SYSTEM
Supports the development of the puppy's healthy immune system with the inclusion of clinically proven antioxidants, including vitamins E and C.
BRAIN DEVELOPMENT
Enriched with DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid that is scientifically proven to support the puppy's brain development.
MICROBIOME SUPPORT
Combination of prebiotics & highly digestible proteins to help promote a healthy balance of intestinal bacteria for digestive health.
The main nutritional goals for adult Bull Terriers are:
BODY CONDITION
Helps maintain ideal weight and muscle mass with optimal levels of protein.
HEALTHY IMMUNE SYSTEM
Clinically proven antioxidants (vitamins C and E) and prebiotics for a healthy gut and immune system,
HEALTHY DIGESTION
Easy-to-digest proteins, vitamins & minerals, and a blend of fibers for optimal nutrient absorption.
At around 7 years old, Bull Terriers start facing the first signs of aging. A formula enriched with antioxidants will help maintain their vitality, and specific nutrients, such as chondroitin and glucosamine, will help maintain healthy bones and joints. Aging is also accompanied by the modification of digestive capacities and particular nutritional requirements, so food for older Bull Terriers should have the following characteristics:
BODY CONDITION
Helps maintain ideal weight and muscle mass with optimal levels of protein.
HEALTHY AGING
Precise mineral and amino acid levels to support aging kidney and heart health.
HEALTHY IMMUNE SYSTEM
Clinically proven antioxidants (vitamins C and E) and prebiotics for a healthy gut and immune system.
Caring for your Bull Terrier
<ul class="ul1"><li class="li1"><span class="s1"></span>Exercise, grooming and training.</li></ul>
Despite their coiffured good looks, Yorkies are still terriers through and through. So they do require a reasonable amount of physical activity every day. With their history as working dogs, they also benefit from being occupied rather than too sedentary. Boredom can lead to your Yorkshire Terrier barking more than is necessary. One daily walk is the minimum and ideally two if possible. They also enjoy playing games with their owners – especially if it involves a ball – as well as plenty of interaction.
Despite their long silky tresses, Yorkshire Terriers don’t tend to shed. However, their unique coat, closer to human hair, does require a gentle daily brushing to keep it looking its lustrous best. Extending almost to the ground if left to its own devices, it may also need an occasional trim. Regular baths are recommended – which is a chance to give their ears a check too – and nails should be clipped as needed. Other Yorkshire Terrier grooming tips include cutting their fringe to avoid it falling in their eyes. It can also be tied in that famous topknot with a bow. To keep things simple, some owners choose to have them clipped all over.
Though it’s true that they can be a bit stubborn at times, Yorkshire Terriers are generally eager to please. They are also fast learners and enjoy mental stimulation. This means they respond well to reward-based training. As this can also help cement the bond between dog and owner, it’s often an enjoyable process for both. Afterwards, Yorkshire Terriers can also excel at dog agility and obedience classes – and some go on to become excellent therapy dogs. Like other toy breeds, they can be a little slower to become house-trained, but they’ll get there with patience. In addition, early socialization with people and animals will reap dividends later.
Despite their coiffured good looks, Yorkies are still terriers through and through. So they do require a reasonable amount of physical activity every day. With their history as working dogs, they also benefit from being occupied rather than too sedentary. Boredom can lead to your Yorkshire Terrier barking more than is necessary. One daily walk is the minimum and ideally two if possible. They also enjoy playing games with their owners – especially if it involves a ball – as well as plenty of interaction.
Despite their long silky tresses, Yorkshire Terriers don’t tend to shed. However, their unique coat, closer to human hair, does require a gentle daily brushing to keep it looking its lustrous best. Extending almost to the ground if left to its own devices, it may also need an occasional trim. Regular baths are recommended – which is a chance to give their ears a check too – and nails should be clipped as needed. Other Yorkshire Terrier grooming tips include cutting their fringe to avoid it falling in their eyes. It can also be tied in that famous topknot with a bow. To keep things simple, some owners choose to have them clipped all over.
Though it’s true that they can be a bit stubborn at times, Yorkshire Terriers are generally eager to please. They are also fast learners and enjoy mental stimulation. This means they respond well to reward-based training. As this can also help cement the bond between dog and owner, it’s often an enjoyable process for both. Afterwards, Yorkshire Terriers can also excel at dog agility and obedience classes – and some go on to become excellent therapy dogs. Like other toy breeds, they can be a little slower to become house-trained, but they’ll get there with patience. In addition, early socialization with people and animals will reap dividends later.
7/7
All about Bull Terriers
100% yes. The Bull Terrier is an affectionate dog, who is capable of being equally devoted to all family members. The Bull Terrier also has a mischievous side, which makes them an entertaining companion, and they’re content to tire themselves out playing with older children. Teaching the Bull Terrier good social skills from when they are a puppy will result in a placid companion who is loyal until the very end.
When it comes to protecting the ones that they love, the Bull Terrier is top of the class. The breed’s muscular physique is often enough of a deterrent for wannabe burglars, especially when coupled with their loud bark, which the Bull Terrier rarely uses. Word of warning, the Bull Terrier’s natural protective instincts should not be developed any further - keep the breed a lover, not a fighter.
Tailored nutrition for your Bull Terrier
Suggested Breeds
Read more on this topic
Sources
- Veterinary Centers of America https://vcahospitals.com/;
- Royal Canin Dog Encyclopaedia. Ed 2010 and 2020
- Banfield Pet Hospital https://www.banfield.com/
- Royal Canin BHN Product Book
- American Kennel Club https://www.akc.org/
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