So You Want a Bull Terrier

The Bull Terrier is a good dog that has developed a bad reputation. This dog was created to fight and when a Bull Terrier is mistreated, it can be made into a dog that is quite aggressive, even vicious. With proper care and training, a Bull Terrier puppy can grow up to be a sweet and loving dog. In fact, at times this breed is even slightly silly. However, an older dog who has been mistreated may never be truly trustworthy and should not be placed in a home where it has access to children.

The Bull Terrier is a member of the American Kennel Club's terrier group and most commonly comes in pure white or brindle. Brindle dogs can have white markings, but they cannot be predominantly white. Don't confuse this dog with its relative, the American Pit Bull Terrier. The Bull Terrier is a solidly built, muscular animal, weighing in at fifty five to seventy pounds. The dog's broad chest and bullet shaped head are distinctive identifying characteristics for the breed. 

The Bull Terrier is content living in an apartment as long as it receives plenty of exercise. However, these dogs prefer living in a home with a roomy, securely fenced yard. No matter where or how you exercise your dog, be sure he cannot escape, as some Bull Terriers and cats or small dogs can be a deadly combination.  

The Bull Terrier loves family life and often is quite good with children. These dogs love to play and will spend hours playing frisbee. However, if you do not have children of your own, and your Bull Terrier isn't used to small children, never leave your Bull Terrier with visiting children unattended, as infants and toddlers are sometimes mistaken for other animals instead of people.  
 
If you've never owned a dog before, then the Bull Terrier is definitely not for you. These dogs are not a good match with inexperienced dog owners. In addition, if you are a shrinking violet instead of an assertive person, your Bull Terrier will sense this. He will quickly dominate you and rule your household.

Since Bull Terriers are such powerful animals, you will need to be sure your dog is thoroughly trained before he gets too big for you to control easily. It is a good idea to enroll your dog in puppy obedience classes, so you can be sure he is correctly trained while he is small. In addition, obedience classes are an important step in socializing your puppy.  

Bull Terriers can put away quite a bit of dog chow. While they don't eat as much as a Great Dane, these dogs can make a noticeable difference in the grocery budget. You may want to ask your veterinarian about feeding your Bull Terrier a dog chow that alleviates kidney problems. Besides being prone to kidney disease, the Bull Terrier can develop heart disease or deafness.

Your Bull Terrier needs very little grooming. You may want to brush him weekly to remove loose hair and dirt to keep his coat looking smooth and healthy. You may also want to brush his teeth and trim his nails. 

If you are an experienced dog owner and are willing to work with your dog to turn him into a good citizen, then you may want to take a look at the Bull Terrier.