Bull Terrier Breed Description

An Owner's Bull Terrier Description
At first I thought Sparky might not be the best family dog. Not because of his character, it was my own misconception of that character. Just as many mistakenly believe about the American Pit Bull, I mistook Sparky to be a fighting dog.

Like lots of terriers -- including the American Pit Bull, by the way - Bull Terriers were once bred to fight, but today the breed is best described as a scrappy, tough, courageous, fun-loving, active, clownish and fearless family dog. He's also a loyal, polite and obedient. Sparky has become extremely attached to us, which means he will stand up to anyone and anything that he feels is a threat to us, including other dogs, but he is not the aggressor.

He needs constant mental and physical stimulation, and if there isn't enough of either one, he kind of goes stir-crazy. Then he'll begin to push the smaller children around with his above-average energy. But with daily exercise and busy activities he is our happy clown, living to entertain.

As we were raising Sparky, he needed a firm hand in discipline, but not a heavy or abusive one. Sparky can get caught up in the moment, jumping right in with the boys' rough-housing. If there is some quarreling going on in the house between the kids, he'll get right in the middle of it and throw in his two cents.

Sadly, we found out the hard way that most Bull Terriers, including Sparky, do not do well with smaller house pets such as hamsters. My little girl is still angry about the "accident" . We explained that Terriers were bred to hunt and kill vermin, and that Sparky didn't know that the hamster was a pet. I don't think she's fully forgiven Sparky, but she's back to playing with him for hours on end. I think he's helping her understand he meant no harm.

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Introduction

These dogs are thick-set, muscular, well proportioned animals with a short, dense coat that comes in black brindle, red, fawn, tri-color and pure white. Their most distinctive feature is the head, which is almost flat on the top sloping evenly down to the nose with no stop. These dogs are courageous, scrappy, fun-loving, active, clownish and fearless. They thrive on affection and make a fine family pet but do not tolerate teasing, so children should be taught to respect them. These loyal and polite dogs need lots of exercise and can be somewhat difficult to train. The standard size weighs 45 to 60 lbs. and stands 21-22" at the shoulders.

History

In 1830, when the battle between the bulls and Bulldogs was at its peak, the enthusiasts of this sport made a decision to come up with an agile dog capable of attacking the enemy. This led to crossing the Old English Terrier with the Bulldog and mixing in some Spanish Pointer Blood and the Bull Terrier was developed. During the year 1860, James Hinks, who was a dog dealer, created a refined version of the crosses that was distinguished by its white coat. These dogs came to be known as an independent breed called the Bull Terrier. At the time, they were referred to as the white Cavaliers. In the early 20th century, the Bull Terrier was cross bred with the Staffordshire's to bring about the colored variety of the Bull Terrier. Over the years the breed has been used as a herder, guard, watchdog, and ratter.

General Description

The Bull Terrier is masculine and thick set. The dog has a coarse and short coat that comes in a variety of colors. The dog’s most distinctive feature is the head that is egg-shaped. From the front the head is flat towards the top and the Roman muzzle slopes evenly to the end without a stop. The dog has triangular shaped eyes which are closely set, dark, and small. The body of the Bull terrier is round and the dog has full muscular and robust shoulders. The tail is usually carried horizontally while its walk is characterized by a gait that is kind of jaunty, hence the name, 'gladiator of the canine race.'

Temperament

In the past, the Bull terrier was a fierce gladiator, but today the breed is gentler. The dog can only be defensive and have a preventive effect when there is a very critical situation, so it cannot do well as a guard dog. The Bull Terrier is fun loving, active, fearless, clownish, and courageous all at the same time. This breed is also obedient, polite, and loyal. The Terriers get very attached to their owners, but require firm and consistent leadership. They are a perfect family dog because of their docile nature and since they are very active, they need to be kept busy. The dog also needs constant supervision and companionship and requires being trained and socialized at a tender age if it is to be kept as a pet. The Bull Terrier is friendly to children and grown ups alike. Children should be taught how to take the leadership role when handling the dog as it tends to be very energetic. The dogs may be willful, protective, and jealous if they are under the care of a meek owner. They usually try joining family quarrels and if not given proper training, they may get destructive. Males and females may cohabit peacefully, but the opposite sexes may not get along. One should not put this breed of dog with the non canine pets. They are a perfect watch dog although difficult to train.

Health and Care

Bull Terriers are considered to be generally healthy, but may suffer from zinc deficiencies that may be fatal. Some puppies are born deaf while others suffer from obsessive compulsive behaviors like tail chasing. Some bloodlines of the Bull Terrier may suffer slipped petellia. A number of the males may have abundant testosterone that makes them territorial. This breed may also get sensitive to parasites and fleas. Other health issues related to this dog breed include allergies that come about as a result of weight gain, bad knees, and deafness. The Bull Terrier is easy to groom and requires occasional brushing and combing since it sheds averagely. A daily rubbing with special rubber gloves removes loose hair.

Important information

The dog can live comfortably in an apartment, but requires sufficient exercise. The dog tends to be moderately active indoors and therefore requires average acreage. The Bull Terrier dogs prefer the warm climates and therefore should be kept out of the cold. The dog requires vigorous exercise or it will become overweight and lazy. It is vital to note that this breed of dog should not be mixed with pets like guinea pigs and hamsters.

Colors

white or any color with white markings. Brindle, fawn, brown and tan are common colors with or without white markings.

Living Area

The Bull terrier can live in small spaces such as an apartment with enough exercise. They will do well with a small, fenced yard and regular walks. As a short haired dog they prefer being indoors than outside and cannot tolerate extreme cold.

Recognized By

CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR

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