Bull Terrier Overview

The Bull Terrier is a tremendously loyal but fiery breed, always true to its Terrier roots. Difficult to train but endlessly loving, this is a breed that demands a lenient owner. 

The “White Cavalier” is indeed an intimidating breed, particularly in regard to its oddly shaped head, which is designed to crush things in its powerful jaws. 

But in spite of its exaggerated musculature and stout posture, it is a very sweet dog. In fact, the only worrisome element about the Bull Terrier is its behavior around other animals, which tends toward aggressive dominance. 

Unfortunately, Bull Terriers and other heavy “gladiator” breeds have earned a bad rap from the media, as they have lately been trained as fighting dogs. Furthermore, they are sometimes favored by independent members of the elderly community and those who live in rough neighborhoods, which results in an unpredictable, poorly socialized animal. 

In the right home, however, the Bull Terrier is just as affectionate and loving as any other breed.

Bull Terrier History

Tragically, the history of the Bull Terrier is fraught with violence.  With the rise of bull baiting in 19^th century England, breeders set themselves to the task of creating a dog that could withstand the barbarity of the sport. A Bulldog/Old English Terrier mix was already in existence, and its sturdiness was something to be respected. 

A Spanish Pointer was later thrown into the mix to give the breed some extra size, and a massively powerful gladiator was created. 

The breed was favored among the lower class until dog-fighting was abolished. With this, the purpose of Bull Terriers shifted to companion dog, where it gained the appreciation of the upper class and was bred for fashion. Typically accompanying young English noblemen, the Bull Terrier became a respected symbol of masculinity, revered for its ability to defend and protect. 

Later given the nickname, “The White Cavalier,” the Bull Terrier gained distinction from the Staffordshire Bull Terrier when it was recognized by the AKC in 1936. Today the breed is seen as an “own at your own risk” pet, on account of the violent stigma placed on it by the media.

Bull Terrier Character

Bull Terriers are hard to train, but not for a lack of intelligence. They are very smart animals that see the world in their own way, and that is what they prefer. 

If energetic and engaging training sessions are not in the cards, then prospective owners should look for another dog. Bull Terriers have no hesitations about changing the rules, and they will happily break a training session early to go have some fun. 

But the breed has seen success in commercials and movies, like its starring role in the 1955 film “It’s a Dog’s Life,” proving the dog’s capability to be trained in the right hands. 

While some owners may feel uncomfortable about leaving this breed around children, they are actually no worse than any other Terrier. In fact, the breed’s heavy build make it difficult to be bullied by rowdy youngsters, so its patience is rather high. 

Bull Terriers require long runs and mental stimulation to be happy, but they are in no way an outside dog. They have a limited temperance to both hot and cold weather, so their place is on a comfortable bed indoors. 

Bull Terriers are inherent jokers, requiring an owner with an equally good sense of humor.

Bull Terrier Care

The Bull Terrier does not require much grooming, and an occasional brushing with a rubber brush should be sufficient. Hand plucking may be necessary for dead hairs, but is usually cared for with a brush or comb. This breed is an average shedder, shedding only around twice a year. Removing loose hair should be simple when using a special rubber glove designed for such a task. Ear cleaning is necessary to prevent any difficulties in the future.

Bull Terrier Training

Being somewhat willful and very independent, the Bull Terrier can be difficult to train. Obedience training should be started at an early age to avoid any issues in the future. Being that this breed is prone to dominance issues, firm and dominant handling is a must to prevent escalation into aggression. Bull Terriers are very eager to please although they can be very stubborn and difficult to train in any aspect.

Bull Terrier Health

Common Health Issues for the Bull Terrier:

Disclaimer: While we try our best to provide accurate medical reference information, it is very likely that we have errors on our website. Do not use this website to diagnose or treat your dog. Please check with your veterinarian for health advice and treatment options.

Less Common Health Issues for the Bull Terrier:

Disclaimer: While we try our best to provide accurate medical reference information, it is very likely that we have errors on our website. Do not use this website to diagnose or treat your dog. Please check with your veterinarian for health advice and treatment options.

Bull Terrier Resources