Bull Terrier | Breeds A to Z (2024)

About this breed

The modern Bull Terrier descended from a cross between the Bulldog and the White English Terrier and was bred for dog fighting in the 19th century. Birmingham breeder James Hinks is credited with stabilising type with the addition of new blood – some suggest the introduction of Collie blood to give the length of muzzle and the Dalmatian might also have contributed. Whilst many of the earlier examples were white, in the 1920's coloured Bull Terriers became more frequently seen and these were valuable in the breeding programme as deafness in the all white dogs had become a problem.

Read the breed standard

Images for this breed

The Terrier breed group

Dogs originally bred and used for hunting vermin. 'Terrier' comes from the Latin word Terra, meaning earth. This hardy collection of dogs were selectively bred to be extremely brave and tough, and to pursue fox, badger, rat and otter (to name but a few) above and below ground. Dogs of terrier type have been known here since ancient times, and as early as the Middle Ages, these game breeds were portrayed by writers and painters

Colour Watch

Category 0: Breeds with no NBS colour registration options.

Read more about Colour Watch.

Breed Standard colours

Breed standard colour means that the colour is accepted within the breed standard and is a traditional and well-known colour in this breed.

Breed standard colours in this breed include:

  • Black Brindle
  • Black Brindle & White
  • Brindle
  • Brindle & White
  • Fawn
  • Fawn & White
  • Red & White
  • Red
  • Tricolour
  • White
  • White With Black Head Markings
  • White With Black Markings
  • White With Brindle Head Mark
  • White With Brindle Markings
  • White With Fawn Head Markings
  • White With Fawn Markings
  • White With Red Head Markings
  • White With Red Markings
  • White With Tricolour Head Mark
  • White With Tricolour Markings

Other colour/s

'Other' means you consider your puppy to be a colour not currently known within the breed and one that does not appear on either the breed standard or non-breed standard list. In this instance you would be directed through our registrations process to contact a breed club and/or council to support you on identifying and correctly listing the new colour.

Non-breed-standard colours

Non-breed-standard colour means that the colour is not accepted within the breed standard and whilst some dogs within the breed may be this colour it is advised to only select a dog that fits within the breed standards for all points.

Colour is only one consideration when picking a breed or individual dog, health and temperament should always be a priority over colour.

Health

Whether you’re thinking of buying a puppy, or breeding from your dog, it’s essential that you know what health issues may be found in your breed. To tackle these issues we advise that breeders use DNA tests, screening schemes and inbreeding coefficient calculators to help breed the healthiest dogs possible.

More about health

Important health schemes and tests

We strongly recommend that all breeders, both assured breeders (ABs) and non ABs, use the following (or equivalent) schemes, tests and advice.

  • BAER testing for deafness
  • Breed club - heart testing
  • Breed club - kidney testing
  • Check inbreeding calculators

Find out about a particular dog's results

Please visit our Health Test Results Finder to discover the DNA or screening scheme test results for any dog on The Kennel Club's Breed Register.

You can also view the inbreeding coefficient calculation for a puppy's parents, or for a dog you're thinking of breeding from.

Have any questions about health in your breed?

If you have any concerns about a particular health condition in your breed then you may wish to speak to your vet or you could contact yourbreed health co-ordinator.

Breed health co-ordinators are individuals working on behalf of breed clubs and councils who are advocates for the health and welfare of their chosen breed. They acts as a spokesperson on matters of health and will collaborate with The Kennel Club on any health concerns the breed may have.

To contact your breed health co-ordinator please email

Dr Brian Hill

Breed watch

Category 2

Particular points of concern for individual breeds may include features not specifically highlighted in the breed standard including current issues. In some breeds, features may be listed which, if exaggerated, might potentially affect the breed in the future.

Read more

Breeding restrictions

There are a number of The Kennel Club's rules and regulations that may prevent a litter from being registered, find out about our general and breed specific breeding restrictions below.

More about breeding

A Miniature Bull Terrier & Bull Terrier may be bred together to produce Miniature Bull Terrier puppies. However, approval must be sought prior to mating. Read more information about the interbreeding programme between Miniature Bull Terriers and Bull Terriers.

With effect 1 March 2011, merle puppies whelped from a mating on or after this date will not be registered. This is due to associated health risks of impaired vision and hearing associated with the merle gene in this breed.

