Is Bull Terrier The Right Breed For Me?

It's so exciting when you decide to bring a new four-legged member into your family, and the Bull Terrier is one of the most beloved breeds in the world. 

Getting a dog as a family member is a big decision. It will certainly have an impact on your life. You and your family have your routines and your furry companion is going to need to get along with those.

There are way too many Bull Terriers that end up in shelters because of ill-prepared and careless dog owners not knowing what to do once their cute little Bull Terrier puppies grow up and start asserting their personality. 

Before you decide whether a Bull Terrier is right for you and your family, there are a few questions you need to ask yourself.

Do I have time for a dog?

More dogs end up in shelters for this reason than almost any other. This does not just apply to Bull Terriers but all dogs. Do you have time for a pet? Having a dog is a lifetime commitment. Bull Terriers require a lot of time, attention, and training. They must be walked, fed, played with and tended to, even if you are busy and even if you are tired.

Can you commit to a long-term relationship with your Bull Terrier? Will you be able to comfort your Bull Terrier puppy while they adjust to the new home and environment? Are you ready to deal with all kinds of duties and messy stuff involved in dog parenting?

Be honest with yourself about how much time you really have - and try not to be swayed by those adorable faces! Puppy love is strong. Bull Terriers deserve a home where their family can give them all the time they need.

Does my activity level match this breed?

Bull Terriers are very active and athletic dogs. They love chasing, running, jumping, fetching ball, and anything athletic. Bull Terriers love agility courses and they don't just love it, they need it!

These are energetic dogs and they need something to do. They enjoy vigorous daily exercise and can be highly destructive if they're bored. Bull Terriers get into mischief if they are not exercised properly.

Do I understand the things specific to this breed?

Bull Terriers are active, friendly, mischievous, as well as being one of the clowns of the dog world. They love companionship and are not happy to spend long periods alone day after day. 

Bull terriers are strong and some have aggressive tendencies. Therefore, obedience training is a must. They respond well to positive reinforcement training.

Like any other dogs, Bull Terriers can be aggressive toward other animals, especially other dogs. As Bull Terriers can be rambunctious, they aren't recommended for homes with younger children, but with older kids they're awesome playmates.

Bull Terriers aren't high maintenance dogs. Their short, flat, harsh, and glossy coat is easy to groom. A weekly brushing and occasional wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually all it takes to keeps them clean.

Can I control a dog this stubborn?

Bull Terriers are highly-intelligent, loyal, independent free-thinkers, and stubborn dogs. Most Bull Terriers are very eager to please and they are generally pretty easy to train, if trained properly. When raised with the proper training and socialization, they make excellent family companions.

Keep in mind, Bull Terriers require someone with a firm hand and a strong personality. They need someone who will consistently enforce the house rules. They're best-suited to a family where they know their place and are not allowed to believe they are in control of anything.

Educate your kids about pet safety

Dogs and kids are not born with innate good manners. You need to teach them basic manners. Teach your children how to safely live and interact with Bull Terriers.

• Do not disturb your Bull Terrier while eating or sleeping. When possible give the Bull Terrier their own safe zone that is off-limits to the kids.
• Teach your children to move slowly around dogs and not to run past or away from them.
• Teach your children canine body language and let them know the warning signs of aggression.
• Do not encourage aggressive or rough play with Bull Terriers.
• Teach impulse control to both your kids and your Bull Terrier. You can improve your Bull Terrier's impulse control through training, patience, and consistency.
• Never let your child approach a dog that is chained up.
• Never let your kid put their face near a dog's face.
• Get your kids involved in Bull Terrier training the right way.

Get your Bull Terrier from a responsible breeder

You must ensure that you are getting your Bull Terrier from reputable breeders. Good breeders take special care to breed their dogs for good health and temperament. The best way to get to know a breeder is to meet in person, which might be at their kennel or in their home.

The breeder should provide a vaccination certificate and should tell you if any have been administered already and when they are due. Bull Terriers that are bred improperly or raised improperly are more likely to show signs of fear, aggression, and anxiety. 

Final thoughts

Consciously or not, people love stereotyping dogs by breed. Let's be fair! Most dogs aren’t inherently dangerous, exceptionally friendly, or aggressive. Just like humans, every Bull Terrier is an individual. If you're ready to take on the challenge of getting a Bull Terrier, you'll find them to be a loving, loyal companion who's always ready to entertain you.

All Bull Terriers need proper training, appropriate socialization, and a loving home. 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’s needs. As a dog parent, you must understand their exercise requirements, diet, grooming, and training needs.

If you have any comments about this topic, please let us know. We would be happy to hear from you!