All about bull terriers

Bull Terriers are dogs, towards which a far from unambiguous attitude has been formed. Most people consider these dogs to be dangerous and unbalanced, and their opinion is based on stories of attacks on people, as well as on the appearance of the dog. In our material, we will try to figure out whether bull terriers are as scary as they are described, and what needs to be done to avoid the dog's unreasonable aggression.

The history of bull terriers begins in the Middle Ages, famous for its cruelty and fanaticism in relation not only to people, but also to animals. Dogs were then bred exclusively for fighting, where the dogs had to fight with other animals for the amusement of a crowd excited by blood. They paid a lot of money for the winners, and therefore there was literally no end to those wishing to place bets.

Bull-baiting was especially popular at that time; the first such performance was shown to the public at the beginning of the 13th century. The organizers of such shows quickly realized that size in this case does not play a big role, agility and bloodthirstiness are much more important. The stocky and short dogs instantly bypassed the bull from the side and clamped his nose in the powerful jaws - a weak and vulnerable spot of the animal. Moreover, the bull, even going into a rage and rushing around the arena, could not force the dog to open its mouth.

As the years passed, nightmarish entertainment continued to gain momentum. Now only the strongest and most ferocious dogs took part in the battles, paying no attention to their own pain.A kind of arena for fighting appeared in every village, and sometimes the entire population of the surrounding area gathered for bloody performances. And this is not surprising, because one victory of the chosen dog allowed it to exist comfortably for several months.

That all changed in 1835 when the government finally banned sophisticated entertainment. The arenas were to be closed, and the animals could no longer be used to drive another bull or bear. But people accustomed to easy money were not easy to obey. Taking advantage of the fact that the law prohibited the corral of only large livestock, the dogs were forced to fight with each other. At the same time, it became necessary to develop a new breed, faster and easier.

To take her out an Old English Bulldog was crossed with a Terrier. This made it possible to obtain a completely new species, which was called "bull and terriers", which means "bull and terrier" in English. The bred dogs began to be used in illegal battles and quickly became a means of easy money. However, there was still a man who broke the established system, realizing that underground battles did not exist forever. His name was James Hinks, and, having gathered a few enthusiasts around him, the breeder got down to business. Several breeds were chosen for crossing, among which there were even Dalmatians and Collies.

As a result of long and painstaking work, the breeder managed to get a dog that had a snow-white color and had a more elegant appearance than dogs "from the pits". The new breed was named Bull Terrier, and, despite the sarcasm and ridicule of the adherents of fighting, the species quickly spread throughout England.

In 1885, the breed was recognized in America, where they even began to create special clubs where you could buy a puppy. And in 1917, a new variety was recognized all over the world, releasing a certain standard for the species.

Nevertheless, the breeders of boules did not manage to wait for a quiet life. For example, in the late 1980s, a bill was passed to ban ear cropping, and breeders had to re-use breeding to solve the problem. A little later, dog handlers set out to prohibit the crossing of boules with amstaffs, arguing that the bull terrier should be exclusively white. The event received a resonance, and thanks to him, the entire breed was on the verge of extinction.

The fact is that boules allowed for breeding could not have ancestors in their pedigree with any color splashes. An exclusively white color was permitted. However, in the modern world, any breeder of cats or dogs knows that it is pure white animals that most often suffer from deafness and hereditary diseases. So it happened with the boules. Thanks to this selection, many of them were not only deaf, but also generally could not have offspring. The situation began to spiral out of control, and the colored dogs were finally recognized.

As for Russia, bull terriers were brought here around the 70s. The breed began to gain popularity, many wanted to have such dogs. Unfortunately, this led to the fact that the dogs were acquired by inexperienced breeders, who could raise a collie or spaniel at the most.

A dog like a Bull Terrier has approximately the same number of advantages and disadvantages. This is a kind of breed that is not suitable for everyone, therefore, before choosing it, you should study all the features of the animal. Let's start with the pros.

• The Bull Terrier is an ideal "bodyguard". He almost does not feel pain, he is physically strong and enduring. Such a dog will protect you in any situation.
• Dogs are distinguished by their great devotion to their owners, they will not leave them in trouble.
• Caring for a dog does not take much time and effort.
• If the animal is properly raised, it will not show aggression towards others. Bull also treats children well.
• The dog can easily live in the apartment.

Of course, there are no fewer minuses, and almost all of them are quite weighty.

