If you remember the late 1980s, you probably recall the Budweiser commercials featuring a Bull Terrier named Spuds Mackenzie, whose sly grin and on-screen antics turned the breed into a pop icon. Many people were captivated by the breed’s unique head, muscular build, and fun-loving nature. After the ads aired, the Bull Terrier’s popularity soared.

Nicknamed “the kid in a dog suit,” the Bull Terrier is active and friendly, as well as being one of the clowns of the dog world. Bull Terriers have larger-than-life personalities that range from intelligent and innovative to placid and loyal.

Life with a Bull Terrier is always an experience. They’re “busy” dogs from puppyhood well into middle age. The Bull Terrier isn’t content to spend long periods alone day after day; they want to be with their people, doing what they’re doing. They do best with an active family who can provide them with plenty of energetic play. They also need someone who will consistently (but kindly) enforce the house rules. Otherwise, they’ll make up rules of their own. For that reason, they’re not the best choice for timid dog parents or people who are new to dogs.

Like most terriers, Bull Terriers (unneutered males in particular) can be aggressive toward other animals, especially other dogs. To be well-behaved around other canines, they need early socialization: positive, supervised exposure to other dogs that begins in early puppyhood and continues throughout life.

Cats and other furry animals who enter their territory should beware. Because they can be rambunctious, Bull Terriers aren’t recommended for homes with younger children, but with older kids they’re tireless playmates. They enjoy vigorous daily exercise and can be highly destructive if they’re bored. Successfully training a Bull Terrier calls for patience, confident leadership, and consistency.

Some cities and states have restrictions on Bull Terriers, and you should be aware of your local laws before you bring your Bull Terrier home. If you’re ready to take on the challenge of a Bull Terrier, you’ll find them to be an affectionate, loyal companion who’s always ready to entertain you — they’ve been known to make even the most serious of people giggle — or go on an adventure. One thing’s for sure: life with this breed will never be dull!

The Bull Terrier dates to approximately 1835 and was probably created by crossing a Bulldog with the now-extinct white English Terrier. These “bull and terrier” dogs were later crossed with Spanish Pointers to increase their size. They were known as gladiators for their prowess in the dogfighting ring. In 1860, fanciers of the bull and terrier, in particular a man named James Hinks, set about creating an all-white dog. The striking animals became fashionable companions for gentlemen and were nicknamed “White Cavalier” because of their courage in the dog-fighting ring and their courtliness toward people.

While they’re no longer used for fighting, Bull Terriers retain that nickname to this day, a tribute to their sweet disposition (which of course is shared by colored Bull Terriers). The first Bull Terrier registered by the American Kennel Club (AKC) was Nellie II in 1885. Twelve years later, in 1897, the Bull Terrier Club of America formed. The colored Bull Terrier was made a separate variety in 1936, and the Miniature Bull Terrier became a separate breed in 1992.

Well-known fans of Bull Terriers include General George S. Patton, whose white Bull Terrier Willie followed him everywhere; actress Dolores Del Rio; author John Steinbeck; and President Woodrow Wilson. One well-known Bull Terrier is Patsy Ann, who greeted each ship that docked in Juneau, Alaska, during the 1930s. Beloved by tourists, she was photographed more often than Rin Tin Tin, and in 1934 she was named the official greeter of Juneau. Today, Patsy Ann’s spirit lives on in a bronze statue that was commissioned and placed on the Juneau wharf in 1992.

A Bull Terrier appeared in Sheila Burnford’s book “The Incredible Journey,” as well as the first film version of it, but that film didn’t have the same effect on the breed as Budweiser’s 1980s-era commercials starring Bull Terrier Spuds Mackenzie. When the ad campaign aired, the breed’s popularity soared. A colored Bull Terrier made history in 2006, when Ch. Rocky Top’s Sundance Kid (Rufus to his friends) became the first colored Bull Terrier to win Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show. The only white Bull Terrier to win the prestigious event was Ch. Haymarket Faultless in 1918. The breed’s appearance has changed quite a bit since then.

As of 2022, Bull Terriers ranked 64th in popularity among the most popular dog breeds registered by the American Kennel Club.

Bull Terriers come in a wide range of sizes, ranging from 50 to 70 pounds. They stand about 21 to 22 inches at the shoulder.

