The Bull Terrier was originally created to fight bulls in combat sports. This breed had more agility which worked as an advantage. Later on, the white variety of the breed or the “White Cavalier” became popular with nobles.
Physical Traits
Area of Origin: United States
Used for: Watchdog, herding
Average Life Span: 10-12 years
Color: White or colored- black, brindle, red, fawn and tricolor with white markings
Coat: Short and smooth
Average Height: 20-24 inches
Average Weight: 25-80 pounds
Group: Mastiff, Terrier
History and Domestication
Bulldogs crossed with terriers were pretty popular in 1800s. The combat between bulls and bulldogs were very quite the rage and so the so-called followers of this ‘sport’ decided to create a breed that would attack with more agility.
The bulldog was crossed with English terrier along with some Spanish Pointer blood and the result was bull terrier. Very soon, the white coated variety called the “White Cavalier” became popular with the nobles.
The colored variety was created as a result of back crossing with Staffordshire. This breed is used for ratter, guard and a watchdog.
Standard Physical Characteristics
The strongly built, muscular dog has a well rounded body with a strong and short back. Bull terrier has a long and strong head which is oval in shape and is almost flat at the top with no stop. The nose is black. The deep-set, dark eyes are almond-shaped and small in size. It has small and thin ears. The muscular long neck is very long. It exists in two varieties – the white variety and the colored one.
Care, Grooming and Health
This breed is quite easy to groom and will do well with just combing and brushing. Loose hair can be removed by a daily rubdown. This is average shedder and sheds only twice a year.
Bull terriers need vigorous exercise on everyday basis which includes long daily walks. Also they have a tendency to become obese and lazy if not provided with ample amount of exercise.
Bull terriers are prone to slipped patella, kidney failure, heart problems, and skin and flea allergies. Sometimes, zinc deficiency can lead to death which is common in this breed. They should not be overfed as they are prone to become overweight.
Living Conditions
If sufficiently exercised, bull terriers will do well in apartments. They are fairly active indoors and will need at least a small yard. They prefer living in warm climates.
Temperament
Though they used to fierce fighters once, they have become gentle now. However, they still have a protective instinct and will jump if they see their owners in any critical situation. They are courageous, fun-loving and scrappy but are fearless too. The bull terrier makes for a loyal, obedient and polite pet. This breed thrives on firm and consistent leadership from their masters and they get attached very soon. They shouldn’t be left alone for long hours. Tough they get along well with both adults and children but lack of sufficient exercise can make them too energetic for smaller kids.
