Bull Terrier Dog Breed Information

Group

Terriers

Weight

25-35kg

Height

51-55cm

Lifespan

10-13 years

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About the Bull Terrier

Reviewed by:

Dr. Julia Brassel

Veterinarian

Are you considering giving a home to a bull terrier? Want to know more about this unique breed of dog that sports an egg-shaped head? If so, you’re in the right place!

Adding a dog to your family is a big commitment so you must ensure that you’re able to cope with the breed you choose.

Is a bull terrier right for me? What were they bred for? Are they easy to train? These are all important questions you’ll need to ask yourself before you bring the dog into your home. It may sound overwhelming but don’t panic, you’ll find all the answers you need right here.

From biting and feeding advice to potential health issues and training, this bull terrier breed guide has everything you need to know about your new furry friend. Read along to boost your bull terrier knowledge!

What is the history & origin of the Bull Terrier?

Sadly, the bull terrier has an unhappy history. This dog breed was initially bred back in 13th century England as a fighting dog. The dogs would be made to participate in blood dog sports called bullbaiting. Later on, though, they became fashionable companions for gentlemen.

Despite its history in these blood sports, bull terriers are playful dogs with friendly temperaments. They’re loyal and make excellent guard and companion dogs.

Another bull terrier type known as the White Cavalier was a firm favourite with the royals during the 1860s, being famous for its snow-white coat.

What is a Bull Terrier breed?

The Bull Terrier is a muscular medium-sized dog breed with an egg-shaped head. They are incredibly active dogs with a friendly disposition. Miniature bull terriers, the American Staffordshire terrier, and American pit bull terriers are all in the terrier group

Fun fact! During the late 1980s, Bud Light, an American beer company, used an English bull terrier called Spud McKenzie, as a mascot. Starring in many commercials and ad campaigns, Spud McKenzie became a national treasure and helped boost the popularity of the bull terrier breed across the country.

Learn more about: Bull Terrier Colours

Who is a Bull Terrier best for?

Make no mistake, bull terriers have lots of energy and can be extremely stubborn. If allowed, they’ll do what they want when they want, thanks to bulldog breeding. You’ll have to be able to handle this stubbornness to prevent future bad behaviour.

A bull terrier thrives with an active family who can provide plenty of walks and playtime. It also needs a home where the house rules will be firmly but fairly enforced, otherwise it’ll start making up his own rules! For this reason, a bull terrier isn’t the best choice for new or timid owners.

Bull terriers also aren’t suitable if you have very small children. If they don’t have enough socialisation they can become aggressive. They’re also very strong and boisterous and could accidentally injure young children when playing.

Bull Terrier Grooming & Shedding

The bull terrier’s coat is short, flat, and shiny with a tough texture. The good news is that your bull terrier is easy to groom and will only need a weekly brush with a rubber grooming mitt. The exception to this is during the shedding season which happens twice a year.

During this time they’ll need to be brushed daily to keep the loose hair under control. Unless your bull terrier decides to roll in something disgusting, it won’t need to be bathed much. A dry shampoo session or a wipe with a damp cloth is sufficient for keeping it clean and comfortable.

Other grooming requirements your bull terrier will need includes nail care and dental hygiene. Be sure to brush its teeth at least 2 to 3 times a week to prevent tartar and bacteria from building up.

It’ll also need a nail trim twice a month, or when needed. If you can hear its nails tapping on the floor, they need trimming. Having short nails will keep the dog’s paws in good condition and will prevent them from getting caught on carpets and tearing.

Learn more about: Bull Terrier Grooming Tips & Styles

Do Bull Terriers bark a lot?

Bull Terriers aren’t excessive barkers, which is good news if you live in an apartment – no annoyed neighbours! They don’t bark very often because they don’t see any reason to. Because of this, if you’re Bull Terrier does bark, it means something’s wrong!

If your pooch is barking then it’s a sign they feel threatened or worried about something, so it’s worth listening to them when they voice their worries.

What is the average weight & height of a Bull Terrier dog?

The standard bull terrier comes in different sizes, with males weighing between 25-35kg and females around 20-25kg. They typically stand around 55cm at the withers.

