Meet The Bull Terrier!

Today, April 1st, we salute a very special and charming dog: the Bull Terrier. This devoted, friendly, and always entertaining pooch has been around for nearly 200 years! In this article, a veterinarian from Brant, ON, will focus on Fido.

What Is The History Of The Bull Terrier?

James Hinks established the breed in England in the early 1800s. He began by crossing bull and terrier dogs with the English White terrier, which is now extinct. 

Fido’s ancestors, bull and terrier dogs, were developed to hunt vermin. They were widely used in bloodsports. In fact, the Bull Terrier was once known as the “canine gladiator.” Thankfully, dog fighting was banned in England in 1835.

Fido’s family tree later expanded to include the Spanish Pointer, the white English terrier, and the Dalmatian. Breeders also gave Fido the distinctive egg-shaped head that is today the breed’s most identifying feature.

Are Bull Terriers Quite Popular?

Fido isn’t the most popular dog right now; he is currently ranking 61st on the AKC breed popularity list. However, the breed has a few prominent advocates. Taylor Swift, Kirk Hammett, Eric Clapton, Lily Allen, Marc Jacobs, Liam Gallagher, Tom Hardy, Don Cherry, and Princess Anne are among the celebrities who have had Bull Terriers.

Does Taylor Swift Really Have A Pet Bull Terrier?

Yes! If you’re a Swiftie who appreciates this adorable breed, take note: you can purchase a signed picture of the singer and her canine best friend. Just be prepared to spend a few hundred bucks on the keepsake.

What Do Bull Terriers Look Like?

Fido is short and stocky, standing between 21 and 22 inches tall. He can weigh up to 70 pounds and lives an average of 13 years. These guys are most easily distinguished by their unique egg-shaped heads.

What Is The Bull Terrier’s Personality?

This is one area where this lovable dog really shines. Bull Terriers are a lot of fun to have around the house. For example, they often love chasing their tails. They can be stubborn at times, but they are also quite playful, cuddly, and loyal. These canines could be a great choice if you want a friendly, energetic dog that will make you laugh while also melting your heart.

What Colors Are Allowed For Bull Terriers?

The Bull Terrier can wear full white or almost any color, and may either be solid colored or have markings. 

The official list of Fido’s fashion choices includes black brindle, black brindle and white, black tan and white, brindle, brindle and white, red, red and white, white, white and black brindle, white and brindle, white and red, white, black and tan, fawn, fawn and white, fawn smut, fawn smut and white, red smut, red smut and white, white and fawn, white and fawn smut, white and red smut.

Of course, Fido will be adorable no matter what he’s wearing! 

Do Bull Terriers Have Any Particular Health Issues?

While these dogs are normally extremely sturdy, there are a few concerns that potential owners should be aware of. If you’re looking to get a puppy, the AKC recommends getting confirmation that Fido has been checked for heart and kidney issues. Fido may also be at risk of hearing loss. Congenital sensorineural deafness, also referred to as CSD, affects approximately 10% of Bull Terriers. 

Breed standards recommend getting a patella Evaluation, BAER Testing, and kidney and cardiovascular examinations.

Of course, you will have to take your canine companion to the vet regularly. This is a good chance for you to ask your Brant, ON veterinarian for specific advice on your pet’s care needs. We are always happy to answer questions! 

Do Bull Terriers Need Much Grooming?

Bull Terriers have short, silky coats. They are pretty easy keepers, as far as their beauty care needs go. 

 In order to keep Fido looking and feeling great, you should brush him once a week. You’ll also need to bathe your canine pal periodically as well as keep his adorable ears clean and his nails trimmed. Ask your veterinarian for specific care instructions.

Do Bull Terriers Actually Chase Their Tails?

Yes! This is typically both cute and hilarious. However, this can occasionally be a symptom of doggy obsessive-compulsive disorder, also known as canine compulsive disorder, or CCD. Bull Terriers, for whatever reason, are especially vulnerable to this. 

If your furry companion appears to be unduly preoccupied with tail-chasing or displays other signs of concern, like pacing or chasing his shadow, contact your veterinarian.

Was Spuds McKenzie A Bull Terriers?

He certainly was! Spuds Mckenzie, the famous canine mascot of Bud Light beer, is unquestionably the most well-known Bull Terrier. The little dog made his debut in a now-iconic 1987 Super Bowl commercial, and he quickly won America’s heart. Spuds, known as the “original party animal,” was the top dog for a few years in the 1980s. For several years, the cute puppy appeared in advertising, movies, and ad campaigns, often dressed in a Hawaiian shirt and sunglasses. 

Here are some fascinating facts about Spuds:

• Sir Mixalot purportedly wrote Baby Got Back after noticing that Spuds’ entourage consisted solely of skinny ladies.
• Tone Lōc mentions Spuds in his song Funky Cold Medina.
• Though many assumed Spuds was a boy, the part was actually played by a female terrier named Honey Tree Evil Eye, or Evie.
• Neil Young’s song This Note’s For You included the pooch in both the lyrics and the video. MTV banned the song because they felt it disrespected Budweiser, who was one of their major advertisers. In the end, it won an MTV Video Music Award.
• The canine character came out of ‘retirement’ to appear in a 2017 Super Bowl commercial as a ghost encouraging a man to reunite with his friends. The house number on the spot was 1989, the year Spuds officially retired.

Are There Any Other Famous Bull Terriers?

Spuds isn’t the only famous Bull Terrier. Fido has had a few other appearances in the spotlight as well. Target chose him as their mascot. That super cute pooch has an unmistakable circle around his eye.

We cannot forget about animated Bull Terriers! Our favorite? Zero of Nightmare Before Christmas. (Zero is technically a ghost, but it still counts in our book.) Sparky from Frankenweenie was also a Bull Terrier. (Given that both of these films are Tim Burton works, it’s safe to infer that the renowned filmmaker is a fan.) Finally, don’t miss Slurms MacKenzie, a Spuds parody from Futurama.

What Should I Know Before Getting a Bull Terrier?

A great doggy care regimen always starts with a healthy diet, regular veterinary care, and lots of TLC. Fido, like all dogs, needs training and socialization. To keep your dog happy and healthy, he will need plenty of affection and exercise. 

Before adopting any dog, you ought to do thorough research to make sure that the dog you choose will be a suitable fit for your home and family. Consult your veterinarian for specific care instructions.

Make an Appointment at Your Brant, ON Animal Clinic

Do you have any questions about caring for a bull terrier? Please contact us at any time. As your Brant, ON pet hospital, we are always ready to help!