Bull Terrier
Also known as: English Bull Terrier Bully
The Bull Terrier originated in England and is known for its distinctive egg-shaped head. The Bull Terrier comes from England, typically weighs Males, and has a short, dense coat. Individual Bull Terriers vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Breed at a glance
- Origin
- England
- Weight
- Males
- Height
- Males
- Coat
- Short, dense
- Colour
- White, brindle, fawn, red, red smut, black, and tricolor (black, red, and white mixture).
- Other names
- English Bull Terrier Bully
About the Bull Terrier
The Bull Terrier originated in England and is known for its distinctive egg-shaped head. Males typically weigh 55-75 pounds and stand 20-22 inches tall.
Overview
The Bull Terrier is a breed of dog in the terrier family. There is also a miniature version of this breed, the Miniature Bull Terrier . This breed originates in England , where the bull and terrier breeds were originally bred for vermin control and bloodsports. In the mid-19th century, James Hinks began breeding the bull and terriers with English White Terriers , eventually resulting in the modern breed. The Bull Terrier has a distinctive ''egg-shaped'' head, triangular eyes, and a robust body. Bull Terriers have a slightly below average lifespan. White bull terriers have a strong tendency towards deafness, and may also inherit lethal acrodermatitis.
Health
A 2024 UK study found a life expectancy of 12 years for the breed compared to an average of 12.7 for purebreeds and 12 for crossbreeds . An earlier UK breed survey puts their median lifespan at 10 years and their mean at 9 years (1 s.f. , RSE = 13.87% 2 d. p. ), with a good number of dogs living to 10–15 years. Deafness occurs in 20.4% of pure white Bull Terriers and 1.3% of colored Bull Terriers. Many Bull Terriers have a tendency to develop skin allergies . Insect bites, such as those from fleas , and sometimes mosquitoes and mites , can produce a generalised allergic response of hives, rash, and itching. Lethal acrodermatitis , also known as Acrodermatitis of the Bull Terrier, is a rare genodermatosis monogenic autosomal inherited disease found exclusively in white Bull Terriers (including the miniature Bull Terrier). The condition is usually fatal and is characterised by poor growth, decreased serum copper and zinc levels, immunodeficiency, bronchopneumonia , skin lesions, and erosions on the distal extremities. Other symptoms that occur later on include crusting, papules , pustules , erythema , hyperkeratosis , and colour dilution. The condition manifests within the first few weeks of life and most puppies affected die before the age of 2. Their size is roughly half of their unaffected litter mates at a year old. Unlike the human condition acrodermatitis enteropathica , zinc supplements do not improve symptoms. A UK study found the Bull Terrier to have a predisposition to neutrophilic cholangitis , with the breed being 25.34 times more likely to acquire the condition.
History
At the start of the 19th century, the " bull and terrier " breeds were developed to satisfy the needs for vermin control and animal-based blood sports . The bull and terriers were based on the Old English Bulldog (now extinct) and Old English Terriers with possible other terriers. This new breed combined the speed and dexterity of lightly built terriers with the dour tenacity of the Bulldog, which was a poor performer in most combat situations, having been bred almost exclusively for fighting bulls and bears tied to a post. Many breeders began to breed bulldogs with terriers, arguing that such a mixture enhances the quality of fighting. Despite the fact that a cross between a bulldog and a terrier was of high value, very little or nothing was done to preserve the breed in its original form. Due to the lack of breed standards—breeding was for performance, not appearance—the "bull and terrier" eventually divided into the ancestors of "Bull Terriers" and " Staffordshire Bull Terriers ", both smaller and easier to handle than the progenitor. In the mid-19th century, James Hinks started breeding bull and terriers with " English White Terriers " (now extinct), looking for a cleaner appearance with better legs and nicer head. In 1862, Hinks entered a dam called "Puss" sired by his white Bulldog called "Madman" into the Bull Terrier Class at the dog show held at the Cremorne Gardens in Chelsea, London . Originally, these dogs did not yet have the now-familiar "egg face", but kept the stop in the skull profile. The dog was immediately popular and breeding continued, using Dalmatian , Spanish Pointer , and Whippet to increase elegance and agility; and Borzoi and Rough Collie to reduce the stop. Hinks wanted his dogs white, and bred specifically for this. The first modern Bull Terrier is now recognized as "Lord Gladiator", from 1917, being the first dog with no stop at all. Due to medical problems associated with all-white breeding, Ted Lyon among others began introducing colour, using Staffordshire Bull Terriers in the early 20th century. Colored Bull Terriers were recognized as a separate variety (at least by the AKC) in 1936. Brindle is the preferred colour, but other colors are welcome.
Appearance
The Bull Terrier''s most recognizable feature is its head, described as ''egg-shaped'', when viewed from the front; the top of the skull and face is almost flat. The profile curves gently downwards from the top of the skull to the tip of the nose, which is black and bent downwards at the tip, with well-developed nostrils. The lower jaw is deep and strong. The unique, triangular eyes are small, dark, and deep-set. Bull Terriers are one of the only dogs that have triangular eyes. The body is full and round, with strong, muscular shoulders. The tail is carried horizontally. They are either white, red, fawn, black, brindle, or a combination of these.
Temperament
Bull Terriers can be both independent and stubborn and for this reason are not considered suitable for an inexperienced dog owner. A Bull Terrier has an even temperament and is amenable to discipline. Although obstinate, the breed is described by the Bull Terrier Club as particularly good with people. Early socialization will ensure that the dog will get along with other dogs and animals. Their personality is described as courageous and full of spirit, with a fun-loving attitude. The breed is sometimes a target of breed-specific legislation , either by name or as a pitbull-type dog. A 2008 study in Germany did not find that Bull Terriers had any significant temperament difference from Golden Retrievers in overall temperament researches; despite this, the breed is banned from importation in Germany.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key characteristics of the Bull Terrier?
The Bull Terrier is a medium-sized dog with a distinctive 'egg-shaped' head, short, easy-to-maintain coat, and muscular build. They typically weigh between 50-90 pounds and stand 10-12 inches tall at the shoulder. Their short, dense coat comes in a variety of colors, including white, fawn, brindle, and red.
Is the Bull Terrier a good family dog?
Bull Terriers are generally good with children if socialized properly from an early age. However, they can be energetic and require regular exercise to keep them happy and healthy. They also require consistent training and attention to prevent destructive behavior. With proper care, they can make loyal and loving family pets.
What health problems do Bull Terriers have?
Bull Terriers are prone to certain health issues, including deafness, which affects around 20.4% of the breed. They can also be susceptible to heart problems, allergies, and joint issues. Regular veterinary check-ups and genetic testing can help identify potential health problems early on.
How much does a Bull Terrier puppy cost?
The cost of a Bull Terrier puppy can vary depending on factors such as location, breeder reputation, and bloodline. On average, you can expect to pay between £800-£1,500 (approximately $1,000-$2,000 USD) for a puppy from a reputable breeder. Additionally, you'll need to factor in costs for spaying/neutering, vaccinations, and microchipping.
Where do Bull Terriers come from?
The Bull Terrier comes from England. The breed developed there before spreading to dog fanciers worldwide.
Related breeds
Breed information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Bull Terrier, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.