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All About Them . . .Topics Covered . . .
What Is A Bull Terrier?
Don't be put off by the name. They may sound like big mean dogs but Bull Terriers are actually loving and playful dogs. They usually become very attached to
their owners and their owners become very attached to them! They are a cross between a Bulldog and a Terrier - hence the name. This cross breeding came about
after the English Parliament banned the practice of bull baiting. This ancient practice was a cruel sport in which a tethered bull was attacked
by vicious bulldogs before being slaughtered. After the sport was banned due to public outcry, dog breeders, appreciating the fierceness and courage of bulldogs, yet enjoying the gameness of the terrier
decided to cross breed the two.
Young Bull Terriers
Up until the age of 5 or 6, Bull Terriers tend to be very busy. Bull Terriers should be with active people and families who will see they get
lots of attention and exercise. If they are restricted, they tend to become somewhat destructive. They don't like to be bored so be prepared to play with and give lots of attention to your Bull Terrier
.
As Pets and Around Children
These are very family oriented pets. They need attention and they need to live inside the home. It would be cruel not to let this type of dog into your house.
They like to play - give them a cresite rubber ball and they will have fun for hours. Think carefully before giving them your old shoes. This will
train them to believe that all your shoes are there for them to chew on!
 Bull Terriers are very protective of their owners. They
make excellent watch dogs. However, they have been known to become too possessive and jealous at times. Therefore, it is important to monitor them at all times,
especially when around children. They can be great with children as long as they are handled with firm discipline and lots of common sense on the part of the adults.
They will chase a ball for hours on end or just follow children around. If the dog has not been raised with children, it may not be tolerant of small
children. Also, while the Bull Terrier may tolerate the children it has been raised with very well, it may not accept other children.
It is important to note that Bull Terriers do not like to be teased. They can become somewhat violent if provoked. They may respond to teasing by biting.
Bull Terriers With Other Bull Terriers
Male Bull Terriers who have not been neutered probably will not get along with other males. There will be a constant struggle for dominance.
However, a male and female Bull Terrier can live together happily. Likewise, two females can often live together. It is not usually a good
idea, however, to suddenly bring a new dog into a house where one has been living and receiving attention for some time. This will often lead to jealousy.
Bull Terriers with Other Animals
Bull Terriers may not accept other animals. Although
 they can be trained to live with other small animals and many
Bull Terriers do successfully live in homes with other pets such as cats, rabbits, etc. (Any Bull Terrier would eat the frog on the left in a heart beat!) However this takes the perseverance of a
dedicated owner. Otherwise it is not recommended. Also, make sure that your Bull Terrier is given its own food separately and away from other animals.
They have a tendency to become possessive over food and may hurt another animal who tries to eat from their bowl.
Barking and Grumbling
Bull Terriers don't bark often. If your Bull Terrier is barking, there is a reason for it. They do however, grunt and grumble on occasion. Make
sure you can tell the difference between when they are growling and when they are grumbling. Many Bull Terriers are great talkers, and grumbling is their way of getting in on the conversation.
Health Problems
Puppies should be checked for deafness. They should also be restricted from jumping too high or from suddenly
stopping. Due to their rapid growth rate and the weight and density of their muscles, such activity can make a puppy prone to sudden lameness.
Bull Terriers are susceptible to skin allergies sometimes due to flea bites or mosquito bites. Like many other animals, Bull Terriers shed their coats daily and therefore, should be brushed daily.
Life Span
Most Bull Terriers live to be eight to nine years old. However, with
proper nutrition and exercise, many live a lot longer.
Breeding
Breeding is best left to responsible breeders, people who care about the
temperament and health of the breed. It is a very expensive undertaking and you will NEVER get rich breeding Bull Terriers!
Training
Bull Terriers need to be obedience trained by their owner. The owner needs
 to establish a firm bond with the dog. They would like to
dominate you. It is of the utmost importance that you immediately correct such behaviour. They are very intelligent dogs and they learn quickly. Therefore, it is
necessary to utilize patience when training these dogs. You will need to invest in a good choke chain and a sturdy leash. IMPORTANT NOTE: Never leave a choke collar on a dog
when you are not present!(See the next page
to learn how I trained Cali and Patch.) |
