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Bull Terriers

Pronunciation
Bull Terrier

Description

A thick-set muscular, well-proportioned animal, the Bull Terrier has a short, dense coat that comes in pure white, black, brindle, red, fawn and tri-color. Its most distinctive feature is its head, which is almost flat at the top, sloping evenly down to the end of the nose with no stop. The eyes are small, dark, almond-shaped and closely set. The body is full and round, while the shoulders are robust and muscular and the tail is carried horizontally.

Temperament

Though this breed was once a fierce gladiator, he is much gentler now. A Bull Terrier might have a preventive effect and it might defend it's owner in a truly critical situation, but it isn't breed to be a guard dog. Courageous, scrappy, fun-loving, active, clownish and fearless. The Bull Terrier is a loyal, polite, and obedient dog. They become very attached to their owners. The Bull Terrier thrives on affection and makes a fine family pet. Bull Terriers like to be doing something and fit in well with active families where they receive a great deal of companionship and supervision. They do not do well in situations where they are left alone for 8 hours a day. This breed can be a wonderful pet if very thoroughly socialized and trained, but not recommended for most households. Fond of both grown-ups and children, but may be too energetic for small children. They cannot tolerate teasing and children should be taught to respect the dog. They can be very protective and willful. Do not encourage this breed to be possessive or jealous. Bull Terriers may try to join into family rough housing or quarrel. They need very firm training and lots of exercise. Bull Terriers must be given a lot of companionship, or they may become destructive. Be sure to socialize them well. They can be extremely aggressive with other dogs. Unaltered males usually do not get along with other male dogs. Males and females can live together happily and two females can also be a good combination with care and supervision. They are not recommended with other pets. They make excellent watch dogs. This breed can be somewhat difficult to train.

Height, Weight

Standard Bull Terrier
Height: 20-24 inches (51-61 cm.) Weight: 45-80 pounds (20-36 kg.)

Miniature Bull Terrier
Height: 10-14 inches (25-33 cm) Weight: up to 24-33 pounds (11-15 kg)

Health Problems

Bull Terriers are generally healthy, but some are prone to suffer from a zinc deficiency, which can cause death. Some pups are born deaf. Some suffer from obsessive compulsive behaviors, such as tail chasing. Some bloodlines are prone to slipped patella (dislocation of the kneecaps). Some male Bull Terriers have an overabundance of testosterone, which makes them too territorial. Neutering often fixes the problem - mellowing the dog out some. Can be sensitive to fleas or other parasites. Prone to weight gain allergy troubles and bad knees. White Bull Terriers are prone to deafness.

Living Conditions

Bull Terriers will do okay in an apartment if they are sufficiently exercised. They are fairly active indoors and a small yard will do. They prefer warm climates.

Exercise

This breed needs vigorous daily exercise, but they should always be on a lead in public at all times, because they will fight with other dogs. The Bull Terrier has a tendency to become overweight and lazy if it is not properly exercised.

Life Expectancy

About 10-12 years

Litter Size

As little as 1 puppy and as many as 9 - Average 5

Grooming

The Bull Terrier is easy to groom. An occasional combing and brushing will do. This breed is an average shedder, shedding twice a year. You can remove loose hair by a daily rubdown with a special rubber glove. White hairs are more noticeable than the colored ones on furniture and clothes.

Origin

In 1830, when combats between Bulldogs and bulls were at there height, lovers of this "sport" decided to create a dog that would attack even more agilely. By crossing the Bulldog with the Old English Terrier and adding a bit of Spanish Pointer blood, they came up with the Bull Terrier. However, Bull Terriers were not the most successful fighters. In 1850 the white-coated variety (nicknamed the "White Cavalier") was obtained and soon became a fashionable pet of the gentry. The breed has been used as a guard, ratter, herder and watchdog. The Miniature was developed to have the same qualities in a dog of more manageable size.

Group

Mastiff, AKC Terrier

Recognition

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

FCI = Federation Cynologique Internationale
AKC = American Kennel Club
FCA = Federation Cinologic Argentina
UKC = United Kennel Club
KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain
CKC = Canadian Kennel Club
ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club
NKC = National Kennel Club
NZKC = New Zealand Kennel Club
CKC = Continental Kennel Club
APRI = American Pet Registry Inc
ACR = American Canine Registry