Bull Terrier

Though the breed name may may prospective dog owners think these canines are fierce, the Bull Terrier is actually a child at heart. They are peppy pets with great demeanors. Due to media exposure, they are also famous. You may recognize the Bull Terrier as Target's mascot. Children may recognize this dog as Scud from Disney's Toy Story. History The Bull Terrier is one of many crosses between a Bulldog and a Terrier. This type of breeding became popular in the early 1800's because the resulting dogs were great for the sporting arena. Due to this history of fighting, the Bull Terrier and other similar crosses often get a bad reputation. However, the Bull Terrier as we know it today didn't come about until 1860, when an English dog dealer named James Hinks "refined"� the breed and its uses. His cross between a Bulldog and Terrier resulted in an all white dog, a breed which he officially named the Bull Terrier, though they were also known as White Cavaliers. It was from these pure white puppies that the rest of the breed lineage is descended. The breed changed once more when it was crossed with Staffordshire Terriers to create the colored variety of the Bull Terrier. Appearance Most Bull Terriers are completely white. In fact, this is a distinguishing feature of the breed. If there are colored markings, they are usually on the face. When it comes to show dogs, markings anywhere on the body are cause for penalization. Bull Terriers are a study in contrast between roughness and softness, a trait that is continued in the coat. Fur should be short, flat to the body, and rough to the touch, yet despite this roughness, the coat should shine. Under the coat, a Bull Terrier's body should be muscular. The chest is typically broad, the ribs should be deep, and the legs should be big-boned and powerful. A Bull Terrier's expression is one of determination and intelligence. The long head, small, erect ears, and dark, piercing eyes all contribute to this expression. Temperament Though they look tough, this dog is actually a softy. Bull Terriers quickly become attached to their families and need to be near them at all times. In fact, this dog may become distressed if left alone for too long. This attachment is both a blessing and a burden. Though this dog is great around its masters, Bull Terriers are only great around children once they are trained. They can become over stimulated by toddlers, especially if said toddler pulls at tails and ears frequently. So, supervision is necessary, as is early obedience training. This dog learns quickly and often excels at obedience as a result; they can also learn agility. Bull Terriers are often referred to as playful, clownish, scrappy, fun-loving, loyal, and polite. Pet Care Bull Terriers need regular exercise to stay happy, though their needs are not as demanding as other breeds. Grooming needs are also much less demanding than those of other breeds; the Bull Terrier needs groomed only once in a while. Obedience training should be started at a young age, and these dogs should be supervised around young children until they can be trusted to stay calm. With proper obedience training, they are great house pets. Health Issues The average lifespan of a Bull Terrier is between ten and fourteen years, which is slightly above average for a purebred dog of this size. Deafness is one of the most common problems in this breed; deafness tends to strike pure white dogs. Allergies, sun burn, cancer, obesity, and cardiac problems are other common ailments. Bull Terriers can also be obsessive compulsive. Dogs with OCD usually lick themselves constantly, chase their tails for long periods of time, and engage in self-mutilation. Perform a background check on the parents of your puppy prior to buying it to ensure that a history of OCD isn't in your dog's lineage. What Owners Have to Say Most owners love this breed because it is a sheep in wolves' clothing. Bull Terriers are naturally sweet and lovable, though they look intimidating. This contrast means that the breed serves as a good watchdog and a good family pet. Owners with allergies also enjoy this breed because shedding is minimal and they are generally considered hypoallergenic dogs. Is this breed right for you? If you are looking for a medium-sized, powerful dog, then the Bull Terrier may be right for you. These dogs have a unique look that some owners just fall in love with. As far as care goes, grooming needs are minimal. Bull Terriers are very active, rowdy, and clownish dogs that are fun to play with. Given the right amount of exercise, they can also be calm and loving indoors. Plus, it is a great watchdog because it looks very imposing, which wards off most would-be intruders. However, all of these "pros"� can also be "cons."� The energy level of this dog means it needs a lot of exercise. If it doesn't burn off that pent-up energy, it can be hard to control and destructive when inside. A Bull Terrier will find its own way of getting exercise if you don't provide it, even if it means destroying the furniture. They may play rough, and they will be aggressive if they aren't socialized properly, so owners must be sure to bring them around people and other animals when the puppies are very young. They can be strong-willed and stubborn, so owners must be firm and establish leadership early on. The worst "con"� about a Bull Terrier isn't any of these traits, though. Because of its reputation, the Bull Terrier comes with legal liabilities, which is what most often prevents dog owners from getting a dog of this breed. If you are worried about public perception, this is definitely not the dog for you. Take all of this into consideration prior to getting a Bull Terrier as your pet. If you are prepared to train and discipline this type of dog, you'll likely have an excellent companion. If not, you may find out that owning this breed can be a disaster.

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