Bull Terrier: Do You Really Know Everything About This Breed?

When it comes to adopting a dog, whether it be a puppy or an adult, it’s important to carefully research their personalities, physical traits, and behaviors to train them properly. If you are looking for a very well-rounded breed, the English Bull Terrier is the perfect choice.

Origins of the English Bull Terrier

This breed was developed in Great Britain by James Hinks to be a show dog and participate in dog fights. It was known as the White Cavalier.

The origin of the Bull Terrier is related to dog fighting and bull-baiting (a fight between a bull and a dog). In 1835, Great Britain passed a law that prohibited bull-baiting, and cross-breeds between Bulldogs and Terriers took place.

They wanted a light weight tough dogs that were capable of participating in dog fights. Thus, the first Bull Terriers appeared; they were known as bull and terriers because of the crossbreeds involved. Those dogs had the Bulldog’s fighting spirit and pain tolerance, and the Terrier’s agility and intelligence.

Although they were lighter than the Bulldogs of that time, these bull and terriers were more similar to those animals than the current Bull Terrier. 

Physical traits of the English Bull Terrier

Dogs of this breed are strong and muscular. They are almost always white, but they can also be black, red, or striped.  There is no need to groom them so much due to their fur being short and straight. Their oval shaped head, ears, and triangular eyes give them a very unique and different appearance from other breeds.

There is not so many differences between the male and female English Bull Terriers, except for the males being slightly more muscular than the females. 

English Bull Terrier Personality

The English Bull Terrier needs to be well-trained in order to have a well-balanced and affectionate personality with people. These dogs have a loyal nature and they are truly loving. They are also very brave because they have a protective instinct.  However, this doesn’t mean they are aggressive dogs.

Since they are considered potentially dangerous dogs, it is mandatory that they wear a muzzle and are leashed in public places. It’s important that the dog gradually gets used to the muzzle in order for the dog feel comfortable when wearing it and won’t associate it as a punishment.

This breed doesn’t really have any problems socializing. However, it’s always a good idea to supervise them when playing with children who don’t know how to interact with dogs because pulling on their ears could cause growling. If there are small children at home, you also need to teach them how to treat and interact with the English Bull Terrier.

The Bull Terrier is affectionate and a bit stubborn

A Bull Terrier’s training is important because they are a bit stubborn at times. Neutering them is recommended to make sure they are well-balanced and calm at an older age. This breed is very attached to their owners and have anxiety when left alone. If you don’t have a lot of time to take care of them, it’s a good idea to choose a different breed.

They are very loving, playful, and patient animals, despite their physical size and large jaw. They are not aggressive dogs if they are trained properly. However, at any given time they can unintentionally harm someone if they get overexcited while playing with others.

Their relationship with other dogs

In regard to their behavior with other dogs, the Bull Terrier can have unexpected and undesirable reactions. If this breed doesn’t go through any proper training, they might get easily overexcited and become aggressive. The bond that they create with family tends to be overprotective. Again, good training is important.

Grooming

It’s easy to take care of their hair. Just brush them occasionally. In the winter you need to keep them warm due to their short fur. It’s really important to take them out on walks because they are very dynamic and active animals. The Bull Terrier tends to eat too much, so you need to control the portion sizes of his meals.