Discover the Bull Terrier, a breed celebrated for its playful, friendly, and alert nature. Recognized as a medium dog, Bull Terriers have their origins in England, where they were initially bred for fighting and bull-baiting starting in the early 19th century.
In this post, we share insights from nearly 10,000 Sniffspot users, offering practical advice for new and prospective Bull Terrier owners. Whether you’re considering adopting or rescuing a Bull Terrier or already have one, you'll find valuable tips on how to care for and enjoy life with a playful Bull Terrier.
As Sniffspot user Howard says, "They are misunderstood, amazing dogs that need to be adopted!"
Source: Sniffspot Community Breed Survey 2024
According to nearly 10,000 Sniffspot community users who shared real-world data about their Bull Terrier, we learned that these dogs are playful and friendly. The Bull Terrier is also known to be very friendly and social with children and very friendly with other pets.
When living with a Bullie, 86% of our owners indicated that a large house with a fenced yard is ideal. Additionally, 26% of owners found that an apartment or condominium with regular walks is also acceptable. This dog is moderately trainable, often benefiting from a professional trainer and owners say that the Bull Terrier learns best with positive reinforcement, training aids, and consistent routines.
In terms of exercise, 40% of Sniffspot owners say their Bull Terrier benefits from moderate exercise every day, including between 1-2 hours of activity each day, including walks and active play sessions. The Sniffspot Bullie community would recommend this dog for first-time owners.
The Bull Terrier was first developed in England during the early 19th century, originally bred as a fighting dog for the brutal sport of bull-baiting. Breeders crossed Bulldogs with various terriers to create a dog that was tough, agile, and fierce in the pit. However, as bull-baiting and dog fighting became illegal, Bull Terriers gradually shifted from being fighting dogs to loyal companions.
By the mid-1800s, breeders, notably James Hinks, refined the breed into what we recognize today, focusing on their distinctive egg-shaped heads and muscular bodies. Hinks sought to create a more elegant version of the breed, resulting in a dog that was not only physically striking but also had a more stable temperament. Over time, Bull Terriers became popular as family pets due to their loyalty, playfulness, and quirky personalities.
Today, the Bull Terrier is known for its clownish and affectionate nature, making it a beloved companion for many. While their muscular build and fearless attitude hint at their fighting past, modern Bull Terriers are friendly and energetic, making excellent pets for families with the time and patience to train them.
As a Bull Terrier owner, it's important to know the best dog breed tips and what to expect from current Bull Terrier owners.
Source: Sniffspot Community Breed Research 2024
Bull Terrier dogs require low-maintenance grooming. This means Bull Terrier owners should expect minimal grooming, like occasional brushing and baths. Bull Terrier dogs have a short, smooth coat coat, which is ideal for protection when fighting. Their short, smooth coat coat is considered moderate shed.
To keep your Bull Terrier's coat healthy and up to breed standards, brush weekly to manage shedding. Of the coat types for breeds in the terrier group, the grooming needs for Bull Terrier are considered to be low maintenance.
Bull Terriers require moderate activity each day. Though one of the most popular dog breeds, Bullies are considered a very athletic, high-energy breed.
Bullies make great pets and thrive with between 1-2 hours of activity each day, including walks and active play sessions. Owners of Bullies report their dogs especially love tug-of-war, chasing/playing with a ball or frisbee, and chasing/playing with a ball or frisbee.
When medium breeds like Bullies don't get sufficient exercise, they're more likely to act out with undesirable behaviors like stubbornness and reactivity. They need consistent training, mental activity, and regular moderate exercise to avoid excess energy.
What should you feed your Bull Terrier to keep them healthy? As a moderate energy breed, what you feed them is important. A reported 67% of our community feed their Bullie commercial dry kibble.
With moderate exercise, Bullies should eat 1.5 to 2.5 cups of vet-recommended food to maintain a healthy weight of around 50 to 70 lbs. However, your Bull Terrier's ideal weight and food depend on your pet's sex, activity level, and age.
