DOG FAQ - When should I buy a Bull Terrier puppy?

Probably the best season to be looking to buy a Bull Terrier puppy is spring. Once he has been vaccinated and can be trained out of home. Do not choose a puppy in the summer when you are planning to go out on vacations, cause his training will be interrupted, and most of the canine residences will not accept a non vaccinated animal.

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DOG FAQ - How to Choose a Bull Terrier puppy Breeder?

There are many ways and places of getting a Bull Terrier puppy. How to choose a Bull Terrier puppy can by facilitated by attending exhibitions. Dog shoes could be fruitful if you are looking for a dog that can compete in the future. Details of these exhibitions can be found in national publications about dogs.

These publications usually have information about breeders offering pedigree dogs for sale. A common breed puppy is not hard to find, but one from a special breed could take some time. In some countries there are guides, published and revised yearly, with details about available breeders and breeds. Any national canine club can also help you with information. Generally, rare breeds and puppies of a very appreciated one, are very expensive. Sometimes, a breeder can have a puppy with some imperfection at a very cheap price. Be careful with those with some physical defect, cause in the long run they could be more expensive. Your veterinarian can also recommend you some breeder as long as his dogs are not too expensive.

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DOG FAQ - If we have a cat and a dog, would they have a good relation?

Cats tend to ignore a new canine guest, but this doesn't mean that the cat will right away accept the newcomer. Animals need time to get along well between them, and it is not necessary to push them, avoiding possible trouble.

The same happens when a new dog comes along another already established. Feed them separately to avoid fights. Remember that the newcomer is invading the other dog's territory; be sure of taking care of all the needs of the old dog, so he can feel that his dominant position is not threaten by the intruder.

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DOG FAQ - Should I buy a Male or Female Bull Terrier?

Usually male Bull Terrier have a greater tendency to run away than female Bull Terrier. They could be, also, less sensible to training. Therefore, usually, blind people prefer female dogs as guides.

However, the major troubles with a female dog are the reproduction activities that take place twice a year, and the risk of an accidental mating during these periods, and of course, pregnancy.

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DOG FAQ - Choosing a Bull Terrier for Family, Adult or Puppy?

When choosing a Bull Terrier for family, you need to consider the dog's age. A young Bull Terrier settles down easier than a grown one, and is better suited for a house with kids. Grown Bull Terrier can be uneasy, specially if they have had some other homes before, so they need more time to adapt to their new family. Some problems that can arise are, for instance, to respond to their new names or to stand by their new owners once they are without a leash.

Adaptation of a grown Bull Terrier could be difficult, specially for a rookie owner, and if his origins are unknown. If you are thinking about taking your dog to an exhibition, then a grown dog is easier to be appreciated than a puppy. But a dog that has spent most of his life in a pound, will surely have enough troubles to settle down domestically. Some studies show there is a period of socialization among young dogs between six and thirteen weeks, where human presence is needed. The more attention they receive during this period, the sooner they will adapt to their new home. Dogs living at a pound during their first months, have never been properly educated, and this could be a major threat for their future training.

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DOG FAQ - What should I do when bringing home a new Bull Terrier puppy?

Keep that diet during the first days, to avoid some digestive upsets, and change it gradually, never abruptly. Check the vaccines already applied to the Bull Terrier puppy, and if possible, ask breeder for a certificate indicating date and type of vaccine, which, in the future, could be of great help for your veterinarian, specially because now there are all sorts of vaccines available.

It's also important to know how many times the Bull Terrier has been treated against parasites, and the date of the last one. In case of pedigree dogs, appropriate certificates will be given to you: the pedigree. That is the genealogy tree of the animal, and all the details of the register or a transfer card declaring the property cession to the competent authorities. This is very important for dogs that in the future, could be presented in exhibitions, cause if they are not properly registered they will be considered mixed-breeds.

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DOG FAQ - How to choose healthy Bull Terrier puppy?

Is his place clean? Feces should be, more or less, solid, unless Bull Terrier has been treated against parasites recently. Healthy Bull Terrier puppies are usually fat, and if you catch them they will slip out of your hands easily with great flexibility. Starting by the head, look at his eyes. These should be clear and free of any substance than can damage his skin, specially in those parts of the eyes closer to the nose. The nose should be moist, and his ears clean. Give great attention to the skin, watch it carefully to detect some signs of fleas or lice. Ribs can be checked with your hands, but it's not so clear when you are carrying the dog in your arms.

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DOG FAQ - Can I trust Bull Terrier breeders?

An honest Bull Terrier breeder will appreciate your interest in a determined breed and will give you a date. Try always to visit the place; even if it is far away, cause it is better to travel some distance rather than receive a wrong bred dog or a sick one. Breeders working at small range always have litters of Bull Terrier puppy living at their homes. This guarantees that these Bull Terriers are used to domestic life since their birth. Temperament will change from one dog to another, and some will be more dominant than others. The most dominant are usually the first at the time of eating, pushing his brothers away from food. Puppies sleep for long periods, so that doesn't mean they are sick. Watch them all for a while before making up your mind.

Bull Terrier - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - Choosing a Bull Terrier for Family, Adult or Puppy?

When choosing a Bull Terrier for family, you need to consider the dog's age. A young Bull Terrier settles down easier than a grown one, and is better suited for a house with kids. Grown dogs can be uneasy, specially if they have had some other homes before, so they need more time to adapt to their new family. Some problems that can arise are, for instance, to respond to their new names or to stand by their new owners once they are without a leash.

Bull Terrier - Dog Lover

BULL TERRIER AND CHILDREN

Bull Terrier can be okay around children, but is not recommended with younger children, and should definitely be socialized early on. Depending on the personality of the individual dog, strangers may be greeted with a huge welcome by the Bull Terrier, but others may not be quite as welcoming.

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TRAINING

Being somewhat willful and very independent, the Bull Terrier can be difficult to train. Obedience training should be started at an early age to avoid any issues in the future.

Being that this breed is prone to dominance issues, firm and dominant handling is a must to prevent escalation into aggression. Bull Terriers are very eager to please although they can be very stubborn and difficult to train in any aspect.

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FEEDING

Your bull terrier is a very active dog who requires a nutritious and high-quality diet. Feeding your dog properly will prevent premature aging, coat problems, and serious health issues.

Feeding your dog at scheduled mealtimes is the best way to control how much he eats, resulting in better weight control and allowing you to monitor his health. (Lack of appetite is often the first sign of illness.) Free feeding, a method in which food is left out all day, can wreak havoc on the digestive system and lead to obesity.

The best feeding schedule for your bull terrier depends on his age and lifestyle. While your vet or breeder can best advise you as to what kind of feeding plan is appropriate for your bull terrier’s particular life stage, the chart below provides a general outline.

Puppies (under 6 months) : feed 3 small meals per day, Puppy formula (protein less than 25%)

Adolescents (6–18 months) : feed 2–3 meals per day, Active formula

Active adults (2–7 years) : feed 2 meals per day, Adult or active formula

Adult or Seniors (7+ years) : feed 2–3 meals per day, Adult or senior formula

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