Bull Terrier: The Lovable Egg-Head

Silly, goofy, and clumsily mischievous, Bull Terriers get excellent marks for their comedic timing. This dog moves with a certain gracelessness, but they always stick the landing. You can easily recognize this breed by their iconic “egg-shaped” head, sloped snout, beady eyes, and stocky build. 

But the stories from the owner also give them away. “Oh, your dog chased its tail, parkoured on the couch, ripped up a pillow, and passed out under the torn feathers?” Must be a Bull Terrier. “Your dog ate your shoe then flaunted it around like a trophy?” Also, Bull Terrier. “Your dog demands to run out their midnight zoomies on your bed?” Okay, but that Bull Terrier means well. 

At Happy Paws, we’re dedicated to helping all dogs, from purebreds to certified mutts, live their happiest, healthiest lives. We’ve designed our dog supplements to target a range of trouble spots in your dog’s health, including common issues for a Bull Terrier. 

In this article, we’ll explore the history of the burly goofball, provide some information and advice on how to care for them, and help you decide which supplements are best for your lovable clown, the Bull Terrier. 

Quick Facts

Origin: England

Size: Small to medium

Breed Group: Terrier 

Lifespan: 11–13 years

Coat: Short—minimal grooming recommended

Temperament: Playful, goofy, mischievous & rambunctious

Exercise Needs: Bull Terriers are very energetic pups. These dogs love involved playtime with their owners as well as long walks, hikes, and romps in a fenced-in yard. Without enough exercise, Bull Terriers can get a little stir-crazy, letting their Jekyl side take charge. 

Training: Most dogs thrive under standard obedience training, especially Bull Terriers. These dogs grow into their rambunctious side, so early training and socialization are best. Bull Terriers are smart; sometimes too smart for their own good. Training helps you wrangle in their stubbornness and focus their energy on good behaviors. Pro tip: Delicious, tasty treats are the key to breaking down their macho stubbornness. 

Dog Health: Small-to-medium-sized dogs, like Bull Terriers, are prone to unique health challenges, such as joint issues, digestive woes, heart problems, and poor bladder health. We’ll discuss how to address each below.

Happy Paws for Bull Terriers

Enrich your Bull Terrier’s health with high-quality, tasty supplements like these!

In-Depth Look at These Popular Supplements 

As goofy and fun-loving as Bull Terriers are, they are just as affectionate and sincere with their family. Their strong-willed, stubborn nature quickly dissolves during cuddles or just before bed. You can support that little rambunctious spirit by looking after their health with high-quality, healthy treats. 

Our dog supplements use an array of all-natural, organic ingredients to enrich your dog’s physical and mental health, while satisfying their taste buds. Here are a few dog supplements to help you care for your Bull Terrier.

Skin & Coat Dog Chews: Our Skin & Coat Dog Chews help keep the glow in your Bull Terrier’s fur. These vegan, chicken-flavored soft chews use a blend of skin-supporting ingredients, like biotin and coconut oil, to restore dermal health and replenish your dog’s coat.

Bladder Health Dog Chews: Our Bladder Health Dog Chews use natural, renal-supporting ingredients to strengthen your pup’s kidneys and reinforce proper bladder health. 

Dental Dog Chews: Bull Terriers can get into all kinds of trouble, coming back to you with smelly, unpleasant dog breath. Our Dental Dog Chews combine the refreshing aroma of spearmint with an enzyme blend to neutralize dental bacteria and curb stinky breath. 

10-in-1 Multivitamin Dog Chews: Our 10-in-1 Multivitamin Dog Chews use multiple essential nutrients to strengthen your dog’s daily health and give them a well-rounded supplement. One vegan, lamb-flavored dog treat introduces ten critical nutrients to keep your dog healthy, happy, and active. 

Hip & Joint Dog Chews: Soothe the symptoms of joint dysplasia with our Hip & Joint Dog Chews! Packed with a blend of joint-friendly ingredients, this dog supplement helps reduce inflammation and support joint health, thanks to compounds like glucosamine, chondroitin, and hyaluronic acid.

Probiotic Dog Chews: Made with powerful antioxidants, probiotics, and superfoods, our Probiotic Dog Chews help strengthen your dog’s digestive system, while supporting their gut and bowel health. 

Common Health Concerns 

Compared to other breeds, Bull Terriers are susceptible to unique health conditions like these:

Patellar Luxation: Patellar luxation occurs when a dog’s kneecap slips out of the joint. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight can help manage the condition, while joint-friendly supplements can help, too. If you believe your dog has patellar luxation, it’s best to speak with your veterinarian about first steps.

Elbow & Hip Dysplasia: According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), many medium-sized to extra-large dog breeds are susceptible to elbow and hip dysplasia. This issue arises from birth when the bone in a joint is misshapen, causing an awkward fit in your dog’s joints. This defect can often lead to joint pain, osteoarthritis, limping, and trouble standing up. 