• Prepare for the fact that other "dog lovers" will not particularly strive for your company. Few of them will want to find out if your dog is raised or not.
• Bull Terrier should be educated and socialized from an early age; it will not work to accustom an adult dog to normal behavior. The owner of a boule can only be a strong, well-formed person, preferably a man. In addition, dogs are stubborn, it is difficult to force them to obey.
• This dog will require constant and prolonged physical activity. If you keep it at home constantly, the animal will become embittered.
• Forget about buying another pet. Bull Terriers do not tolerate competition.
• Dogs are prone to allergies, especially white ones.

In total, there are three types of bull terriers: English, Staffordshire and pygmy.

• The English Bull Terrier is most often white, this dog is light, agile. It was obtained as a result of crossing a Dalmatian, a terrier and a bulldog.
• Staffordshire breed is more sedate and slow, the muzzle resembles a bulldog. It was bred by crossing a bulldog and a terrier. It can have different types of color, brindle, brown and red colors are very common.
• Miniature Bull Terriers are mini versions of English dogs. Here the standard allows for several types of color: white, tricolor or tan. The growth of babies is no more than 35.5 cm.

Now let's take a closer look at the description and characteristics of the breed itself.

• It should be noted right away that the breed standard is rather ambiguous, since boules can be completely different in size, and somehow it is difficult to predict. Weight ranges from 18–36 kg (for both females and males). As for the height, it will be 30-60 cm.
• The head of the dog is elongated. Many people notice that the face looks like a rat, especially strong associations are evoked by such a character as the Rat King from The Nutcracker. Other owners claim that the dog has a Roman profile.
• The nose is large, oblique, black. The lips fit tightly with the jaw.
• The eyes of a rat-like dog should be dark brown, almost black. Any other color is prohibited.
• The teeth are strong and even. Scissor bite, fully consistent with the standard. The dog's lower jaw is always better developed.
• The ears are medium, close to each other, in the shape of a triangle. The position is standing.
• The neck is long, gradually expanding from the head. There are no folds, the scruff of the neck is clearly visible.
• The body is strong and compact, the chest is wide. The back is straight, with pronounced muscles, the abdomen does not hang down, the tail is short and horizontal.
• The front legs are better developed than the hind ones, but the hind legs are more flexible. The muscles of the paws are clear, the fingers are very mobile.
• The coat of the bull terrier is short; in cold weather, an undercoat appears. It has a soft texture to the touch, shines in the sun.
• Bull Terrier color is usually standard white. In addition, dogs can be tricolor, red, red, brown or black.

Bull terriers live about the same as other dogs - 12-13 years. However, this period is not approved, it can be easily extended if the animal is properly maintained. We will consider the features of care a little later, but for now we will list the diseases that this breed mainly suffers from.

• Dislocated knees and elbows. When the dog has dislocated the joint, it begins to limp greatly, in this case it will be necessary to go to the veterinarian. Also, dislocations can be due to a genetic predisposition. These dogs need to be careful when offering exercise.
• Deafness... Deafness is the scourge of white dogs and is more common than absent. Deafness can be unilateral or bilateral. Puppies completely deaf are discarded.
• Kidney problems. A dog with renal failure looks lethargic, the coat is dull, falls out, the animal loses weight, has a poor appetite. Only a veterinarian can help; in an already neglected case, the dog, as a rule, dies.
• Lens dislocations... With such an ailment, the lens "floats" in the pupil, as it were. If ignored, the disease will develop into glaucoma and then blindness.
• Heart problems. Dwarf bull terriers are more prone to such misfortunes, but in any case, a dog that is planned to be bred or admitted to exhibitions is examined as soon as it turns one year old.
• Allergies. Boules, especially white ones, are very susceptible to allergies. Choose food carefully and do not let your pet grab foreign objects from the ground. In addition, the dog should not spend too much time outdoors during the hours of strong solar activity: this is fraught with burns.

In general, a well-bred Bull Terrier is a good-natured dog, infinitely loyal to its owner. Unfortunately, many people, believing that a bull is by nature simply obliged to be an evil guard, deliberately arouse aggression in him. In no case should this be done, because the dog understands everything perfectly, it has high intelligence and excellent mental abilities. Sooner or later, it may happen that aggression will turn against the owner himself, and there have been such cases.

A well-bred dog will be an example of cheerfulness and obedience. If the owner immediately shows who is in charge, the dog will obey and follow the owner's commands. Animals love to play, this should be taken into account before buying a pet. And you will have to provide games if you do not want to find gnawed shoes, springs pulled out of the sofa or slobbering wires every day. The best places for walks with the boule are open parks and woodlands, where the dog can easily run freely.