The Bull Terrier breed is most prone to skin conditions (e.g., allergies, dermatitis) and digestive issues (e.g., bloating, sensitive stomach). A reported 62% of our Bull Terrier owners reported skin conditions like allergies, yeast infections, impetigo, ringworm, alopecia, and folliculitis. Bullies' risk for these challenges increases as they age.
Similarly, 33% reported digestive issues like constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, and lack of appetite. Lastly, 26% of Bull Terrier owners claim their dog struggles with ear infections caused by allergies, ear mites, or contact dermatitis — a common Bullie health concern. If you're worried about any of these health issues above, talk to your dog's vet.
Felicia Montenegro on Unsplash
Another important thing to consider when adopting a Bullie is whether or not this breed fits with your current family. How friendly are Bull Terriers compared to other medium-sized breeds?
Source: Sniffspot Community Breed Survey 2024
With moderate training, you can hone your Bullie's terrier instinct into a playful and friendly family dog. Introducing your pet to positive reinforcement (treats, praise, rewards) and use of training aids (e.g., harnesses, leashes, training collars) early helps them avoid undesirable behaviors like stubbornness and reactivity. Our community Bull Terrier owners comment on their pet's friendliness:
Whether you're adopting a Bullie puppy or an adult Bull Terrier, training is a significant part of owning a medium-sized breed. Without proper training, your Bullie is more likely to display undesirable behaviors such as stubbornness and reactivity. Providing stimulating activities is a great first step, but this needs to be paired with the right training for your Bullie.
As a terrier breed, Bull Terriers benefit from praise and positive reinforcement. Here's what our Bullie community recommended based on their experience with their own dogs:
As dogs bred for fighting and bull-baiting, Bullies are considered moderately trainable, often benefiting from a professional trainer.
We asked Sniffspot Bullie owners what they love the most about their Bull Terrier pups, and here's what they had to say:
Similarly, Bullie owners shared some of the biggest challenges of living with their Bull Terrier:
Source: Sniffspot 2024 Community Dog Breed Survey
According to 57% of our Sniffspot community, Bull Terriers are a great first-time dog. This comes from their playful nature and moderate exercise needs. Bull Terrier owners say it best:
Luckily, our Sniffspot community is full of experienced, trustworthy Bullie owners. These Bull Terrier breed owners share the most essential dog breed tips and advice for prospective or new dog owners:
The average lifespan of a Bull Terrier is typically between 10 to 14 years.
An adult Bull Terrier weighs between 50 to 70 pounds and stands between 21 to 22 inches tall.
Bull Terrier dogs require low maintenance grooming. Regular grooming helps to keep their coat healthy and manageable. Bull Terrier dogs have a short, smooth coat coat, which is well-suited for protection when fighting. They are considered moderate shedders.
To maintain your Bull Terrier's coat, it's important to brush weekly to manage shedding. Among terrier breeds, Bull Terrier grooming is categorized as relatively easy.
Bull Terriers require moderate activity each day. Though one of the most popular dog breeds, Bullies are classified as a moderately athletic, somewhat high-energy breed.
Bullies are excellent companions and thrive with between 1-2 hours of activity each day, including walks and active play sessions. Owners of Bullies note that their dogs particularly enjoy tug-of-war, chasing/playing with a ball or frisbee, and chasing/playing with a ball or frisbee.
If medium breeds like Bullies don't receive enough exercise, they may develop unwanted behaviors. These dogs need ongoing training, mental stimulation, and consistent exercise to channel their energy effectively.
According to our data, Bull Terriers are very friendly and social with children with children.
Our research indicates that Bull Terriers are very friendly with other pets with other pets.
As a moderate energy breed, the diet of your Bullie is crucial. A significant 67% of our community feed their Bullie commercial dry kibble.
For optimal health, Bullies should consume 1.5 to 2.5 cups of vet-recommended food to maintain a healthy weight around 50 to 70 pounds. The exact amount and type of food will depend on your Bull Terrier's sex, activity level, and age.
