Want A Bully? (Are You SURE?)-

Bull Terriers are a very unique breed. The prospective owner needs to be aware of some of the differences between Bullies and other breeds, and to be able to manage these differences. The items listed below are some generalziations about some of these unique characteristics. There may be individual exceptions to these generalizations, but these provide a good starting point in terms of understanding and relating to Bull Terriers...

1. Bullies should not be off leash outside of a completely secure area.

2. Socialization is very important. The greater the variety of places to which they are taken, and the more people and animals they meet -especially when young- the better they will tend to be.

3. Bullies tend to be both very high energy and high attention-need dogs. They need to get plenty of exercise and be kept busy in positive ways.

4. Bullies -no matter what their size- are comfort-loving "lap dogs" (see pictures of Mupper and Faith above)! They also delight in doing their best to "convert" even the most staunch of any dog-disliking people you may know!

5. Good training classes for Bully and owner, and consistency in relating to Bullies are very important. Most Bullies do better with a training program which is fun and rewarding, rather than highly corrective / punitive.

6. Most Bullies take great delight in "Bully Runs"or "Hucklebutts", where they race around a chosen path through the house, sometimes banking off furniture in an expression of their "joie de vivre".

7. Many (though not all) Bullies enjoy creeping slowly under shrubs, clothes hanging in the closet etc... letting the item "tickle' their back. This is sometimes called "trancing". Although some have presented theories as to why they do this, no one really knows. It does not appear to be harmful in any way, or to be an indication of some other problem, so is considered by most to be just another unique characteristic of Bull Terriers.

8. Some Bullies tend to eat anything and everything...whether or not the item is actually edible. This means that some -even as adults- can never be left "loose" without supervision in the home, car or any other place which is not completely secure and "Bully-proofed". Also, even when Bully is supervised, great care is needed in terms of what is "out" where he can get it.

9. Going along with the above.., if a normally active Bully suddenly becomes lethargic, and especially if the lethargy is accompanied by vomiting and / or diarrhea, your vet should be made aware that -unlike in other breeds- an intestinal blockage is a likely diagnosis. A barium study is well advised---and surgery may be necessary. Time is of the essence. Unfortunately, Bullies have died from blockages when they were not recognized or dealt with promptly. In many breeds a little lethargy may not be a big deal, but by the time a Bully starts acting "down", he can be in a very serious condition indeed.

10. Some Bullies can be quite strong-willed and will often "test" the limits. For these, a very consistent routine and the firm but fair use of techniques which establish in the dog's mind that the owners are "alpha" over him are very important.

11. Bullies should NOT have rawhide or cows hooves as treats. The former they try to wolf down (and some have died choking on these), and the latter their strong jaw pressure can break into pieces which may contain sharp edges which could cause damage.

Fancy and Lucy wearing hats

12. Most dog toys will not stand up to the jaw strength of a Bull Terrier. Some toys which tend to hold up better than others are: Kongs and other toys made of the same very dense, tough rubber as Kongs, and the hard nylabones ..not the "gumabone' type. ("Galileo" bones by Nylabone are especially good.)

13. For the reasons already stated above, Bullies should have only stainless steel or heavy ceramic dishes. Not plastic!

14. As a general rule, Bullies should not be left unattended with other animals. Sometimes pets can get along very well for long periods of time, then suddenly have a conflict about something, sometimes with tragic consequences. There are exceptions to this, but this is a good starting point until such time as animals have proven themselves trustworthy together.

15. When having more than one pet, you should be aware of the three main "triggers" for conflict: A- Food; B- Toys, crates or other possessions an animal considers to be "his"; and, C- Competition for human attention. Things should be structured in such a way as to minimize or eliminate these conflict triggers as much as possible. (i.e. feeding separately, keeping a special toy where another animal does not have access to it etc...)

16. There are occasions when individual pets may have difficulty in co-existing peacefully. In these cases consultations with the breeder, and / or a qualified animal behaviorist or trainer will often correct this problem. There are occasions, though, when certain combinations of pets may just not be able to establish a peaceful co-existence, even with these extra measures. (Just as certain combinations of people simply don't get along with one another.) In these rare cases the best solution is a complete separation. Each pet should receive equal time, attention and love, but should be kept apart from one another.

17. Bull Terriers are terriers, and as such, some can have a rather strong "prey drive" and look at small animals as something to chase / kill.

18. Along this line, Bull Terriers who are raised with cats from a young age will usually accept the cats in their home as "family" and get along with them. Once in a while one might need separation from even family cats, though. Also, some which are reliable around family cats, may see other cats as "fair game".

19. Crates training is highly recommended! Crates are a great aid in potty training the young pup. They are also very helpful for those times you cannot directly supervise a busy young Bully. A crate is a good place for your dog to be during your short absences from home. When in his crate, you know that he will not be remodeling the house while you're gone! (For longer absences a larger area which is completely secure and "Bully-proofed" would be best.) Crates are good for "making" an overly-excited busy young Bully pup take a rest. Also, as a safe place for Bully in a situation such as might occur if unruly young visitors are not treating the dog properly. And finally, a crate is the safest place for your dog when riding in the car. Tragic results can occur in a sudden stop or accident when "loose" dogs are thrown around the vehicle or escape onto the highway.

20. VERY important: If you can handle all of the above, and still appreciate the Bull Terrier, then likely there will be no turning back! The Bully's zest for life, penchant for mischief and comical, loving nature will make it all but impossible for you to live without at least one of these special characters "gracing" your life and home!

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