Breed library

Bull Terrier

Also known as English Bull Terrier, Hinks Bull Terrier.

Bull Terrier photograph.
Bullterrier-3453301920.jpg - Pixabay User TC-TORRES. CC0. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bullterrier-3453301920.jpg. License: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/deed.en. License: CC0.

Breed overview

The Bull Terrier is a breed of dog in the terrier family. There is also a miniature version of this breed, the Miniature Bull Terrier. This breed originates in England, where the bull and terrier breeds were originally bred for vermin control and bloodsports. In the mid-19th century, James Hinks began breeding the bull and terriers with English White Terriers, eventually resulting in the modern breed. The Bull Terrier has a distinctive 'egg-shaped' head, triangular eyes, and a robust body. Bull Terriers have a slightly below average lifespan. White bull terriers have a strong tendency towards deafness, and may also inherit lethal acrodermatitis.

  • Breed type: dog breedBreed reference breed kind.
  • Country of origin: EnglandBreed reference country of origin.

Breed facts

  • At the start of the 19th century, the "bull and terrier" breeds were developed to satisfy the needs for vermin control and animal-based blood sports.
  • The bull and terriers were based on the Old English Bulldog (now extinct) and Old English Terriers with possible other terriers.
  • Many breeders began to breed bulldogs with terriers, arguing that such a mixture enhances the quality of fighting.
  • Despite the fact that a cross between a bulldog and a terrier was of high value, very little or nothing was done to preserve the breed in its original form.
  • Due to the lack of breed standards, breeding was for performance, not appearance, the "bull and terrier" eventually divided into the ancestors of "Bull Terriers" and "Staffordshire Bull Terriers", both smaller and easier to handle than the progenitor.

Size and appearance

The Bull Terrier's most recognizable feature is its head, described as 'egg-shaped', when viewed from the front; the top of the skull and face is almost flat. The profile curves gently downwards from the top of the skull to the tip of the nose, which is black and bent downwards at the tip, with well-developed nostrils. The lower jaw is deep and strong. The unique, triangular eyes are small, dark, and deep-set. Bull Terriers are one of the only dogs that have triangular eyes. The body is full and round, with strong, muscular shoulders. The tail is carried horizontally. They are either white, red, fawn, black, brindle, or a combination of these.

  • Height reference: Up to 22 inBreed reference height. maximum.
  • Height reference: 21 in or moreBreed reference height. minimum.
  • Coat length: short

Personality and behavior

Bull Terriers can be both independent and stubborn and for this reason are not considered suitable for an inexperienced dog owner. A Bull Terrier has an even temperament and is amenable to discipline. Although obstinate, the breed is described by the Bull Terrier Club as particularly good with people. Early socialization will ensure that the dog will get along with other dogs and animals. Their personality is described as courageous and full of spirit, with a fun-loving attitude. The breed is sometimes a target of breed-specific legislation, either by name or as a pitbull-type dog. A 2008 study in Germany did not find that Bull Terriers had any significant temperament difference from Golden Retrievers in overall temperament researches; despite this, the breed is banned from importation in Germany.

  • Attachment and attention seeking (C-BARQ mean): 2.06 / 4Owner-reported attachment and attention seeking factor mean for US reference population Bull Terrier.
  • Chasing (C-BARQ mean): 2.07 / 4Owner-reported chasing factor mean for US reference population Bull Terrier.
  • Dog-directed aggression (C-BARQ mean): 0.78 / 4Owner-reported dog-directed aggression factor mean for US reference population Bull Terrier.
  • Dog-directed fear (C-BARQ mean): 0.65 / 4Owner-reported dog-directed fear factor mean for US reference population Bull Terrier.
  • Energy (C-BARQ mean): 2.26 / 4Owner-reported energy factor mean for US reference population Bull Terrier.
  • Excitability (C-BARQ mean): 1.86 / 4Owner-reported excitability factor mean for US reference population Bull Terrier.
  • Familiar-dog aggression (C-BARQ mean): 0.68 / 4Owner-reported familiar-dog aggression factor mean for US reference population Bull Terrier.
  • Non-social fear (C-BARQ mean): 0.63 / 4Owner-reported non-social fear factor mean for US reference population Bull Terrier.
  • Owner-directed aggression (C-BARQ mean): 0.16 / 4Owner-reported owner-directed aggression factor mean for US reference population Bull Terrier.
  • Separation-related problems (C-BARQ mean): 0.45 / 4Owner-reported separation-related problems factor mean for US reference population Bull Terrier.
  • Stranger-directed aggression (C-BARQ mean): 0.45 / 4Owner-reported stranger-directed aggression factor mean for US reference population Bull Terrier.
  • Stranger-directed fear (C-BARQ mean): 0.51 / 4Owner-reported stranger-directed fear factor mean for US reference population Bull Terrier.
  • Touch sensitivity (C-BARQ mean): 0.63 / 4Owner-reported touch sensitivity factor mean for US reference population Bull Terrier.
  • Trainability (C-BARQ mean): 2.39 / 4Owner-reported trainability factor mean for US reference population Bull Terrier.

