Honest FAQ for the Standard and Miniature Bull Terrier, aka English Bull Terrier

What kind of temperament and personality does the English Bull Terrier have?

The most descriptive words that come to my mind regarding English Bull Terrier temperament and behavior are:

rowdy, clownish, affectionate, enthusiastic face kisser, vigorous, energetic, strong-willed, mischievous, destructive when bored, often animal-aggressive

I give you my honest opinions about English Bull Terrier temperament and personality traits and characteristics – positives AND negatives – in my dog breed review, English Bull Terrier Temperament and Personality Traits (What's Good About 'Em, What's Bad About 'Em).

Where did the name English Bull Terrier come from?

From crosses of various bulldogs and white terriers, a more refined breed (with a unique head) became the Bull Terrier.

Most breed clubs call this breed simply Bull Terrier. The only other word they might add would be either Standard or Miniature to distingish between the two sizes, which are considered separate breeds.

But he is also referred to, sometimes, as an English Bull Terrier  to distinguish him from the American Pit Bull Terrier.

What were English Bull Terriers used for?

The Bull Terrier's oldest ancestors were used in barbaric spectacles where aggressive dogs were placed in a pit with a tied-up bull and encouraged to mercilessly tease and bite the bull in order to weaken and kill it.

By the 1800s these gruesome events were outlawed, so a new "sport" was begun: matching dog against dog in the deadly pits of dog fighting.

What traits would help Bull Terriers accomplish their work? That's right... powerful drives to confront and kill other animals, great strength, endurance, athleticism, independent thinking, courage and tenacity, and high tolerance for pain.

How big are Standard and Miniature Bull Terriers? Height and weight?

Standard: about 21-22 inches at the shoulder, and 50-70 pounds, which puts them in the MEDIUM-SIZE category.

Miniature: about 10-14 inches at the shoulder, and 18-30 pounds, which puts them in the MID-SIZE category.

What colors do English Bull Terriers come in?

Not only does the Bull Terrier come in Standard and Miniature sizes, but also in two official color varieties:

• White Variety. Solid white, or mostly white with dark markings on his head/ears only. Yes, a pirate eye patch qualifies!
• Colored Variety. Primarily these dogs are red, fawn, tricolor (black/brown/white), or brindle (black stripes on a brown background). White markings are usually present, to a greater or lesser extent, on the face, chest, and legs.

  On some brindle Bull Terriers, the stripes are few in number but clearly defined. On other brindle Bullies, the stripes are so numerous and heavily concentrated that you can hardly see the brown background peeking through, i.e. the dog might appear black, especially from a distance. The latter dogs are, in fact, often called "black brindles."

Do English Bull Terriers come in different "types"?

Just the two breeds (Standard and Miniature) set apart by size. And the two color varieties.

How much exercise do English Bull Terriers need?

Bull Terriers of every size are high-energy dogs. But their energy tends to come in spurts and bursts, so they don't need hours of jogging all at once.

Instead, they want several long brisk walks, a decent-sized yard to romp in, and short but vigorous games of fetch and tug. Also get your Bullie involved in canine sports such as rally, agility, scentwork, weight pulling, etc.

Your typical Bull Terrier will never just sit placidly in the backyard. If you don't provide enough exercise and mental stimulation, a Bull Terrier, especially an adolescent or young adult, will most likely vent his pent-up energy by destroying your house and yard. A Bull Terrier is not a phlegmatic, undemanding breed like an English Bulldog!

Do English Bull Terriers need a fenced yard?

Yes, with a high solid fence that he can't climb or see-through. Why a fenced yard? and best and worst fences.

Are English Bull Terriers easy to train?

Not particularly, no. Bull Terriers are both physically and mentally strong, which can make training a challenge.

You must be a firm, assertive owner who can establish a healthy leader-follower relationship If you're more of a mild-mannered, peaceful, live-and-let-live kind of person... don't get a Bull Terrier, else he will run the household. This breed is not for easygoing beginners.

Are Bull Terriers easy to housebreak?

They're about average.

Are Bull Terriers friendly with people?

Some Bull Terriers are standoffish (but polite) with strangers. But most Bullies are outgoing and friendly with everyone. One of their common social behaviors is leaping into the air trying to give people kisses. Although well-meaning, this should not be allowed. You want to be encouraging calmness and self-control in Bull Terriers, not jumping excitedly on people!

Some Bull Terriers have protective instincts, but without actual protection training,  they are not effective protectors. But they can still be excellent deterrents... as long as you stay in charge and immediately stop any unwarranted aggression.

Are English Bull Terriers good with children?

I don't recommend Bull Terriers for children younger than about 10 years old. These dogs seem to have an innate sense of pride and fairness and may not put up with pushy children who step over the line. In addition, the Standard size is so muscular and vigorous breed that he could accidentally knock over a small child.

