Chance are, if you’re doing a bit of research on Bull Terriers, you’re either thinking about purchasing a Bull Terrier puppy or better yet adopting an adult Bull Terrier from a Bull Terrier rescue center (which we think is a great idea!)
This is why…
We here at IndulgeYourPet have chosen to write this article so that any “prospective” new owners of a Bull Terrier might get a better idea about what it might be like to own a Bull Terrier as well as gain a little background on how the Bull Terrier breed came to be and what makes Bull Terriers so special to own.
Because after all…
Let’s face it, the Bull Terrier is on of the most unique “terriers” out there. After all, you really only need to see one Bull Terrier once in your life to forever know what they look at and that’s not even factoring in that they are the only known dog breed that actually has triangular eyes!
Yep, that’s right!
We said triangular eyes! But that’s not all that is unique about the Bull Terrier. They also have, as we’re sure your aware of, a very muscular build and a truly unique “egg shaped” head.
In fact…
The unique skull shape of the Bull Terrier is probably the most noticeable characteristic of the breed, that along with its strong jaw, flattened crown and down turned black nose.
Now…
If one was to simply describe these features to someone who had never scene a Bull Terrier in the flesh, one might make the mistake to thing that these guys might be a little on the “ugly side” but we here at IndulgeYourPet actually think the world of this breed and actually find them quite handsome!
Combine these…
Good looks with an incredible personality, playful demeanor and devote loyalty to their owners and then you’ll begin to get an idea about what it’s like to actually own a Bull Terrier for yourself.
That Being Said however…
It’s important to remember that the American, English, Staffordshire and Miniature Bull Terriers all have one thing in common: they’re generally lumped into a broader category of a group of dogs referred to as a “Pit Bull”.
And…
If you’re not aware, this name comes from the fact that these “types” of dogs were once bred for fighting (dog fighting) and/or bull baiting (which was a practice where a dog was actually forced to fight a bull), in the dog fighting ring or in the ‘pit’. Because of this, these dogs were specifically bred for their incredible courage and strength which when paired with a horrible owner has the potential for disaster!
Which is ironic because…
Despite the fact that many people in the world today automatically fear any dog evenly remotely related to the “Pit Bull” Terriers, in most cases, all of these terrier breeds can of often will make a great family pet, as well as an excellent guard dog.
But be warned…
The Bull Terrier can be a bit headstrong and stubborn as well. To get a better understanding of what it might be like to own a Bull Terrier, it might be a good idea to consider a Bull Terrier like a teenage girl.
She’s like to be…
Sweet and nice, but when you ask her to do something, chances are she’s going to first listen to you, and then consider her own feelings and make an informed decision based on the facts.
But that doesn’t mean…
That she is always going to do as she is told!
Bull Terriers are…
A lot like that! Which is why Bull Terriers tend to be better pets for those who have prior experience with owning a dog or have plenty of patience that will be “tested” during the early training years.
Origin of the Bull Terrier
The Bull Terriers as a whole were created to combine the strength of an English Bulldog with the speed and tenacity of a terrier. And when combined, they created what many might consider a “super” dog known for its speed, strength and bravery.
It wasn’t until…
The middle of the 19th Century that a man named James Hinks decided to breed the Bull Terrier with English White Terriers in an attempt to create a more social, companion style breed that we begin to get our first look at what will one day become the Bull Terrier that we all know and love today.
That said however…
Most experts also believe that it wasn’t until folks also began to infuse other dog breeds such as the Dalmatian, the Spanish Pointer, the Greyhound, as well as the Foxhound and/or Whippet before we arrived at the finished product we know today. So, it’s pretty fair to say that Bull Terriers are a “bit” of a mutt breed, if you want to think of them that way.
Distinguishing features and Coat.
Although most Bull Terriers are now white in color, they also come in brindle, red, tan, black, or a mixture of all of these colors. Their coat is generally short and neat, and does not require all that much effort with brushing. Which is great news for those of us who don’t want to spend a ton of time brushing or grooming your dog.
That said however…
It’s worth pointing out that these dogs are love to exercise and get bored easily… And we all know what kind of trouble bored dogs can get into! So… if you can’t see yourself spending considerable time with your Bull Terrier each and every day, you might want to re-think your decision about purchasing a Bull Terrier puppy.
Potential Health Concerns
Despite the fact that Bull Terriers have a considerably mixed blood line, they do tend to have some serious medical issues that can be serious.
Conditions such as:
- Hearing difficulties. Now while numbers will vary depending on where you look, one thing is for certain which is that many white Bull Terriers do tend to have hearing issues and that even non-white Bull Terriers will be at an increased risk for hearing issues as well.
- Craniomandibular Osteopathy.
- Compulsive behaviors.
But Overall…
You’re unlikely to meet a more devoted dog than a Bull Terrier which is why if you’re are considering purchasing a puppy or adopting an adult Bull Terrier, be sure that you choose to work with a reputable breeder or a quality rescue center so that you don’t end up adopting a pet that is going to require some pretty significant medical care later on.
Which brings us to…
Our last point that we want to bring up today which is, if you are thinking about adopting a new animal soon, in addition to doing plenty of research on what animal will best meet your needs and lifestyle, please take a moment a do a bit of research on purchasing a Pet Insurance Policy.
In many cases…
A pet insurance policy is a great way to affordably ensue that if you’re new pet does need to receive expensive medical care in the future, you won’t need to worry about how you’re going to be able to afford the care that he or she needs.
For more information about some of the top pet insurance companies out there, feel free to visit our article Best Pet Insurance Companies for 2018.
