Bull terriers are a fascinating and popular breed of dog, with a long and storied history. They are often portrayed as loyal and devoted dogs, but are also known for their strong personalities and larger than life attitudes. With this in mind, it’s no wonder that many people ask whether or not a bull terrier is a dangerous dog.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the truth behind the question of whether or not a bull terrier is a dangerous dog. We’ll look at the breed’s history and background, as well as their unique traits and characteristics, to get a better understanding of the breed and the potential risks involved in owning one. We’ll also examine the various opinions on the matter and discuss whether or not the breed is suitable for all types of households.
Ultimately, the answer to the question of whether or not a bull terrier is a dangerous dog is not a simple one. While there is no one-size-fits-
…But Their Strength is No Joke
You’ve probably heard the adage “there’s no such thing as a bad dog” a lot. Only bad owners. And nowhere is this more evident than with the Bull Terrier.
As we previously mentioned, due to their lengthy association with violent movie characters and tough personalities, we have a tendency to attribute these traits to the dogs themselves over time rather than leaving them with their owners, who are their rightful owners.
Having said that, not everyone would make a good match for a Bull Terrier as a pet. They are not appropriate for every owner, particularly if they are seasoned and have never had a dog before.
Bull Terriers pack a huge punch into their small bodies. When on the right diet, they have very little body fat and large necks and shoulders, giving them the appearance of stocky little soldiers.
While they may be small, they’re incredibly strong. They should be raised by an owner who is strong enough to handle them just for that reason. If given the chance, they’ll happily pull even a reasonably strong adult human male with ease despite their diminutive size.
Bull Terriers were bred as fighting dogs, unfortunately. A couple of hundred years ago, cruel English gentlemen with excessive free time decided that pitting powerful dogs against one another and watching them fight to the death while placing enormous bets on their outcome was some sort of sport.
It means that this naturally calm and lovable dog was bred with an incredibly strong bite in mind, so that it could cause the most harm possible in the ring. Sadly, dog fighting still occurs today, and owners of illegal fighting dogs prize the Bull Terrier’s powerful bite.
The bite force of a Bull Terrier can reach 270 psi, or pounds per square inch. If you’re curious how much that is, it is roughly equivalent to that of a lion. The bite force of a Bull Terrier is actually quite comparable to that of a wolf, which measures at about 400 psi.
Therefore, it is evident that the Bull Terrier can bite someone and cause a lot of harm.
Although it doesn’t have the strongest bite in the canine world. The Kangal, a Turkish breed with a massive bite force of 743 psi! That’s some serious bite, and the Bull Terrier might have a stronger bite force than a Doberman and even a German Shepherd.
Bull Terrier Temperament:
Avoid being overly alarmed by the Bull Terrier’s potential for aggression.
Every dog, including the Bull Terrier, has the potential to turn aggressive under certain conditions.
However, this breed makes a wonderful family pet and companion when properly trained.
When properly raised as a puppy, a Bull Terrier will mature into a friendly, joyful dog who is always up for a good time.
Many Bull Terrier owners describe them as silly, frequently drawing comparisons to the family clown.
In other words, they are fantastic comedians who will never fail to make their families laugh.
Although they enjoy their playtime, the Bull Terrier loves nothing more than to be with their family.
The Bull Terrier is very energetic and frequently displays it in short bursts.
They are charming, affectionate, and long for your company as much as you do for theirs.
How To Train A Bull Terrier Not To Bite:
Let me stress once more that it’s extremely unlikely that your Bull Terrier has Rage Syndrome if they are acting aggressively.
Yes, it is possible, but the likelihood is low and most likely another underlying cause exists.
The good news is that Bull Terriers are extremely well-mannered and simple to train.
As a result of their intelligence and receptivity to training, aggressive and biting behavior can be reduced.
As soon as you notice the onset, you should try to control the behavior.
You will achieve better results if you train your Bull Terrier to be less aggressive as soon as possible.
Because Bull Terrier puppies respond well to training, it is easiest to control their behavior and can be done in a matter of weeks.
However, an older Bull Terrier that has exhibited this aggression for some time will find it more difficult to break the habit.
There are several ways to train a Bull Terrier to be kinder:
This punishment can range from the owner’s firm “NO” and disapproval to a water spray in the face or a deterrence collar.
The idea is that aggressive behavior is met with a negative outcome when it is in motion.
However, with this approach, it’s crucial that you maintain your composure and employ tactful deterrence techniques.
Hitting your dog or employing techniques that will make them fearful will only increase their aggression and impede your progress.
As I mentioned, Bull Terriers require plenty of mental stimulation and exercise.
Take them to the park, play tennis, or go for a long walk. The more you interact with your dog, the more energy they can release and the lower the likelihood that they will become aggressive.
Also, make sure you reward good behaviors. Give your dog a treat when they engage in gentle play. Turn your back if they begin to act aggressively and wait until they stop.
The more your dog enjoys gentle play and receives positive reinforcement, the more driven they will be to maintain their calm and relaxation.
FAQ
Is a Bull Terrier a good family dog?
For active families and knowledgeable puppy parents, Bull Terriers make devoted, loving companions. They should never be left alone for extended periods of time as they need a lot of exercise, training, and care.
Do Bull Terriers bite their owners?
However, no other breed of dog is more likely to bite someone than Bull Terriers. This means that the reason they should be kept by an experienced owner who also invests a lot of time in training them isn’t because they bite a lot but rather because their bites have the potential to be fatal.
Are Bull Terriers aggressive with other dogs?
Bull Terriers, like the majority of terrier breeds, can be aggressive toward other animals, especially other dogs, especially unneutered males. Early socialization—positive, supervised exposure to other dogs that starts in early puppyhood and lasts throughout life—is necessary for them to behave around other dogs.