In addition, bull terriers are very dependent on their owner and hate it when he leaves. If you spend a lot of time at work, it is better not to have such a dog.

However, you cannot solve the problem by buying a companion dog. The animal will instantly change tactics, and a showdown will begin, accompanied by violent fights and endless trauma. Cats are out of the question - the bull will immediately drive this animal. Even worse would be the idea of ​​purchasing a rodent or bird.

The Bull Terrier is an animal that will always protect its owner. Hbut there are no guards from these dogs. Contrary to stereotypes, the bull will not bark menacingly, block the way for guests and try to bite them to death. No, in most cases dogs are very friendly towards visits, but if the owner starts to threaten something, then the dog's reflexes will instantly work: he will not bark to warn him - he will immediately pounce.

It is worth noting that the boules adore children. Since the dog needs games, they cannot find a better companion. With children, the dog will feel great, will support any initiative. But do not forget that the dog does not like very much to be teased. She will also not like it if the baby starts to take away any toy from her. That's why the process of communication between an animal and a child should always be under the supervision of adults.

The age of the purchased puppy should be in the range of 2 to 3 months, babies younger or older will not work. Contact only reputable breeders who have officially registered nurseries with all the necessary documents and breeding permits. It is impossible to take puppies anywhere in the zoo market: it is fraught with huge and unpleasant consequences. Of course, you may be lucky, and you will acquire a purebred dog for little money, but there are very few such cases. Basically, traders sell discarded individuals with physical or mental disabilities.

Arriving at the kennel, look at the conditions in which the bitch and the puppies are kept. In winter, the room must be heated, there can be no drafts, the nursery must be clean. The main indicator of the breeder's attention is the correct behavior of the animals. Bitches allow you to examine the puppies, do not growl, and the puppies themselves are active and curious. The breeder is obliged to provide all the necessary documents at your first request.

The appearance of the baby is just as important as the behavior. The puppy should have a shiny healthy coat, clean eyes and ears, and an unpleasant odor should not come from the mouth... Healthy kids are plump, they happily run to the proposed treat. There is one more thing - checking the dog for deafness. This should definitely be done before buying a puppy. Shake the keys in front of the puppy or drop a heavy object - if the baby does not react, it is better to pick up another puppy.

The prices for animals depend on the purpose for which you are buying a pet. For example, pet-class babies intended exclusively for home maintenance will be sold to you for 15-25 thousand rubles. Breed class puppies will cost a little more - about 40 thousand.

Oddly enough, but bull terriers are best kept in an apartment. There are several explanations for this. The first is that dogs have a negative attitude to active sunlight and frost, since they have short hair. Burns and freezing should not be allowed. The second point is poor security qualities. For protection, the dog must be with its owner, accompany him. Of course, if the dog is provoked, he will defend the owner's property, but there is hardly a person who will deliberately climb into the yard when he sees a bull terrier sitting there.

Boules are absolutely not suitable for keeping on a chain or in an aviary. They can live in a private house, but only in the house, the dog will just walk in the yard. In addition, the animal is not suitable for yard keeping also because it needs the attention and support of the owner all the time. This is the only way to raise an obedient and sane dog.

When kept in an apartment, the dog should be provided with all the necessary loads. You need to walk at least twice a day. On dog walks, you can let the dog off the leash so that the pet can frolic. But at the same time it is important that the dog is socialized, educated and does not rush at other animals. Otherwise better to get a muzzle, which will not allow the dog to injure neighboring dogs.

The Bull Terrier diet is of two types: feeding with dry food or natural food. The first option is good because the owner will not need to clearly think over the feeding plan and select the right ingredients. You will not need to buy additional vitamins for harmonious development. But it's worth noting that You can only feed your dogs with first-class food, cheap formulations will lead to many health problems.

The advantage of natural food is that it is much more varied and, of course, tastier. But here you will have to competently and clearly formulate the diet so that it contains everything that the dog needs for growth and health. The acquisition of vitamins will also be an important step. They will be advised by a veterinarian in accordance with the age, weight and characteristics of the boule.

A dog's menu should include a number of important components.

