Explore the Bull Terrier: Genuine Tips from Trusted Owners

Discover the Bull Terrier, a breed celebrated for its playful, friendly, and alert nature. Recognized as a medium dog, Bull Terriers have their origins in England, where they were initially bred for fighting and bull-baiting starting in the early 19th century.

In this post, we share insights from nearly 10,000 Sniffspot users, offering practical advice for new and prospective Bull Terrier owners. Whether you’re considering adopting or rescuing a Bull Terrier or already have one, you'll find valuable tips on how to care for and enjoy life with a playful Bull Terrier.

As Sniffspot user Howard says, "They are misunderstood, amazing dogs that need to be adopted!"

Source: Sniffspot Community Breed Survey 2024

Bull Terrier Quick Characteristics

• Breed Type: Terrier
• Size: Medium
• Life Expectancy: 10 to 14
• Healthy Weight Range: 50 to 70
• Height Range: 21 to 22
• Temperament: Playful, Friendly, Alert
• Coat Type: Short, smooth coat
• Color: White, brindle, fawn, red, black, or a combination

About the Bull Terrier

According to nearly 10,000 Sniffspot community users who shared real-world data about their Bull Terrier, we learned that these dogs are playful and friendly. The Bull Terrier is also known to be very friendly and social with children and very friendly with other pets.

When living with a Bullie, 86% of our owners indicated that a large house with a fenced yard is ideal. Additionally, 26% of owners found that an apartment or condominium with regular walks is also acceptable. This dog is moderately trainable, often benefiting from a professional trainer and owners say that the Bull Terrier learns best with positive reinforcement, training aids, and consistent routines.

In terms of exercise, 40% of Sniffspot owners say their Bull Terrier benefits from moderate exercise every day, including between 1-2 hours of activity each day, including walks and active play sessions. The Sniffspot Bullie community would recommend this dog for first-time owners.

History and Origin of Bull Terrier

The Bull Terrier was first developed in England during the early 19th century, originally bred as a fighting dog for the brutal sport of bull-baiting. Breeders crossed Bulldogs with various terriers to create a dog that was tough, agile, and fierce in the pit. However, as bull-baiting and dog fighting became illegal, Bull Terriers gradually shifted from being fighting dogs to loyal companions.

By the mid-1800s, breeders, notably James Hinks, refined the breed into what we recognize today, focusing on their distinctive egg-shaped heads and muscular bodies. Hinks sought to create a more elegant version of the breed, resulting in a dog that was not only physically striking but also had a more stable temperament. Over time, Bull Terriers became popular as family pets due to their loyalty, playfulness, and quirky personalities.

Today, the Bull Terrier is known for its clownish and affectionate nature, making it a beloved companion for many. While their muscular build and fearless attitude hint at their fighting past, modern Bull Terriers are friendly and energetic, making excellent pets for families with the time and patience to train them.

Bull Terrier Traits and Characteristics

• Temperament: Playful, Friendly, Alert
• Energy Level: Moderate
• Trainability: Moderately trainable - Learns commands with consistent training and practice.
• Grooming needs: Low maintenance - Requires minimal grooming, such as occasional brushing and baths.
• Good with Kids: Very friendly and social with children
• Good with Other Pets: Very friendly with other pets

What to Expect as a Bull Terrier Dog Owner

As a Bull Terrier owner, it's important to know the best dog breed tips and what to expect from current Bull Terrier owners.

Source: Sniffspot Community Breed Research 2024

Grooming Needs

Bull Terrier dogs require low-maintenance grooming. This means Bull Terrier owners should expect minimal grooming, like occasional brushing and baths. Bull Terrier dogs have a short, smooth coat coat, which is ideal for protection when fighting. Their short, smooth coat coat is considered moderate shed.

To keep your Bull Terrier's coat healthy and up to breed standards, brush weekly to manage shedding. Of the coat types for breeds in the terrier group, the grooming needs for Bull Terrier are considered to be low maintenance.

Exercise Needs

Bull Terriers require moderate activity each day. Though one of the most popular dog breeds, Bullies are considered a very athletic, high-energy breed.

Bullies make great pets and thrive with between 1-2 hours of activity each day, including walks and active play sessions. Owners of Bullies report their dogs especially love tug-of-war, chasing/playing with a ball or frisbee, and chasing/playing with a ball or frisbee.

When medium breeds like Bullies don't get sufficient exercise, they're more likely to act out with undesirable behaviors like stubbornness and reactivity. They need consistent training, mental activity, and regular moderate exercise to avoid excess energy.

Diet and Nutrition

What should you feed your Bull Terrier to keep them healthy? As a moderate energy breed, what you feed them is important. A reported 67% of our community feed their Bullie commercial dry kibble.

