Bull Terrier | Description, Temperament, Lifespan, & Facts (2024)

breed of dog

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Written by

Caroline Coile Caroline Coile is the author of the Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds and more than 30 other books.

Caroline Coile

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The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.

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Bull Terrier

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pit bull
terrier
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Top Questions

What is a bull terrier?

A bull terrier is a breed of dog developed in 19th-century England from the bulldog, the white English terrier (a breed now extinct), and the Dalmatian; other breeds including the Spanish pointer, foxhound, and greyhound may also have been incorporated.

Should bull terriers be included in breed-specific legislation ("pit bull bans")?

Whether cities should enact breed-specific legislation (BSL, or "pit bill bans") for dogs such as bull berriers is widely debated. Some see BSL as a humane way of making communities safer by discouraging dog fighting and the breeding of dangerous dogs. Others argue there is no evidence that BSL makes communities safer and that other legislation would be more effective than expensive and controversial BSL laws. For more on the debate on pit bull bans, visit ProCon.org.

Bull Terrier, breed of dog developed in 19th-century England from the Bulldog, the White English Terrier (a breed now extinct), and the Dalmatian; other breeds including the Spanish pointer, foxhound, and Greyhound may also have been incorporated.

The Bull Terrier was developed for the dogfighting pits as a courageous fighter but not as an aggressive fight provoker. It is a muscular dog and has a short coat; a tapering tail; erect ears; small triangular deep-set eyes; and a distinctive egg-shaped, or convex, head. It stands 21 to 22 inches (53 to 56 cm) tall at the withers and weighs about 50 to 70 pounds (23 to 32 kg). The miniature Bull Terrier, recognized as a separate breed, stands 10 to 14 inches (25 to 35 cm) and weighs 24 to 33 pounds (11 to 15 kg). In both sizes the coat may be coloured (i.e., any colour but white, including brindle) or white (i.e., all white or white with darker head markings). The Bull Terrier is active, loyal, and playful—even clownish—and is considered for its weight as one of the strongest of all dogs.

Britannica QuizThe Dog Breed Quiz
Bull Terrier breed facts
other names Egghead, Wedgehead, Bully
area of origin England
breed group terrier
height at withers 21–22 inches (53–56 cm)
weight 50–70 pounds (23–32 kg)
life span 12–13 years
Did you know? Perhaps the two best-known Bull Terriers were featured in ad campaigns for Anheuser-Busch’s Bud Light beer and Target. In the late 1980s “Spuds MacKenzie,” portrayed by a female Bull Terrier named Honey Tree Evil Eye, began starring in TV commercials for Bud Light. According to The New York Times, Spuds helped increase sales by 20 percent between 1987 and 1988; the dog was pictured on everything from T-shirts to billboards and even appeared in movies. However, it was also the subject of controversy when some accused the company of glamorizing alcohol consumption and encouraging underage drinking. The dog-based campaign was retired in 1989. Ten years later “Bullseye,” a white Bull Terrier, became the popular mascot for Target. The company emblazoned its logo, a red circle around a dot, surrounding the dog’s left eye, but it did so with a nontoxic vegetable-based paint that was easily removable.

Care and upkeep

The Bull Terrier needs a secure fenced yard in which to exercise. The breed requires a great deal of human interaction in the form of games, training, and leashed walks. It is generally not a good candidate for dog parks, because it can be aggressive with unfamiliar animals. Bull Terriers enjoy many competitive activities, including agility, obedience, and scent work as well as coursing, flyball, and weight pulling. They do not like extreme cold nor heat. Coat care is minimal, consisting of occasional bathing and brushing.

The breed is generally healthy, though common ailments include patellar luxation (dislocated kneecap) and mild heart issues. Kidney failure is also a concern. In addition, Bull Terriers are susceptible to hearing problems, and the white-coated variety is especially prone to deafness. In coloured Bull Terriers, deafness is typically limited to one ear. It should be determined if a puppy has hearing issues before labeling it as disobedient.

Temperament

Although the Bull Terrier was originally bred for pit fighting, in the late 1800s breeders began to focus on traits that transformed the dog into a gentleman’s fashionable companion. Thus, the breed today is generally sweet and good-natured, though it still may be aggressive around other dogs. Generally described as energetic, huggable, and exuberant, Bull Terriers can also be comical, mischievous, and stubborn. The breed is especially well suited for active people. The Bull Terrier can be a good watchdog but is only fair at protection. It should be noted that these claims are a traditional and widely accepted generalization about the breed, and the behaviour of individual Bull Terriers may differ.

Caroline Coile The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Bull Terrier | Description, Temperament, Lifespan, & Facts (2024)

FAQs

Bull Terrier | Description, Temperament, Lifespan, & Facts? ›

Bull Terriers are a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of 11-13 years. They can suffer from some common conditions such as allergies and kidney disease. Early detection is the key to a long and happy life, so be sure to schedule routine checkups.

What is the life expectancy of a Bull Terrier? ›

Bull Terriers are a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of 11-13 years. They can suffer from some common conditions such as allergies and kidney disease. Early detection is the key to a long and happy life, so be sure to schedule routine checkups.