• Lean meat, it is better if it is poultry. Meat can be boiled or raw. If you are giving your dog raw meat, it is best to keep it in the freezer for 24 hours for sanitary purposes. This will kill the larvae of the worms and other bacteria. Before serving, the meat is poured over with boiling water. This food should make up half of the daily diet.
• If the meat is not at hand, it's okay if the dog eats offal. Choose beef or chicken. In addition, sea fish can be offered to the dog. Before serving, it is boiled well and gets rid of bones.
• From cereals, bull terriers will like buckwheat and rice groats. A tablespoon of sunflower oil must be added to the finished porridge.
• Fermented milk products are designed to unload the dog's intestines. Low-fat cottage cheese or kefir will improve digestion well. A quail egg can be offered once a week.
• Vegetables will serve as a source of vitamins. They are washed well, poured over with boiling water and put in a bowl for the dog. Fruits can occasionally be given, but not citrus fruits.

As for banned products, it is especially worth noting here fatty meats, fried and salty foods, food with a lot of spices. You cannot give raw river fish and sweets to bull terriers, the same applies to baked goods. Dogs are fed twice a day: in the morning and in the evening. If you have a puppy, then at first food is served 5-6 times a day, then the intervals are shortened.

The dog is fed strictly according to the schedule, the regime for the bulls is very important. Also, the dog should not overeat. If the bouill has not eaten its portion within 10-15 minutes, the food is removed, and the next time a smaller portion is added.

Bull Terriers have short hair, so they do not need daily grooming. The dead hairs are combed out three times a week, while using a brush with stiff bristles. When the pet is shedding, and this is the autumn and spring periods, experts recommend buying a special trimming mitten. It should also be remembered that boules are very susceptible to allergies, so for the summer, stock up on products that will protect your pet's hair from ticks and other parasites... Wearing an antiparasitic collar at all times is a good solution.

There is almost no need to bathe your dogs. Buleys are only washed when the coat is too dirty, for example, if the dog comes up with the idea of ​​splashing in a puddle or running along a muddy country road. At the same time, they use mild "dog" shampoos, you cannot buy a cheap product. If the coat is not too dirty, you can simply wipe the dog with a sponge or damp towel. Also, experts advise sometimes to walk on the woolen cover with suede: this will give the fur coat a beautiful shine.

Paws, on the contrary, need to be washed regularly, after each walk, or else wipe them with a wet cloth. City dogs also need to lubricate their pads with oil, especially in winter, when there is a lot of salt on the roads. You can also use baby moisturizer on the pads.

Pay attention to your eyes and ears in order to recognize the approach of diseases in time. Discharge may accumulate in the corners of the eyes and need to be removed. For this, weak cool tea is suitable, as well as special eye care products, which will be prescribed by a veterinarian or advised by a consultant at a pet store. Dogs' ears are almost never dirty, so it is enough to simply wipe them with a damp cotton swab about once a week.

As for the claws, the dogs, as a rule, actively grind them off themselves. If, in single cases, the claws have grown and began to cause discomfort, they can be cut off with a nail clipper.

Caring for the bull terrier's mouth will also fall on the shoulders of the owner. You can take an ordinary brush, but you should buy a “dog's” paste, it will not be difficult to find such a tool. Fangs are cleaned weekly, and if the animal for some reason dislikes the brush, the range of pet stores also has finger tips.

Raising a bull terrier is not a one-day process. You will need to put all the restraint and composure to cope with such a dog. If before that you did not have dogs, or you had more peaceful, non-fighting breeds, it is not recommended to take a boule, since the dog is difficult and wayward, and with the wrong approach, it is also dangerous. If you nevertheless decide to opt for the bull terrier, we will immediately outline several rules that will help to slightly reduce the ardor of the dog.

• This is a dog that can and should be loved. Boole should always feel your care and support. Do not be afraid that the abundance of love will spoil the dog, on the contrary, the more there is, the less the animal will be dirty in the apartment in the absence of the owner.
• Do not leave your dog alone for a long time. If you work 12 hours a day, and the dog is closed at this time, it will develop mental disorders, which can lead to trouble.
• Don't be aggressive. The Bull Terrier is a breed that looks dangerous and is dangerous. Aggression should not be applied to such dogs: raise their voice, beat, close them in separate rooms for punishment. It is very important to correctly convey information to children.

You need to train a boule puppy literally from the day of purchase. Such dogs should be socialized as early as possible: this will avoid problems in the future. You cannot keep the dog indoors all day and night, while the animal is small, it is important to acquaint him with new tastes, smells, and surroundings. Invite guests more often - communication with strangers will benefit the dog.

