Pet Wiki

Class clown with a unique profile.

Bull Terrier

Also called English Bull Terrier, Bully, Egghead

A cheerful, bold and spirited companion that tends to treat life as a game.

SizeMedium
Weight20.4 to 29.5 kg (45 to 65 lb)males 24.9 to 29.5 kg, females 20.4 to 24.9 kg123
Height53.3 to 55.9 cm (21 to 22 in)males 55.9 cm, females 53.3 cm1
Lifespan10 to 14 years145
CoatShort, flat and glossy
OriginEngland (Great Britain); standardised in Birmingham in the 1850s-1860s625
GroupTerriers (FCI group 3)
Exercise90 min a day
Recognised breedDeep profile
playful, clownish sense of fun
devoted and affectionate with its people
sturdy, athletic and brave
782

Personality what they are like

A cheerful, bold and spirited companion that tends to treat life as a game. Bull Terriers are warm and loving with their family and generally steady in mood. They are clever but independent thinkers, so they learn best with patient, consistent and upbeat training, and early socialisation helps them grow into relaxed, well-mannered adults. They are not especially noisy and usually bark only when something warrants it.2813

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, flat and glossy

The coat is short and lies flat, with a harsh feel and a noticeable shine, and a softer undercoat can grow in during winter. Underneath is a compact, heavily muscled body. The head is the signature feature: long, deep and smoothly curved from the flat top of the skull down to the nose, giving the famous egg-shaped profile, set off by small, triangular, deep-set eyes and naturally upright ears.23

Colourswhite (markings on the head allowed)brindle (preferred among coloured dogs)black brindleredfawnred smuttricolourcoloured dogs with white markings235

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Bull Terrier. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Brushingevery week
  • Bathevery 8 weeks
  • Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
  • Ear checkevery 2 weeks
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
  • ExerciseAbout 90 minutes a dayevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

An energetic breed. Plan on roughly 40 minutes to an hour of exercise daily, made up of lead walks and play in a securely fenced area. They enjoy dog sports such as obedience, agility, tracking, flyball and carting.148

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Low-maintenance coat: a weekly brush or rub-down with a grooming mitt keeps it tidy and shiny. Shedding is average. Add routine nail trims and tooth brushing.418

Home where they are happiest

Adapts to a house or a flat if it gets enough daily exercise. A securely fenced garden is ideal, and the dog should be supervised outdoors rather than left to roam.1

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A complete, good-quality dog food suited to its age and activity level. Their stocky build makes portion control important, so measure meals and count treats.1

Company who they like around

A people-focused breed that loves attention and wants to be part of family life. Early and ongoing socialisation with people and other dogs is recommended.751

The story where it all began

The breed grew out of the early 19th-century 'bull and terrier' crosses in England, which mixed the old English Bulldog with terriers. In the 1850s the Birmingham dog dealer James Hinks set out to refine this type, crossing it with the now-vanished White English Terrier and, according to various accounts, adding Dalmatian, Spanish Pointer and other blood. He wanted a cleaner outline, straighter legs and a better head. His all-white dogs caused a stir at shows in 1862 and became fashionable among well-to-do young men of the Victorian era. The Bull Terrier Club was founded in 1887. Breeders gradually lengthened and curved the head, and in 1917 a dog named Lord Gladiator appeared with no stop at all, the first with the fully modern egg-shaped profile. Coloured Bull Terriers were bred back into the line in the early 20th century and became common in the 1920s, and the AKC gave them their own variety in 1936. In the US the breed has been AKC-recognised in the Terrier Group since 1885.52498

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Its long, downward-curving 'egg-shaped' head is unique in the dog world, and it has earned the breed the affectionate nickname 'egghead'.7

  2. 2

    Target's store mascot Bullseye, who debuted in 1999, is a white Bull Terrier with a red target painted around one eye.8

  3. 3

    General George S. Patton had a Bull Terrier named Willie, bought in England in March 1944, who travelled with him through the European campaigns. A statue of the pair stands at the General Patton Memorial Museum in California.10

  4. 4

    Spuds MacKenzie, a well-known US advertising mascot of the late 1980s, was a Bull Terrier.8

  5. 5

    Scud, Sid's dog in Toy Story, and Bull's-eye, Bill Sikes' dog in Oliver Twist, are both Bull Terriers.5

  6. 6

    The FCI breed standard sets no height or weight limits. It asks only that the dog look as solid and substantial as possible for its size.2

  7. 7

    A smaller version of the breed was revived in 1938 with the founding of the Miniature Bull Terrier Club, and the Miniature Bull Terrier is now a separate breed.2

