Bull Terrier
Also known as English Bull Terrier
- Height at the withers
- 53 to 56 cm
- Weight
- 23 to 32 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 13 years
- Daily activity
- 60 minutes
- Origin
- England
- FCI group
- 3 · Terriers
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- close neighbors: it barks little
Less suited to
- a first dog: it needs an experienced owner
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
- a home with cats
Overview
A muscular, well-built terrier, instantly recognizable by its long, egg-shaped head sloping down to the nose. This self-assured breed combines a cheerful, mischievous personality with a brave temperament.
History and origins
Developed in 19th-century England by crossing bulldogs with terriers, at first for dog fighting. Around 1860, James Hinks established a more elegant white Bull Terrier; the famous egg-shaped head only became the norm in the early 20th century.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 13 years, and its hardiness is average. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Congenital deafness (especially in white dogs)
- Hereditary nephritis and polycystic kidney disease
- Primary lens luxation
- Atopic dermatitis
- Compulsive behaviors (spinning, tail chasing)
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Short, smooth coat. Moderate shedding, minimal coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- High, 4 out of 5
- Apartment
- Possible, 3 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Caution, 2 out of 5
- With cats
- Avoid, 1 out of 5
- With strangers
- Open, 4 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Hard, 2 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Poor fit, 2 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Strong, 4 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Minimal, 1 out of 5
- Shedding
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Quiet, 2 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Average, 3 out of 5
In our lists
Bull Terrier FAQ
How big does the Bull Terrier get?
The Bull Terrier stands 53 to 56 cm at the withers and weighs 23 to 32 kg. It is a medium-sized dog.
Does the Bull Terrier shed a lot?
It sheds moderately and its coat needs minimal care.
Can the Bull Terrier live in an apartment?
It can, as long as it gets real outings every day; a yard is still a plus.
How much exercise does the Bull Terrier need each day?
Allow about 60 minutes of activity a day: its energy is high. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the Bull Terrier good with children?
Fairly well, preferably with children old enough to respect its limits. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Bull Terrier live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 13 years, and its hardiness is average. The main health problems to watch for are congenital deafness, as well as hereditary nephritis and polycystic kidney disease.
