Bull Terrier

50-60 lbs
21-22"
England
Bull and Terrier, White Cavaliers

The Bull Terrier breed is a loving and loyal family dog and companion today; however, when they originated, the breed was used for dog fighting and later for guarding, ratting and herding.  The breed originated with the crossing of Bulldogs and a now extinct breed called the Old English Terrier and was later crossed with a white Bulldog and white English Terriers to obtain a white Bull Terrier.  The white Bull Terrier became a gentleman’s companion and earned the nickname of White Cavalier as they rode in the carriages of English gentry. This strong dog sports a football-shaped head and a muscular body with a swagger that really gets attention.  They have become a loyal and loving companion for people of all ages, though not the best companion for small children due to their natural exuberance.  They are a very social breed, not the barky type but definitely protective and territorial. They love to be with their human family, walk every day and require only weekly brushings except during shedding periods.

purpose Purpose
Guarding, Ratting, Herding
history Date of Origin
1800s
ancestry Ancestry
Bulldog, Old English Terrier

Bull Terrier Health

Sketch of Bull Terrier
Average Size
Male Bull Terrier size stats
Height: 21-22 inches Weight: 60-70 lbs
Female Bull Terrier size stats
Height: 21-22 inches Weight: 50-60 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Deafness (Whites)
  • Kidney Problems
  • Mitral Valve Disease
  • Lethal Acrodermatitis
Minor Concerns
  • Entropion
  • Ectropion
  • Demodectic Mange
  • Eye Disease
  • Laryngeal Paralysis
Occasional Tests
  • Cardiac
  • Eye
  • Blood Test
  • Hearing (Whites)
  • Up:Uc Ratio For Kidney Function
  • Skin Scraping

Bull Terrier Breed History

The Bull Terrier breed was born in England in the 1800s with the crossing of the Bulldog and a now extinct breed called the Old English Terrier, and later a Spanish Terrier to add some height to the new breed.  What came from this crossing of breeds was a strong and muscular breed that was initially used for dog fighting but later as companions.  In 1860, interest was increasing for an all-white breed and, in response to this interest, James Hinks crossed the “bull and terrier” with a white English Terrier and a Dalmatian, producing a much more fashionable white Bull Terrier.  The breed was especially appreciated by gentlemen for the fighting aspect (while it was still legal then), making quite a hit at the well-attended entertainment venues.  The breed became the carriage companion of many English gentry, being seen riding proudly next to the gentleman in his carriage through the park. The temperament, intelligence, and strength of the breed were such that they could be trained to protect themselves and their master while not provoking a fight and, in this role, the Bull Terrier began to be referred to as the “white cavalier”. Over time, this sturdy breed has been utilized as a guard dog, a rat hunter and herder, in addition to companionship.  The breed is available in white and colors and a standard size as well as a mini version, both having the same types of personalities and temperaments.  The breed requires firm discipline and training as well as strong socialization training, beginning from early puppyhood.

Bull Terrier Breed Appearance

The Bull Terrier is a strong, stocky and muscular breed whose body is slightly longer than it is tall.  With moderately long front legs and hind legs that are characterized by strong, muscular thighs, the round, compact and catlike feet may seem a bit out of place on such a stocky and muscular animal. However, these feet and legs carry this dog in an agile and powerful gait. The breed sports a head that strongly resembles a football, having a head that is long and strong with a deep muzzle and a flat forehead that runs from ear to ear.  They have small, thin ears which are close together at the top of the head and this breed is the only one with triangular shaped eyes recognized by American Kennel Club.  They are sunken, small and dark and give this pup a glinting, intelligent expression.  The usually black nose has well developed nostrils and the teeth meet in a scissors or level bite.  The breed’s neck is tapered from head to shoulders and is long and strong.  The tail is short, set low and is generally carried in the horizontal position, thick at the base and tapering to a point.  The coat is short and flat, has a glossy sheen but is coarse to the touch and comes in white and colors.

