Terrier group
Bull Terrier
The egg-headed clown — muscular, mischievous and full of affection.
Bull Terriers are strong, playful dogs with a unique egg-shaped head and a comic personality. They are devoted and entertaining companions, but stubborn, boisterous and in need of firm, consistent training.
- Height
- 21–22 in53–56 cm
- Weight
- 50–70 lb23–32 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–13 years
- Size
- Medium
- Group
- Terrier
- Origin
- England
Coat: Short, flat, harsh coat with a fine gloss. Colours: White, Brindle, Black brindle, Red, Fawn, Tricolour, Coloured with white markings.
At a glance
Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.
Temperament
Bull Terriers are fun-loving, affectionate and often described as clowns. They bond strongly with their families and love attention and play.
They are headstrong and can be possessive or pushy. Some are intolerant of other dogs, and a few develop compulsive behaviours like tail chasing. Early socialisation and structured training are key.
Living with a Bull Terrier
Exercise
About an hour of vigorous exercise daily with play, walks and training. Secure fencing is important.
Grooming
Minimal: weekly brushing and regular nail trims. Pale skin can sunburn.
Training
Stubborn; short, fun, food-based sessions and consistent rules work best. Start socialisation early.
Kids & other pets
Loving with their own family but boisterous; best with older children. Supervise with other dogs and pets.
Time alone
Bull Terriers dislike being alone and may become destructive. Provide exercise and puzzles before absences.
Home fit
Can manage in an apartment with committed daily exercise; a house with outdoor space is easier.
Is a Bull Terrier right for you?
Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Bull Terrier matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.
Health
With good breeding and care, a Bull Terrier typically lives 12–13 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.
Deafness
Common in white Bull Terriers; every puppy should be BAER tested.
Hereditary nephritis
An inherited kidney disease; urine protein screening of breeding dogs is recommended.
Heart disease
Mitral valve dysplasia and aortic stenosis occur; cardiac screening is recommended.
Primary lens luxation
The lens dislocates, causing pain and glaucoma; a DNA test is available.
Compulsive behaviour
Tail chasing and spinning occur in the breed and may need veterinary behaviour help.
Ask a breeder for
- BAER hearing test
- Cardiac examination
- Kidney (urine protein) screening
- DNA test for primary lens luxation
Sources: OFA CHIC breed requirements: Bull Terrier; Bull Terrier Club of America. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.
Cost to own
After the first year, expect roughly $1,200–$2,500 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).
- Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
History
In the 1860s James Hinks of Birmingham refined earlier bull-and-terrier dogs into a sleek, all-white “gentleman’s companion”. Coloured Bull Terriers were later developed to reduce deafness associated with white coats.
The AKC recognised the Bull Terrier in 1885, with white and coloured varieties shown separately. The breed is famous as Target’s mascot Bullseye and the 1980s beer mascot Spuds MacKenzie.
Did you know?
- Target’s mascot, Bullseye, is a Bull Terrier.
- The Bull Terrier and the Miniature Bull Terrier are the only breeds with an egg-shaped head.
- General George S. Patton owned a Bull Terrier named Willie.
Library guides for Bull Terrier owners
Training
Come (Recall)
High chase drive makes a reliable recall essential.
Training
Heel and Loose-Leash Walking
A strong Bull Terrier needs loose-lead manners early.
Exercise & Play
Fetch
A fast way to meet a high exercise need.
Exercise & Play
Tug of War
An energy outlet that also builds impulse control.
Exercise & Play
Dog Walking
Getting daily walks right for a Bull Terrier.
Grooming
Nail Clipping
Every dog needs regular nail care.
Similar breeds
Frequently asked questions
- Are Bull Terriers good family dogs?
- For experienced, active families with older children, yes. They are loving but boisterous and stubborn.
- Are Bull Terriers aggressive?
- They are usually people-friendly but can be intolerant of other dogs; socialisation is key.
- Do Bull Terriers shed?
- Moderately. Their short coat is easy to maintain.