With moderate exercise, Bullies should eat 1.5 to 2.5 cups of vet-recommended food to maintain a healthy weight of around 50 to 70 lbs. However, your Bull Terrier's ideal weight and food depend on your pet's sex, activity level, and age.

Bull Terrier Health Concerns

The Bull Terrier breed is most prone to skin conditions (e.g., allergies, dermatitis) and digestive issues (e.g., bloating, sensitive stomach). A reported 62% of our Bull Terrier owners reported skin conditions like allergies, yeast infections, impetigo, ringworm, alopecia, and folliculitis. Bullies' risk for these challenges increases as they age.

Similarly, 33% reported digestive issues like constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, and lack of appetite. Lastly, 26% of Bull Terrier owners claim their dog struggles with ear infections caused by allergies, ear mites, or contact dermatitis — a common Bullie health concern. If you're worried about any of these health issues above, talk to your dog's vet.

Felicia Montenegro on Unsplash

How Friendly Are Bull Terriers?

Another important thing to consider when adopting a Bullie is whether or not this breed fits with your current family. How friendly are Bull Terriers compared to other medium-sized breeds?

Source: Sniffspot Community Breed Survey 2024

With moderate training, you can hone your Bullie's terrier instinct into a playful and friendly family dog. Introducing your pet to positive reinforcement (treats, praise, rewards) and use of training aids (e.g., harnesses, leashes, training collars) early helps them avoid undesirable behaviors like stubbornness and reactivity. Our community Bull Terrier owners comment on their pet's friendliness:

• Mini bull terriers are so playful - they really do spin around in a full 360 when doing zoomies!! This sense of humor and positivity brings me so much joy. (Vi)
• Extremely loveable, smart, easygoing, loves his walks, loves being at our side, not clingy yet not fully independent, low maintenance. (Donna)
• So friendly and cuddly. Loves hugs and wants to live in your lap. (DA)

How to Train Your Bull Terrier

Whether you're adopting a Bullie puppy or an adult Bull Terrier, training is a significant part of owning a medium-sized breed. Without proper training, your Bullie is more likely to display undesirable behaviors such as stubbornness and reactivity. Providing stimulating activities is a great first step, but this needs to be paired with the right training for your Bullie.

As a terrier breed, Bull Terriers benefit from praise and positive reinforcement. Here's what our Bullie community recommended based on their experience with their own dogs:

• Positive Reinforcement (93%): This includes treats, praise, rewards, and so on for positive behavior
• Training Aids (43%): Dog training aids like martingale collars, walking harnesses, and no-pull attachments
• Consistent Routines (38%): A consistent training routine allows your pet to get comfortable with expectations

As dogs bred for fighting and bull-baiting, Bullies are considered moderately trainable, often benefiting from a professional trainer.

What Do Owners Love About Bull Terriers?

We asked Sniffspot Bullie owners what they love the most about their Bull Terrier pups, and here's what they had to say:

• I love the loyalty and unconditional love a bull terrier will have for you. (Stephanie )
• My sweet Asher is the biggest sweetest cuddler. She has always been my best friend and been by my side. (Logan)
• She gives everyone a chance- even some of the really fussy foster siblings she has had to deal with! (CL)

What Are the Biggest Challenges for Bull Terrier Owners?

Similarly, Bullie owners shared some of the biggest challenges of living with their Bull Terrier:

• As a puppy, the listening was not great, but she absolutely loves kids. (Jazlyn)
• Aggressive nature when caught off guard (ie animals and people in the yard). (Stephanie)
• Her strength and occasional stubbornness. Also society’s misconception of pitties under this umbrella. (Mackenzie)

Is a Bull Terrier Right for a First-Time Dog Owner?

Source: Sniffspot 2024 Community Dog Breed Survey

According to 57% of our Sniffspot community, Bull Terriers are a great first-time dog. This comes from their playful nature and moderate exercise needs. Bull Terrier owners say it best:

• Our bull terrier has an absolute love for humans and is moderately tempered - loves to play but also loves to be a couch potato. (CP)
• These dogs are really big clowns and will keep you laughing every day. (Sheree)
• Our BT is a medical rescue, so he was a TON of work when we first fostered him. He eventually was prescribed daily medication for his severe skin allergies, and now life for all of us has gotten a lot easier. What we love most about Bull Terriers is that they are super fun and playful, but also have their own distinct personality and are super cuddly. (LK)

Advice for Bull Terrier Owners

Luckily, our Sniffspot community is full of experienced, trustworthy Bullie owners. These Bull Terrier breed owners share the most essential dog breed tips and advice for prospective or new dog owners:

Avoid backyard breeders if possible, and adopt from trusted shelters when you can.

