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HEALTH AND TESTING
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Every breed of purebred dog (as well as dogs of mixed breeds), can exhibit any number of disorders or diseases which are hereditary (passed on genetically). Such conditions which are known to affect Bull Terriers include:
-Certain heart abnormalities such as sub-aortic stenosis and / or mitral valve displasia
-Luxating patellae (knees)
-Hereditary nephritis (a kidney disease)
-Congenital deafness (deafness which the pup is born with, not that which may be acquired later)
-Certain neurological disorders (like obsessive-compulsive"spinning", or the epilepsy-related "rage disorder")
-Certain severe allergic skin conditions or other severe allergy-related problems.
-Lethal acrodermatitis (a metabolic condition which inhibits the dog's ability to utilize zinc)
This is not a "complete" list, but does cover most common of conditions which tend to specifically effect Bull Terriers.
 
The Bull Terrier Club of America, and conscientious breeders are very concerned about these potential problems, and are working to reduce the incidences of them. The BTCA recommends that all breeding dogs be evaluated before each breeding (or at least yearly, in the case of a stud dog) using the following tests / checks:
-Veterinary checks for hereditary heart abnormalities, by the vet's listening for the "murmurs" which accompany these defects (there should be no detectable murmurs).
-Veterinary checks of the patellae, by the vet's manipulating the dogs knee area while applying moderate pressure to see if luxation or slippage occurs (there should be no luxation).
-A urine protein-creatinine ratio test to detect hereditary nephritis (the result should be less than 0.5) Note- Based on studies done in Australia, we and some other breeders are now using a lowered level of less than 0.3 as a "passing" level.
-And, a BAER test for deafness. (This test need only be performed once in a dog's lifetime.) The result for this should be bilateral normal hearing. Many breeders (ourselves included) routinely BAER test entire litters prior to placement since this test is accurate in pups as young as 5 weeks of age.
The other conditions mentioned would be readily observable. Dogs which display any neurological abnormalities as described above, and / or who display anything beyond a very mild allergic response should not be bred. As for those with lethal acrodermatitis, this is a congenital abnormality (affected pups would be born with it). Sadly, affected puppies have a very poor prognosis, and seldom live beyond a few very difficult months. Because of this, most are euthanized upon diagnosis of this condition. It is unlikely that one would live to breeding age, but should this occur, obviously they should not be bred.
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