Bull Terriers may be stubborn sometimes, but they are playful dogs that are devoted to their families. They thrive on affection and have an exuberant, comical personality with a mischievous streak. The comedic side of their personalities is so common that one of the facts about Bull Terriers is that they are goofy. They tend to get along well with children and make a great family pet.

As with any dog, socialization and training early and often are important. The same is true for a Bull Terrier, especially when it comes to their territorial and protective streaks. A well-socialized Bull Terrier tolerates other dogs and animals, but they usually prefer to be the only dog in the family.

Even well-socialized, they will be initially wary of strangers, but tend to warm up a bit once introduced. They do not tend to bark a lot unless they have been trained into it or it is a result of poor or no training. Normally, when they do bark, there’s a good reason for it, which makes them an excellent watchdog.

The Bull Terrier is a highly adaptable dog breed. They do well in large homes with room to run and can adapt to apartment living as long as they are given the daily attention, mental stimulation, and exercise they need to be happy and healthy. They do well in most climates. But, as with any dog breed, they are sensitive to heat and extreme cold.

Their short coat also means they may need to bundle up in the winter to stay warm. Having some basic winter dog products on hand can help your Bull Terrier stay safe and warm while out on walks when temperatures drop. Because they thrive on attention and crave affection from their favorite humans, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time.

Although the Bull Terrier is a relatively healthy dog breed, there are some potential health issues to be aware of. These potential health concerns can include skin allergies, patellar luxation, kidney issues, heart issues, and deafness.

Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing issues like this on to puppies. So, don’t be afraid to ask the breeder about the genetic and health history of both of the parents. You can also ask to see any relevant health clearances or test results. The Bull Terrier Club of America recommends BAER testing, a cardiac exam, a kidney test, specifically for a urine protein:creatinine ratio, and a patella evaluation.

This is a moderately trainable dog breed. Although Bull Terriers are intelligent and pick up on things quickly, they are also independent and are more interested in having fun than meeting a certain standard of work ethic. As long as you make training fun, a Bull Terrier will likely do what is asked of them and excel.

These traits can be an obstacle for first-time dog owners to navigate on their own. Not only are puppy training classes a great help in this case, but they also often offer great opportunities to socialize a puppy. You’ll also learn great techniques for keeping training interesting and fun for this potentially easily distracted dog to keep them focused, engaged, and responsive.

The Bull Terrier has a short, glossy, and low-maintenance coat. They’ll shed moderately year-round and slightly more as the seasons change, but they only require weekly brushing and the occasional bath. A bristle brush, a round or rubber brush, a shedding blade, and a grooming glove are some good types of dog grooming brushes to have on hand.

In addition to coat care, you will also need to take care of your Bull Terrier’s nails, ears, and teeth. Cutting your dog’s nails once or twice monthly is usually sufficient to keep them from growing too long. But, they may need to be trimmed more often if they grow quickly or just aren’t wearing down as much naturally.

Checking ears weekly and carefully cleaning your dog’s ears as needed can help prevent ear infections. Although the Bull Terrier is less prone to ear infections than droopy-eared dogs, you still want to check and make sure their ears are clean, dry, free of debris and pests, and aren’t showing any signs of redness or irritation.

It’s also important to practice good dental care for dogs to prevent painful dental diseases like gum disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss later in life. Using an enzyme toothpaste or brushing your dog’s teeth every day is ideal, in addition to cleanings at the vet when needed. On top of that, you can work with your vet to pick out some safe dental hygiene chews and treats and even create a special “dental care diet” personalized for your pup.

Although the Bull Terrier is a sporting breed, they only require moderate exercise to stay happy and healthy. Daily walks plus some extra activity are usually sufficient for this dog, but they’re likely to be up for more activity if you are. Most of the time, they’re just happy to be with you and to be getting some exercise.

They are sturdy and athletic dogs, so don’t be afraid to try a bunch of different activities with them. You might find that your Bull Terrier’s favorite activity is hiking, swimming, playing frisbee, or even training for dog sports like agility, tracking, obedience, flyball, carting, and more. Just make sure to keep activities low-impact until puppies are finished growing to avoid damaging developing bones and joints.

A fully-grown Bull Terrier usually stands 21-22 inches tall and weighs 50-70 pounds.

Bull Terriers generally live for 12-13 years on average.

Bullseye, the classic Target mascot, was a Bull Terrier.