What makes a Bull Terrier happy? ›

bull terriers are playful and mischievous dogs. They can sometimes get a bit stubborn but they love affection and physical activities. They are loyal and devoted to their humans. But they can become aggressive if not properly trained and socialized.

What behavior problems do Bull Terriers have? ›

Sometimes a Bull terriers can suffer from OCD (Obsessive compulsive Disorder) or CCD in the dog world (Canine Compulsive Disorder) This can result in a common practice of “Tail chasing,” also known as “spinning.” A bull terrier can become so consumed in biting and nipping at its own tail, that it results in not only a ...

Is a Bull Terrier a good house dog? ›

They tend to enjoy lots of petting and snuggling, but these energetic clowns also love to play, so families with active children are a great fit. However, they won't be an ideal family dog for anyone who can't give them enough attention or provide them with proper training.

What are the negatives of a Bull Terrier? ›

Bull Terriers have an independent mind of their own and are not pushovers to raise and train. They can be manipulative, and many are willful, obstinate, and dominant (they want to be the boss) and will make you prove that you can make them do things.

Are Bull Terriers well behaved? ›

Though friendly and lovable, the Bull Terrier can be tenacious and is known to push boundaries and bend rules. Consistent training can help create a well-behaved companion, but owners must have a sense of humor to fully appreciate this goofy breed.

Do Bull Terriers like to cuddle? ›

General Temperament. The loving Mini Bull Terrier is playful and cuddly with family, but can be stubborn at times. They are spunky and energetic with an easygoing nature, and are always happy to make new friends. They may become possessive of family members and can become jealous if attention is taken away from them.

Do Bull Terriers get attached to their owners? ›

In fact, they forge very close bonds with their owner and can't get enough physical contact. The FCI pedigree dog standard describes them as “very good with people”. (Although stubbornness is another common trait!) However, as with many other dog breeds, Bull Terriers have dominant tendencies.

Why do Bull Terriers stare at you? ›

The “Terrier Stare”

Bull Terriers, known for their intense, focused gaze, use their expressive eyes to communicate their feelings. They can spend long periods gazing at their humans, paying close attention to their actions and expressions. This deep, silent connection is a testament to their love and devotion.

What are Bull Terriers afraid of? ›

Additionally, Bull Terriers may also develop anxiety in response to specific stimuli such as loud noises (thunderstorms, fireworks), unfamiliar environments, or certain social situations. It is important to identify the specific triggers that cause anxiety in your Bull Terrier to effectively address the issue.

What are the unique traits of a Bull Terrier? ›

About the Breed

Among the most comical and mischievous citizens of dogdom, the Bull Terrier is playful and endearing, sometimes stubborn, but always devoted. These unique 'eggheads' are exuberant, muscular companions who thrive on affection and exercise.

What is sudden rage syndrome in Bull Terriers? ›

Rage syndrome refers to sudden, unprovoked, unpredictable and uncontrollable violent aggression towards another animal, person or object. This problem has been reported in dogs as young as six months but more commonly between one and three years of age and most commonly seen in male dogs.

Do Bull Terriers bark a lot? ›

Are you wondering whether Bull Terriers bark a lot or not? You will be happy to know that they are not yappy dogs. Bull Terriers are known for their unique ways of communicating with their human family. Bull Terriers are generally not big barkers, but they are vocal in the sense of growling and whining.

What two dogs make a Bull Terrier? ›

History of the Bull Terrier

Bull terriers were developed in England during the 19th century. Around 1835, a cross between the old English terrier and the bulldog produced the Bull Terrier. Later crosses to the Spanish Pointer even later, to the white English terrier and Dalmatian, produced a stylish, tough, white dog.

What is the oldest Bull Terrier? ›

Maximus Bodacious is a true fighter and his Cleethorpes owners hail him as one of the oldest dogs in the world. The 24-year-old English Bull Terrier and cross Staffordshire in true St George style has overcome battles throughout his life and now enjoys tea and toast every morning.

Can a Terrier live 20 years? ›

The smaller breeds of dogs tend to live the longest. Yorkshire terriers, Chihuahuas, Dachshunds, Toy Poodles and Lhasa Apsos are the breeds who typically live the longest with these averaging a lifespan of up to 20 years. This is much higher than the average lifespan of a dog which is between 10 and 13 years.

What Terrier lives the longest? ›

Because of their independence that sometimes makes them difficult to train, Jack Russel Terriers are recommended for experienced dog owners. The longest living representative of the breed and the holder of a Guinness World Record, Willie, was 20 years old, but the breed lives up to 18 years on average.

How old is a senior Bull Terrier? ›

When is a Dog Considered Senior?
BreedLifespanSenior Years
Bull Terrier14 – 15 years10.5 – 11 years
Bullmastiff8 – 10 years6 – 7.5 years
Cairn Terrier14 – 16 years10.5 – 12 years
Canaan Dog12 – 15 years9 – 11 years
49 more rows
Jun 1, 2021

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