How to Identify a Bull Terrier

Bull Terriers are members of the terrier group originally bred from bulldogs and terriers to be a fighting breed. [1] However, once dogfighting was outlawed, breeders worked on turning it into a companionable dog. [2] The Bull Terrier may share some resemblance with other bully-type dog breeds, but by focusing on the breed's key traits, you can easily determine whether or not a dog is a Bull Terrier.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Inspecting the Structure

  1. Bull Terriers are medium-sized dogs. They are 21–22 inches (53–56 cm) tall and can weigh anywhere from 50 to 70 pounds (23 to 32 kg). [3]

    Did you know? There used to be three varieties of Bull Terrier: Standard, Miniature, and Toy. The Toy variety is no longer seen, and the Miniature variety is now its own distinct breed, with a height of 10–14 inches (25–36 cm) and a weight of 18–28 pounds (8.2–12.7 kg). [4]

  2. The Bull Terrier breed is known for having a unique "egg-shaped" head. It is long, strong, and deep, with an oval outline and curving gently downward from the top of the head to the nose. Bull Terriers have a level or scissors bite and, for show, black noses, though many Bull Terriers have partially pink or fully pink noses. [5]
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  3. The ears of a Bull Terrier stand stiffly erect and point upwards. They are thin, small, and placed closely together. [6]
  4. Bull Terriers have dark, well-sunken eyes that are small and triangular in shape. They are obliquely placed and set near together and high atop the dog's head. [7]
  5. The tail of a Bull Terrier is thick at the base and tapers to a fine tip. It is short, fine, and low-set though ideally carried horizontally. [8]
  6. Bull Terriers are very muscular and strongly built. They have muscular shoulders, a short back, and big-boned but straight legs, and they walk with a smooth gait with jaunty air that suggests agility and power. [9]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Examining the Coat

  1. The coat of a Bull Terrier is short, flat, and harsh to the touch. It has a fine gloss, and the skin fits tightly. [10]
  2. Bull Terriers may be solid white or colored. Colored Bull Terriers may be any color, though brindle is preferred, and every other color is equal in show. [11]
  3. Both white and colored Bull Terriers may have markings. White Bull Terriers may be seen with markings on the head, while colored Bull Terriers may have white markings on the head or body. [12] Though not every Bull Terrier has markings, they are common, especially on colored dogs.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Considering Temperament

  1. Bull Terriers have high energy levels and need moderate daily exercise. Frequent walks and playtime can meet this requirement. [13]
  2. Watch for aggression toward other dogs, especially ones of the same sex. As terriers, they also may have instincts to chase animals such as cats. [14]
  3. Bull Terriers, especially when young, are jumpy, energetic, clownish dogs. It's important to keep them occupied because they're prone to being destructive when bored. [15]
  4. A Bull Terrier may act strong-willed and dominant. They are independent-minded and may not be the easiest to train. They require a confident owner who is willing to take charge during training. [16]
  5. Despite being bred as fighting dogs, Bull Terriers are incredibly friendly and kind-hearted. Many Bull Terriers demonstrate care toward everyone, even strangers, so they need to be properly socialized from an early age. [17]
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      Tips

      • Consider using a DNA test if you wish to identify the breed of your own dog. DNA testing will confirm if your dog is a Bull Terrier.
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      Warnings

      • Due to their fighting history and being confused with pitbulls, Bull Terriers may be banned in certain areas. [18] Ensure that you are familiar with the dog bans in your location.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/bull-terrier/
      2. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/bull-terrier/
      3. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/bull-terrier/
      4. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/miniature-bull-terrier/
      5. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/BullTerrier.pdf
      6. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/BullTerrier.pdf
      7. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/BullTerrier.pdf
      8. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/BullTerrier.pdf
      9. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/BullTerrier.pdf
      1. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/BullTerrier.pdf
      2. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/BullTerrier.pdf
      3. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/BullTerrier.pdf
      4. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/bullterriers.html
      5. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/bullterriers.html
      6. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/bullterriers.html
      7. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/bullterriers.html
      8. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/bullterriers.html
      9. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/bullterriers.html

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