Bull Terrier dogs were developed by crossing a Bulldog and several terrier breeds.
The goal is to improve fighting qualities to participate in dog fights.
After the activity was banned in Europe, dogs were used as watchdogs, guards and companions, as well as for hunting small rodents.
This breed is distinguished by its pronounced fighting qualities and non-standard appearance.
What does an adult bull terrier look like in the photo?
The Bull Terrier is a fairly powerful, muscular and very strong medium-sized dog . Its distinctive features are a wedge-shaped head and a triangular muzzle, thanks to which the breed cannot be confused with any other.
The dog's eyes are small, slanted and dark, and they have an unusual triangular shape, characteristic only of representatives of this breed.
The pet's ears are small, thin, and located quite close to each other..
The tail is short, horizontal and conical in shape. In addition, the pet has a powerful neck, dense bones and a wide chest.
The Bull Terrier's coat is short and quite hard.
Color may be:
- White.
- Black.
- Two-color.
- Tricolor.
- Tiger.
- Red.
- Tiger-white.
If the pet has a pure white color, then the nose must be black; with any other color, spots are allowed.
The height of an adult dog is from 30 to 45 cm at the withers, weight - 18-35 kg, life expectancy - 10-12 years, but with good care the dog can live longer.
There are also smaller individuals - miniature bull terriers.
It was customary for the first bull terriers to have their ears cropped, but after the adoption of a law prohibiting cropping, breeders corrected this deficiency and dogs with elegant erect ears appeared..
Keeping a Bull Terrier
Bull Terriers are completely unpretentious to their living conditions. They feel great in a city apartment. Short hair does not need to be combed, only during the shedding period it is advisable to use a special mitten or brush.
Even in wet weather, the Bull Terrier does not require thorough washing. Simply wipe your pet's legs and belly with a large, wet foam sponge.
Doesn't require washing, you say? Checkmate! (c) Pig dog
The bull terrier's claws wear down naturally when moving. The eyes are well protected from accidental damage; in a healthy dog, they do not need to be wiped. Only sometimes dry lumps accumulate in the corner of the eye. The erect ears of Bull Terriers are less susceptible to ear infections than the heavy, floppy ears of other breeds. It’s also not worth wiping them unnecessarily.
Bull Terriers do not have the enormous need for movement that hunting dogs so often suffer from. A good walk 2-3 times a day, at least for half an hour, is enough for them.
Bull Terriers also have a need to take a nap on a soft sofa.
Due to their short coat and complete lack of undercoat, Bull Terriers cope poorly with thermoregulation. In summer they are threatened by sunstroke, and in winter by hypothermia. In our climate, it is better to buy special overalls for the bull terrier so that walks in autumn and winter are comfortable for the dog.
Breed standard
According to the official breed standard , the Bull Terrier must have the following parameters :
- Strong, muscular and proportional body.
- The head is ovoid, strong, but not rough.
- The muzzle should be wedge-shaped, with the nose line downward.
- The eyes are narrow, slanting, triangular in shape.
- The neck is powerful, strong, muscular.
- The body must be round, with a pronounced convexity of the ribs, while the sternum is located lower than the stomach.
- The paws are round in shape with curled toes.
- In males, both testes should be well developed and descended into the scrotum.
Description
The standard for this breed is rather vague, the weight of an individual ranges from eighteen to thirty kilograms. There are also miniature bull terriers, which should not be more than thirty-five and a half centimeters tall. The main thing is that the dog is muscular and does not appear thin or fat. Here are the distinctive features of these four-legged animals:
- strong muscles and a strong body,
- the head is oval, located low,
- the lower jaw has a scissor bite, powerful,
- the eyes are narrow, dark brown in color, triangular in shape,
- the ears stand, are located close to each other,
- paws are powerful, stable,
- rounded torso, powerful chest,
- the tail is very short, thicker at the base.
Briefly about character and temperament
The Bull Terrier can be called an active, agile and very sociable dog. He is able to withstand significant loads, is self-sufficient and independent.
With proper upbringing, this is a wonderful companion, guard and everyone's friend..
However, if not properly trained, a dog can be aggressive, unpredictable and even socially dangerous. After all, the breed was bred as a fighting breed and all the qualities of a fighter were preserved in it.
This means that a lot of attention should be paid to education and training.
As for working qualities, with proper upbringing, the dog can be a good guard and watchman, and will also get along with other animals: dogs, cats and even other bull terriers.
Upbringing
There are many stories about aggression in bull terriers, but animals only show it if they are not properly trained. It is very important to treat the puppy well; once it reaches the age of one month, it needs to be socialized.
