The Bull Terrier was first developed in the early 1800’s by crossing the Bulldog and English Terrier to create the Bull-and-Terrier designed for fighting, protection, ratting and bull and bear-baiting. Once these activities were forbidden by the government, fanciers of the breed concentrated on producing a dog that was more pleasing to the eye.

“The clown of the Terrier world”

In the early 1850’s James Hinx crossed the Bull-and-Terrier with the White English Terrier and, many say, the Dalmatian, to produce the ancestors of today’s Bull Terriers. Another person of great significance is Raymond Oppenheimer, of the famous Ormandy affix, whose breeding programme resulted in the distinctive egg-shaped head and proud Roman nose distinctive of the Breed.

Despite their ancestry, and contrary to popular belief, Bull Terriers do not possess an aggressive personality. Obviously, as with any other Breed, there are individuals who do not get on with other dogs, and it is the job of the owner to deal with this matter in a responsible way. However, most owners will tell you that Bull Terriers avoid contact and would rather walk away, if faced with an aggressive individual. Having said that, if unnecessarily provoked a Bull Terrier will stand his ground.

Bull Terriers make excellent family pets, although prospective owners need to make certain this is the Breed for them. Due to their muscular build they are very strong and need confident handling and training. This, added to their wilful and often stubborn nature, means you should be persistent and not allow a Bull Terrier to get the better of you. Like any other Breed, exercise is important, but a Bull Terrier will happily take less then an hours ‘walk’ a day if he is allowed to ‘free play’ and romp about, and of course, do laps round the coffee table during his daft 5 minutes! Bull Terriers are at their happiest when with their owners and, in fact, crave human companionship. Consequently, they have a tendency to follow you everywhere and never let you out of their sight.

If introduced carefully and with consideration, Bull Terriers will get on with other pets, although I would not advise keeping 2 male dogs under any circumstances. Other considerations are whether to acquire a dog or bitch, for Show or as a Pet, and if a particular colour is preferred.

If you choose a well bred puppy, or adult, from reputable Breeders and bring him up in the responsible and loving way that he deserves, you will have a loyal and devoted friend for many years to come. He will make you laugh and make you cry, and, ultimately, on that inevitable day, he will break your heart.  Although, irreplaceable, the next one, if there is a next one, will be a Bull Terrier.

English Bull Terrier Health

All puppies should be checked for deafness, as this sometimes occurs (most commonly in pure white dogs) and is difficult to notice, especially in a relatively young puppy. Many Bull Terriers have a tendency to develop skin allergies.

Their lifespan is somewhere between 10 and 14 years, although they can live longer – a male bull terrier house pet in South Wales, UK by the name of “Buller” lived to the age of 18 years. The oldest female Bull Terrier on record is an Australian house pet dubbed “Puppa Trout” who remained sprightly into her 17th year.

The breed is renowned for being extremely greedy; be sure to maintain a good balance of exercise and food, or the dog can become overweight. Also, be sure to check ears, eyes, nose and mouth every day for signs of infection, they can also suffer from a bad heart.

Common Ailments: Deafness, Umbilical Hernia and Acne. Bull Terriers can also suffer from obsessive compulsive disorder, such as tail chasing, self mutilation, and obsessive licking.

English Bull Terrier Breed Profile