After 30 plus years, I have finally determined that I am either similar in nature or a glutton for punishment to continue to own Bull Terriers. It is also obvious that the owning part is indeed a paradox!
This realization came to me as I now have a mixed breed “grand-dog”. The grand-dog is lovely to live with, does not get into constant mischief and doesn’t intentionally eat things that might kill him!
Bull Terriers on the other hand, are loving and very intelligent. But they come pre-wired to bend you to their will and if you are not very careful, they quickly OWN you! They are 3-year-old kids in dog suits for their entire lives and each one has their own personality. They can be quirky and fun but all the while, challenging to live with. Their loyalty waffles between their owners and the next person who comes along who may be more fun or who has the better treats!
Please do not get me wrong. I now realize I am a glutton for this nonsense!
However, since my Bull Terrier history also includes involvement in Bull Terrier rescue, it is obvious that we have not nor are we doing enough to educate new owners on what it is like to live with these dogs. In the last 10 years, over 900 Bull Terriers poured through our rescue in the Texas Gulf Coast area. Almost all of them young adolescent Bull Terriers, who we know can be a handful, especially if you have not put in the time to help them grow into good family members.
And this my friends, is why I am part of the BTCOMPASS.
The rescue numbers reflect it is urgent that the right information be shared which encourages anyone considering a Bull Terrier to do their homework first. As a community, we need to ensure they seek an understanding of the breed before embarking on this journey. Bull Terriers take up a huge amount of personal space and require patience, determination and most importantly… TIME from their owners.
They are NOT at all like the grand-dog…who sleeps on the settee all day and poses for pictures to send to grandma!
Remember, Bull Terriers are not like any other breed of dogs but once you have one, no other dog can compare. Ownership is just a matter of perspective…yours or theirs!
The following chart outlines what is happening here in the USA and our need to reach breeders, owners and potential owners in an effort to stem the continuing rescue tide and preserve our beloved Bull Terriers:
AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB REGISTRATION STATISTICS FOR PARENT CLUBS
