Bull terrier: character, description, care and methods of training

Bull terrier is a breed that can be said to have suffered from black PR. Stupidity, spitefulness and aggressiveness are the features that, according to the inhabitants, are inherent in these dogs. People forget that even a lapdog can be dangerous if it was not brought up or deliberately spoiled the psyche. What can we say about such a strong and courageous creation as a bull terrier! Character, reviews about which in most cases are extremely negative, in dogs of this breed is not bad at all. The sad stories that the press used to dazzle only testify to the fact that the bull terriers fell into the wrong hands that the owners were not ready for the company of such a strong-willed dog and that they had no idea how to bring up such a pet (or simply did not want this To be engaged).

History of the breed

It was she who determined both the appearance and psychological features that the bull terrier acquired as a result: its character fully corresponds to the tasks that these dogs were supposed to perform. The impetus for breeding was the ban of 1835 on dog fights with bulls. The gambling Englishmen began to look for a replacement for the spectacle and to take out individuals for purely dog fights, since bulldogs with blunt snouts used for bull raiding were not very convincing in a fight with their own kind. Therefore, they began to interbreed with representatives of other breeds. The main contribution to the breeding of the bull terrier was made by various terriers, including foxes. But the pointer, Dalmatian, and foxhound, and even supposedly short-haired collies, whose profile was useful for obtaining a smooth transition from the skull to the muzzle, were "noted" in the breed. The result of this selection was the modern bull terrier. Character, however, he basically inherited from bulldogs, which differ fearlessness and perseverance.

Bull terrier: description of the breed, nature

It refers to medium-sized dogs: weight on average reaches 25 kilograms, height - from 40 centimeters (in bitches) to 55 (maximum in males). The constitution is powerful, the musculature is very well pronounced. For all its external massiveness, the bull terrier is movable, movable and twist. It is characterized by good jumping. The coat color can be both pure white and colored. The first is considered preferable, with spots only on the head being allowed. On the second place - brindle, but other colors are not considered a defect or marriage.

Psychologically, the dog should be sustained, active, but not malicious. Bull terrier, whose character is unbalanced or nervous, even to exhibitions is not allowed: it is believed that this is either the mistakes of the master in the upbringing, or the culling of the breed.

Strong personality

Those who liked the Bull Terrier externally, the character of the breed must be taken into account. Do not forget that this is a gladiator dog. The main thing is that the bull terrier is by nature a person dominating, and if you do not put it in place from the very beginning, it will not respect and obey you. Moreover, the representatives of this breed require a kind of socialization. Since they were bred for dog fights, fight bullies with other dogs are always ready. And if you do not want regular problems with other "dogs", your pet from puppyhood should be taught to be tolerant and courteous to fellow tribesmen.

But the dog we are considering is affectionate and affectionate; If you managed to achieve recognition of your superiority, she will respect all members of the family and patiently endure childish pranks, even very unpleasant. To outsiders, the bull terrier is rather indifferent. If the stupid owner does not specifically set him on other people, the dog will simply ignore them, until the stranger shows aggression towards the owners.

Temperament of the breed

When a bull terrier appears in the house, the character is not the only thing to consider. This dog is also very mobile and energetic. A lazy and low-sporting person should not start it: the lack of movement awakens in the animal the worst character traits, down to aggression. At least one and a half hours a day the bull terrier should conduct on the street, and in running, jumping and other active body movements. The owner will have to contribute to this, because alone the dog "entertain" is not interesting. Experienced dog owners buy tennis balls and play them with the pet, so as not to look for a stick every time.

Dog training

It does not mean the training of a dog to teams or preparing it for an exhibition. This is education, like the way children are raised. And it should start from the first minute of the appearance of the puppy in your apartment. Bullterriers are smart and trained, but are stubborn. To explain the dog's rules of conduct, perseverance and patience will be required. And calm! From the point of view of the representative of this breed, screaming and nervousness is a sign of weakness, that is something that neither English nor the Staffordshire Bull Terrier accepts. The character you showed in the first months of your new family member's life will ensure that you respect him for life.

In the puppy's same age, the socialization of the dog begins. At first, you will have to walk more to teach the pet to patiently treat other dogs and behave properly in the street.

Training of the bull terrier

It begins somewhat later than education, but it is not worthwhile to postpone the first lessons for a long time. When the puppy is six or eight months old, you can proceed. If you are not going to train a dog to guard, it's enough to teach it only to the most necessary commands: "near", "impossible" (or "fu"), "to me", "anport" and "give" - these all signals will greatly facilitate walking Animal. "Place", "lying", "sitting" will be very useful in order to tame the animal at home or on a visit. In addition, under the guidance of the instructor, you need to teach the dog not to take food from strangers, do not pick up scraps in the street and gently react to the sharp movements of passers-by.

If you need a guard-bull terrier, the nature of additional training will be described by the instructor, taking into account your wishes and personal characteristics of the dog.

Where and how can I keep the bull terrier

Taking this dog into the house, we must take into account that her hair is short. Year-round maintenance in the yard does not suit her. In addition to the winter cold, the dog does not tolerate too bright sun. You could say it's a domestic breed. In the apartment, the bull terrier, like any other dog, is allocated a place that is selected taking into account the characteristics of the breed - away from drafts and radiators, because it can catch cold from overheating without even going out. For sleeping, he needs a soft litter. But you can not take into account the size of your living space: with regular long walks, the dog will feel comfortable even in a small "Khrushchev".

Rules of care for the pet

The short coat of the bull terrier has both pluses and minuses. On the one hand, for walking in the cold you will have to buy a dog's overalls. On the other hand, it is not necessary to take care of the coat: once a week, comb it out with a soft brush (like a dressing), so that the dog will less fade in the apartment. In dirty weather, wash the dog after the street is not necessary - it is better to wipe with a soft damp rag.

As for nutrition, the dog of this breed has no problems with digestion and can eat as any food (dry and wet), and self-cooked for her food. The only thing that should be paid attention is the correspondence of the volume of portions to the needs of the Bull Terrier. When overfed, these dogs often suffer from obesity.

Than the Bull Terrier is ill

The breed is distinguished by strong health and good immunity. Relatively common diseases are mostly hereditary or innate. These include:

• deafness;
• Nephritis;
• Displacement or deformation of the lens.

However, it is quite simple to exclude these diseases from your pet: when purchasing a puppy, it is worth asking about the presence of such problems in his ancestors. Good breeders cull dogs with such defects, so when you go to the nursery you are guaranteed to protect yourself from buying an animal with congenital diseases.

Of the acquired, in addition to the mentioned obesity, there are problems with the heart and skin. However, subject to the basic rules of keeping bull terriers (quality walks, well-considered food and care), the risk of colliding with them falls to zero.

Miniature Bull Terrier

On this branch of the breed I would like to stop separately. Despite its small size, the mini-bull terrier character is just as serious as its larger counterparts. Therefore, one should not expect an easy "victory" over the stubbornness of the animal. In addition, mini-boules are much harder to train than representatives of the breed of traditional sizes. So, when buying such a puppy, do not treat him like buying a plush toy - this is not a dog for the weak in spirit.

Let lovers of dogs themselves appreciate how nice the bull terrier can be (photo). His character - strong-willed and stubborn - does not prevent the dog from being a good friend and a gay fellow traveler.