Appearance of Bull Terrier
Eye Color Possibilities
brown Bull Terrier eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Bull Terrier nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
fawn Bull Terrier coat
Fawn
white Bull Terrier coat
White
pied Bull Terrier coat
Pied
brindle Bull Terrier coat
Brindle
red Bull Terrier coat
Red
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Bull Terrier straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Bull Terrier Breed Maintenance

The Bull Terrier doesn’t require a great deal of grooming -- just brush them once or twice a week to remove any loose hair and only bath them when they really need it.  Keep the ears clean and the nails trimmed and they are good to go. Giving your pup a rub down when you’re playing with them will help to reduce the shedding and keep the coat shining.  The coat is not hypoallergenic so these little steps will help to reduce the shedding issues.  They should have their teeth cleaned and checked by your veterinary professional who can provide guidance about teeth cleaning at home.  They love to play and are quite the active comic as they sometimes chase anything that moves!  This active character needs to be exercised daily and this can be done inside or outside, although they love walks.  They are an indoor type of dog, not only because of their coat but because they don’t do well when separated from their human family.  They need attention and affection and don’t like to be left alone.  This amicable dog can live in any size house or apartment and run and play in any size yard or park.  It is important to socialize puppies as early in life as possible so that they don’t develop domineering tendencies. The Bull Terrier breed likes meat as much as any other mammal but he does best when their dietary regimen is balanced, whether with a commercially made food or a homemade, fresh diet.

Brushes for Bull Terrier
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Comb
Comb
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Bull Terrier requires weekly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Bull Terrier Temperament

Bull Terriers have been described using terms like stubborn and comical with imagination. The breed is generally good-natured and does well with families, though families with small children will need to monitor their activities closely since they can be rambunctious in play and small children may not be able to handle this behavior.  These proud pups don't like to be teased, as small children can sometimes do. Families with older, more respectful children may be better suited to this dog's temperament. They can be protective especially if they sense that a family member is in danger.  It’s a good idea to socialize them early with strangers.  They can be overly domineering with smaller animals who also live in the household.  They are very trainable when firm and positive encouragement are used.  They are energetic and love to exercise, play and walk any distance you’re up to and still, they love to just be near you and the family they adore.

Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
8 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
60 minutes
activity minutes

Bull Terrier Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
2.5 cups
cup per day cost cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$1.50 - $1.90
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$39.00 - $52.00
food bag monthly cost

Bull Terrier Height & Weight

6 Months
Sketch of Bull Terrier at six months
Male Bull Terrier size stats at six months
Height: 13.5 inches Weight: 34.0 lbs
Female Bull Terrier size stats at six months
Height: 12.5 inches Weight: 33.0 lbs
12 Months
Sketch of Bull Terrier at 12 months
Male Bull Terrier size stats at 12 months
Height: 17.0 inches Weight: 55.0 lbs
Female Bull Terrier size stats at 12 months
Height: 16.0 inches Weight: 52.0 lbs
18 Months
Sketch of Bull Terrier at 18 months
Male Bull Terrier size stats at 18 months
Height: 20.0 inches Weight: 65.0 lbs
Female Bull Terrier size stats at 18 months
Height: 19.5 inches Weight: 57.5 lbs

Top Bull Terrier Breeders

Check out who made our list for the most reputable Bull Terrier breeders of 2024.
Top Bull Terrier breeder Pound 4 Pound Bull Terriers
Pound 4 Pound Bull Terriers
York, Pennsylvania
Top Bull Terrier breeder Glentom Bull Terriers
Glentom Bull Terriers
Glenwood, Arkansas
Top Bull Terrier breeder St George BTs & Omega Miniature BTs
St George BTs & Omega Miniature BTs
Johnstown, Ohio
Top Bull Terrier breeder Cartoon Pets
Cartoon Pets
Corning, California
Top Bull Terrier breeder Phantom Long Face Bull Terriers
Phantom Long Face Bull Terriers
Big Cabin, Oklahoma
Top Bull Terrier breeder Top Notch Bull Terriers
Top Notch Bull Terriers
Vinton, Ohio
Top Bull Terrier breeder Ramirez Bull Terriers
Ramirez Bull Terriers
Leavenworth, Kansas
Top Bull Terrier breeder ​​Kessler Bull Terriers
​​Kessler Bull Terriers
Spanish Fort, Alabama

