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Complete Overview of the Bull Terrier Breed: History, Characteristics, and Care



Whether you’re interested in a Bull Terrier for the show ring or to serve as a companion, health screenings performed on the sire and dam, are among the key factors potential owners should consider when choosing a Bull Terrier.

If you breed, your goal should be to produce dogs that are not affected by the five (5) known major hereditary diseases, some of which can be severe or fatal. Health testing for these hereditary diseases can help to ensure you are doing all you can to create strong matches between dogs that result in healthier puppies.

Temperament is also a hereditary trait in dogs, although it can be influenced by other external factors. Selection over many generations eventually produces breeds with the correct temperament. The inheritance factors of temperament are complex. Bull Terriers are expected to have an even and outgoing temperament. They should be friendly, approachable, and have a generally good disposition. They are known for their fearlessness and should exhibit confidence in various situations. You should never consider breeding a dog with a questionable temperament.

Breeder Goals:

If breeding Bull Terriers, your primary goal should be to produce dogs that are not affected by the five known major hereditary diseases. Health testing is essential in achieving this goal in order to produce healthy puppies. When considering a puppy from a breeder, health testing is an indicator of responsible breeding, demonstrating that the breeder considers good health when selecting breeding stock.


Specific Health Screenings That Are Available:

  • Patellar Luxation: Requires a veterinary evaluation.
  • Heart Disease: Can be evaluated through standard congenital cardiac exams, color Doppler echocardiograms, or auscultation.
  • Congenital Deafness: Detected through B.A.E.R. hearing tests. (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response)
  • Kidney Disease: Evaluated using the UPC ratio; normal values per OFA are < 0.5 Up/Uc, however <0.3 Up/Uc is recommended to test for Hereditary Nephritis. Evaluation by ultrasound for Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD).
  • Lethal Acrodermatitis: Genetic testing is available.

 Overview
 Recommended Health Screenings
 Patellar Luxation
 Heart Disease
 Congenital Deafness
 Kidney Disease
 Lethal Acrodermatitis
 Addison's Disease