Consider The Bull
Terrier
Realistic Answers to Ten Questions
Compiled by the Bull Terrier Club of America
What
kind of dog is that? If you are the owner of a Bull Terrier, it is a
rare
afternoon stroll that is not interrupted by this query. This
interest and the
inquiries about this striking looking dog have been most gratifying to all
lovers of the breed. It is because of this interest that this article has
been
distributed, in the hope that the information provided herein will help
you answer that very important question - Do I want to own a Bull Terrier?
ARE
ALL BULL TERRIERS WHITE?
No. There are two varieties: Pure white,
with
markings on the head acceptable. Any color other than white (brindle, black
brindle, red, fawn and tricolor) with white markings acceptable.
HOW
LARGE DO THEY GET?
There
is some variance in weight and height
between
Bull terriers. It might be said that generally the average male would weigh
between 55 and 65 pounds, and the average female between 45 and 55 pounds.
WHAT
ARE THEY USED FOR?
The
Bull Terrier was originally bred for combat
with other dogs, a sport which was permissible in England in the 1800's.
Today the Bull Terrier is a companion dog. His keen intelligence, an almost
uncanny sense of judgment, coupled with a delightful sense of humor and
a sincere craving for human affection, make him one of the most loved pets.
ARE
THEY GOOD WITH CHILDREN?
Generally yes, and particularly so when raised
with them. A Bull Terrier is a gay, playful dog, always ready for anything
a child cares to do. Because of his great strength and endurance, the
Bull Terrier has what seems to be endless patience with children. He has been
known to suffer great abuse from a child without losing his cheerfulness.
However, it should be noted here that a Bull terrier puppy is a most
energetic and vigorous dog - and might well have to be directed or curbed
in his playing with a very young child or toddler, or he might unintentionally
hurt or frighten the child.
DO
THEY MAKE GOOD WATCH DOGS?
The
formidable appearance of the Bull Terrier
with his look of inscrutable watchfulness and poised dignity, make him
a natural in this area. Bull Terriers are not inclined to be malicious and
an unprovoked attack is almost unknown. Rarely a barker, he seems to sense
when a situation calls for action. Rest assured that if protect you he must,
he will do so until he can no longer move.
HOW
MUCH EXERCISE DO THEY REQUIRE?
CAN I KEEP ONE IN A SUBURBAN HOME OR IN AN APARTMENT?
Where a bull Terrier
lives, be it an efficiency apartment or a thousand acre ranch, matters
very little as long as he is with you. A Bull terrier does not need fields
in which to run, but to have a happy dog, an owner must spend some time
exercising and playing with him. This benefits both dog and owner, and the
resulting affection is well worth the time spent. It would be unfair not to
mention that a Bull Terrier must never be allowed to run unsupervised. Not
only
is the dog's safety involved, but his natural curiosity and impetuousness
might well result in mischief with a neighbor's cat or dog.
WHAT
ABOUT THIS FIGHTING?
CAN I KEEP ANOTHER DOG OR CAT WITH HIM?
Bull
Terriers are natural pugilists.
Fighting was the original use of these dogs, and nature provided them
with all the necessary equipment with which to fight: muscle, a fantastically
strong jaw, tight skin, and an indifference to pain. This
does NOT
mean that they MUST fight, but caution must be taken to prevent them from
becoming
involved in a dispute. They seldom seek a fight, but if provoked, will
rarely disdain engagement. Bull
Terriers usually get along well with dogs of
the opposite sex, and if raised from puppyhood with cats or other animals,
may
be very companionable.
ARE
BULL TERRIERS EASILY TRAINED?
As far as intelligence is concerned,
the Bull Terrier compares favorably with any other breed. They have
been shown successfully in obedience trials, many obtaining C.D., C.D.X. and
U.D. degrees. They were used with great success during World War II as
Military Police dogs, hunting snipers and guarding restricted areas. The British
named the Bull Terrier among the top three breeds in this work.
Training
your Bull Terrier pet is easily accomplished if you are willing to
spend the time to teach him what is expected of him with a patient but firm
hand. DO NOT permit your Bull Terrier to develop a habit as a puppy that you
do not wish him to have as an adult dog, for the lessons he learns, he learns
well. Use to full advantage the dog's great affection for you and the Bull
Terrier will be a pet that will be a joy.
WELL,
YOU DON'T SEE MANY OF THESE DOGS.
ARE THEY TERRIBLY EXPENSIVE?
Actually, they cost no more than any other
purebred dog. The cost may vary according to the potential of the dog. Most
breeders of Bull Terriers have attempted to breed with great selectivity and
have not been concerned with the mere production of numbers. The emergence
of a dog of sound temperament and handsome appearance attests their success,
as does the steady increase in interest in the Bull Terrier.
SHOULD
I GET A BULL TERRIER?
That
is a question that only you can answer. We have tried to show you that the Bull
Terrier is one of the most delightful dogs, but also one that requires
restraint. In return for his loyalty and affection, he will demand a fair
measure of your time and attention. With his curiosity and exuberance, a Bull
Terrier will make his presence in the house known, often to your amusement and
sometimes to your chagrin. He will love you, comfort you and guard you. If,
after careful consideration, you decide to purchase a Bull Terrier, be prepared
for a lifelong addiction. You may well be like the man who said so sincerely,
"Bull Terriers, I guess I do know them. Why, I was ten years old before I
found out
that old dog wasn't my brother."