The Bull Terrier breed is particularly prone to skin conditions like allergies, yeast infections, impetigo, ringworm, alopecia, and folliculitis and digestive issues like constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, and lack of appetite. Our data shows that 62% of Bull Terrier owners reported skin conditions like allergies, yeast infections, impetigo, ringworm, alopecia, and folliculitis. Bullie's risk for these health issues increases as they age.
Additionally, 33% reported digestive issues like constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, and lack of appetite. Finally, 26% of Bull Terrier owners indicated their dog struggles with ear infections caused by allergies, ear mites, or contact dermatitis, which are common Bullie health concerns. If you have concerns about any of these health issues, consult your Bullie's veterinarian.
Whether you're a current Bull Terrier dog owner or you're considering adopting a Bullie, Sniffspot is here to lend a helping hand. Here are some of the most relevant resources for Bull Terrier owners.
Sources:
Discover the Jack Russell Terrier, a breed celebrated for its intelligent and affectionate nature. Recognized as a small dog, Jack Russell Terriers have their origins in England, where they were initially bred for fox hunting and vermin control starting in the 19th century.
Discover the Dalmatian, a breed celebrated for its affectionate, trainable, and loyal nature. Recognized as a medium-sized dog, Dalmatians have their origins in Croatia, where they were initially bred for coaching (running along carriages), guarding, and hunting starting in the 16th century.
Discover the Bernese Mountain Dog, a breed celebrated for its affectionate, loyal, and playful nature. Recognized as a large dog, Bernese Mountain Dogs have their origins in Switzerland, where they were initially bred for guarding livestock and droving work starting in the 1st century.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Albuquerque? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks and plan for your next adventure in Duke City.
44.5 percent of all American households share life with a canine companion. Pet professionals like dog trainers, veterinarians, and veterinary behaviorists are more important than ever as our modern society becomes increasingly difficult for four-legged friends to navigate—dog reactivity, anxiety, and general stress from lack of proper enrichment are on the rise in domestic dogs.
Does your dog ever growl when you walk by their food dish? Maybe they get possessive of treats, carrying them far away and giving you side-eye when you start to approach — or snarling at your other pets or children if they get too close.
As almost every dog owner is aware, the nose of a dog is an amazing thing. Just as they can pick up sounds we can’t hear, their sense of smell and ability to pick up scents is well beyond ours. In fact, dogs have 40 times the number of olfactory receptors as humans.
More than 80 million Americans rely on their service dogs to help them navigate the world. Task-trained assistance animals perform a huge range of life-changing—in many cases, life-saving—services: These dogs act as eyes for visually impaired handlers, provide mobility support, alert to seizures and blood sugar crashes, interrupt anxiety attacks, remind their people to take medications, and so much more.
You thought your dog was house trained. Your home was clean from puddles of pee, those dreaded middle-of-the-night bathroom breaks were behind you, and you loved every minute of dog ownership… until your four-legged best friend started using the bathroom inside again. What’s going on?
Ah, poop. We humans think it’s disgusting… but many of our dogs seem to love the stuff. If you’re wondering why your canine companion tries to eat feces (either their own or that of other animals) you’re not alone!
Do you have a water-loving dog looking to burn some energy? There are countless dog parks to visit throughout our country — but some of them become far too hot in the midday sun to be safe for your pets to play. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the best dog water parks throughout the United States! At these locations, your pup can frolic, splash, and swim to their heart’s content.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Does your dog destroy every toy you give them? Is your house littered with remnants of fabric and stuffing of all different sizes? Are you tired of investing in “indestructible” toys only for your pup to still dismantle—or worse, get bored of—them in just a few days?
You’ve been told your dog needs regular exercise. There’s a reason “walking the dog” is a classic daily activity: Frequent excursions give your pup a chance to experience the world, maintain a healthy weight, and — most importantly — spend time with you! Consistent physical activity can also improve their strength, muscle tone, coordination, and mental ability over time.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Many dogs have gotten a bad reputation over the years for being "dangerous breeds." Rottweilers are among them. Like pit bulls and other large, blocky-headed types of dogs, these powerful and beautiful animals are often assumed to be aggressive.