He needs a close connection with humans, but must also communicate with animals, preferably of his own breed.
You should show him his place, teach him to adapt, explain to him that a person’s skin is thinner, so he cannot bite and scratch, play with him the same way as with his brothers.
You will have to teach him to behave calmly when alone, to respond to a nickname, and to obey commands. Use the carrot and stick method, encourage, treat, pet, and in case of disobedience, speak strictly, but do not be too cruel. Twitching the skin on the back of the neck can serve as a good punishment, this is exactly how the parents of a puppy behave, wanting to teach him a lesson, so such manifestations of severity are most understandable for him.
If he does something very serious, you should take him by the head with both hands, look into his eyes, holding his cheeks, and tell him in a stern voice that he is bad. You can only let him go when he stops resisting. After that, make peace with him.
Types of pets
There are 4 types of the Bull Terrier breed that are allowed by the standards.
This:
- Bulldog.
- Terrier.
- Intermediate type.
- Dalmatian.
Bulldog
Distinctive features are compactness, massiveness, powerful bones, strong neck and wide chest. Such dogs are stockier and stronger, have elastic hips and a powerful body.
This type is quite rude, disproportionate and energetic, and also has a number of disadvantages:
- Short legs.
- Squatness.
- Short neck.
- Raised shoulders.
Terrier
The terrier type is distinguished by precision of lines, compactness and proportionality of the body . Typically, dogs of this type have lighter bones, a short back, straight and rather high limbs.
The disadvantages include:
- Lack of strength and energy.
- The frame is too light for this breed.
- Narrow chest.
- Excessive ease of movement.
Dalmatian
This type is distinguished by a neat and proportional exterior, a long neck and graceful limbs. The head of such pets is very long, but neat, the sides are flat, the muzzle is elongated and the tail is long.
Some representatives resemble a hound, which in no way corresponds to the standards of the bull terrier breed.
Intermediate
Intermediate type dogs took on the qualities of the other three . The head of such pets is proportional and has a slightly elongated shape. The neck is long and strong, the shoulder blades are set correctly, the paws are straight, the chest is wide. The tail is horizontal and low set.
This type of dog is less rough than the bulldog type, but stronger than terriers . At the same time, such a dog is quite compact, well built, but does not have grace.
Basic colors
According to breed standards, the color of the Bull Terrier should be white.
In this case, skin pigmentation does not matter. However, other colors are also acceptable, the owners of which can also participate in exhibitions and win prizes.
White
White is considered the most common and preferred color, with the standard allowing for spots of a different color on the face, head, neck or ears. Even in this case, the color will be considered white.
But, if there are spots on the body or legs, the color will be considered white with markings.
Ginger
Red is considered a color in which the dog is completely covered with red hair. In this case, the shade can be anything, from dark brown to light red.
However, a very light color is considered fawn and is undesirable, as it leads to a decrease in points at shows..
Black
A completely black color in a Bull Terrier is extremely rare; in most cases, such dogs have white spots on their paws, face or neck, but in this case, the color will be considered two-tone.
Two-color (bicolor)
The bi-colored Bull Terrier may have areas of white, and these may be located on the paws, tail, muzzle or chest.
The main condition is that white spots should not occupy more than 50% of the body surface.
Tricolor
This color may include:
- Black.
- Ginger.
- White.
- Brown.
According to the standard, a tricolor dog should have no more than 50% white . Other colors must be clearly distinguishable and can be of any proportion.
brindle
As a rule, in such pets the red color acts as the main color and is complemented by black stripes. At the same time, the standards allow black color as the main color with red stripes.
White markings are also allowed on the entire body except the muzzle . If white spots are present on the face, then the color is considered brindle-white.
Grey
This color is quite rare and, as a rule, is a sign of a non-purebred dog.
Animals of this color are usually not allowed to exhibitions and do not participate in breeding work.
Brown
Brown color is considered one of the variants of red and can have any shades except fawn.
Fawn coloring is considered undesirable and such dogs are not allowed for breeding..
What do boys and girls look like and how are they different?
Bull Terrier boys are in most cases larger than girls, have stronger bones, and are also much more active and aggressive. They are born fighters and guards. Males of this breed are less tolerant of small children and other animals.
At the same time, bitches are more affectionate and flexible.
Girls look more graceful, have lighter bones and a whiter, more harmonious physique . At the same time, they are inferior to males in strength, speed and aggression. Girls are much more tolerant of children and more often find a common language with pets.