Finally, Bull Terriers (and other bulldog-type breeds) can have issues of resource guarding, which means being possessive of their food and chew toys. I don't allow young children (or other pets) near a Bull Terrier who is engrossed in his food or bones.

Are English Bull Terriers good with other dogs?

Not particularly.

If you're a strong leader, Bull Terriers are usually fine with other dogs in their own family. Still, it's safest if those other dogs are the opposite sex. Safest of all is keeping a Bull Terrier as an only dog.

Around a strange dog of the same sex, Bull Terriers typically display canine social signals of boldness and dominance. If the other dog disagrees, a serious fight may ensue.

Are English Bull Terriers good with cats?

Some Bull Terriers are okay with cats in their own family if raised with them. Other Bullies have a high prey drive to stalk and kill other creatures that run. Personally, I wouldn't take the risk when there are plenty of other breeds that ARE safe with cats.

How much do English Bull Terriers shed?

English Bull Terriers are average shedders. Their harsh coat (which actually irritates the hands of some sensitive people) sheds moderately in the spring and fall, and a bit of hair the rest of the year. This is normal for most shorthaired breeds.

Are English Bull Terriers hypoallergenic? Good for people with allergies?

Absolutely not.

How much grooming do English Bull Terriers need?

Just an occasional quick brush to sweep the dirt, dander, and loose hair off your dog's skin. But brush more often when shedding!

What's a good training schedule for training English Bull Terrier puppies?

Here's the puppy training schedule I use for English Bull Terriers: Puppy Training Schedule.

What behavior problems do English Bull Terriers tend to have?

A lot of Bull Terrier problems begin or worsen during adolescence (7-24 months) when the hormones are increasing. This critical period is when you must teach calmness, establish the right leader/follower relationship, and respond properly to behavior problems.

In Bullies, the most common behavior problems I see are aggression toward other dogs or cats, rambunctiousness, jumping vigorously on people, destructive chewing, testing of the owner's rules, and possessiveness of bones or food.

What health problems might English Bull Terriers have?

An awful lot, I'm afraid. Heart diseases, kidney diseases, neurological diseases, eye diseases, skin diseases...

Also inherited deafness. This can occur in both white and colored dogs, but it's much more common in whites. Partial deafness (one ear) doesn't bother a dog, as the other ear can compensate. But complete deafness (both ears) can be very challenging to raise and train.

Thus you should always confirm the hearing status of a Bull Terrier, especially a white dog, before buying or adopting one.

What breeds are similar to the English Bull Terrier?

• Staffordshire Bull Terrier
• American Staffordshire Terrier

Where can I buy a Standard or Miniature Bull Terrier puppy?

From a show breeder is best. Read my article.

Where can I adopt an older English Bull Terrier?

Rescue group or humane society/shelter? Read my article.

I just got a new English Bull Terrier. Which pages should I read first?

• English Bull Terrier Health, which includes my advice on feeding, vaccinations, and daily health care. These pages are very important, because if you start your English Bull Terrier puppy off on the wrong foot, he will probably experience health problems later on. Starting off right is essential.
• Training English Bull Terriers, which includes my advice on respect training, housebreaking, and socialization. Again, you must start your English Bull Terrier puppy off on the right foot by teaching him what he needs to know, and you must avoid doing the wrong things with him so that he doesn't develop bad habits that will be much harder to fix later on.

Do male dogs or female dogs make better pets?

Ah, let the debate begin! Honestly, male English Bull Terriers have pros and cons, and female English Bull Terriers have pros and cons. Visit Male Dogs versus Female Dogs

There's an adorable English Bull Terrier puppy at the pet shop. The store manager assures me they only buy from responsible breeders. Could this be true?

No responsible English Bull Terrier breeder would ever place one of their English Bull Terrier puppies in a pet shop for resale. To find out more about pet shop puppies, visit Pet Shop Puppies: Buying a Puppy From a Pet Store.

How do I pick the best English Bull Terrier puppy from a litter?

You can do puppy personality tests. Visit How To Choose a Good Puppy.

What's the best dog food for English Bull Terriers?

3 Best Ways To Feed Your Dog Healthy Food.

I have to take my English Bull Terrier to the vet soon for shots. Which vaccinations does he really need?

The schedule of vaccinations that dogs really need has changed dramatically – but unfortunately most vets are not telling you this, because a good chunk of their income depends on frequent vaccinations. Please don't get any more shots for your English Bull Terrier until you've read my article on Puppy Shots and Dog Vaccinations.

What are the pros and cons of spaying and neutering my English Bull Terrier, and when should it be done?

Spaying and neutering are often recommended too early, which can lead to health problems later in life. Visit Spaying Your Female Dog or Neutering Your Male Dog for the straight scoop on the safest (and riskiest) times to spay or neuter.

I have a question about English Bull Terriers that I don't see answered on your web site.

It's probably answered in one of my free online books.