Bull Terrier: Description, Temperament, Lifespan, & Facts

The Bull Terrier is a small, powerful dog that originated in Great Britain. It was originally bred specifically for dog fighting. Aggressive behavior is no longer tolerated in modern breeding, but a Bull Terrier belongs in experienced hands and requires consistent training.

Origin and history

The Bull Terrier was created by crossing old English Short-Haired Terriers with Bulldogs. The breeding goal was to create a strong, agile, and aggressive dog for animal fighting, with a mouth better adapted for biting than other bulldogs. After dog fighting was banned, breeders’ strategies changed. The Bull Terrier was bred as a companion dog and show dog.

Appearance

The Bull Terrier is characterized by a strong, muscular physique. What is striking is its egg-shaped head with the convex, i.e. downward-curved “Roman” nose. Its eyes are narrow and slanted, dark brown to black. The fur is short and smooth, primarily pure white. The ears are small, set close together, and erected stiffly.

Nature

The Bull Terrier is a very confident, courageous, and dominant dog that likes to assert itself. Males in particular are reluctant to tolerate other dogs and do not avoid arguments. In peaceful situations, the Bull Terrier is friendly and calm, but it is ready to defend itself in an emergency. Therefore, it needs an experienced hand and consistent training and is not suitable for dog beginners. Once it has recognized the clear guidance, it is also an extremely loving companion who bonds closely to its caregiver.

The Bull Terrier is suitable for active people who like to do something with their dog, but are always aware of the strong personality of their companions. The stubborn bull terrier will rarely submit completely.