A Bull Terrier, the pal for you?

The Bull Terrier is a good breed which unfortunately gets a bad rap. Bred to fight, a mistreated Bull Terrier will become a very aggressive — even vicious — dog. Always keep in mind that a bull who has been mistreated may never be truly trustworthy again, so never let them near children. But just think: the right care and training will make the Bull Terrier a sweet and loving friend. In fact, these dogs can act absolutely silly. Their companionship amounts to hours of fun.

As a member of The American Kennel Club’s terrier group, the bull is usually pure white or brindle. For a dog to be considered “brindle” it cannot be predominantly white. Be careful! Don’t confuse the bull with its American counterpart, the Pit Bull. A solidly built, muscular animal, the bull terrier weighs in between 55 and 70 pounds. The dog’s broad chest and bullet-shaped head are the tell-tale traits of the breed.

These guys can live snug in an apartment just as long as they get their exercise. Their best case scenario, though, is a home with a roomy fenced-in yard. However you work out your dog, always make sure he can’t get loose. A Bull Terrier and another small mammal can be a deadly combination.

A properly raised Bull Terrier loves family and is quite good with children. They love to play and can easily spend hours with a Frisbee. However, if you haven’t got any children, and your Bull Terrier isn’t used to them, don’t ever leave the two together unattended. The dog might see the infants/toddlers as other animals, not people, and could become rough.

A Bull Terrier is simply not a dog for the first-time owner. They’ll boss around a passive human who isn’t sending out clear commands, and they’ll dominate you and your household.

Since Bull Terriers so powerful, be sure to tame your dog thoroughly before he gets too big for you to control. It’s a great idea to put your pup in obedience classes. You can make sure he gets correctly trained while still young. Plus, obedience classes will socialize your puppy so when he grows up, there’ll be fewer conflicts.

Bull Terriers really put away the dog chow and they’ll put a spike on the grocery bill. Ask your vet about feeding your pup a dog chow mixed to eliminate kidney problems. This can prevent heart disease and/or deafness in your tough little pal.

Your Bull Terrier won’t need much grooming. Just brush him weekly to remove the loose hair and dirt and keep him sleek and shiny. Rub him down with a soft cloth or towel and watch him really shine. Occasionally you’ll want to brush his teeth and trim his nails.

Calling all experienced owners: it might be time to consider the Bull Terrier. It will take patience and effort to mold him into a good citizen, but the end result is plenty worth it.