NOTE!
In bull terriers, gender inequality is quite developed, so males are often more devoted to female owners, and females prefer the company of male owners.
Appearance of puppies
Bull Terrier puppies in appearance resemble dense lumps, similar to soft toys. They have a strong build, proportional body parts and a silky coat. Only as she grows up will she become tougher and rougher.
Healthy puppies of this breed are cheerful, active and very entertaining, they get along well with each other, are very playful and affectionate.
Such kids especially need love and attention; this is the only way they can develop a healthy psyche. You should also take into account the characteristics of the breed and start socializing them as early as possible to avoid problems in the future.
Why is a bull terrier dangerous?
Families with small children and those who are already frightened by stories about the “bloody exploits” of bull terriers are especially interested in this issue. Why is a bull terrier dangerous? Because it's a dog. Big, strong, fast. And it's not about the breed.
But there is no smoke without fire. There are several points due to which bull terriers have a reputation for being inadequate.
Willingness to fight to the end
Now everyone is saying that the Bull Terrier is a companion dog, and nothing more. This is true. But we must not forget that the bulls were forged in the crucible of dog fighting. In the past, they were forced to fight for their lives, with no way to retreat. This is unnatural to nature - usually, if a dog admits defeat in a fight, the winner does not finish off the defeated one.
Dog fights were often fought to the death. Therefore, a bull terrier cannot be defeated, it can only be killed. It is precisely because of their readiness to die or kill that boules emerge victorious in fights with dogs that are much larger than them in mass.
Please note - these dogs do NOT fight, but play with each other
Having made a decision, he will not back down
The famous stubbornness of bull terriers is their tendency to make decisions on their own. This is one of the few dogs that is more stubborn than dachshunds. It is this trait that makes it difficult or impossible to train a bull terrier to become a guard dog.
The shepherd will rush at the enemy after the command “face” or “take”, try to neutralize him and release him on the owner’s orders. Sometimes detained criminals do not even have bite marks left - the dog pushes the person with its paws and growls threateningly. If this is enough, she will not tear or bite the enemy.
This doesn't work with bull terriers. It is difficult to pull him away from the target, which a second ago he was ordered to “tear.” These dogs inflict serious bites, trying to kill, not neutralize. Dog trainers say that in the time it takes to train a bull terrier, I will raise three shepherd dogs.
The second point: the bull terrier begins to decide for himself which of those around him is a threat. And he may rush at an acquaintance who decided to jokingly pat you on the back, at a person who allegedly waved his hand.
A bull terrier cannot be trained to serve as a security guard. Fans of the breed never try to make a bodyguard out of a bully, especially since the dog’s menacing appearance is enough to scare off random hooligans.
Let me sleep, and you will protect me?
Aggression towards animals
Owners of bull terriers often face the problem of animal aggression - when a dog grows up, he may want to measure his strength with a larger opponent. Cats may also be at risk. The period from 6 months to 2 years is the most crucial in terms of dog socialization. A young bull must communicate with friendly relatives.
Any dog needs to be taught to live in society
The desire to play with a kitten as if it were a furry squeaky toy should be nipped in the bud. Most bull terriers easily get along with any pets in the same apartment. But some owners were unable to wean them from their passionate desire to chase cats.
All the bull terriers I know get along well with a cat in the same apartment
Like any other dog, a bull terrier should not be allowed to fight, and it makes sense to castrate males not involved in breeding.
You can read more about castration of male dogs HERE (link will open in a new tab).
Powerful physique
Bull Terriers are quite large dogs, reaching a weight of 30-35 kg, and sometimes 45 kg. At the same time, they have extremely powerful muscles. It is difficult even for an adult to hold a boule in a snatch. If it is necessary to pull the pet away, the owner may be in difficulty - the bull cannot be grabbed either by the cheeks, or by the ears, or by the fold of skin on the neck. They are perfectly smooth. Usually a dog in an extreme situation is restrained by grabbing its hind legs.
The Bull Terrier is as agile as a drop of mercury, heavy and not too delicate. All this leads to the fact that he can touch and butt people in a fit of joy. Therefore, it is better for elderly people and children to stay away from an angry dog. Personally, a bully broke my nose with his head while trying to lick my face. Even the bull terrier's tail flails like a club, and he wags it for any reason.
Types of crossbreeds
With husky
A hybrid of a bull terrier and a husky is a rather unusual and large variety of mestizos . The height at the withers of such a dog is approximately 50 cm, weight - 35 -40 kg.