Bull Terrier Owner Experiences

Daisy
11 Months
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Dog Parks
Hiking
Walking
Beach
Daisy is a sweet dog, very affectionate towards owners and good with people who come over as well as strangers in the outside world. She lives with 2 other adult dogs and 1 cat. Is good with the dogs can be a little jealous over love/food they receive but overall good. Daisy wants to play too much with the cat who doesn't want to play with her at all, but they get along just can't be close together.
2 years, 10 months ago
Rox
2 Days
1 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
She's a lovey dog. I will only have this breed as it is good on my asthma with the short hair and also pit bulls.
7 years ago
3 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Bull Terriers are an awesome breed with an unfortunate stigma. Unlike many other breeds, the Bull Terrier was designed fight. They are a block of solid muscle, giving them a very tough appearance. Like any other breed, they are still naturally mans best friend! Bull Terriers are one of the most loyal and obedient breeds if they are raised in a loving environment.
6 years, 11 months ago
9 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
Tug of war
I grew up loving this breed of dog as it was one that was on one of the commercials on tv that became a huge popular commercial. Spud Mackenzie was the name of this bull terrier. The bull terrier I walked was nine years old and was an old grumpy man that didn’t really enjoy his walks. Again he was old and pretty fragile so I had to be very cautious with him and gentle. I know that they are known to be great dogs and I’m sure if I’d had the opportunity to meet him when he was younger, the experience would have been completely different. He still was super gentle and not at all aggressive with other dogs and always happy when I showed up to walk him. I know that they have athletic abilities in them especially when there is a skateboard around. I will always enjoy this dog breed.
6 years, 11 months ago
6 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Not only do I have a bull terrier of my own, but I make it a point to walk as many as possible as I am in love with the breed. Clowns in dog suits 100%. Bull terriers mostly just want to have fun all of the time. They can be quite stubborn when it comes to training but they are incredibly driven so if you're ready to put in the work, their ready to learn. My experience with bull terriers is always a good one. These dogs are so incredibly loyal and all they want to do is see you smile and laugh.
6 years, 11 months ago
5 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
Fetching
Playing around
Where do I even start with this devilishly handsome breed! For starters these dogs definitely have an amazing amount of energy which they're ready to spend at any given time. I find that they play well with other breeds regardless of the stereotype they have to their name. French Bull Dogs and Boston Terriers make great matches for the Bull Terrier in my experience. These dogs are great for fetching balls even though they may not always bring it back. If you're looking for a playfully bossy pup that'll keep you busy as well as calming company I would definitely recommend the Bull Terrier. From running the block to sitting back to watch some telly they're the literal meaning of mans best friend. I find that they grow very close to their owners and family. They are extremely loyal and can be very goofy. The Bull Terrier will definitely make it's way to your heart if you give them the chance. From the beautiful shape of their heads to the funny run they have they're all around great companions.
6 years, 11 months ago
5 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
chewing
Running
Jumping
He was very high energy! He was a rescue, so he wasn't very good with other dogs or people. He was sweet as can be if you give him a second to warm up to you. Very strong!
6 years, 11 months ago
7 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walk
Sniffing
I had a great time walking the Bull Terrier I walked! She was very friendly and well behaved on the leash. She gave me no trouble at all on the walk itself or in the process of putting her leash on. She was great with other dogs and meeting people along the way, and it was clear that she lived with young children by how well she handled meeting kids on our walk.
6 years, 11 months ago
4 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Running
Bull Terriers are very strong and very stubborn. They also need long walks to get exercise. The one I walked was very friendly being that I was a stranger, and was very well trained. Even so, I had to keep an eye for lizards and cats, as she would burst to catch them. I recommend keeping a short leash and strong control with commands to keep them in check.