• Get a bull terrier from a REPUTABLE breeder as they are prone to genetic aggression towards people and animals. And socialize young. Bull terriers are comparable to the Belgium mal. (Aujonae)
• Most importantly, go to an animal shelter. Adopt and rescue, don't shop! If you're looking for a lovable, loyal, and smart dog, look no further. My sister and I have a total of 4. They are amazing! (KE)

Know their strength.

• Know your dog. Their personalities and temprement in certian conditions change with every passing year. As much as we love them, as proud as we are of them, you have to be brave enough to anticipate and prevent situations where they might be tested. I love my boy, but I also understand how big and strong he is. Whether he reacts negatively or 200% positively, he will do so with the same weight, the same teeth and nails. (Camden)
• Understand the breed. Read up on them. They have funny quirks but are super affectionate so you have to get to know your individual dog. Never underestimate the strenght of your dog when on a walk. Train them from day one. (Donna)

Be prepared to train against reactivity.

• I would get them as a puppy or a well-adjusted rescue since they are easier to train when young. Mine is a rescue and has taken loads of training to help him adjust to the world. He has made gains but it is still very difficult with reactivity. I think this breed is great for a very active family who is willing to do intentional training daily! (AC)
• Maintain socialization and train. They are smart breeds and can understand so much! (Tiffany)

Because they play rough, they might not be right for homes with young kids.

• Being gentle doesn’t appear to come naturally. They have good sweet intentions, but need training on how to play gently. (DA)
• Be patient and understanding and know they think they're helping protect their family. (Ashley)

Frequently Asked Questions about the Bull Terrier

What is the average lifespan of a Bull Terrier?

The average lifespan of a Bull Terrier is typically between 10 to 14 years.

What is the size of a Bull Terrier?

An adult Bull Terrier weighs between 50 to 70 pounds and stands between 21 to 22 inches tall.

How much grooming does a Bull Terrier need?

Bull Terrier dogs require low maintenance grooming. Regular grooming helps to keep their coat healthy and manageable. Bull Terrier dogs have a short, smooth coat coat, which is well-suited for protection when fighting. They are considered moderate shedders.

To maintain your Bull Terrier's coat, it's important to brush weekly to manage shedding. Among terrier breeds, Bull Terrier grooming is categorized as relatively easy.

How much exercise do Bull Terriers need?

Bull Terriers require moderate activity each day. Though one of the most popular dog breeds, Bullies are classified as a moderately athletic, somewhat high-energy breed.

Bullies are excellent companions and thrive with between 1-2 hours of activity each day, including walks and active play sessions. Owners of Bullies note that their dogs particularly enjoy tug-of-war, chasing/playing with a ball or frisbee, and chasing/playing with a ball or frisbee.

If medium breeds like Bullies don't receive enough exercise, they may develop unwanted behaviors. These dogs need ongoing training, mental stimulation, and consistent exercise to channel their energy effectively.

How friendly are Bull Terriers with children?

According to our data, Bull Terriers are very friendly and social with children with children.

How well do Bull Terriers get along with other pets?

Our research indicates that Bull Terriers are very friendly with other pets with other pets.

What should you feed your Bull Terrier to keep him healthy?

As a moderate energy breed, the diet of your Bullie is crucial. A significant 67% of our community feed their Bullie commercial dry kibble.

For optimal health, Bullies should consume 1.5 to 2.5 cups of vet-recommended food to maintain a healthy weight around 50 to 70 pounds. The exact amount and type of food will depend on your Bull Terrier's sex, activity level, and age.

What health concerns are common for Bull Terriers?

The Bull Terrier breed is particularly prone to skin conditions like allergies, yeast infections, impetigo, ringworm, alopecia, and folliculitis and digestive issues like constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, and lack of appetite. Our data shows that 62% of Bull Terrier owners reported skin conditions like allergies, yeast infections, impetigo, ringworm, alopecia, and folliculitis. Bullie's risk for these health issues increases as they age.

Additionally, 33% reported digestive issues like constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, and lack of appetite. Finally, 26% of Bull Terrier owners indicated their dog struggles with ear infections caused by allergies, ear mites, or contact dermatitis, which are common Bullie health concerns. If you have concerns about any of these health issues, consult your Bullie's veterinarian.

Resources for Bull Terrier Owners

Whether you're a current Bull Terrier dog owner or you're considering adopting a Bullie, Sniffspot is here to lend a helping hand. Here are some of the most relevant resources for Bull Terrier owners.

• Most Popular Bull Terrier Names
• Best Pit Bull Dog Rescue Shelters
• Bull Terrier Club of America

Sources:

• Bull Terrier Breed Information. (American Kennel Club)
• Bull Terrier Health and Breed Care. (PetMD)