🐶 Dog · size Medium
Bull Terrier
Medium-sized dog breed with a unique character.
Photo · Pleple2000 (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Weight
22–32 kg
Size
Medium
Lifespan
12–15 ans
Energy
Moyen
Origin
Angleterre
Coat
brindle, fawn, solid white or with brown or black patches
Maintenance
Faible
Training
Moyen
The Bull Terrier is a dog of English origin, belonging to the 3rd group of dog breeds of the International Cynological Federation, the group of terriers and not that of molossoids. Originally created to drive badgers from their burrows, it was quickly diverted as a fighting dog. Today it is more appreciated as a companion dog.
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It is the only dog breed with an ovoid head, which gives it a particular aesthetic appeal. There are two distinct variants: the standard Bull Terrier and the Miniature Bull Terrier, the latter not exceeding 35.5 cm at the withers.
Compatibility
Profile
At a glance
Energy
Modéré
Trainability
Modéré
Maintenance
Faible
Indicative profile — every animal is an individual.
⚡ Key facts in 30 seconds
L'essentiel
- 1Medium size (22–32 kg) — balance between presence and practicality.
- 2Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years on average, depending on hygiene and diet.
- 3Moderate energy — 30 to 60 minutes of exercise per day is sufficient.
- 4Minimal maintenance — little shedding, occasional brushing.
- 5Documented predispositions: skin allergies. Regular veterinary follow-up recommended.
Chapter 1
Getting to know the Bull Terrier
Origins & history
A story told
The Bull Terrier was created in England in the 18th century by crossing the English Bulldog with the white English terrier, a greyhound-type hunting dog that is now extinct, resembling the greyhound. Dalmatian and Staffordshire Bull Terrier blood were also used for 'refreshers' to obtain certain characteristics of elegance and coat colors. It began its career as a fighting dog. Indeed, for a time it fought wild or domestic animals, bears, bulls or equines. In 1835, following the development in the number of these fights, the British Parliament banned animal fights, which marked the decline of this breed. However, clandestine meetings still existed, no longer pitting animals against other species but only dogs against each other, but the current bull terrier has not been used for fighting for a long time because the selection of this breed has no longer been done in this direction since the end of the 18th century. The Bull Terrier might even have disappeared after World War I, following a series of mishaps (animals suffering from deafness, prohibition of ear cropping in 1895, depigmentation of certain subjects...). Although the breed was known from the beginning of the 19th century, the standard did not authorize colored subjects until 1920 to bring new blood to white dogs, many of which were born deaf. The Bull Terrier was only recognized in 1935 in England and in 1943 in France.
Character
Daily temperament
The current Bull Terrier no longer shows the characteristics for which it was created in the 18th century; more than sixty years of rigorous selection by breeders has made it much more suited to domestic life and made it an admirable companion dog.
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It can be abrupt because of its powerful musculature and compact physique. From its terrier ancestors, it has retained this determined character representative of the breed. The Bull Terrier is a very sociable dog, it shows admiration for its master and family members. This attachment extends to human beings in general, which makes it a rather poor guard dog. Dynamic and playful, it needs long walks and play sessions to thrive and expend energy. Solitude, boredom and inactivity are difficult for it to bear and make it destructive. It is strongly advised to take it to an education club or to bring in a behavioral trainer as early as possible to socialize it and transform work sessions into entertainment. The Bull Terrier is capable of having the aptitudes to be trained for biting, however its use remains very marginal, and it is not on the list of breeds authorized to practice this canine sport in France. The Bull Terrier, on the other hand, can be trained for agility. Instinctive behaviors of 'vermin hunters (rodents)' towards rats, hedgehogs, badgers, nutrias and others may be present in some individuals.
Chapter 2
Daily life
What if you adopted your future companion?
The Bull Terrier of your dreams may already be waiting in a shelter. Hundreds of bull terrier (and equally wonderful crossbreeds) are looking for a family in France — every adoption starts a new story.
Editorial recommendation — no affiliate links.
Âge
What human age for a bull terrier ?