Your dog is reactive. They’ll see another dog, person, or other stimulus in the environment (like a car or bike) while out on a walk and suddenly go crazy at the end of their leash. The barking, lunging, and growling feels embarrassing for you — and it’s clear that your pup isn’t having a great time either.
Does your dog display reactivity to other pets or people? Maybe they’re a new rescue pup and are still settling into your home. Or they were sick growing up, so you missed their critical socialization period. Possibly they’ve had a bad experience after being raised as a normal puppy.
Do you have a reactive dog or suspect you may have one? You’re not alone!
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
From 2009 to 2020, there was a 40 percent increase in the development of public dog parks. Designated spots for canine exercise have become commonplace in every major city in North America — many pet owners won’t even consider renting an apartment that doesn’t have its own fenced-in pet area for their canine companions.
Thousand Oaks, California has been a safe haven for Sniffspot host, Jen, since childhood. Having grown up in busy Santa Barbara, Jen, an introvert from an early age, would seek out solitude and serenity away from tourists attractions and droves of people visiting from elsewhere. “My grandparents own 60 acres about a 30 minute drive from here, and I grew up spending every summer and every holiday visiting them on the ranch,” Jen explained. “In Santa Barbara, we wouldn't go to the beach on the weekend because that's where everybody was, so you'd find places off the beaten path where the tourists weren't. For me, the ranch was just my happy place.”
Ellen is the host of Country Pasture Getaway, one of Sniffspot's most popular sniff spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great sniff spot host.
Just 20 minutes outside of the busy city of Portland, Oregon, and settled right on the banks of the Columbia River, you’ll find what countless visitors have flocked to the area in search of – mountain views, crisp, clean air, and running water for miles. What you might not expect to find, however, is a hidden oasis designed just for dogs and their people, owned and operated by a farming couple and enjoyed by visitors on two legs, and four.
Fran is the host of Ranch Setting, one of Sniffspot's most popular spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great Sniffspot host.
Looking for a space to play with your dog no matter what the weather’s like outside? Look no further than our list of the best indoor dog parks in the United States! These climate-controlled spaces are growing in popularity as pet ownership increases throughout the country. As a bonus, many of them also offer dog training, boarding, grooming, or daycare services on the premises.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered! It’s hard to narrow down, but we’ve put together some of the best off-leash dog parks throughout the country so you can plan your next adventure — along with a checklist of what to bring, what to know beforehand, and some frequently asked questions.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Las Vegas? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks to plan for your next adventure in Sin City.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered!
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Portland? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks and plan for your next adventure in the City of Roses.
Discover the German Shepherd Dog, a breed celebrated for its intelligence, loyalty, and versatility. Known for its impressive size and smooth, graceful movements, German Shepherds excel in various roles, including as guide, therapy, bomb detection, and police dogs, while being a devoted family companion.
Discover the Labrador Retriever, a breed celebrated for its playful nature, affectionate temperament, and trainability. Labradors are known for their friendly demeanor and adaptability, making them perfect family companions and versatile working dogs.
Discover the Golden Retriever, a breed celebrated for its affectionate, playful, and trainable nature. Considered a large dog, Golden Retrievers were originally bred in Scotland for hunting and retrieving game beginning in the 1860s.
Discover the American Staffordshire Terrier, a breed celebrated for its playful, friendly, and loyal nature. Considered a medium-sized dog, American Staffordshire Terriers were originally bred in the United Kingdom for baiting bulls, fighting, and hunting beginning in the 1800s — though they're known as gentle, playful lovers today.
Discover the Australian Shepherd, a breed celebrated for its trainable, playful, and affectionate nature. Considered a medium dog, Australian Shepherds were originally bred in the United States for herding beginning in the 1950s.