Never one to take a backseat to anyone or anything, the Bull Terrier is a friendly, feisty extrovert who’s always ready for a good time, and always happy to see you. Bull Terriers are described as courageous and full of fire. These are good traits, but they can veer into the disagreeable category if the Bull Terrier is allowed to become possessive or jealous. Without early training and socialization, they can be potentially aggressive toward other animals. With people, though, they have a sweet disposition. On the downside, they can be chewers, barkers, and tail chasers, and are often difficult to housetrain.

Bull terriers are generally healthy, but like any breed, they can have health issues. The following problems may occur in the breed:

• Hereditary Nephritis: This is a severe form of kidney disease found in Bull Terriers, often at an early age. It’s caused by small and undeveloped kidneys or a malfunction of the kidney’s filters, resulting in high levels of protein in the urine. Bull Terriers with this disease usually die before they’re 3 years old, although some live to be 6 or 8 years old before succumbing to kidney failure. A urine protein/urine creatinine (UP:UC) test is recommended annually, starting when dogs are 18 months old. Bull Terriers with an abnormal UP:UC ratio, meaning there’s too much protein in the urine, should not be bred. Bull Terriers can also suffer from renal dysplasia, a congenital disease (meaning the dog is born with it) in which the kidneys don’t mature properly, hindering their ability to perform properly.
• Deafness: in one or both ears is common in white dogs, and some colored Bull Terriers can be deaf in one ear. All Bull Terrier puppies should undergo BAER (brainstem auditory evoked response) testing to ensure that their hearing is normal. A veterinarian or a Bull Terrier club can help you find the nearest BAER testing facility. Bull Terriers who are deaf in one ear can lead relatively normal lives, but puppies that are deaf in both ears require special training techniques and handling.
• Heart Disease: This condition is caused by defects in heart structure and function. It is occasionally found in Bull Terriers. Some cases are more serious than others and usually are indicated by the presence of a heart murmur. In some cases, a cardiac ultrasound (echocardiogram) may be necessary to diagnose the problem. Some Bull Terriers outgrow their murmurs, some live with them for years with no problem, and others develop heart failure. Depending on the condition and the stage at which it’s diagnosed, treatment may range from medication to surgery.
• Skin Problems: Bull Terriers, especially white ones, have sensitive skin that can be prone to rashes, sores, and irritations. They may also be prone to contact or inhalant allergies, caused by a reaction to substances such as detergents or other chemicals or airborne allergens such as pollen, dust, and mildew. Check your Bull Terrier’s skin regularly and treat any rashes quickly. Provide soft, clean bedding in crates and other sleeping areas to prevent sores. Sometimes a change to a diet with few or no chemical additives can help. Other Bull Terriers need long-term treatment with antibiotics or steroids to keep skin problems under control.
• Spinning: This is an obsessive form of tail-chasing that usually begins at approximately 6 months of age. It can continue for hours and leave the dog with no interest in food or water. Spinning may be a type of seizure and is sometimes successfully treated with medications such as phenobarbitol, Anafranil, or Prozac. Treatment is often more successful in females than males. Bull Terriers can also develop a milder form of tail chasing that’s easily dealt with by eliminating the dog’s boredom.
• Lens Luxation: This is when the lens of the eye is displaced when the ligament holding it in place deteriorates. It’s sometimes treatable with medication or surgery, but in severe cases, the eye may need to be removed.

Bull Terriers need someone at home during the day. For one thing, they’ll eat just about anything, and many die from gastrointestinal blockages that aren’t discovered until it’s too late. Rawhide toys can be especially problematic. Dog-proof your home!

A Bull Terrier needs half an hour to an hour of physical and mental exercise daily. They’ll enjoy going for walks, chasing a ball, or testing their wits against an interactive toy. They’re also capable of competing in agility and obedience trials.

Be sure to always walk your Bull Terrier on a leash so they won’t run after other animals or go off exploring on their own. Bull Terrier puppies are bouncy and into everything. High-impact exercise can damage growing bones, so until your puppy’s fully grown, at 12 to 18 months of age, beware of bone-jarring activities such as jumping on and off the furniture, playing Frisbee, or running on slick wood or tile floors. These can all stress or injure the still-developing joints and ligaments.