With effect from 1 January 2013, The Kennel Club will not register puppies whelped from a merle to merle mating born on or after this date. This is due to associated health risks of impaired vision and hearing associated with the merle gene in this breed.

Looking for a puppy?

Looking for a Bull Terrier? Explore our list of puppies and rescue dogs for sale near you.

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More information

Bull Terrier | Breeds A to Z (3)

Need to find out more about a breed?

Use our Find a Club service where you can locate breed clubs that can offer support and advice.

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Bull Terrier | Breeds A to Z (4)

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The Kennel Club's Find a Puppy service provides contact details for breeders who have puppies available. Let's help you find your new best friend.

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Bull Terrier | Breeds A to Z (2024)

FAQs

What are the unique traits of a Bull Terrier? ›

Among the most comical and mischievous citizens of dogdom, the Bull Terrier is playful and endearing, sometimes stubborn, but always devoted. These unique 'eggheads' are exuberant, muscular companions who thrive on affection and exercise.

How intelligent are Bull Terriers? ›

How intelligent are they? Generally, Bull Terriers don't meet the traditional standards of a brilliant dog. They rank low in obedience and working intelligence but reign supreme in the adaptive and instinctive intelligence departments.

What are Bull Terrier good at? ›

Generally described as energetic, huggable, and exuberant, Bull Terriers can also be comical, mischievous, and stubborn. The breed is especially well suited for active people. The Bull Terrier can be a good watchdog but is only fair at protection.

What two dogs make a Bull Terrier? ›

Bull terriers were developed in England during the 19th century. Around 1835, a cross between the old English terrier and the bulldog produced the Bull Terrier. Later crosses to the Spanish Pointer even later, to the white English terrier and Dalmatian, produced a stylish, tough, white dog.

What behavior problems do Bull Terriers have? ›

Bull terrier temperament.

They can sometimes get a bit stubborn but they love affection and physical activities. They are loyal and devoted to their humans. But they can become aggressive if not properly trained and socialized.

Are Bull Terriers autistic? ›

Risk Factors for Autism in Dogs

Firstly, most autistic dogs are male. Certain breeds are also more at risk, with bull terriers being the most vulnerable. A veterinary behaviorist at Tufts University, Nicholas Dodman found that as many as 85% of any bull terrier litter have compulsive tail-chasing behavior.

Do Bull Terriers turn on their owners? ›

Vigorous and strong headed by nature with a sense of humour like no other, loving and very stubborn unless properly trained and socialized Bull Terriers can turn their owners life into hell. Bull Terriers can be very destructive if they are left to do as they please and will keep you the best company you've ever had.

Do Bull Terriers like to cuddle? ›

General Temperament. The loving Mini Bull Terrier is playful and cuddly with family, but can be stubborn at times. They are spunky and energetic with an easygoing nature, and are always happy to make new friends. They may become possessive of family members and can become jealous if attention is taken away from them.

Why do Bull Terriers stare at you? ›

Sometimes they're looking for a signal that you might be about to take them for a walk or feed them a meal. If you've trained your dog to respond to hand or voice signals, they might be waiting for a signal to tell them what to do next. Other times, they're just observing you so that they can know more about you.

Do Bull Terriers have lots of problems? ›

They are known for their large egg-shaped head and their tendency to grumble and groan when vocalizing. Bull Terriers are a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of 11-13 years. They can suffer from some common conditions such as allergies and kidney disease.

What are Bull Terriers scared of? ›

Additionally, Bull Terriers may also develop anxiety in response to specific stimuli such as loud noises (thunderstorms, fireworks), unfamiliar environments, or certain social situations.

Are Bull Terriers protective? ›

Bull Terriers are very protective of their people, their food and toys, and their territory.

Are Bull Terriers friendly? ›

Bull Terrier Personality and Temperament

Although they're affectionate with family—including children—they are not always dog- or cat-friendly. Early and frequent socialization and training is key, and supervision with small children is always recommended with any breed.

Are Bull Terriers like pit bulls? ›

People don't think of bull terriers as pit bulls, but they're actually one of the oldest pit bull breeds—a terrier and bulldog cross that the AKC officially designated its own unique breed in 1885. "Many people recognize this breed from Target ads," says Munden.

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