This article also relates to: Miniature Bull Terrier
One of the oldest native terrier breeds in England, the Bull Terrier, or 'White Cavalier' as it was earlier known, was originally bred as a combat dog, utilised in the sport of dog fighting. Such savagery was permissible in England in the 1800s, and pictorials of the time feature Bull Terriers alongside wealthy Victorian aristocrats, who invested in the breed as a good money earner and fashionable companion pet. Standardised by Birmingham-born James Hinks in the 1880s, the Bull Terrier gained enormous favour and was progressively used to guard, rat, watch and herd. Officially recognised by the Kennel Club in 1885.
Highly distinctive, the Bull Terrier is not easily mistaken. Possessing a muscular and compact build, an ovular head and deep-set, almond-shaped eyes, small ears and sturdy legs, the breed is commonly recognised in colour variations of brindle, red, black, fawn and tricolour. The white Bull Terrier will have patterning on the head but nowhere else. Combining the best features of its early forebears the Bulldog and Old English Terrier, the breed is engineered for resilience, fearlessness and companionship, with the modern Bull Terrier having lost some of its in-bred fighter instinct.
Despite having been bred for combat, the Bull Terrier breed of today is amongst the most affectionate, loyal and sweet-natured of breeds, devoted to its family and obedient when trained consistently from an early age. Requiring plenty of exercise and regular human contact, the Bull Terrier is the ideal breed choice for families or the dedicated sole owner, providing sufficient training is given. The average weight of a healthy Bull Terrier is 16-22 kg, with a life expectancy of 10-12 years.
Typically healthy and hardy, the Bull Terrier is prone to various skin allergies, whilst being susceptible to more serious afflictions such as kidney insufficiency and failure, heart defects, slipped patella, and zinc deficiency. Breed-specific complaints further include early-onset deafness and easy weight gain. Feeding human foods is not encouraged for this reason.
![[REDACTED] [REDACTED]'s Bull Terrier - Marley](http://static2.viovet.co.uk/opt/s=kr/petphotos/9217_2bda35aa30f4a9083c568aaeda7980ab.jpg)
![[REDACTED] [REDACTED]'s Bull Terrier - Sammy](http://static1.viovet.co.uk/opt/s=kr/petphotos/36041_e860a11a87f095d4e467d058f0b18ec6.jpg)
From Hampshire, United Kingdom
Bull Terriers are wonderful dogs to live with. They are devoted companions, and really only content when they are with you - they are not dogs that are happy in kennels. They will protect YOU against anything, but for your valuables forget it - they are not guard dogs, despite their fearsome appearance.
They can be clowns, often doing what we owners call a Bullie run - look it up on YouTube - but do go to the loo first!!!
Any love you give to a BT will be returned 100 fold, but beware, they are stubborn; firm, consistent, loving discipline is required at all times.
Have a look at the BT Welfare site, there are always dogs in need of good homes.
From Lincolnshire, United Kingdom
Not my choice of dog, but could not see him go to a rescue home (long story) he is actually my son's dog, say no more! I would not be without him now, loyal is not the word he is my shadow. A great companion and never a dull moment with him. He is, mmmm, how do I put this? Just like having a man around the house, he snores and trumps...and gives great cuddles!
From Merseyside, United Kingdom
I have 3 rescue bull terriers. I've had six altogether and never had an aggressive one. A stubborn breed but so loving and loyal. I love them and wouldn't change breeds. They snore trump love to sleep and love cuddles
From West Midlands, United Kingdom
Snoopy is our 6th rescue bull terrier our first was in 1976, love them, would never choose another breed
From West Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Oh well my bull terriers really have changed my life,my 1st was chuck(pure white)I never thought I could live any thing as I did and still do him.Complete clown and always looking for mischief,sadly he passed away one year ago.My second bully is rescue ruby and she’s a calmer version of my chuck and she’s beautiful.Bull terriers are full on dogs and I guess not for everyone in terms of the attention they require,however they are made for me they are simply the best companion out there.
From West Yorkshire, United Kingdom
What a laugh, laugh a minute with a bully. Such nice dogs.
From Merseyside, United Kingdom
I have a 4 year old English bull terrier and she is the most loving dog that I have ever had in my life I was in a relationship with a ex that use to beat me up plus my dog until one day he hit me and my dog got him back so really she saved my life and I did the same with her I wouldn't want to life without her she family my friend.she is so good with kids even when she gets pulled about I love my dog my skylar lou xx
From Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
I’m new to the breed, had her since September last and she was soon very ill from Pyometra. She has now come out of herself and is funny, loving and gets on well with my male Staffy (soft as hell). I love them both but she needs some calming down so opted for natural tab’s from Violet to try. 🦴🥰
From South Yorkshire , United Kingdom
Bull terriers are not for the faint hearted, they can be stubborn, strong willed anything that you tell them to do they will just do what they want, but you show them that you are the boss and in control then they are the most loyal, loving and affectionate dogs you would hope to be part of your family.