ALLEMAND
ESPAGNOL
FRANÇAIS
ITALIEN
NÉERLANDAIS
PORTUGAISBull terrier
Welcome to our page dedicated to the breed of dog bull terrier!
Here, you will find all the useful information about bull terrier. This descriptive profile will allow you to discover the aspects of this breed. You can notably consult information about the average price, monthly and annual upkeep expenses, their health, name ideas, as well as their official recognition by competent authorities.
Explore this page to discover everything you need to know.
Overall description of the breed
The Bull Terrier is a breed out of the ordinary, firstly because of its singular appearance and secondly because of its very particular character which makes it a unique pet. It is the result of several crosses between the English White Terrier and the English Bulldog, however the Dalmatian and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier were also introduced into its conception by some breeders.
Developed by James Hink in the 19th century, this British dog breeder is considered to be the founder of the breed, and it was he who reinforced the white coat colour, which for many years was the only shade accepted by the standard.
His aim was to favour the oval head shape which is one of the main characteristics of the breed. Used as a fighting dog against bulls, horses and even bears, the Bull Terrier has a strong temperament as well as great determination. Despite decades of evolution, it has retained its fierce character and its reputation as a brawler remains tenacious despite everything.
Nearing extinction on several occasions, the Bull Terrier is now found all over the world, both in its standard and miniature form.
Recognised by the English Kennel Club in 1935, the standard type was definitively registered by the International Cynological Federation much later, on 26 June 1993, followed by the miniature type on 5 July 2011.
The Bull Terrier is a robust dog with impressive musculature, short and compact, its appearance is rather short-legged and bulky, its amply developed trunk is composed of a deep chest, rounded and well-controlled ribs, as well as two broad and prominent shoulders. Its compact build is combined with a strong, thick bone structure, with a short, straight and strongly built topline. The tail is long, always straight and not very thick.
The head is very long and oval, the muzzle must be slightly rounded and must not show any hollow or flat face. Its triangular ears are placed on the top of the skull which is moderately domed. The Bull Terrier's coat is short, smooth and glossy, without undercoat in summer, in winter a light layer of down may appear.
The coat colours permitted by the standard are black, brindle, red, fawn and tricolour. In coloured dogs, the colour must predominate over white, whereas in white dogs the coat is pure white.
Once renowned for its fighting spirit and aggressiveness, the Bull Terrier is nowadays a perfectly balanced companion, used mainly for dog shows and as a pet dog.
However, he has lost none of his energetic temperament, particularly jovial, he is often the first to do something stupid, being reckless in any situation. Very affectionate with his family, he is never far from his owners for whom he has unlimited love and admiration.
But you will have to pay attention to his education, the application of the expression, an iron hand in a velvet glove will be necessary, because it is a stubborn dog which does not like to be reprimanded, nevertheless, if a positive education is inculcated to him as of its youngest age, it will understand what it should not make and will be quickly regarded as a member of the family with whole share.
He is a very affectionate and sensitive dog, and you should get him used to being alone very early on so that he does not become overly anxious. He is an exceptional daily companion.
Adult: The Bull Terrier will weigh from 20 to 40 kg (44 to 88 lbs) and his withers height will be between 35 to 50 cm (13.5" to 19.5").
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When you choose to adopt an animal, you take on the responsibility of ensuring its health and well-being throughout its life.
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Origins
The Bull Terrier is a dog breed that originated in Great Britain in the early 19th century. This breed was developed by breeders who sought to obtain a dog capable of participating in fights against other dogs, but also against rats, a unfortunately common practice at the time. The Bull Terrier is the result of crossing Bulldogs with Terriers, notably White English Terriers and Black and Tan Terriers, which are now extinct. The goal was to combine the strength and ruggedness of the Bulldog with the agility and ferocity of the Terriers.
History
Over time, dog fighting has been banned, and the role of the Bull Terrier has evolved. Passionate breeders began selecting traits more oriented towards companionship while preserving some of the original physical and behavioral characteristics. In the 1860s, James Hinks introduced a completely white variant of the Bull Terrier, often called the "White Bull Terrier" or "White Cavalier," which greatly influenced the breed's image. Since then, the Bull Terrier has gained popularity as a family dog, recognized for its unique personality and distinctive appearance.
Standard
The Bull Terrier breed standard describes a dog of medium size, muscular and well-proportioned. The head of the Bull Terrier is one of its most distinctive features: long, strong and oval when viewed from the front, without marked indentation at the forehead. The eyes are small, sunken and triangular in shape, giving the dog a piercing expression. The ears are erect and small, and the body is compact with a level back line and a short tail carried horizontally.
Physical characteristics
Bull Terriers are robust with well-defined musculature, reflecting their history as fighting dogs. They can be white or various colors like red, fawn, black, or tricolor. The skin should be tight and the coat is short and smooth, easy to maintain. They have a proud head carriage and energetic gait that reflects their confidence and liveliness.
Character
The Bull Terrier is known for its energetic, loyal, and sometimes stubborn temperament. It is a dog very attached to its family and protective of its home, which can make it wary of strangers. Although it may have an intimidating appearance, the Bull Terrier is generally friendly and affectionate with its family members. It is also a playful dog that remains young at heart and in behavior well beyond its early years.