The calculator is already set to the breed's adult size (espérance de vie 12–15 ans). Drag the slider to see the equivalence and corresponding life stage.
10 à 22 kg — a giant dog ages significantly faster than a small dog after maturity.
Equivalent human age
29years
Adulte
Most stable period. Monthly weigh-in, annual vet visit, dental care — this determines quality of life in later years.
Method: AVMA table: 15 human years in year one, +9 in year two, then +5 per year for a moyen dog.
These equivalences are statistical benchmarks drawn from published veterinary tables. Every animal ages at its own pace, depending on genetics, diet and care. This calculator is neither a diagnosis nor veterinary advice.
Health
Health watch
Deafness, which can be bilateral or unilateral, is a hereditary defect, a flaw that is transmitted genetically, which is why parents and puppies must undergo a screening test called PEA (Potential Evoked Auditory). Joint problems with hip dysplasia and patellar luxation (fairly common but easily detectable by simple palpation). Skin problems are still fairly common, especially in white dogs.
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They can range from allergies (of various causes) to pyodermatitis, demodicosis or atopic dermatitis. Diet can be the cause of skin disease; a diet based on meat can help prevent them; dry food often composed largely of cereals can cause allergic reactions in white bull terriers in particular. Heart problems come from its ancestor the bulldog. The three most common diseases are: heart murmur, mitral valve dysplasia and subaortic stenosis. These problems can be detected by Doppler echocardiography. Kidney problems, although still poorly understood, are often very serious, for example familial nephropathy. Often, this greatly shortens the dog's life expectancy. A kidney ultrasound can detect these problems. Miniature Bull Terriers suffer in addition from an autosomal recessive disease: lens luxation. It is a hereditary disease that affects the eyes: an affected dog will be blind before the age of 9. A DNA test has been available since September 2009 and the result is valid for life.
Documented predispositions
allergies cutanées — adjust diet and veterinary checks.
🐾 Products suited to this breedAlert
To avoid for dog
Our database lists toxic ingredients and problematic additives by species.
- low-fat cocoa powderModerate
- maltitolModerate
- cocoa pasteModerate
- onion piecesModerate
Calculator · daily ration
How much to give a bull terrier ?
Estimate based on the veterinary formula RER × DER, adjusted for dog. Adjust according to package recommendations.
Result
305 g
per day · 1161 kcal
153 g / repas (2 par jour)
Calculation for food of 380 kcal/100g.
Training
Training your pet
The current Bull Terrier no longer shows the characteristics for which it was created in the 18th century; more than sixty years of rigorous selection by breeders has made it much more suited to domestic life and made it an admirable companion dog.
Read more (225 mots)Show less▾
It can be abrupt because of its powerful musculature and compact physique. From its terrier ancestors, it has retained this determined character representative of the breed. The Bull Terrier is a very sociable dog, it shows admiration for its master and family members. This attachment extends to human beings in general, which makes it a rather poor guard dog. Dynamic and playful, it needs long walks and play sessions to thrive and expend energy. Solitude, boredom and inactivity are difficult for it to bear and make it destructive. It is strongly advised to take it to an education club or to bring in a behavioral trainer as early as possible to socialize it and transform work sessions into entertainment. The Bull Terrier is capable of having the aptitudes to be trained for biting, however its use remains very marginal, and it is not on the list of breeds authorized to practice this canine sport in France. The Bull Terrier, on the other hand, can be trained for agility. Instinctive behaviors of 'vermin hunters (rodents)' towards rats, hedgehogs, badgers, nutrias and others may be present in some individuals.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Bull Terrier
Is the Bull Terrier suitable in an apartment?+
How much exercise per day for a Bull Terrier?+
What is the life expectancy of a Bull Terrier?+
Is the Bull Terrier good with children?+
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For more information
Sources & official links
Supplementary documentation on reference sites — breed clubs, encyclopedias, veterinarians.
The right score for your Bull Terrier.
SokoScan calculates a personalized PawScore based on breed, age, weight and your pet's sensitivities. Free, instant.