The eyes are blue, and the body is sculpted, quite strong and powerful, like a bull terrier. The dog also has a large and elongated nose, short hair, softer to the touch than that of a bull terrier, but coarser than that of a husky.
The dog is calm, moderately sociable, active, but non-aggressive . If desired, you can grow a good guard out of her.
With Jack Russell
A cross between these two breeds looks very unusual, but is harmonious and proportional. The first thing that catches your eye is the pet’s nose – elongated, wedge-shaped and slightly downward.
Such dogs have a strong build, strong bones and a muzzle, like a bull terrier . They are active, very sociable and cheerful. From the bull terrier, mestizos receive strength of character, self-confidence and the ability to defend the territory.
The Jack Russell has a cheerful disposition, a love of long walks and a penchant for hunting small animals.
Such hybrids are generally less aggressive than Bull Terriers, but more stubborn and persistent than Jack Russells . Height at the withers is 35-40 cm, weight 10-12 kg, life expectancy 10-13 years.
With Labrador
A cross between these breeds is more similar to a Labrador, but much smaller in size . The physique of such a pet is powerful, strong and muscular. The head is of medium size, the nose is straight.
The color is very often red, fawn or brown, the ears are drooping and medium-sized.
As for his character, he can be called calm and friendly . Mixed breeds usually inherit activity and strength from the bull terrier, and they take the tendency to overeat from both parents, since both breeds have this deficiency.
Bull Terrier dog breed: 7 character traits
Notoriety is firmly attached to bull terriers. The paradox is that it is “fighting” dogs that are infinitely friendly to humans. Good or bad, a bull's behavior is always the result of upbringing. But any breed of dog presupposes (besides its specific appearance) a certain temperament. Bull Terriers also have a typical character.
Active
The typical terrier is always full of fire. Shilopopia is inherent in all bull terriers, without exception, even at an advanced age. Such a pet is ready to start a fun romp around the clock. Bulka can even accompany its owner on a bike ride, unless it’s hot outside.
Irrepressible energy must find a way out every day, otherwise the bull terrier will inevitably begin to misbehave. The greatest damage to the environment is caused by young bulls up to 1.5-2 years old.
White bull terrier puppy
Balanced
Aggressive bull terriers are just as unusual as timid ones. An undeniable property of the breed is a stable psyche. The Bull Terrier will never be a lazy sleepyhead, like its ancestor the Bulldog, but according to the type of nervous system it is sanguine, not choleric.
Bulki remain calm in new surroundings and noisy places - if only the owner were nearby. Neither holiday fireworks nor visits to the veterinary clinic bother them.
In dogs, fear often transforms into aggression. But cowardice is absolutely not characteristic of a bull terrier! If a dog grew up affectionately, in a family, it makes no sense to expect “sudden” attacks of aggression from it. The courage of bullies is not expressed in cockiness and the desire to grapple with a larger male. It manifests itself as intelligent calm.
Stubborn
A pronounced character trait of bull terriers is willfulness. This breed is not suitable for people who are looking for an executive servant in a dog.
Like a stubborn child, the Bull Terrier is taught with love and patience. This dog is happy to obey a strong will, but does not follow orders thoughtlessly. Only if you win your pet's heart will the bully be obedient because he wants to please you.
A bull terrier cannot be forced! Don’t get involved in a battle that you will lose; the bully’s donkey tenacity exceeds human patience. The only thing you will achieve is to ruin your relationship with your pet for a long time and lose his trust.
Let's see which of us is more stubborn
With a sense of humor
Some people consider bull terriers to be dull. Fundamentally wrong! Bulkas are really not suitable for search work or agility, but they have high intelligence. It is their lively mind that gives them a mischievous devilry and slyness.
All bull terrier owners claim that their pet has a sense of humor. They know how to make their owner laugh in difficult times, cheer everyone up with their antics and are not offended if they laugh at them. And thanks to the special structure of the muzzle, the bull is the best at smiling. In general, their facial expressions are expressive, like a person’s, and reflect any emotions.
When asked to smile for a photo
Friendly, sociable
The Bull Terrier is an optimist in life, a smiling dog. In terms of friendliness, he will give odds to any Labrador! Bulkas love people, some owners even think that they love them too much. It's hard not to be jealous of your dog when he vigorously wags his tail and exposes his belly to a stranger for a scratch.
Bull Terriers are not suitable for home guarding or as a “bodyguard”. Without special training, they joyfully greet all guests.
