Bull Terrier

The Bull Terrier is a mix between a Bulldog and an Old English Terrier, first crossed during the mid-19th century. Subsequent crosses included a Spanish Pointer, a White English Terrier, and a Dalmatian, creating the all-white strain and captivating public interest at the time. They became fashionable companion dogs for young gentlemen and developed a reputation for tenacity and defending themselves. They are often misconstrued as being provocative. 

The white variety—often called the white cavalier—is still the more popular variety, but they can have other colors mixed in. 

Enthusiastic with energy to spare, Bull Terriers require a lot of patience and composure when training. They are dapper yet mischievous, often smiling as they barge through closed doors, chow down on furniture, or go straight through fences. A sense of humor would do a Bull Terrier owner well, and perhaps a love of DIY or household repairs. Ideal owners will have the stamina to take long walks and partake in lots of training, with the payoff of a devoted and playful powerhouse.

Bull Terriers love exercise and will benefit from daily walking with plenty of games, puzzles, and training in between. They can become overweight easily, so exercise is not only for stimulation but for health needs. They love swimming, running free, hiking, and other interesting types of exercise and appreciate a variety in their daily routines.

While they don’t require a massive yard to be happy, it is important that whatever yard they do have is safe, enclosed, and devoid of anything that could break easily, such as antiques. The phrase “Bull in a china shop” really should say “Bull Terrier in a china shop,” as these are large, rowdy dogs that can easily knock things over.

A Bull Terrier’s short coat is harsh and glossy, with a softer undercoat that appears in colder months. A quick brush-through is usually all they need, about once a week, to keep them shiny and healthy. When shedding, increase the brushings to two to three times a week to move dead hair and prevent it from getting all over your house.

Owners should have buckets of patience and a strong sense of humor to train a Bull Terrier. They might try to convince you that they are unintelligent, but the reality is that they are unmotivated, especially by negative reinforcement. Meet your Bull Terrier where he is with positive reinforcement, encouragement, and, if necessary, reverse psychology. You might even need to think outside the box to get them to cooperate. Teach them manners, especially when on a leash.

A well-trained Bull Terrier is polite and gentlemanly and makes an excellent family companion for families with no children or older children. Younger children or frail older couples might be too much for this big, boisterous, and solid dog.

The cost of a Bull Terrier from a breeder is significantly more than the cost of adopting one from a local shelter or rescue. The adoption fee usually covers additional items such as spaying or neutering, vaccines, and microchipping.