Kidney Disease: Some Bull Terriers are genetically predisposed to kidney disease, which can lead to inflammation in their kidneys and urinary tract. 

Digestive Issues: A vast number of dog breeds commonly have digestive problems, like bloating. These issues can stem from their diet, lifestyle, or genetics. 

Cardiovascular Disease: Bull Terriers can also experience cardiovascular problems. So, feeding them a vitamin-rich, nutrient-packed diet is essential to help fortify their heart health.

About the Bull Terrier

Bred from the English Bulldog, Bull Terriers don’t have the happiest origin story—one that includes illegal 19th-century bull baiting. Once that sport fell out of fashion, the Bull Terrier’s social image started to morph, and their distinct features led the change. Bull Terriers soon went from lowly street dogs to the perfect companion for an upper-class gentleman—a story arc fit only for a dog who loves the limelight. 

Their unmistakable look and bubbly personality attracted many famous faces, including President Woodrow Wilson, John Steinbeck, and General George Patton. And the Bull Terrier has not stopped winning over hearts, whether as the dog from the Target department store ads or the titular character of “Frankenweenie.” 

Today, Bull Terriers make fast friends with their owners, quickly becoming a staple on your couch, under your comforter, or somehow stuck in the pantry—they’ll play dumb, but they were after a midnight snack and got trapped.

Their Temperament

Bull Terriers are silly and goofy, yet personable and sensitive. These dogs stumble into mischief, but with a lick and smile, they quickly prance their way out of consequences. These dogs are loyal and energetic, so involved playtime is the key to their hearts. It’s also the key to an orderly house. Their rambunctious nature brings a chaos native only to Bull Terriers. So, keep your pet Bull Terrier well-exercised to stave off whatever mischievous mayhem they have brewing. 

How to Care for a Bull Terrier

Bull Terriers can make the perfect family dog, for the right family! These little fellas are stubborn, silly sweethearts who quickly form an irreplaceable bond with everyone in your house. Here are a few tips to help keep your pet Bull Terrier happy, healthy, and lively, from their puppy years and well into their golden years.

Early Socialization

Bull Terriers may be instinctively wary of other dogs and pets, especially cats. So, early and often socialization is needed to show your Bull Terrier how to recognize a friend and a foe. It’s best to keep these dogs around older children as their rambunctious energy may be too much for toddlers and infants. 

Ample Exercise

These dogs can go, go, go! They have abounding energy levels that seemingly switch on with just a look—a quick, careful side-eye is all you get before they start running laps around the couch. You can use ample and often exercise to keep your Bull Terrier calm, cool, and collected indoors. They are professionals at tug-of-war, love accompanying you on hikes, and enjoy off-leash play in a fenced-in yard. But even then, they can keep going. Be honest—you didn’t want to sit and relax anyways. 

Obedience Training

Though they may act like a clown in a dog costume, Bull Terriers are pretty intelligent. Obedience training helps them flaunt that big brain, and helps you keep your house out of disarray. Training can help wrangle them in during their puppy years as young Bull Terriers are known for a slightly rebellious, angsty era. Once Bull Terriers are older, obedience training can help keep your pet sharp and engaged throughout the day. 

Happy Paws: High-Quality Dog Supplements 

Keeping your dog happy, healthy, and active shouldn’t feel like a full-time job. At Happy Paws, we’ve designed our dog treats with the best ingredients and flavors possible (our dogs definitely approve!). We’ve made sure these treats are certified organic, non-GMO, and third-party tested for purity, letting you spoil your dog easily with healthy, tasty dog treats. 

FAQ

Is a Bull Terrier a good house dog?

Bull Terriers can be an excellent house dog in the right house and with proper training. These dogs are affectionate little bottles of energy, which may be too much for houses with toddlers or infants. Also, Bull Terriers are attention-seekers, so they do best when they are the only pet in your family. They are great solo acts.

Is a Bull Terrier a high-maintenance dog?

Because of their high energy, Bull Terriers may be seen as high-maintenance for some owners. Bull Terriers thrive in active households, so be sure to invite yours to tag along with you to the park and on hikes, road trips, or camping expeditions. 

Do Bull Terriers shed a lot?

Bull Terriers don’t have much hair, so they don’t shed too much. But you may see a tuft of fur fly in the air when they take off. They love flaunting their speed. 

Do Bull Terriers like to cuddle?

Despite being high-energy, Bull Terriers can be quite affectionate, when they settle down. Most love pets, kisses, and tasty treats—correction: all Bull Terriers love tasty treats. 

How do you give a Bull Terrier health supplements?

You can give your dog a Happy Paws health supplement in several ways. First, we’ve designed these supplements as dog treats, so you can give them to your pupper as a reward for good behavior. Or, you can add it to your dog’s kibble; they make a pretty tasty topper, too.