The Bull terrier, or BT as nicknamed, is a unique breed indeed standing out from most other terriers because of its robustness, muscular appearance, epitomizing power, and agility. A modernized creation of the ancient bull-and-terrier, this breed owes its versatility and unique looks to many other breeds too used in its breeding process. The presently extinct English White terrier contributed towards its symmetrical body, longish head, and straight legs that initially appeared bowed. The introduction of other breeds like the Dalmatian, Whippet, Spanish Pointer, and Borzoi helped the Bull terrier attain agility and elegance.
That long, egg-shaped head with two pointed ears standing straight on both eyes, and those tiny triangular eyes, are the essential distinguishing traits of this breed. Don’t go by its intimidating features, as behind it lies an affectionate, friendly companion, keeping its family hooked to its comical antics and mischief all day long.
Yes, they would shed off their friendliness upon encountering strangers, but you could help keep a controlled behavior by training the BT early on obedience and socialization. When given ample exercise and quality time, a well-socialized Bull terrier is a happy BT.
The bull terrier, alongside the American pit bull terrier and American Staffordshire terrier, has been targeted by the BSL (Breed-specific legislation), with bans placed on them in certain parts of the United States and even Europe as well as other parts of the world. However, as per a study conducted in around 2008 that had not just the Bull terrier but also the Rottweiler, Doberman, Pitbull, and American Staffordshire terrier, alongside the Golden retriever (low on aggression), showed that most of the breeds regarded as aggressive reacted this way situationally. The findings deduced that the Golden retriever, a non-aggressive breed, showed no difference in turning aggressive like the dogs mentioned above upon sighting any unusual movement or encountering a situation that arose fear or anxiousness. The study thus showed that a situation that triggers anxiety could cause any breed to turn aggressive and react inappropriately.
James Hinks, an Englishman, took the initiative of refining the presently extinct Bull-and-Terrier, which was a bull terrier cross, to develop the modern Bull terrier.
Gained the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) recognition
Formation of the Bull Terrier Club in England
Publishing of its breed standards by the Bull Terrier Club
Birth of Lord Gladiator, who eventually became the founding sire of the modern Bull terrier
Recognition of colored Bull terrier as a distinct variety of this breed
Categorization of the Standard Bull terrier and Miniature Bull terrier by the AKC based on size
Ranked 61st in AKC’s Most Popular Dog list
As a BT owner, the onus lies on you to exercise him regularly, as that is how you could keep him happy and stop his aggressive outbursts. Keep about 1 hour a day reserved for his exercise that may comprise one 25-minute or two 15-minute walks, teamed with ample playtime inside a fenced yard. You could channelize its immense activity levels well by making it participate in dog sports like tracking, agility, obedience, and coursing ability test.
They have a short and flat coat with a glossy finish that is harsh to touch. So, maintaining the Bull terrier is not too mammoth a task. Brush them at least once a week with a hound glove or a brush with soft bristles to regularly remove the loose and dead hair. However, during the shedding season, when you would find dead hairs scattered all over, regular brushing is a mandate.
They don’t need frequent bathing, perhaps once a month or on occasions when they get messy. A wash with a vet-approved shampoo or a damp cloth rub down would help. Take care of its dental hygiene and brush the BT’s teeth at least thrice a week to lessen tartar buildup. Checking its eyes and ears once a week and even trimming its nails monthly are the other hygiene needs to take care of.
The robust, well-muscled, deep-chested breeds they are, it is pretty evident that the BTs need high-quality dry dog food rich in calories, protein, and vital nutrients like calcium. Their diet should comprise about 20% of protein, so include lamb or chicken in their meal. They would even need adequate calcium to keep their bones in shape. According to a breeder, giving them calcium-rich food such as broccoli mainly during their growing phase would help. The same breeder also gave her dogs some amount of yogurt or even whole milk in the morning and before bedtime for an adequate calcium dosage.
You could cook their diet at home after consulting with the veterinarian. However, if going for store-bought food, you can choose brands like Blue Buffalo Wilderness and Taste of the Wild.
The BT is a courageous and independent-minded breed, so you would perhaps need to work a little hard to train it. Firstly make the training session a fun one, with many food and toy incentives. Be tactful, but don’t practice harshness while dealing with the Bull terrier. Else you could do more damage than good.
You should give socialization training the foremost priority. Expose them to different situations and people right from their puppyhood, and help them differentiate a pleasant situation from an unpleasant one. Perhaps they would eventually understand that a milkman coming to the door every warning isn’t a threat, but someone sneaking into the house at the dead of the night is.
Obedience training should also go hand in hand with socialization. Unless you teach them to follow some of the key commands like ‘Stop’, ‘Come’, and ‘Stay,’ disciplining them would pose a challenge.
Teaching the BTs to wear a leash is another aspect of training to do at the earliest. The terriers they are sans a leash it would be difficult to control them outdoors.
