Key facts and characteristics Show
English Bull Terriers are active, loving dogs known for their distinctive faces. While they make great pets, English Bull Terriers are known for being challenging at times. Like all dogs, any training and socialising will need to start early and be consistent.English Bull Terriers suit active families really well as they have high energy levels and love human company. They are great for experienced owners who have the patience to train them. Common health problems in English Bull TerriersDespite their great personalities, like many purebred dogs English Bull Terriers have health problems linked to their breed. There is currently testing and screening for some of the problems Bull Terriers can have. Often, Breed Clubs will also be able to provide advice on what tests your breed may need and where to get these done. Make sure the parents of your puppy have had the relevant health screening to reduce the chances of your puppy being affected by these upsetting conditions. Bull Terriers are amongst a group of breeds classed as ‘Category Two’ by The Kennel Club. These are breeds of dog that have been highlighted as having ‘points of concern’ – features which, if exaggerated, might affect the breed in the future and cause health and welfare concerns. For Bull Terriers, this is because of their “Roman” nose which can mean their teeth don’t line up properly, causing problems with opening and closing their mouth. If you want to minimise the risk of your dog getting problems due to exaggerated features, you can read our advice on choosing a pedigree dog. Some common health conditions English Bull Terriers develop include:
Caring for your English Bull TerrierBull terriers can be a great addition if you're looking for a canine companion. They are very lively and like to have company as much as possible, so you'll need to make sure you're around for a good portion of the day. English Bull Terriers and barkingLike all dogs, Bull Terriers are likely to make a bit of noise every now and again. How much noise your dog makes will be down to their individual personality. If you’re having problems with excessive noise or barking, we recommend seeking the advice of an accredited behaviourist. Training and socialisationYou will need to be firm but fair with your Bull Terrier as they can have a strong-willed nature. Training needs to be ongoing and everyone who looks after your Bull Terrier will need to follow the same rules. If you get a puppy, you’ll need to continue to socialise them and use positive, reward-based training from day one. It might be hard to be consistent at first but it’s important that they learn how to behave properly to become great pets. You can check if your local vet runs puppy parties or find local puppy groups online or in the newspaper so you socialise your puppy with other dogs (as soon as they’re fully vaccinated). ExerciseLike many breeds, Bull Terriers are lively and can get a little boisterous if they’re not given chance to get rid of all their energy. Your Bull Terrier will need at least one hour of exercise a day. This should include walks, with extra playtime and a good amount of mental stimulation so they don’t get bored. Check out our pages to find out how much exercise your dog needs, or even find exercises you can do together. It’s usually best if you split your dog’s exercise across the day rather than trying to do it all in one go. GroomingEnglish Bull Terriers have fairly low maintenance coats, which means you won’t need to groom them much. Giving them a brush once a week should be enough to keep their coat looking healthy and shiny. You’ll also need to check your dog’s ears regularly to make sure they’re clean and catch any irritation or infections early as Bull Terriers are more prone to developing skin allergies. Check with your vet as it may be worth regular ear cleaning to prevent problems if your dog is at risk. English Bull Terriers and childrenBull Terriers love people! As long as your dog is socialised properly, they should get along really well with people of all ages. However, as they can be a bit excitable, they are better with older children. Always supervise your dog with children of any age and adults unfamiliar with your dog so playtime doesn’t get rough. Make sure you can recognise the signs of unhappiness or anxiety in your dog to help avoid any conflicts. English Bull Terriers and other petsSome Bull Terriers can be nervous or even aggressive around other dogs if not socialised, which is why socialising them well and early is so important. A well-socialised Bull Terrier is likely to be more relaxed around other dogs. If your dog has grown up with another pet in the home from a young age they can get on well with them. As they have a high prey drive, it’s always best to be careful around cats and other small animals and never leave them unattended together, even if your dog knows them well. FoodYour English Bull Terrier’s diet will vary depending on their age and any health conditions they may have. You’ll need to feed them a complete, balanced dog food to keep them slim and healthy. Your vet will be able to tell you how much your dog should be eating. You should feed a healthy Bull Terrier a good quality, commercially available and complete dog food and it’s usually recommended to split their daily allowance into two meals. If you give your dog an occasional treat or use treats for training, remember to take this into account and reduce their daily allowance. Treats shouldn’t make up more than 10% of their calories or they can unbalance their diet. You should try to feed your dog at the same time every day to get them into a routine. Remember to leave a gap after eating and before exercising. The cost of owning an English Bull TerrierHaving an English Bull Terrier will cost a minimum of £80 per month after purchase and set-up costs and up to £13,000 across their lifetime. Costs you’ll need to think about include: Purchase costsAdopting an adult dog from a rescue centre may be a more cost-effective option, as well as having the added advantage of offering a home to a pet without one – check if the rehoming centre you’re looking at asks for a donation for rehoming. If instead you’re buying a Bull Terrier puppy from a breeder, you’ll need to factor in this cost. Beware unusually cheap puppies as they could come from a puppy farm. If you want to buy a pedigree puppy, we recommend looking for a Kennel Club Assured breeder as they have to do extra health tests and meet high standards. Set-up costs
Ongoing costs
Other costs
* It’s always better to plan ahead and budget or get pet insurance in case your pet gets injured or unwell. If you are having difficulty with veterinary costs, you can check if you are eligible for treatment at PDSA here. If you’re considering pet insurance, our PDSA Pet Insurance could be a great option for you and it’s quick and easy to get a quote online. Fun facts
Getting an English Bull TerrierDo plenty of research before you get a Bull Terrier. They are lively dogs who need plenty of love and attention from their owners with enough playtime to satisfy their instincts. Make sure you are fully committed before getting a dog. Rehoming centresThere are plenty of rescue centres across the country where you may find an English Bull Terrier. Breed-specific rescues that specialise in Bull Terriers are out there too. You’ll need to ask any rescue centre about the dog’s history to make sure they will be comfortable in your home. Good rescue centres should let you know of any health and behaviour problems. BreedersIf you buy a Bull Terrier puppy from a breeder, make sure your puppy will be well socialised and have all necessary health checks and vaccinations. We recommend looking for a Kennel Club Assured breeder as they meet higher standards. We’ve put together some advice to help you find a good breeder. Not sure if an English Bull Terrier is the right pet for you?Can Bull Terriers be left alone?Bull Terriers get bored quickly when alone, and they are notorious for chewing up furniture and digging up the garden. They also are prone to separation anxiety. It's preferable for someone to stay with your Bully all day and take him out for regular exercise.
Is a Bull Terrier a good first dog?The Bull Terrier is strong-willed and can be difficult to train. He's not recommended for timid or first-time dog owners. Without early socialization and training, Bull Terriers can be aggressive toward other dogs, animals, and people he doesn't know.
What are the pros and cons Bull Terrier?3 Pros and Cons of Owning a Bull Terrier. What is the best family dog?Family dogs such as Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Beagles, and Irish Setters are playful and protective.. Bulldog. ... . Golden Retriever. ... . Beagle. ... . Pug. ... . Irish Setter. ... . Brussels Griffon. ... . Newfoundland. ... . French Bulldog.. |