In order for the bull to grow up well-mannered and obedient, he must clearly understand that you are in charge. The dog has a developed intellect, and it perfectly understands that it is stronger and more powerful than you. Therefore, having established the rules, you must not allow your pet to break them. The same should be said for other family members. If at least one of them pampers the dog, allowing him what others do not allow, the dog will immediately understand the frivolity of what is happening and stop obeying.

The guilty animal is reprimanded in a stern tone, but here it is important to be confident in your words. If you are by nature a gentle person and can hardly "squeeze" out of yourself a strict and false tone, the dog will understand this.

Be prepared for the fact that it will take a long time to train a bull terrier... Start with easy, well-known commands. Encourage any success with a treat. It is also advisable to conduct training in a playful way, since dogs are not distinguished by patience and perseverance. In addition, the sessions should be short but concise. If you see that the dog is constantly distracted, looks out for something, loses interest, offer him a treat “outside the program”. This will help the dog get back to class.

Let us remind you once again that the Bull Terrier is an animal that not everyone can train. If you do not feel the strength in yourself, you have a soft, calm character that does not accept severity, then choose another breed.

Choosing a nickname for a dog, the owners are based on many parameters: the appearance of the dog, the season of its birth, color, habits.Let's take a look at a list of beautiful and unusual nicknames that will suit these strong and unusual dogs.

The boole's appearance is the first thing that draws attention to. The strength and ferocity of the dog is known to everyone, and therefore the nickname can be chosen such that it reflects external differences:

• Ivanhoe;
• Atlant;
• Viking;
• Goliath;
• Granite;
• Space;
• Sheriff.

As for the character and individual characteristics of the dog, there are beautiful names here too:

• Buyan;
• Loyal;
• Proud;
• Joker;
• Napoleon;
• Perseus;
• Tristan;
• Triumph;
• Caesar;
• Champion;
• Nimble;
• Humor.

The historical homeland of the bull terrier is England, there are many proud geographical names and names that may well become the nickname of your pet:

• Watson;
• Gloucester;
• Eton;
• York;
• Christopher;
• Lincoln;
• London;
• William;
• Chester;
• Sherlock.

Unlike boys, female individuals are advised by experts to choose more tender nicknames, because these are still girls, albeit big and strong.

For example, you can name your pet with the following beautiful names:

• Squirrel;
• Venus;
• Haze;
• Star;
• Spark;
• Caramel;
• Cameo;
• Lady;
• Naiad;
• Night;
• Clear.

Features of the character of the female can be emphasized by other nicknames:

• Storm;
• Snowstorm;
• Fun;
• Yoke;
• Joy;
• A little thing.

As in the case of boys, nicknames associated with England are suitable for pets:

• Valerie;
• Dorothy;
• Elizabeth;
• Christie;
• Katie;
• Lucinda;
• Melissa;
• Nicole;
• Rosie;
• Flora;
• Holly;
• Chloe;
• Esther.

In addition, a dog of any gender can always be named according to the color of its coat:

• black: Blackberry, Raven, Onyx, Midnight, Pirate, Knox, Panther, Coal;
• spotted: Freckle, Domino, Dots, Marble, Spot, Spotty;
• White: Arctic, Snow White, Diamond, Marshmallow, Frost, Ghost, Snowflake;
• Brown: Brownie, Kashtanka, Coconut, Mocha, Snickers;
• ginger: Pomegranate, Brick, Carrot, Lava, Ogonyok, Scarlett;
• Gray: Ash, Grayson, Pebble, Silver, Smoky, Smoke, Silver.

Many owners adore their dogs and are always ready to defend this breed. So, the owners note the kindness and loyalty of bull terriers, their high mental qualities, the ability to find a way out of any, even the most confusing situation. Well-bred dogs do not have aggression, and breeders assure that such animals can be trusted even temporarily to sit with a small child. In addition, the owner of the dog does not have to provide complex care that takes a lot of time. Breeders say that dogs are cheerful, they like to follow the owner everywhere, and they have a positive perception of games.

Along with this, boules are difficult to educate and train. For some, it is simply not possible to properly educate a dog, which is fraught with many consequences. The downside is that dogs do not tolerate other animals in the house, so if you want to have a bull, he must be alone. Also, dog owners say that sometimes it is difficult for them because of the attitude of others around them. For example, many other "dog lovers" do not like it if the boule is released from the leash in the presence of their dogs, people on the streets, if the dog tries to smell them, begin to shrink and change their faces, wave their arms, thereby provoking the animal. Nevertheless, despite all the disadvantages, many people are happy that they chose this particular breed as their companion.

In the next video you will find interesting facts about the Bull Terrier dog breed.