About Bull Terriers

Description

The Bull terrier is a strong, athletic and energetic dog that is capable of doing a multitude of tasks including watch dogging and protecting as well as agility and obedience events. They are also ideal family dogs with clownish personalities and a loving temperament when properly trained and socialized. The Bull terrier has a very distinctive head and is rarely mistaken for any other breed by those that are familiar with their characteristics.

The head is almost totally oval in profile from the skull through to the tip of the nose. The shape of the face should be full without any hollow areas or concavity to the profile. The eyes are very small and almond shaped, centered towards the middle of the head for a distinct appearance. In some literature the eyes are described as triangular in shape, and in some Bull terriers this is a very accurate description. The eyes should be located closer to the ears than to the nose, adding to the appearance of length on the face below the eyes.

The ears are very pointed and rather thin, placed close together on the top of the skull. They should be relaxed most of the time but can be held absolutely erect with the dog is attending to something. The neck is thick and slightly arching and longer than that of most mastiff or bulldog types. The shoulders are heavy set and well developed with a very deep and wide chest. The front legs are stocky and short, well set to the outside of the deep chest. The brisket or bottom of the chest should be significantly deeper than the abdomen area. The back is short and strong looking with muscular loins and a well developed rib cage.

Although the appearance is solid the body should not look overly heavy or disproportionate to the rest of the dog. The legs of the Bull terrier should be strong with good bones and excellent conformation. They should neither turn out or in at the knees or hocks or at the feet. The feet are round and arched, similar to that of a cat.

The dog should be light on his or her feet, and should not shuffle or drag the feet in any gait, although they do often appear to almost roll from side to side when in movement. The movement should appear smooth and fluid with a good length to the strides and a typical “I am in control” attitude present in the movement.

The tail of the Bull terrier is moderately long and set low on the hindquarters. It is usually carried horizontal with the ground and is tapered from the thick base to the tip at the end. The skin of the Bull terrier should be tight against the body without noticeable wrinkles or folds anywhere on the body.

Bull Terrier Appearance

A sturdy and muscular dog, the Bull Terrier is not classed as the most attractive of dogs, but does have an appearance that would most likely put off any intruders or aggressors! Although not a large dog, the Bull Terrier can be quite intimidating simply because of his appearance. The weight of the Bull Terrier is around 30-80 pounds, and the height is around 15-22 inches. The coat is short, flat, and close fitting, and the coloring of the Bull Terrier can be pure white, white with black patches, black and tan, fawn, and brindle. His ears stand erect, and his eyes look quite tiny in relation to the length of his muzzle.

Bull Terrier Temprament

The Bull Terrier is a determined and headstrong creature, with an outgoing personality. This is a breed that needs to be properly socialized early on, as they can otherwise have an aggressive nature. Instinctive fighters, the Bull Terrier is usually aggressive towards other dogs and can be a danger around smaller animals such as cats and rabbits, seeing them as prey. The Bull Terrier can be okay around children, but is not recommended with younger kids, and should definitely be socialized early on. Depending on the personality of the individual dog, strangers may be greeted with a huge welcome by the Bull Terrier, but others may not be quite as welcoming. The Bull Terrier has a dominant personality, and for this reason is best suited to those with some experience of dog ownership. You will need to reinforce your leadership through assertive and confident training and handling. This breed has bags of energy, and likes to be a part of the family action. You should not neglect the Bull Terrier, as he will otherwise become bored and destructive. The Bull Terrier can make an effective watchdog, and will bark to raise the alarm. And when it comes to their food, these dogs can display real possessiveness.

Bull Terrier Health Problems and Life Expectancy

The life expectancy of the Bull Terrier is around 11-14 years, and there are a number of health problems that are associated with this breed, which include deafness, heart problems, renal cortical hypoplasia, luxating patella, lens luxation, thyroid problems, seizures, allergies, and skin conditions. Parents of the Bull Terrier puppy should have OFA certificates.

Bull Terrier Grooming

The coat of the Bull Terrier is close fitting, flat, and short, and grooming requirements are not excessive. Occasional brushing of the coat will keep it in good condition, and you can keep the coat looking glossy and shiny with a rub down with a damp cloth.

Bull Terrier History

The Bull terrier was originally developed in the early 1800′s when bull baiting was considered a sport. The goal of the early breeders was to create the ideal bull baiting dog that would be strong, fearless and brave. They crossed the Old English Terrier with the Bulldog as well as a Spanish Pointer breed. The resulting typically white dog was unique in appearance as well as very strong, but was not ideal in the brutal bull baiting ring.

The temperament and unique appearance of the Bull terrier attracted many individuals at that time and they where quickly selected as a watchdog and companion breed of dog. At this time the breeders began to breed out the aggressive tendencies and this has continued. The all white Bull terrier was originally known as the White Cavalier and was a favorite watchdog of royalty. It continues to be the most commonly known color of the Bull terrier although several other color varieties are common and desirable.