The Bull Terrier is a companion animal known for its distinctive character and lively personality. Despite their stern appearance, these important family members are loving and loyal companions. With proper socialization, Bull Terrier coexists harmoniously with children and even other pets.

Bull Terriers equally require mental and physical stimulation. Taking long walks, jogging, hiking, and playing Frisbee with the family are just a few of the activities that can effectively ensure the health and emotional stability of your furry friend. Yet, remember to keep the Bull Terrier close to you at a safe distance from strangers when walking.

Only with proper training and socialization is it possible to evolve this important member of the family into a reliable companion. To avoid poor habits, it’s advisable to start the training at an early stage of development of your furry friend and display both patience and consistency.

Bull Terriers are distinguished by exceptional intelligence, and in the case of employing positive methods, they will allow you to direct the training process according to your wishes. As usual, the Bull Terrier responds best when the training process is like a fun game.

Deafness 

Due to genetics, a Bull Terrier may be born with a hearing problem. The gene responsible for white fur is often associated with the gene for deafness, and it is because of this that congenital hearing problems are most often seen in Bull Terriers with white fur. Bull Terriers with hearing problems need special care. You can manage the condition and prevent other problems caused by deafness by regularly visiting veterinarian clinics.

Acrodermatitis

Acrodermatitis is a skin disease characteristic of the White English Bull Terrier. Acrodermatitis is an inherited disease that causes skin damage, stunted growth, and other serious health problems along with a weakened immune system. Responsible breeding practices and declaring companion animals carrying the gene unfit for breeding are important to prevent the spread of disease.

Dry eye syndrome

Difficulty producing tears leads to eye irritation and vision problems. Eye dryness can be caused by Insufficient intake of water, yet, climate is often seen as a provoking occurrence for the issue. For instance, if you plan to spend the summer with your furry friend at the seaside, it is advisable to take extra care and keep your companion animal out of the heat as much as possible.

Bull Terrier eyes are also sensitive to dust. Therefore, we recommend that you refuse to walk with your companion animal in windy weather.

Pay particular attention to early symptoms of the illness, such as redness and tearing. It is advisable to visit a veterinarian as soon as these symptoms appear. As a competent parent, it is important to keep in mind that daily care and regular cleaning of the eyes with hygiene products specially designed for dogs are essential for the prevention of eye diseases.

Polycystic

Polycystic kidney disease is a genetic disease that causes the formation of fluid-filled cysts and loss of kidney function. To prevent the spread of the disease, it is necessary to identify the companion animal carrying the polycystic disease gene and declare them unsuitable for the breeding process.

A specialized diet may be necessary to support kidney function. Yet, it is recommended to perform the process only in cooperation with an experienced nutritionist. Blood tests, frequent veterinary check-ups, and competent companion animal care practices can help manage the disease and adjust the treatment strategy.

As energetic and athletic dogs, Bull Terriers require a diet rich in protein. However, getting healthy fats and carbohydrates is no less important for them. These substances provide important members of our family with the energy needed for an active lifestyle.

For proper growth and development, Bull Terrier puppies should be fed specially formulated puppy food during their first year of life. Ideally, your companion animal’s food should contain a balanced amount of nutrients and fulfill the needs of our beloved companion at all phases of growth.

When choosing a commercial food, it is preferable to give preference to a formula that is specifically recommended for the size, age, and activity level of the Bull Terrier. Try to avoid foods that don’t provide an optimal balance of substances. Nutritionists often point out that Bull Terriers need calcium-rich food. Especially when they are growing and their bones are actively developing. Therefore, as additional food, most nutritionists recommend foods naturally rich in calcium, such as broccoli.

Feeding frequency is another factor to consider. To avoid overfeeding, Bull Terriers need a structured feeding schedule. To maintain a healthy weight, monitor your companion animal’s body condition and adjust their diet accordingly. In certain cases, it may be further required to provide your Bull Terrier with additional vitamins, minerals, or fatty acids to obtain the necessary nutrients for the body. To make a competent decision related to the issue, we recommend you consult your nutritionist.

The history of the Bull Terrier is connected with 19th-century England. Similar to Bulldog, the breed was originally bred to fight with bulls. Yet, after the ban on bloody fighting between animals, breeders began to work on the development of a more sophisticated and less aggressive version of the Bull Terrier.

James Hincks, a breeder living in Birmingham, played a decisive role in the refinement of the Bull Terrier breed. He aimed to create an elegant and graceful breed suitable for respectable gentlemen, and that’s why he used now-extinct white English Terriers, Dalmatians, Greyhounds, Spanish Pointers, and Foxhounds in the selection process.

Scientists attribute the Bull Terrier’s egg-shaped head and Roman nose to the influence of Borzoi or Border Collie genes. By the mid-1800s, a white version of the breed, known as the “White Cavalier,” had become a favorite companion animal of the gentry. Even President Theodore Roosevelt himself owned a Bull Terrier named Pete.

The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1885. Nowadays, with its loyalty, intelligence, and playful nature, the Bull Terrier is a beloved member of the family that captures the hearts of dog lovers all over the world with its distinctive appearance and lively personality.