Exercise and activities

Care planning: build a weekly routine with walks, play and time to explore. Enter the minutes and sessions that work for your dog, then compare the weekly total with your available time. Keep notes about the activities your dog enjoys and adjust the routine together.

Training and enrichment

Care planning: choose one everyday skill to practice and keep a record of each session. Note the cue, the reward your dog enjoys and what went well. Rotate familiar games and new activities, and use your notes to choose the next small step.

Coat and grooming

Care planning: use the coat details above to discuss a grooming routine with your groomer. Record brushing sessions, baths and appointments in the app. Add the tools you use and your preferred schedule so the whole household can follow the same routine.

  • Coat length: short

Health and lifespan

A 2024 UK study found a life expectancy of 12 years for the breed compared to an average of 12.7 for purebreeds and 12 for crossbreeds.

Living with this breed

Care planning: compare this profile's adult dimensions, coat care and available activity information with your household's routine. Make a shortlist, plan who will handle daily care and save the questions you want to ask a breed club, rescue or breeder.

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Breed history

At the start of the 19th century, the "bull and terrier" breeds were developed to satisfy the needs for vermin control and animal-based blood sports. The bull and terriers were based on the Old English Bulldog (now extinct) and Old English Terriers with possible other terriers. This new breed combined the speed and dexterity of lightly built terriers with the dour tenacity of the Bulldog, which was a poor performer in most combat situations, having been bred almost exclusively for fighting bulls and bears tied to a post. Many breeders began to breed bulldogs with terriers, arguing that such a mixture enhances the quality of fighting. Despite the fact that a cross between a bulldog and a terrier was of high value, very little or nothing was done to preserve the breed in its original form.

Clubs and further reading

Sources

  1. Wikidata structured breed dataWikimedia contributors Retrieved 2026-10-14.License: CC0 1.0. Wikidata contributors (CC0).
  2. National C-BARQ breed and all-breed means from USA.PLOS ONE / Figshare Retrieved 2026-10-14.License: CC BY 4.0. Bohland, Kyle R.; Lilly, Meghan Leanne; Herron, Meghan E.; Arruda, Andréia G.; O’Quin, Jeanette M. (2023). National C-BARQ breed and all-breed means from USA.. PLOS ONE. Dataset. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0289356.s003 CC BY 4.0. Selected rows and field names adapted; values unchanged.
  3. File:Bullterrier-3453301920.jpgWikimedia Commons Retrieved 2026-10-14.License: CC0. Bullterrier-3453301920.jpg - Pixabay User TC-TORRES. CC0. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bullterrier-3453301920.jpg. License: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/deed.en.
  4. Bull Terrier - WikipediaWikipedia contributors Retrieved 2026-10-14.License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Adapted excerpts from Wikipedia contributors, Bull Terrier, revision 1377415477. CC BY-SA 4.0. Formatting, citations and selection changed. Source history: https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bull_Terrier&action=history
  5. Palipaws everyday care planningPalipaws Retrieved 2026-10-14.License: Palipaws original factual summaries. Palipaws. Original care-planning text, separate from breed measurements and licensed article summaries.
  6. AKC national parent club directoryAmerican Kennel Club Retrieved 2026-10-14.License: Factual reference only. Names and verified external links only. No source descriptions, logos or endorsement reused.