Name ideas for your new friend

BiscuitDaisyPipRustyBubblesTillyMontyOlivePogoZiggyNellWinston

A day in the life told by a Bull Terrier

My day starts with a big stretch and a happy dance when I see my human. After breakfast, we go for a walk where I sniff every bush and greet my neighbor dog, a poodle who's my best friend. I found a stick and we played fetch until my human said 'one more.' Back home, I watched a squirrel from the window, my tail going wild. My human gave me a puzzle toy, and I'm smart, so I figured it out in no time. Then it was belly rub time, and I fell asleep dreaming of more adventures.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard No. 11, Group 3 (Terriers), Section 3 (Bull type Terriers); definitive acceptance 26 Jun 1993; current standard published 5 Jul 2011; country of origin Great Britain6
The Royal Kennel Club
Terrier Group; not a vulnerable native breed4
AKC
Terrier Group; recognised 1885; coloured variety recognised as a separate variety in 19368
UKC
Terrier Group; recognised 19483

Popularity Ranked 86th of AKC-registered breeds in 2025 (72nd in 2024)11

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Bull Terrier, and at what times?

Feed your Bull Terrier at least two meals a day for adults, and three to four smaller meals for puppies. Consistent times like morning and evening work well. Measure portions carefully to keep their stocky build healthy, and follow the food label's guidance. For specific amounts, check with your vet.112

What should a Bull Terrier eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A complete, good-quality dog food suited to your Bull Terrier's age and activity level is best. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, and xylitol, as these are especially harmful to dogs. Always ask your vet for dietary advice.113

How often should I bathe a Bull Terrier?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 8 weeks, but general guidance says at least once every three months. Bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty or has skin issues. Use a dog-specific shampoo and avoid over-bathing to keep their coat healthy.14 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Bull Terrier need brushing?

A weekly brush or rub-down with a grooming mitt keeps their short coat tidy and shiny. Pet Wiki's plan recommends brushing every 7 days. This routine helps manage average shedding and keeps them looking their best.41814 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Bull Terrier's nails, and how often?

Trim nails about every 4 weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time and stop before the quick to avoid pain. If you're unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for guidance.14 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Bull Terrier need?

Your Bull Terrier needs daily exercise, around 40 minutes to an hour of walks and play, but Pet Wiki's plan suggests about 90 minutes. They also enjoy dog sports like agility. Always use a securely fenced area for off-lead fun.148 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Bull Terrier's teeth and ears?

Brush your Bull Terrier's teeth two to three times a week using dog toothpaste, daily is ideal. Check ears every two weeks for dirt or redness, but never push anything into the ear canal. For dental care, follow your vet's advice.14 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Bull Terrier live?

Bull Terriers typically live between 10 and 14 years. With good care, many enjoy a long, happy life as part of the family.145

Is a Bull Terrier good with children and other pets?

Bull Terriers are warm and loving with their family and generally steady, making them good with children when properly socialised. Early and ongoing socialisation with other dogs and people is important. Always supervise interactions with young children and other pets.281375

Can a Bull Terrier be left alone?

Bull Terriers are very people-focused and love being part of family life, so they may struggle with long periods alone. It varies by individual; ask your vet or a good breeder for advice on alone time.751

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

You might also like

Miniature Bull TerrierStaffordshire Bull TerrierAmerican Staffordshire TerrierBulldog

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. Hill's Pet: Bull Terrier hillspet.comused for weight, height, lifespan, exercise, diet, habitat
  2. FCI Standard No. 11 Bull Terrier fci.beused for history, temperament, head, coat, colours, size clause
  3. UKC: Bull Terrier ukcdogs.comused for recognition year, coat, colours, head
  4. The Royal Kennel Club: Bull Terrier royalkennelclub.comused for size, exercise, grooming, lifespan, history
  5. Wikipedia: Bull Terrier en.wikipedia.orgused for history, other names, colours, famous dogs (secondary)
  6. FCI breed nomenclature: Bull Terrier (No. 11) fci.beused for recognition, origin
  7. AKC: Bull Terrier akc.orgused for temperament, nickname
  8. AKC: Facts About the Bull Terrier You May Not Know akc.orgused for AKC recognition, dog sports, famous dogs
  9. Britannica: Bull Terrier britannica.comused for history
  10. Wikipedia: Willie (dog) en.wikipedia.orgused for Patton's dog fun fact (secondary)
  11. akc.org akc.org
  12. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  13. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  14. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
  15. AKC: Most Popular Dog Breeds of 2024 akc.orgused for popularity
  16. AKC: Most Popular Dog Breeds of 2025 akc.orgused for popularity

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.