Should You Get a Bull Terrier?
Bull Terriers are impossible to mistake and just as impossible to categorize. Behind the iconic egg-shaped head is a dog known for clownish behavior, intense loyalty, and a personality that can swing from hilarious to stubborn in seconds. They form strong attachments to their people, crave interaction, and rarely fade quietly into the background of a household. For the right owner, a Bull Terrier is endlessly entertaining and deeply devoted — but their energy, independence, and mischievous streak aren’t for everyone. Before deciding, it’s worth understanding what life with one of these unforgettable dogs is really like.
Bull Terrier At a Glance
Temperament: Playful, bold, mischievous
Breed Type: Medium companion / terrier
Height: 21–22 inches
Weight: 50–70 pounds
Lifespan: 12–13 years
Shedding: Low to moderate
Exercise Needs: High
Good for Families: Yes, with proper training
Best for Owners: Experienced
Origin: England
Size: Medium
Bull Terrier Origin
The Modern Bull Terrier first emerged in England in 1862, when James Hinks introduced the breed at a dog show. Often regarded as the founder of the original Bull Terrier, Hinks was instrumental in refining the breed’s appearance and temperament. His efforts established the distinctive look and traits that define the Bull Terrier we know today.
Bull Terrier Development
While other breeds may have contributed, the Bull Terrier’s development is most commonly linked to the Bulldog, the English White Terrier, and the Dalmatian. Originally bred for 19th-century blood sports like bull-baiting and dog fighting, these dogs were later refined to temper their aggression. Over time, selective breeding transformed them into the affectionate, playful companions we recognize today.
Bull Terrier Traditional Coat Colors
In the breed’s early days, Bull Terriers were exclusively white. This changed in the early 1900s when the first colored variants appeared-a development met with resistance from purists who feared diluting the breed’s standards. For decades, controversy persisted, and it wasn’t until the 1950s that colored Bull Terriers gained full acceptance. Today, the breed proudly showcases many colors and patterns.
Bull Terrier’s Closest DNA Relatives
In Landmark Research on Modern Dog Breed development, the Bull Terrier has been shown to share the most DNA with an ancestor of the following breeds:
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
American Staffordshire Terrier
Glen of Imal Terrier
Bull Terriers are the Class Clowns
Affectionately nicknamed “The Jolly Boys” of the dog world, Bull Terriers are the ultimate class clowns-boisterous, playful, and endlessly entertaining. While they may not be always jolly, their high energy and love of fun make them natural performers. In fact, their remarkable agility and determination once earned them starring roles in circuses, where they dazzled audiences with their antics.
Bull Terrier Size and Coat Color
According to FCI Breed Standard the Bull Terrier can reach up to 22 inches in height and up to 70 pounds in weight.
Accepted Coat Colors:
Pure white
Black brindle
Red
Fawn
Tricolor
Undesirable Traits:
Tick markings on white coats
Blue or liver coloration (considered highly undesirable)
Bull Terriers are OCD.
Research indicates Bull Terriers and German Shepherds display significantly higher rates of compulsive tail-chasing behavior compared to other breeds (Moon-Fanelli et al., 2011). These dogs may also exhibit light/shadow chasing behaviors (Tiira et al., 2016).
A 2012 study found nutritional supplementation reduced tail-chasing frequency in affected dogs, though the precise mechanisms remain unclear (Overall & Dunham, 2012).
Key Nutritional Interventions
Tryptophan-Enhanced Diets
Study: Overall & Dunham (2012) used diets supplemented with L-tryptophan (a serotonin precursor)
Rationale: Serotonin modulation may affect obsessive-compulsive behaviors
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Evidence: Subsequent research (e.g., Korpivaara et al., 2017) showed reduced anxiety-related behaviors with EPA/DHA supplementation
B-Complex Vitamins
Observed Effect: Some studies noted improved neurological function with methylated B12/folate
Growing Up Bull Terrier
Get a FREE Video of your dog HERE!
How Fast Can a Bull Terrier Run?
The American Kennel Club (AKC) Conducts Dog Racing Trials each December in Orlando, FL. called the Fast CAT Invitational. This is a 100 yard race where dogs run individually chasing a lure. The average running speed by Bull Terrier’s is almost 23 mph. The fastest recorded speed by a Bull Terrier was by a dog named Dogmore At Twilight O’Malvern at 26.11 mph!
They exist in miniature.
The Miniature Bull Terrier is considered a separate breed. They stand 10-14 inches tall and weigh 18-28 pounds. Their coat colors are the same as the standard Bull terrier.
Breed Recognition:
Classified independently despite shared ancestry
Maintains all Bull Terrier temperament traits in a compact size
Functional Legacy:
Bred for the same historical roles (vermin control, companionship)
Retains the breed’s signature egg-shaped head and muscular build
Bull Terrier Temperament & Personality
The CBARQ Dog Temperament Research study, conducted at the University of Pennsylvania, is a giant study of over 300 dog breeds and 60,000 individual dogs. In this study, the Bull Terrier ranks 8 out of 124 breeds in aggression towards other UNFAMILIAR dogs. When an unfamiliar canine enters their territory, they are likely to react by growling, bearing of teeth or in extreme cases lunging or biting.
Are Bull Terriers Aggressive?
In this Same Research the Bull terrier ranks 15 our of 124 breeds in showing aggression towards their owners. This is measured by a dog’s reaction when an owner approaches the dog’s food, favorite toy, bone, bed etc. and the dog grows, bears their teeth or displays other hostile behavior.
Bull terrier Humor!
Bull Terrier Intelligence
In the Landmark Book entitled, “The Intelligence of Dogs”, professor Stanley Coren researched and documented the intelligence of over 130 different dog breeds. In his book, the Bull Terrier ranks 49th out of 138 breeds in working/obedience intelligence. Essentially this means they will learn new commands in 25 to 40 repetitions and obey first commands more than 50% of the time. This puts them in the “average working and obedience intelligence” category. In contrast, the most intelligent breeds will learn the same command in 5 repetitions or less!
Bull Terrier’s Like to Chew
They will Chew on Everything. While some will chew more than others, Bull terriers are known to chew, and sometimes, ingest items that should not be eaten. Many times this will require surgery for there removal. Your cell phone, remote, sunglasses, shoes etc. should be kept in a safe place!
One 2021 study found Bull Terriers were overrepresented in foreign-body surgery cases compared to other breeds (Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care).
Bull Terrier Health and Lifespan
Bull Terrier’s Have an Average lifespan of 12-13 years. One of the oldest Bull terrier’s on record is from Australia named Pappu Trout at 17 years old.
Common Health Concerns
While generally robust, the breed is predisposed to:
Patellar Luxation (slipping kneecaps)
Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD; inherited kidney cysts)
Pulmonic Stenosis (heart valve obstruction)
Check Your Bull Terrier Facts and Take a Fun Bull Terrier Quiz!
Quick Facts About the Bull Terrier Infographic
Facts About Bull Terriers-Final Thoughts
Bull Terriers are unique and fascinating dogs that require special care and attention. Their distinctive appearance, with their triangular eyes and muscular build, makes them stand out in a crowd. These active and energetic dogs and need enough exercise, both physical and mental, to keep them happy and healthy. Daily walks and consistent training are a must for these strong-willed pups. It is a good idea to start obedience training at an early age. Bull Terriers have a strong prey drive that may make them prone to chasing smaller pets. It’s important to provide them with plenty of mental exercise as well, to keep their intelligent minds stimulated. They may not be the best choice for first time pet parents or families with young children. While they can be challenging at times, especially during their adolescent to middle age years, the love and companionship they provide make it all worthwhile.
