Bull Terrier General Breed Profile

Bull TerrierThe Bull Terrier is a type of dog that resides in the terrier family. The smallest version of this breed of dog is known as the Miniature Bull Terrier.

The terrier dog breed was commonly used in the 19th century to attack and kill Vermin. Vermin are pesty insects that attack crops and spread diseases. In the 1800s, the terrier was commonly used for fighting purposes. People would buy and train terriers to fight for entertainment.

This breed of dog is known to have a unique egg-shaped head. This feature is most noticeable when looking at the dog from the front. The top of its head is almost completely flat. This type of dog has a strong jaw and small, triangular shaped eyes that are dark. It has small ears that point straight upward. The terrier carries its tail horizontally. The tail is short, but thick. Its shoulders are strong and muscular. The nostrils on this type of dog have evolved to be one of its best assets. This dog has a fantastic sense of smell. This skill would be perfect for hunting and locate lost items.

A lot of dog breeders decided to breed bulldogs and terriers in order to enhance speed and strength. People living in the 19th century wanted a dog with the best fighting qualities. The breeding of these two breeds was strictly for performance purposes. Dog breeders were not trying to create the most beautiful dog breed.

There have been some medical problems associated with breeding two white dogs. Staffordshire Bull Terriers were used during breeding to introduce color.

Bull Terrier Sizing Information

A terrier breed can weigh anywhere from two pounds for a newborn terrier, to upwards of eighty pounds for grown adults. Both males and females are 18-22 inches tall. The terrier breed is on the smaller side of dog breeds, but they do have a large coat.

Bull Terrier Colors

There is just about any color of terrier you can imagine. The most common colors for the terrier bread are white, brindle, fawn, red, red smut, black, and a mixture of black and red.

Temperament Notes

This specific terrier breed is known to be independent and has a short temper. This breed is not recommended for first-time dog owners as it usually takes a while to train, and it requires patience and strength. These dogs do like being around people once the chemistry between human and dog is formed. They can be very loyal. The terrier lives in high spirit and easily gets along with children when trained properly. Bull terriers have no temperament difference when compared to a breed like a golden retriever.

Health Notes

This particular breed of terrier is prone to deafness. All young terriers should be checked for deafness. It is difficult to identify deafness from the naked eye, although nearly one and every five pure white terriers experience deafness. Nearly one percent of colored terriers experience deafness.

Several terrier breeds can develop skin allergies during their lifetime. They live an average of 10-14 years. Bites and stings from insects such as bees, mosquitoes, fleas, and mites will cause rashes and itchy skin. It is recommended by veterinarians and other health specialists to keep these dogs indoor as much as possible or out of climates that are prone to the growth of harmful insects.

Other facts

This specific breed of dog is known for being the ultimate fighting dog. They are extremely agile and can be taught to do a bunch of neat tricks or how to run through an obstacle course.

Terriers often shed a lot more than some people think. They have a thick coat with short, harsh hairs that can stick to clothing and furniture. People with sensitive skin may experience some rashes with exposure to this breed. Grooming this dog is a relatively easy task. Terriers do shed often, but taking a couple minutes to brush their coat a few times a week ensures that the shedding will be kept to a minimum. That means less cleanup for the owners.

The terrier does not like to be alone and they do not enjoy cold weather. They are friendly with other dogs and children, and they can easily adapt to living in small homes or apartments.