Before deciding to bring a puppy into your lives and sharing your home with them, it's important for you to take a good, honest look at where you are right now and where you see yourself in the next ten to fifteen years. Please ask yourself some personal questions and be truthful in your answers. This self-reflection is key to ensuring that you are making a fair commitment to yourself, your family, and the new addition to your household.
1. Have you thoroughly researched the Bull Terrier breed, ensuring it genuinely suits your lifestyle, rather than being influenced by emotion or aesthetic preferences?
2. Do you genuinely have the time and patience to commit to a Bull Terrier puppy, recognizing Bull Terriers require significant attention and training?
3. Is the decision to bring a puppy into your lives a collective family choice that will be fair to everyone long-term (potentially 15 years), including the Bull Terrier?
4. If you have a young, growing family that already occupies much of your time, are your children mature enough to handle the responsibilities that come with caring for a puppy? Have the children been socialized around dogs and do they understand how to treat them gently and with kindness?
5. Are you familiar with crate training and are you willing to crate your puppy?
6. Are you physically fit and well enough to live with a mentally and physically active breed like the Bull Terrier?
7. Does your lifestyle lean towards being physically active, or do you prefer a more laid-back routine? Are you willing to commit to daily walks, regardless of the weather, especially during the more demanding puppy phase?
8. Bull Terriers are NOT good dog park dogs! Do you have other options to exercise your Bull Terrier other than taking them to a dog park?
9. Do you understand how to read dog “body-language”?
10. Will someone be at home during the day to let a puppy out and feed it lunch?
11. Do you have a fenced yard and is the fence sturdy? Do your neighbors have animals or other dogs?
12. Do you live in a rural area with wildlife and are you aware that Bull Terriers can often be prey driven?
13. Do you travel and have you considered what accommodations are available for a Bull Terrier while you are away?
14. Are you particular about cleanliness or do you have allergies? Bull Terriers shed and are not hypoallergenic.
15. Can your budget comfortably accommodate the ongoing expenses related to quality food, training, boarding and veterinary care for a Bull Terrier?
16. If you live in an apartment or townhome, have you researched if a Bull Terrier is on the list of acceptable pets?
17. Will your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance cover you if you own a Bull Terrier?
18. Do you already know a Veterinarian who has Bull Terrier experience?
19. Are you willing to communicate with your breeder on any that concerns you?
20. Do you have access to training classes and/or a private trainer? Are you willing to commit to the training that will be required to manage this incredibly intelligent and independent minded breed?
21. Ultimately, what is the primary motivation behind wanting a Bull Terrier in your life? Understanding this core reason is crucial in making an informed and fulfilling decision.
