Is a Bull Terrier for you
BULL TERRIER
The Bull Terrier is the gladiator of the canine race and must be strongly built, muscular, symmetrical & active, with a keen determined & intelligent expression, full of fire & courageous, but of even temperament and amenable to discipline, irrespective of size, dogs should look masculine & bitches feminine.
ORIGIN
Bull Terriers have a sporting past developed from the needs and fashion of bygone days. They are known as the Gladiator of the canine race, and are one of the oldest terrier breeds indigenous to England. They are a man-made breed concocted from a mixture of the old-fashioned Bulldog and Black & Tan Terrier (the Bull & Terrier) and were bred for fighting other dogs in pits, badger & bull baiting, as well as ratting.
James Hinks of Birmingham crossed Bull & Terrier with the White English Terrier (now extinct) and, later the Dalmatian to create the all white strain of dog we know today as the Bull Terrier.
HOW BIG DO THEY GET?
Bull Terriers come in all sizes. As an indication, an average male would weigh between 25-30 kg & an average female between 20-25 kg.
HOW MUCH EXERCISE DO THEY NEED?
A Bull Terrier does not require a large area to run in. But, to have a happy & healthy dog, the owner must be prepared to spend time exercising & playing with it. It is an offence to allow a dog to roam the streets unrestrained, and it is your responsibility to keep your dog on a lead at all times outside your property.
Bull Terriers usually get along well with other dogs of the opposite sex and, if raised from puppyhood, with cats & other animals. A male will often get on with a female but not another male. It is NOT recommended that two males run together.
SHOULD I GET A BULL TERRIER?
The Bull Terrier does not fit into every home and only you can answer this question. The Bull Terrier is a delightful dog, but one that requires restraint. Like all dogs, he will demand a fair share of your time and attention. He is not to be chained up, and your yard must be properly fenced. Do not get a Bull Terrier if you cannot provide this.
GOOD POINTS:
Affectionate
Hardy
Faithful
Easy to groom & care for
A powerful dog that requires firm discipline
Can be stubborn
Caution is required around other dogs
Can be prone to skin problemsWHAT COLOUR IS A BULL TERRIER?
A Bull Terrier can be pure white with markings on the head; red & white; brindle & white; black & white or tri-colour, which is black, red & white.
DO THEY HAVE A GOOD TEMPERAMENT?
Bull Terriers are great family pets and are extremely tolerant with children; however, exuberant puppies may play rough and unintentionally hurt the child.
ALWAYS SUPERVISE CHILDREN AROUND ANIMALS
Bullies become protective of their family & surroundings, making them a good watchdog. At times they are stubborn, so maintain positive discipline strategies from a young age. Do not let a puppy develop habits that you don’t wish to have as an adult.
Note
Bull Terriers can suffer from hereditary diseases, such as Kidney Nephritis, Polycystic Kidneys, Heart Disease, Deafness and Luxating Patella. These problems can be identified by testing and BAER testing (deafness). The Bull Terrier (Miniatures) may also inherit Primary Lens Luxation.
Note
Bull Terriers can suffer from hereditary diseases, such as Kidney Nephritis, Polycystic Kidneys, Heart Disease, Deafness and Luxating Patella. These problems can be identified by testing and BAER testing (deafness). The Bull Terrier (Miniatures) may also inherit Primary Lens Luxation.