Separation anxiety
is common- He will show you his frustration by destructive chewing and barking or by having "accidents" on your furniture. This is probably not the breed for you if you work long hours and would have to leave him home alone. Boredom and loneliness can have ugly consequences on your carpet and upholstery.
High Energy Level- Bull Terriers are a lively breed. They require a lot of exercise to stay healthy and fit. Expect to stay busy. BT's are best suited for people with the same energy level.
| Bull Terriers are known as 'eaters' because they will eat anything. This is actually a medical condition known as pica. Bowel obstuction from swallowing foreign objects is common for bullies and often requires life-saving surgery. This continues through adulthood, but teething puppies run an even greater risk. Being 'eaters' they are also prone to obesity.
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Health Issues-
Skin Allergies- Fleas and other biting insects can cause mild to severe allergic reactions in bullies. Food, detergents, grass, etc. can also cause irritation to their sensitive skin.
Patellar Luxation is a painful joint condition that causes kneecaps to pop in and out of place. BT's aren't as prone to this as they are to joint dysplasia, but it's still a matter of concern for this breed.
Hip Dysplasia is a developmental subluxation of the hip joints which can eventually lead to arthritis and/or lameness. It's causes are genetic as well as environmental. Severe cases often require surgery.
Elbow Dysplasia- Bull Terriers have a high incidence of Elbow Dysplasia. According the Orthopedic foundation for animals, 33.3 percent of Bull Terriers have or will acquire this joint disease to some degree.
The use of pet steps has been shown to significantly reduce the wear and tear on joints. Please consider them if you own or plan to own a bull terrier.
Deafness- While deaf dogs can live normal lives, they should not be bred. Deafness is a genetic defect that responsible BT breeders test their puppies for. White bull terriers are more frequently affected.
Acrodermatitis is an inability to utilize and store zinc properly. This is a lethal disease. Affected puppies usually demonstrate clinical signs in the first few weeks of life.
Bull Terriers are prone to other health disorders as well. Some of these include heart disease, kidney disease and digestive problems.
Discover how Pet Steps can greatly benefit the long term health of Bull Terriers.
Watch Dogs-They make keen watch dogs! A Bull Terrier will not be shy about alerting you to knocks on the door or the slightest noise outside of the house. They should be discouraged from being over zealous about defending territory and agression toward other animals, etc.