Bull Terrier
Temperament:
The story that surrounds the bull terrier is full of misunderstandings. Due to his fearless nature, the Bully unfortunately too often makes his owners forget how playful and cuddly he is. A Bully needs a lot of affection to feel comfortable. Those who choose a terrier should look for the loyal, brave and loving playmate. If you have fighting in mind, please join the local martial arts club.
Characteristics
The bull terrier is a model of Courage, self-confidence and determination. It combines in itself Good nature and unconditional loyalty to its owner. This makes him the ideal companion dog. He has the proverbial thick skin and is only by little to bring from the rest.
Whether it is small children tugging at him, city noise or more pets - the Bully remains relaxed. The breed standard defines the character as: "full of fire, brave, balanced and people-friendly". Since he can be exceedingly stubborn, it is essential to be consistent when raising the Bull Terrier.
The Bully is a stormy companion. He is equally lively as playfult. This can lead to many play accidents, but there is no malice behind it. He always wants to be with his family and protect them well in exchange for petting. He never displays the basic stranger distrust of herding dogs. With proper training, the Bully is a perfect family dog that is a great playmate even for the youngest.
Now let's look mainly at the "external values", that is, the visual characteristics of the dog. Bull terriers are powerfully built, muscular animals. Their streamlined body appears stocky. However, the breed can hardly be surpassed in agility. The most prominent visual feature of the bull terrier is certainly the non-existent stop.
The head has the typical egg-shaped appearance. The definition of stop is: "The transition from the root of the nose to the top of the skull in dogs and cats". This gives the Bully his characteristic "downface", also called rams head. Many breeders have pushed this characteristic too much in the last years. This resulted in eye diseases caused by overbreeding.
The jaw - in keeping with the body - is strong and regular. The eyes are narrow and slanted and of dark, preferably black color. The ears are stiff and set upright to each other.
The coat is short and smooth. The bull terrier is bred in white, black, red, brindle and tricolor. The dog is certainly best known in white. In the colored animals, one color should be dominant in each case.
In pure white animals, a genetic defect may manifest. These animals are born deaf more often than their other colored counterparts. If you buy your Bully from a breeder and choose a pure white, ask for a hearing test. A responsible breeder will not have any problems with your request.
There are no size or weight restrictions for the Bull Terrier in the breed standards. The only requirement as far as stature is concerned is: "A balanced build with maximum substance (not weight)".
Coat care:
Shedding:
Energy level:
Trainability:
Children suitable:
The right food
Bull terriers are true bundles of energy and muscle. These qualities want to be fed, in the truest sense of the word. That is why the lively bully differs from some other breeds. When feeding your terrier, it is important to provide him with all the essential nutrients.
Put the feeding place either near his basket or in the center of the apartment. Quietness is generally a suspect concept for terriers, so there can be a lot of hustle and bustle even during feeding.
You should provide fresh water for him day and night. With food it looks already again differently. The sturdily built animals tend to put on pounds anyway, so you should not make it even easier for them. Keep your Bully always in motion, this is good for his body and his soul - by the way also for your relationship.
The breed standard does not specify an upper weight limit, but the bones do in their own way. Save your beloved animal joint problems and just be consistent with the food supply. Even if it is difficult with these little eating machines. Bullies love to eat and hear the rustle of an opened bag from what feels like ten kilometers away. In such moments, you have to resist their gaze and unwrap the vegetables instead of the treats.
Always refrain from giving your Bully "human" food. That is, prepared meals from the table or leftovers from dinner. The spices and additives are not good for him. You also don't want a begging bull terrier at home.
Bull terrier care
The coat of the bully is pretty low-maintenance, like almost all short rough fur dresses. Regular brushing (and lots of petting) is actually enough if your dog is healthy. In winter, the coat must be trimmed, so that really nothing can get matted. More important is that you your darling regularly check for parasites. Watch for fleas, ticks, mites and worms.
Depending on how strong the ram head is pronounced in your animal, this can lead to Breathing problems lead. Endurance sports with overbred representatives of the breed is therefore more torture than pleasure.
Unfortunately also Eye diseases not uncommon in the bull terrier. Check your animal regularly. If in doubt, it is better to go to the vet once too often.
Especially with older dogs, dental care is an important issue. Pay attention to whether the bad breath changes or whether your Bully suddenly chews differently. These are very clear signs that something is wrong in his mouth.
Bullies tend to be overweight quickly due to their build. The adherence to a "diet" is therefore also absolutely part of the care of your dog.
Suitable accessories
Watch out for a stable harness, that does not put the traction on the neck of the animal alone. Although the neck would be strong enough, but it is uncomfortable for your dog. With sheer force you will not get far anyway. The leadership must work through trust and education. Otherwise you are the inferior. Shoes, coats, hats, sunglasses, all very questionable accessories. Your Bully doesn't need them. He is a true outdoorsman, so please spare him.
Otherwise you need a good brush and food bowls. You are then well enough equipped for the beginning.
Origin & History
The bull terrier comes from England and breeding of this breed began in the early 19th century. For hunting rats and work in the woods were looking for small and agile dogs with muscular body, almost endless energy, speed and courage were required. In addition, the muzzle should be optimal for biting. This description sounds heavily like fighting dog selection. But the original task of the bull terrier was: to keep rats, badgers and other forest dwellers at bay.
The breed is a cross between the Old English Bulldog, the Dalmatian and the White English Terrier. The ancestors still show in their offspring today. There are three types within the breed. The Bulldog type (shorter legs, a bit clumsy, often pre-bite), the Dalmatian type (longer legs, more elegant) and the classic Terrier type. The most popular type is the one that perfectly combines all the characteristics. These dogs are called "all-rounders".
Systematic breeding began in 1850 in Birmingham, England. Most likely, breeding began earlier. But since there is no written evidence, it is impossible to prove it. In any case, James Hinks made the breed known and did great service to breeding.
His dogs were often misused for dog fighting, which was so popular in England. Today, however, it is assumed that Hinks never pursued this intention in his breeding. "Unfortunately", Hink terriers were characterized by great courage and determination. Their muscular physique and powerful muzzle made them ideal candidates for dog fighting. To this day, they still bear the epithet "fighting dog". This does an injustice to bull terriers. They are by nature very balanced animals. Aggression is even an exclusion criterion for breeding.
With the great success at exhibitions, they expanded the size spectrum. The smallest dogs are called Toy Bull Terriers. At exhibitions and competitions they are judged separately. In 1902, the Kennel Club lowered the weight limit for the smallest terriers to 3.6 kg. In 2011, the Miniature Bull Terrier was recognized by the FCI as an independent breed.