6 years, 11 months ago
1 Year
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walk
Catch treats
Play
Chase
Explore the city
Eating Snacks
Bowie is a really fun dog to walk--until the end of the walk. He stays in a cage during the day and when he's let out he sprawls across the living room mat like a big wet noodle. Getting him leashed up is a bit of a challenge due to his floppy nature, his lack of desire to stand up, and his sharp little puppy teeth. Once he's finally leashed up, getting him to start moving is nearly impossible and he often needs to be carried down the stairs and outside. Outside, his floppy nature continues, but his friendliness overrides his desire to lay around. His leash needs to be kept tight otherwise he would happily jump on every stranger that passed by. Next door to his home there is a tae kwon do class where there is often a group of men hanging out outside. Bowie and the fellas love hanging out with one another--he is so happy and so friendly! After we part from the fellas she often walks only a few steps before flopping down onto the ground and refusing to get up; she does this many times during each walk and sometimes he attempts to do so in the middle of the road. One trick that I learned that helped keep him keep up momentum, to practice tricks, and to quit jumping on strangers was to give him a stick. Using this technique he starts out pretty well behaved, but his energy level gets progressively higher. After a few minutes of playing he often needs a break because he starts jumping and snapping at the stick (awfully close to my hand). I try to calm him and refocus his attention by having him run through his basic tricks, but he has a difficult time doing so. The most challenging part of the walk is putting him back into his cage. He is resistant to going into the cage and is also possessive of his personal space; this behavior seemed to get worse each time I had the opportunity to take him for a walk. I would attempt to take the process as slowly as possible and try to keep his mind focused on tricks and treats instead of allowing him think about the cage or his space. He, nevertheless, would growl a little and, on occasion, has even snapped at me as I was closing the last of the cage's latches. Because of this tendency, he was scheduled for a reoccurring walker so he would have consistent influence and the ability to work specifically on this behavior.
6 years, 11 months ago
9 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
I have walked and worked with Bull Terriers before and they are pretty awesome dogs! The one in particular that I have worked with many times is such a sweet girl and has such a personality! She has some health issues that restrict her diet quite a bit and allergies that has her always licking/biting her paws to the point they get swollen. These issues don’t seem to phase her and she is always a happy girl, or at least when she is getting her way! She definitely has a stubborn side, but is so much fun to be around. She will let you know when she wants something or is not too pleased about something. She is an excellent guard dog as she will alert you when someone is walking by or approaching the house. She is a fun and very interesting pup!
6 years, 11 months ago
Apollo
20 Weeks
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
I love him other than the nipping! He is si cute!
6 years, 6 months ago
Mia
2 Years
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
The best loving soul and she has a very big heart, requires a walk daily to get rid of energy
6 years, 3 months ago
Frankenstein
6 Years
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
Hiking
sleep
Camping
Tug-of-war
Beach
Cuddling
Running
Frank has been my first bull terrier. He was a rescue and as a result is not dog friendly. he is INCREDIBLY high energy, and the breed is notorious for NOT calming down (I see 14 yr old BT's get the zoomies). However, Frank is a total cuddle bug, and loves cuddles, and pets, and snuggles from mom + friends. He can be indifferent to people that want to say hi -- slightly aloof -- because hes usually look for food. These dogs are VERY food driven, and Frank has written the book on counter-surfing. These are NOT for first time dog owners, or even "inexperienced" dog owners. Many of these dogs end up in shelters because people think they're "silly" and purchase, and realize how much work they are. If you do not have a yard, expect to crate train, and/or hire a dog walker for multiple check ins a day. Can be trained with a strong hand, patience, and dedication. Frank was terrible on leash, and with practice, has learned heal, and some recall. Great, rewarding dogs for physically strong people with a ton of patience.
5 years, 7 months ago
Book me a walkiee?
Pweeeze!
Sketch of smiling australian shepherd