Are Bull Terriers Good With Kids?

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Time to read 5 min

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Planning on having a Bull Terrier and wondering if Bull Terriers are good with kids?

Well, Bull Terriers are good with kids if they are socialized and trained at a young age. Well-socialized Bull Terriers are incredibly sweet and affectionate dogs.

A well-trained Bull Terrier proves to be a great playmate for kids, especially if they are raised with them. However, they're active dogs who can play rough. So, Bull Terriers are not recommended for families with young children.

Remember that the temperament of a dog is also shaped by upbringing and training. Bull Terriers enjoy being part of your family pack. As with any breed, small kids should never be left alone with a Bull Terrier. Proper socialization and meeting people under positive circumstances are imperative if a Bull Terrier is going to be around children.

Is a Bull Terrier a good family dog?

The Bull Terrier is a wonderful family dog with a deep sense of loyalty. As a family dog, the Bull Terrier will certainly be playful, affectionate, courageous, and protective. The affectionate and loyal Bull Terrier is happy to be an only dog and can be aggressive toward other dogs, outside the family.

Bull Terriers do, however, need to be only taken on by families that can provide strict and loving discipline. Well-trained Bull Terriers love to play, act silly, and expend loads of energy.

A securely fenced yard is important for the safety of the Bull Terrier and the strangers who may mistakenly come into their turf. In your absence, these loyal dogs will protect against everything they perceive to be a threat.

Other Bull Terrier qualities that work well with children are their utmost respect for family, protective nature, and patience with young children.

Pet parent tip: Without socialization and training, Bull Terriers can be aggressive toward other pets and strangers.

Activities for kids and Bull Terriers

Spending time doing activities that involve both the kids and a Bull Terrier is a great way to encourage bonding time, as well as make sure your Bull Terrier has used up enough energy throughout the day!

There are plenty of games and fun activities that work great for both kids and Bull Terriers.


Frisbee Toss


Frisbee Toss will have your Bull Terrier catching a frisbee in mid-air. It requires skill, coordination, and timing and Bull Terriers excels at this game. This is a great energy burner for your kid and Bull Terrier.


Bubble blowing


Having your kid blow bubbles for the Bull Terrier to catch is a fantastic game for smaller children. You can get flavored bubbles made particularly for dogs.


Dog Training


Get your kids to try training your Bull Terriers! You can make it into a game. This can help your kids build confidence and a sense of accomplishment, and your Bull Terrier can get some treats!


Go to a park together


This is a great way for your Bull Terrier and kids to run around. They can play together and enjoy some quality time in the sun.


Hide and seek


Bull Terriers and kids love to play hide and seek. It’s a great exercise for teaching your Bull Terrier to wait until called.


Fetch


This is one of the easiest and most enjoyable games a child can play with a Bull Terrier. The classic fetch game teaches kids and dogs about teamwork and can be a lot of fun.


Tug of War


Bull Terriers love tug of war almost as much as we do. They can play it for hours with kids. While playing tug of war, it’s crucial to ensure that it should be a controlled game. Your Bull Terrier should release when you want them to.


There are plenty of different activities that involve both kids and dogs. Children and Bull Terriers can read together, play with toys, or even just cuddle together.

Tips for having a well-rounded Bull Terrier?

To ensure that your Bull Terrier grows up to be a friendly and well-rounded dog, here are a few tips that you can follow:


Socialization: Bull Terrier puppies need early socialization and exposure to many different people, pets, places, smells, sounds, and sights.


Love and attention: Shower your Bull Terriers with a lot of love and attention. Try to spend quality time regularly with your Bull Terrier.


Exercise: Before bringing home a Bull Terrier, you need to make sure that you can manage the exercise needs of this furry pal. Bull Terriers are high-energy dogs and need lots of exercise and mental challenges.


Training: Bull Terriers are energetic dogs and require consistent training right from the beginning. Untrained Bull Terriers will struggle to get along with people and other pets.


Use a positive reinforcement approach: Always reward the positive behavior of your Bull Terrier. These dogs feel special every time they are rewarded with treats, praises, and rewards.


Stay consistent with your Bull Terrier: You need to be consistent and firm with your Bull Terrier. Lack of consistency might reinforce negative behaviors in dogs.


Pet Parent Tip: Many behavioral problems have a root in Bull Terrier's early upbringing. Set limits from the start and your Bull Terrier will turn out to be an amazing pet.

Are Bull Terriers Good With Kids?

Here are a few things you should keep in mind when raising your Bull Terrier alongside kids:

  • Teach your kids to approach Bull Terriers with respect. Always encourage gentle handling. Children should never hit, pull, or climb on top of their Bull Terrier.
  • Encourage your kid to show love to your Bull Terrier by cuddling, rubbing, and kissing their dog from time to time.
  • Ask your children’s friends to be gentle and to give your Bull Terrier some space.
  • Reward your Bull Terrier when they are well-behaved in the presence of your kids.
  • Allow your child and Bull Terrier to bond together through the use of games or fun activities.
  • Encourage frequent bonding time between the two, especially during your Bull Terrier’s puppyhood.
  • Train your Bull Terrier to protect and watch over your children, whilst still showing love and patience towards them.

You should always supervise any interactions between your Bull Terrier and young kids, no matter how friendly and loving your pet may be.

Final Thoughts

You need a well-behaved and loving dog if you have children at home. Bull Terriers are affectionate, loyal, and energetic dogs who always keep the kids entertained with their sweet personalities. They make great pets for families with older kids, due to their sweet and loving nature.

Before you adopt a Bull Terrier, it is important to take a look at your lifestyle and how accommodating it would be for a Bull Terrier. As a responsible dog parent, you must understand their exercise needs, diet, and grooming requirements.