Temperament:
Bull Terriers are friendly dogs with a wonderful
sense of humour. Their physical strength is matched by their
supreme intelligence, and both body and mind need to be kept
active. They can be obstinate and are not ideal dogs for the
first-time owner. As a breed they are generally placid but it
has to be remembered that they were originally bred as fighting
dogs therefore they will react if challenged but they will not
normally make the first move. They are very affectionate dogs
and love company so it is not a good idea to leave them alone
for long periods of time as with their strong jaws they can
cause lots of damage if bored. Bull Terriers are one of the
better breeds of dogs to have around children, but like all
pets a watchful eye is always needed.
Health:
Bull Terriers are generally free of disabling
genetic diseases. All puppies should be checked for deafness,
as this sometimes occurs (most commonly in pure white dogs)
and is difficult to notice, especially in a relatively young
puppy. A common problem to many Bull Terriers is a tendency
to develop skin allergies. Insect bites, such as fleas, and
sometimes mosquitoes and mites, can produce a generalized allergic
response of hives, rash, and itching. This condition can be
stopped by keeping the dog free of contact from these insects,
but this is definitely a consideration in climates or circumstances
where exposure to these insects is inevitable. Their lifespan
is somewhere between 10 and 14 years, although they can live
longer -- the oldest bitch on record being an Australian housepet
dubbed "Puppa Trout" who remained sprightly into her
17th year.
The Bull terrier's coat is easy to maintain,
but grooming can keep it in near-perfect condition. Adding oils
to their meals can also vastly improve the quality of their
coat. The Bull Terrier requires a fair amount of exercise, but
overworking the dog at a young age will cause strained muscles.
Older dogs do require exercise, but in small doses, whereas
younger ones will be happy to play for hours on end. The breed
is renown for being extremely greedy; be sure to maintain a
good balance of exercise and food, or the dog can become overweight.
Also, be sure to check ears, eyes, nose and mouth every day
for signs of infection.
Although Bull Terriers will be happy to eat
anything, it is best to feed them a homemade meal, consisting
of brown rice and pasta, fresh vegetables, eggs and a small
amount of olive oil. Feeding the dog a wholesome meal will greatly
improve their appearance, and combined with exercise and a warm
bed, you will find yourself in the company of an extremely happy
dog.
Common Ailments: Deafness, Umbilical Hernia,
Acne
These pups available 2/20/06:
Please contact us for availability.