FCI and UKC standards set no weight or height limits and ask only for the most substance possible for the dog's size. Figures are Hill's guide values (males 55-65 lb, females 45-55 lb).
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.25
Colourswhite (markings on the head allowed)brindle (preferred among coloured dogs)black brindleredfawnred smuttricolourcoloured dogs with white markings253
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.2845
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.468
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.648
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.4
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.4
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.734
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 1885.32698
Fun facts for the dinner table
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
Target's store mascot Bullseye, who debuted in 1999, is a white Bull Terrier with a red target painted around one eye.8
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
Spuds MacKenzie, a well-known US advertising mascot of the late 1980s, was a Bull Terrier.8
5
Scud, Sid's dog in Toy Story, and Bull's-eye, Bill Sikes' dog in Oliver Twist, are both Bull Terriers.3
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
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
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 Britain1
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.412
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.413
How often should I bathe a Bull Terrier?
Furry Diary'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.14Pet 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. Furry Diary's plan recommends brushing every 7 days. This routine helps manage average shedding and keeps them looking their best.64814Pet 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.14Pet 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 Furry Diary's plan suggests about 90 minutes. They also enjoy dog sports like agility. Always use a securely fenced area for off-lead fun.468Pet 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.14Pet 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.463
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.284573
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.734
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.
Miniature Bull Terrier
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
American Staffordshire Terrier
Bulldog