Bull Terrier

Personality

A Bull Terrier is often described as a clown in a suit of armor. These dogs are playful, mischievous, affectionate and intensely devoted to their people, often wanting to be in physical contact with them at all times. They thrive on attention and join in with whatever the household is doing, including things you would rather they stayed out of.

They are also strong-willed and determined. A Bull Terrier can be stubborn, reluctant to give up a toy or a chosen path, and boisterous well into adulthood. Many are dog-selective or dog-aggressive, especially toward dogs of the same sex, and the breed has a prey drive that makes cats and small animals risky housemates.

Socialization from puppyhood is not optional. Controlled, positive exposure to many people, places and well-behaved dogs helps produce a stable adult. Bull Terriers dislike being left alone, and a bored, lonely dog can become destructive or develop compulsive behaviors such as spinning and tail chasing. Because of the dog's size and exuberance, supervise interactions with young children closely.

History

The Bull Terrier was developed in nineteenth-century England from bull-and-terrier crosses, dogs that had been bred for vermin control and blood sports. In the early 1860s, Englishman James Hinks took these dogs and refined them, crossing them with his white Bulldog and with the now-extinct English White Terrier, aiming for a cleaner appearance, better legs and a nicer head. Other breeds, including the Dalmatian, are also thought to have contributed to the dog's elegance and agility.

Hinks's dogs were white, but by the early twentieth century colored dogs appeared as breeders back-crossed with brindle Staffordshire Bull Terriers to produce a colored variety. The American Kennel Club recognized the Bull Terrier in 1885.

A smaller version, the Miniature Bull Terrier, is registered as a separate breed by the AKC. Today the Bull Terrier is a companion and show dog, famous for its distinctive head.

Appearance, coat & colors

No other breed looks quite like it. The Bull Terrier has a long, egg-shaped head with a downward-curving profile, small triangular eyes set at a slant, and small, erect ears. The body is muscular, rounded and powerful, and the neck is thick and arched. The AKC lists a height of about 21–22 in (53–56 cm) and a weight of 50–70 lb (23–32 kg).

The coat is short, flat and harsh to the touch, with a fine gloss, and the skin fits the body tightly. Colors fall into two groups: white (which may have markings on the head) and colored, which includes brindle, red, fawn and tricolor (black, tan and white), always with or without white markings. White dogs are more prone to deafness than colored dogs.

The tail is short and carried horizontally, tapering to a point. The overall impression is of a strong, active, sturdy dog with a keen, determined expression, quite unlike any other terrier.

Training

Bull Terriers are intelligent and often highly motivated by food and play, but they are also independent and persistent. They bore easily with repetition, so keep sessions short, upbeat and varied, and reward good behavior generously. Harsh corrections tend to make a Bull Terrier more determined, not more obedient.

Begin training and socialization the day the puppy comes home. A solid foundation should include a reliable recall, loose-leash walking, polite greetings and a firm "leave it" and "drop it". The dog's strength means you need good leash manners early, and a well-fitted harness or head halter, introduced gently, can help.

Expose the puppy to many people, sounds, surfaces and calm, well-behaved dogs, ideally in controlled settings such as classes. Do not rely on dog parks. Continue socialization through adolescence, when the breed's dog-selectivity may begin to appear.

Use crate training and puzzle toys to teach independence, and give the dog a job such as scent games, obedience, rally or agility. Working with a professional trainer experienced in terriers or bully breeds is wise for most first-time Bull Terrier owners.

Exercise

Bull Terriers are energetic and need daily exercise to stay happy and out of trouble. An adult usually requires an hour or more of active exercise, divided into brisk walks, play sessions and some training. They love tug, fetch and chasing games, and many enjoy flirt poles and agility.

A tired Bull Terrier is a better-behaved one. Mental exercise matters as much as physical: scent games, food puzzles and learning new tricks provide brain work. Without enough activity, the dog may chew, dig and develop compulsive behaviors.

Keep the dog on a leash in public places. Prey drive and dog-selectivity make off-leash outings risky, and many Bull Terriers cannot be trusted off leash. Secure fencing is essential, because a determined Bull Terrier can escape from poor barriers.

The short coat provides little insulation, so the breed copes with heat better than with cold; in damp or chilly weather, a coat or sweater helps. Puppies should avoid excessive exercise on hard surfaces while they grow. See our guide on how much exercise a dog needs.

Grooming

The Bull Terrier is one of the easiest breeds to groom. A weekly brush with a rubber curry or soft bristle brush removes loose hair and keeps the coat glossy. The breed sheds moderately year-round, with heavier seasonal sheds, and short hairs can stick to fabrics.

Bathing is needed only when the dog is dirty. Itchy skin due to allergies (atopic dermatitis) is common, often affecting the feet, belly, skin folds and ears, so choose a gentle dog shampoo, rinse thoroughly and ask your vet about persistent itching, which can lead to secondary infection. White dogs show dirt easily but should not be bathed excessively.

