Bull Terrier: Dog Breed Information, Facts and Pictures

Hypoallergenic: No
Life span: 10 – 14 years
Mass: Male: 49 – 84 lbs
Origin: England
Temperament: Trainable, Protective, Sweet-Tempered, Keen, Active
Colors: White, Fawn & White, Brindle & White, Tri-color, Red & White, White & Black Brindle

The Bull Terrier is a courageous and self-confident dog that builds a close bond with humans. If he is brought up by an experienced owner consistently and lovingly, he blends harmoniously into the family and shows a special patience and affection in dealing with children. He is very nervous and shows no social problems with the environment. He is vigilant, but without being fundamentally suspicious of strangers.

In dealing with humans, the Bull Terrier is lively and playful. At the same time he is also a very sensitive dog with a strong affection need, who likes to stay close to his owner or his family. With appropriate education and attitude of the Bull Terrier behaves friendly and unobtrusive to his family.

Today, the Bull Terrier is used almost exclusively as a companion dog, but is also suitable for watch duties due to its intrepid and self-confident nature. As a family dog, the bull terrier also fits in without any problems if it is brought up with the necessary consistency. He can be a bit stormy at times, but never appears vicious or even aggressive. Bull Terriers are also very moving dogs and should be employed accordingly race-friendly. A well-behaved and busy Bull Terrier can adapt to almost any life situation.

Unfortunately, the Bull Terrier was bred for dog fighting in his country of origin because of his assertive, consistent and well-performing character. He was also used partly for badger hunting and rat killing. It originated in the first half of the 19th century from crosses between the Olde English Bulldog and the extinct white terrier and other breeds. The first breed standard was set by Birmingham breeder James Hinks in 1850; he was also the first to breed the white bull terrier ten years later and thus the variety that still dominates today. Since the prohibition of dog fighting in England in 1835, the Bull Terrier is mainly bred for exhibitions according to the standards of the breed standard and held as a companion dog.

The short, powerful back merges into a short, low-set tail, which is worn horizontally. Loins and shoulders are well muscled. Both the front and rear legs should appear parallel, with the length of the forelegs approximating the depth of the rib cage. The shoulders are muscular with broad, close-fitting shoulder blades. The hind legs appear in the back view parallel with muscular thighs and well bent knee and ankle joints. The movement is firmly joined, but at the same time light-footed and supple.