Bull Terrier Breed Guide

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.

Who are Bull Terrier dogs 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 its 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.

How much grooming does a Bull Terrier need?

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 include 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.

Do Bull Terrier bark much?

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.

Do Bull Terrier bite?

Although bull terriers are loving and affectionate, they are strong dogs that need lots of socialisation and training. Without these things, biting habits could develop and this is the last thing you want, especially if you have children.

As long as you socialise your bull terrier as early as possible and give them consistent and firm training from day 1, you shouldn't have issues with biting.

What is the temperament & personality of a Bull Terrier?

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.

What is the weight & size of a Bull Terrier?

The standard bull terrier comes in different sizes, with males weighing between 25-30 kg and females around 20-30 kg. They typically stand around 55 cm at the withers.

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

How much training does a Bull Terrier need?

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.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Bull Terrier?

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.

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 should you feed a Bull Terrier?

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.

What is the price of 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.