Trim the nails regularly, and check the ears and skin for irritation, redness or hot spots. Brush the teeth several times a week; our guide on how to brush your dog's teeth explains the technique. Start handling feet and mouth early, since a strong dog that dislikes grooming is hard to manage.

Feeding

Feed a high-quality, complete and balanced diet suited to the dog's age and activity level. Bull Terriers are muscular, and most do well on two measured meals a day. They are enthusiastic eaters and some will gain weight easily, so measure portions and monitor body condition. You should be able to feel the ribs and see a waist from above. Our guide to telling if your dog is overweight shows the check, and the dog food calculator provides a rough calorie estimate.

Skin allergies are common in the breed. If your dog is itchy or has recurrent ear or skin infections, see your vet; elimination diets should be supervised by a professional.

Because Bull Terriers are strong, determined chewers who tend to swallow things they should not, choose food toys and chews carefully and supervise. Many Bull Terriers have needed surgery to remove a swallowed object, so call your vet promptly if your dog vomits repeatedly, stops eating or seems to be in pain. Some dogs guard food and toys, so feed separately from other pets and teach children never to disturb a dog while eating.

Health

Bull Terriers are generally robust, living around 12–13 years, but they have several breed-linked concerns. Deafness is a significant issue, particularly in white dogs, and is tested by a BAER hearing test. Hereditary nephritis, an inherited kidney disease, is recognized in the breed, and your vet can check a urine sample for protein. Heart conditions such as mitral valve dysplasia occur, and skin allergies are common. Patellar luxation (a slipping kneecap) is also seen. Compulsive tail chasing and spinning can develop in some dogs, particularly when under-stimulated.

The Bull Terrier Club of America recommends that breeding dogs have a heart examination (ideally by a cardiologist), a urine protein test for the kidneys, a BAER hearing test and a patellar evaluation. Ask breeders for test results.

See your vet for chronic itching, increased thirst or urination, fainting, a cough, repeated vomiting or repetitive spinning behaviors. Keep the dog at a healthy weight and up to date on preventive care.

Health conditions to know about

• Deafness — Congenital hearing loss, especially in white dogs; checked with a BAER test.
• Hereditary nephritis and kidney disease — Inherited kidney disease that may be screened with urine tests.
• Heart disease — Mitral valve dysplasia, a congenital valve defect, is seen in the breed.
• Skin allergies — Itchy, inflamed skin (atopic dermatitis) is common.
• Compulsive tail chasing — Repetitive spinning that may develop in bored or stressed dogs.
• Patellar luxation — Kneecap slips out of place, causing skipping or lameness.
• Intestinal blockage — The breed tends to swallow objects; vomiting, appetite loss or belly pain needs prompt veterinary care.

Health tests to ask a breeder about

• BAER hearing test
• Cardiac exam
• Kidney and urine screening
• Patellar evaluation

Written from veterinary sources by the Pawsplained editorial team. Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian; this is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Updated Oct 25, 2026. Editorial policy

Living with a Bull Terrier

Bull Terriers can live in apartments if their exercise and company needs are met, but they do best in a home with a securely fenced yard and an owner who is often around. They are people dogs and suffer if left alone for long hours; a lonely Bull Terrier may chew, destroy furniture or develop compulsive habits.

The coat offers little insulation, so provide a warm bed and a coat in cold weather. The breed copes with heat better than with cold, but shade and fresh water are still essential.

Think carefully about other pets and children. Many Bull Terriers are strongly dog-selective, especially toward the same sex, and the prey drive can make cats and small animals unsafe. With children, a well-socialized Bull Terrier can be a loyal and fun companion, but the breed's strength and exuberance mean supervision is essential, particularly with young kids.

Rules about dogs vary by area, so check local housing, insurance and licensing requirements before you buy or rent. Expect a dog who wants to be in your lap, on your bed or by your side, whatever its size.

Puppies, breeders & rescue

Bull Terrier puppy prices vary widely, depending on breeder, region and the health testing involved. Be wary of unusually low prices or puppies available at short notice, which can point to a poor breeding operation.

A responsible breeder is a member of the Bull Terrier Club of America or your national club, tests breeding dogs (hearing, heart, kidneys and knees), has puppies hearing-tested before they go home, raises them in a home environment, and interviews buyers carefully. They will be upfront about the breed's challenges, including dog-selectivity, strength and the need for training. Ask to see test results and to meet the mother.

Rescue is a valuable route. Bull Terrier rescues exist in many countries and often have adult dogs with known temperaments and medical histories. They can match you with a dog suited to your experience, other pets and home.

Whichever route you choose, start socialization and training on day one and plan for secure fencing. Our puppy first-week checklist can help you prepare for the first days at home.