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Bull
Terrier and
Miniature Bull Terrier
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Description
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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.
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Temperament
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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 and remain their
pack leader 100% of the time, otherwise,
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.
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Height,
Weight
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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)
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Health
Problems
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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.
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Living
Conditions
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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.
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Exercise
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This
breed needs vigorous daily exercise, which
includes a daily, long walk. The Bull
Terrier has a tendency to become overweight
and lazy if it is not properly exercised.
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Life
Expectancy
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About
10-12 years
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Litter
Size
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As
little as 1 puppy and as many as 9 - Average
5
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Grooming
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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.
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Origin
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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.
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