Early and consistent training is essential. You must be able to provide leadership without resorting to physical force or harsh words. A Bull Terrier isn’t the easiest breed to train, and you’ll be most successful if you appeal to their love of play with positive reinforcement techniques while still remaining firm and consistent in what you expect. B

ull Terriers can be difficult to housetrain. Follow a housetraining program closely and crate-train your dog. A crate will also prevent your Bull Terrier from destroying your belongings or otherwise getting into trouble. Bull Terriers are suspicious of strangers and can be aggressive toward other animals (especially dogs of the same sex) and people. Take them to puppy socialization classes as early as possible, as well as to dog-friendly public places so they can get used to many different situations, people, and dogs. They should also learn to welcome visitors to your home.

Recommended daily amount: 4 cups of high-quality dog food daily, divided into two meals.

How much your adult dog eats depends on their size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. Dogs are individuals, just like people, and they don’t all need the same amount of food. The quality of dog food you buy also makes a difference — the better the dog food, the further it will go toward nourishing your dog. Keep your Bull Terrier in good shape by measuring their food and feeding him twice a day rather than free feeding.

If you’re unsure whether he’s overweight, give them the eye test and the hands-on test. First, look down at them. You should be able to see a waist. Then place your hands on their back, thumbs along the spine, with the fingers spread downward. You should be able to feel but not see their ribs without having to press hard. If you can’t, they need less food and more exercise.

The Bull Terrier’s coat is short, flat, and shiny, with a hard texture. Bull Terriers come in two color varieties: white and colored. White Bull Terriers are solid white, with or without colored markings on the head but nowhere else on the body. Colored Bull Terriers are any color other than white or any color with white markings. Bull Terriers are easy to groom; they need only weekly brushing with a rubber mitt or curry brush. The exception is during their twice-yearly shedding season, when daily brushing will be necessary to keep all the hair under control.

Unless they’ve rolled in something stinky, Bull Terriers don’t need frequent bathing and can be washed with a dry shampoo or dusted off with a damp cloth.

Brush your Bull Terrier’s teeth at least two or three times a week to remove tartar buildup and the accompanying bacteria. Daily is better. Trim their nails once or twice a month, or as needed. If you can hear the nails clicking on the floor, they’re too long. Short nails keep the feet in good condition and don’t get caught in the carpet and tear. If the feet need to be tidied up with trimming, the best time to do it is when you are clipping the nails.

Check the ears weekly to make sure there’s no debris, redness, or inflammation. Clean them as needed with a cotton ball and a cleanser recommended by your veterinarian. Wipe around the outer edge of the ear canal, and don’t stick the cotton ball any deeper than the first knuckle of your finger.

Begin getting your Bull Terrier used to being brushed and examined when they’re a puppy. Handle their paws frequently (dogs are touchy about their feet) and look inside their mouth and ears. Make grooming a positive experience filled with praise and rewards, and you’ll lay the groundwork for easy veterinary exams and handling when they’re an adult.

Bull Terriers are active dogs who can play rough, so they’re not recommended for homes with young children. They’re great playmates with boundless energy for active older children who understand how to interact with dogs. Bull Terriers can, however, be aggressive toward kids they don’t know, especially if there’s a lot of shouting or wrestling going on. They may feel it’s their duty to protect “their” children from their friends. Always supervise play; as with any dog, never leave a dog alone with a child, and teach children how to approach and touch dogs. With the children in their own family, they’re highly tolerant, but they don’t like being teased. Don’t permit your children to play tug-of-war with the dog. Bull Terriers, especially unneutered males, can be aggressive toward dogs of the same sex, but opposite genders usually get along well. Bull Terriers shouldn’t be trusted with cats or other small furry animals.

People sometimes adopt Bull Terriers without clear understanding of what goes into parenting one. These dogs often end up in the care of rescue groups, in need of adoption or fostering. If you’re interested in adopting a Bull Terrier, a rescue group is a good place to start.

• Bull Terrier Rescue
• Blue Ridge Bull Terrier Rescue

Below are breed clubs, organizations, and associations where you can find additional information about the Bull Terrier.

• Bull Terrier Club of America
• Golden State Bull Terrier Club