Life expectancy
Bull Terriers have an average life expectancy of 11 to 14 years. Just like for all breeds, their longevity can be influenced by their health, diet, and the care they receive throughout their life. Paying special attention to their diet and exercise can help maximize their life expectancy.
Exercise and activity needs
The Bull Terrier is an active breed that requires a lot of regular exercise to maintain its physical and mental health. A daily walk is usually not enough; this breed benefits from more energetic games and playtime in a safe space where it can run freely. Without an adequate amount of exercise, the Bull Terrier can develop destructive behaviors out of boredom.
Recommended diet
The Bull Terrier's diet must be well balanced and adapted to its age, weight, and activity level. Given that this breed is prone to weight gain, it is important to monitor their caloric intake and avoid foods that are too fatty. A diet rich in high-quality proteins will help maintain their muscle mass while supporting their high energy levels.
Training and obedience
The Bull Terrier can be stubborn and requires firm but fair training from a young age. Training should be consistent and filled with positive reinforcement. They respond well to training methods that encourage a relationship based on trust and mutual respect. Their intelligence and desire to please make the Bull Terrier capable of learning a variety of commands and tricks.
Behavior with children
The Bull Terrier can be an excellent companion for children, thanks to its energy and playful nature. However, due to their strength and size, supervision is recommended when interacting with very young children. Children should be taught how to interact respectfully with the dog, avoiding rough games that could provoke an involuntary reaction from the dog.
Compatibility with Other Animals
Although the Bull Terrier can be sociable with other dogs, their strong personality can sometimes lead to conflicts, particularly with dogs of the same sex. Early socialization is essential to help the Bull Terrier learn to interact appropriately with other animals. They can peacefully coexist with other pets, including cats, if they are accustomed to their presence from a young age.
Grooming needs
Grooming of the Bull Terrier is relatively easy due to its short coat. Regular brushing, once a week, is usually enough to maintain their coat in good condition and minimize shedding. They should be bathed occasionally, and it is important to keep their nails trimmed and ears clean to prevent infections.
Health
The Bull Terrier is generally a robust breed, but it can be prone to certain specific health conditions such as skin allergies, heart problems, and deafness, particularly in all white individuals. Regular veterinary follow-up and periodic health checks will help maintain your Bull Terrier's health throughout its life.
Average price
The price of a Bull Terrier puppy can vary considerably depending on the breeder, lineage, geographical location, and other factors. On average, a Bull Terrier puppy can cost between 1000 and 2500 euros. Some puppies from particularly distinguished bloodlines or champion parents can cost more.
Expenses
Annual expenses for a Bull Terrier include food, veterinary care, grooming, insurance fees, and other necessities. These costs can vary, but on average, you can expect to spend between 1000 and 1500 euros per year, which is approximately 1100 to 1600 dollars. These costs may increase in case of health issues requiring specialized veterinary care.
Name ideas
Choosing a name for your Bull Terrier can be a fun part of the adoption process. For example, "Maximus" evokes greatness and strength, traits admired in this breed. "Bella", meaning "beautiful" in Italian, suits a dog with striking beauty. "Rex", from Latin for "king", is ideal for a majestic dog. "Luna", meaning "moon" in Latin, can describe a dog with a gentle and mysterious character. "Oscar", often associated with prestige and excellence, could be perfect for your proud dog. "Daisy", meaning "daisy" in English, is a cute name for a cheerful and energetic dog. "Bruno", meaning "armor" or "protection" in German, may be suitable for a dog who is a protector of his family. "Zoe", meaning "life" in Greek, is a vibrant choice for a lively dog. "Samson", known for his strength in biblical tradition, is a powerful name for a robust Bull Terrier. "Molly", a sweet and classic name, could suit a loving and loyal dog.
Legislation and regulation
The Bull Terrier is not generally subject to specific legislative restrictions regarding ownership, although it is always advisable to check local regulations before adopting a dog, as laws may vary by region. In some places, restrictions may apply to breeds considered potentially dangerous, although the Bull Terrier is not usually classified in this category.
Official recognition
The Bull Terrier is officially recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), which ensures that the breed's standards are maintained across different member countries. This recognition helps preserve the characteristics and ideal behavior of the breed according to well-defined criteria. The official breed club located in the United Kingdom, the breed's country of origin, is the Bull Terrier Club, which was founded in 1887 and plays a key role in promoting and protecting the breed.
Pedigrees
Pedigrees are available for Bull Terriers through various world registries recognized by the FCI. These documents are essential to maintain breed standards and provide a documented lineage of a dog, which is crucial for responsible breeding and preservation of breed traits.
Destination and usage
Historically bred for combat, Bull Terriers are now mainly used as companion and family dogs. Their robust and energetic nature also makes them well-suited for certain dog activities and sports, such as agility and competitive obedience. Their loyal and protective personality also makes them excellent guard dogs.
Prohibitions
Although the Bull Terrier is widely accepted in many countries, some regions have implemented restrictions or specific regulations regarding the ownership of Bull Terriers, often due to negative perceptions associated with their history as fighting dogs. It is important for potential owners to research local laws before deciding to adopt a Bull Terrier.
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