On the other hand, the Miniature Bull Terrier stands between 25-35cm at the shoulder and weighs between 11-15kg.

Learn more about: Bull Terrier Size & Weight Chart

Are Bull Terriers easy to train?

The bull terrier is an intelligent breed that also has an independent streak. This means that training can be a challenge for you if you don’t find an effective obedience training method. Lots of praise will go a long way in keeping your terrier focused.

You can also make the training sessions fun with plenty of treats, as well as regular trips to the dog park for socialisation.

Learn more about: Bull Terrier Training Guide – Crate, Toilet & More Tips!

How do Bull Terriers behave? A look at their temperament and personality

Standard size bull terriers and miniature bull terriers are both well known for their playful temperaments. They’re strong dogs who like to chase, fetch, and play with their owners. These high energy levels make them perfect for dog sports and agility events.

Learn more about: Bull Terrier Temperament & Personality Traits

Does the Bull Terrier have any common health issues?

Although bull terriers are typically healthy dogs, like any pure breed they can have some health problems. Responsible breeders will offer health certifications for the puppy’s parents.

However, some health issues won’t show up until the dog reaches maturity. For this reason, a health clearance won’t be provided for dogs under 2 years old, so try to find a breeder who doesn’t breed them until the dogs are at least 2 years of age.

The most common health problems in this breed are:

Kidney Disease: Increased risk of renal problems.
Heart Disease: Common in the breed, necessitating regular check-ups.
Patellar Luxation: Kneecap dislocation causing pain and mobility issues.
Deafness: Some may experience hearing loss.
Atopic Dermatitis: Allergies leading to skin issues.

Learn more about: Common Bull Terrier Health Issues

What is the lifespan of a Bull Terrier?

On average, a bull terrier dog can live between 10-13 years. As pet parents, you can ensure your furry family member has a long and happy life with you by providing it with the best possible care. This includes a quality diet, daily exercise, and regular vet checks to stop preventable health issues.

How much does a Bull Terrier need to be fed?

Your dog’s diet is very important for keeping it healthy. How much it needs to eat depends on its age, build, size, and exercise level. A diet made of high-quality dog food will also make a difference. The better quality the dog food is, the more it will nourish your bull terrier.

Learn more about: What to Feed a Bull Terrier? Diet & Feeding Chart

How much can you expect to pay for a Bull Terrier in Australia?

If you’re ready to give a home to a bull terrier, know that they don’t come cheap! Expect to pay up to $2,000 for your new four-legged friend. But be aware that buying from a responsible breeder is essential here. Bull terriers need careful attention or they could develop serious health issues.

Usually, if the price sounds too good to be true, it is! Unethical breeders and puppy mills don’t care about the health and well-being of the parents or the puppies, so always avoid these places.

Learn more about: Bull Terrier Prices In Australia

Bull Terrier FAQs

Are Bull Terrier puppies very excitable?

By nature puppies are very excitable, but bull terrier puppies take that excitement to another level! Expect to be excitably welcomed home and jumped all over when it’s playtime.

Your bull terrier will calm down once they reach maturity, usually around 12-24 months, but they are still naturally boisterous and excitable dogs. Before you commit to this breed, be sure that you can cope with the breed’s exuberant nature.

Are Bull Terriers noisy compared with other dog breeds?

No, compared to other breeds, bull terriers are very quiet and don’t tend to bark excessively. This is ideal if you live in an apartment or in close proximity to your neighbours.

As long as you give your bull terrier plenty of socialisation and mental stimulation, you can be confident your pooch won’t cause problems with the neighbours!

Will a Bull Terrier get on well with other pets?

Whether your bull terrier gets on well with other pets depends on how well you have socialised it. If it was socialised well and early on then yes, it will mix well with other animals.

However, keep in mind your bull terrier is a very strong dog and may overpower smaller animals because it won’t realise it’s built like a mini bodybuilder!

Are Bull Terriers any more prone to health risks than other dogs?

Not necessarily. Although they are prone to certain health problems like other pure breeds are, bull terriers are typically healthy dogs. A balanced diet and monitoring their health can ensure your dog has a few health issues as possible.