Loves his owners
Bull Terriers idolize their owner. They are ready to accompany him anywhere and everywhere, and suffer greatly if they are left alone for a long time. The Bull Terrier's love naturally extends to all household members - including cats and children. Bullies are ideal companions; they are initially focused on communicating with humans. Perhaps this is one of the few dogs that may prefer to play with the owner rather than with their relatives.
Favorite pug
Touchy
It is difficult for an outsider to suspect a subtle mental organization in the “formidable jock”. Nevertheless, it is true. Bull Terriers are very vulnerable. They can become offended, jealous, and depressed if the owner behaves incorrectly with the dog. The Bull Terrier needs a lot of love, affection and attention. And for every harsh word there should be praise tenfold.
How to choose?
The choice of a bull terrier puppy, first of all, depends on the purpose for which the dog is purchased . You need to think in advance who the dog will be: a companion, an athlete, a guard or a participant in exhibitions.
Only after the answers to these questions have been found should you begin to choose a puppy.
Other things to consider:
- The Bull Terrier is a rather stubborn and rude dog, which can become a problem for a weak-willed and soft-spoken person.
- Male bull terriers are, as a rule, larger, stronger and more aggressive than females, so it is preferable for an inexperienced dog breeder to get a girl.
- Before buying a puppy, you should definitely ask whether he has any genetic diseases or pronounced deviations from the standard in his family.
- If the goal is to participate in exhibitions, then you should not choose a blue or light brown puppy; such pets have little chance of winning.
In all other respects, choosing a bull terrier puppy is no different from choosing a baby of any other breed..
There is a lot of misinformation out there regarding the Bull Terrier breed. Therefore, before getting such a dog, you should familiarize yourself with the characteristics of the breed in order to avoid disappointments and troubles.
Also, before buying a puppy, you should soberly assess your capabilities and experience in raising dogs, because it is extremely undesirable for beginners to have a bull terrier.
Disadvantages of Bull Terriers: what you need to know in advance
Breeders warn: everything in the world must be in balance. The Bull Terrier will delight, touch and delight you. And just as often he will infuriate you, sometimes driving you to despair.
Deliberate disobedience
Even a well-bred bull terrier can experience bouts of “selective deafness” that will drive you crazy. Having learned and perfected a command, the dog simply stops following it.
Boule will test your strength throughout your life, trying to expand the boundaries of what is permitted. Over time, you will get used to it, and you will be reminded who is boss in passing. But you can't give in. If you forbid your dog to beg, and another day, after thinking, you throw a piece from the table - this is a failure. Be consistent, decide in advance and clearly what is possible and what is not.
Am I not the boss of the house?
Can't stand loneliness
Getting a bull terrier is about the same as bringing a three-year-old child into the house. You don’t leave your children alone for 8-12 hours, do you? And if you leave it, then don’t be surprised at the destruction in the apartment. A young bull terrier, out of boredom and anxiety, gnaws on everything it comes across. It’s especially good if the item has the scent of a departed owner – that’s why the shoes are the first to suffer.
Powerful jaws are capable of crushing a wooden chair into small splinters, and natural stubbornness does not allow the bull to stop until all the linoleum is torn off the floor. If the bull terrier does not agree to stay in a locked room, he will break down the door with his cast iron head. Most often - successfully.
It is worth thinking about your schedule in advance if you are taking a bull terrier puppy into your home. And abandon this idea if you are not ready to devote enough time to the dog.
A puppy in the house is not only a great joy, but also a great responsibility.
Unhealthy public attention
Wherever you go with your bull terrier, there will be those who have read the yellow press at one time. Even at a dog park, owners may ask you to put your “killer” on a leash, even if the dog is only 6-7 months old... The situation is aggravated by the fact that most people do not distinguish between 4 different breeds of dogs:
- The English Standard Bull Terrier is what we are talking about in this article;
- English Staffordshire Bull Terrier;
- American Pit Bull Terrier, pit bull;
- American Staffordshire Terrier, Amstaff.
You will hear phrases like “Pona, “Hold him, don’t you see, my toy/sneeze/Yorkie is throwing himself!” You will need a lot of patience and a lot of self-control. And if you don’t have these qualities, then you shouldn’t have a bull terrier.
Lifehack for bull terrier owners: funny pet costumes will help calm down Grandma Galya from the next apartment and mothers from the playground
Look, I'm white and fluffy, a harmless bull
It's hard to be afraid of someone in an elf unicorn costume
Your dog will always be under close attention, so his reputation must be crystal clear. God forbid you forget your poop bag at home or run towards a flock of pigeons. What is forgivable for a cute beagle or fluffy Samoyed is not forgivable for a bull terrier.
