Bull Terrier Standard Guide and Breed Information

The Bull Terrier is a breed of dog that originated in England in the 19th century.

They were first bred as a fighting dog, but their gentle and affectionate nature made them a popular companion animal.

The Bull Terrier's short, easy-to-maintain coat requires minimal grooming.

This breed is known for its unique egg-shaped head and flat face.

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The Bull Terrier standard emphasizes a dog that's full of spirit and fun-loving, with a courageous attitude. They have a unique egg-shaped head with a downfaced appearance.

Their ears are small, thin, and placed close together, and they should be able to hold them stiffly erect when they point straight upwards. This is a distinctive feature of the breed.

In terms of size, Bull Terriers can come in various sizes, but they should always have an impression of maximum substance for their size, consistent with their quality and sex. There's no specific weight limit, but they should always appear balanced.

For another approach, see: How Big Is a Standard Poodle

Your dog's eyes are a distinctive feature that can greatly impact their overall appearance. They should appear narrow and triangular, with a piercing glint.

The ideal eye color is black or as dark brown as possible, almost appearing black. Blue or partly blue eyes are undesirable.

The distance from the tip of the nose to the eyes should be perceptibly greater than the distance from the eyes to the top of the skull. This is a key characteristic to look for when evaluating your dog's physical characteristics.

The eyes should be small, thin, and placed close together.

Consider reading: White German Shepherds with Blue Eyes

When it comes to a dog's ears, they're quite unique. A dog's ears are small and thin, placed close together.

In fact, a dog should be able to hold them stiffly erect, when they point straight upwards.

The mouth is a crucial aspect of a horse's physical characteristics. Teeth should be sound, clean, and strong, with good size and a regular scissor bite.

A good scissor bite means the upper teeth closely overlap the lower teeth and are set square to the jaws. This is essential for proper eating and digestion.

Clean and tight lips are also important, indicating good overall health.

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The general appearance of this breed is truly impressive. A strongly built, muscular, and well-balanced dog is what you can expect.

This breed is active and has a keen, determined, and intelligent expression, making them a joy to be around.

Their athletic build is balanced with a sturdy physique, giving them a confident presence.

In terms of size, there is no height limit, but the dog should not exceed 35.5 cms (14ins) in height.

A balanced dog is one that is in proportion with its size, and this breed is no exception.

This breed's unique features make them stand out from others, with a downfaced, egg-shaped head that is a distinctive characteristic.

For another approach, see: Poodle Dog Height

The body structure of a bull terrier is truly impressive. The body is well-rounded with a marked spring of rib, giving it a distinctive shape.

The depth from withers to brisket is great, with the brisket being closer to the ground than the belly. This unique feature adds to the overall aesthetic of the breed.

The back is short and strong, with a level backline behind the withers that arches or roaches slightly over the broad, well-muscled loins. This creates a beautiful balance of muscle and structure.

The head is a crucial part of the body structure, and it's essential to understand its characteristics. The head is long, strong, and deep, right to the end of the muzzle.

Viewed from the front, the head is egg-shaped and completely filled, with no hollows or indentations on its surface. This shape is a key feature that helps identify this body structure.

The top of the skull is almost flat from ear to ear, giving it a distinctive appearance. This flatness is a result of the skull's shape and size.

The profile of the head curves gently downwards from the top of the skull to the tip of the nose, which should be black and bent downwards at the tip. This curve is a subtle but important feature of the head's shape.

The nostrils are well-developed, indicating a strong sense of smell, and the under-jaw is deep and strong, providing a sturdy foundation for the head.

For your interest: Bull Terrier Head Shape

The forequarters of a dog are a crucial aspect of its overall body structure. Shoulders should be strong and muscular without any visible strain.

Shoulder blades should be wide and flat, and positioned closely to the chest wall. They should also have a very pronounced backward slope, forming almost a right angle with the upper arm.

Elbows should be held straight and strong, and pasterns should be upright. Forelegs should have the strongest type of round, quality bone.

A dog should be able to stand solidly on its forelegs, and they should be perfectly parallel to each other. In mature dogs, the length of the foreleg should be approximately equal to the depth of the chest.

The body of this animal is well rounded, giving it a sturdy and compact appearance.

A key feature of the body is the marked spring of rib, which adds to its overall depth and muscle mass.

The depth from withers to brisket is quite impressive, with the brisket actually being closer to the ground than the belly.

The back is short and strong, with a level backline behind the withers that arches slightly over the broad, well-muscled loins.

The underline from brisket to belly forms a beautiful, upward curve that adds to the overall aesthetic of the body.

The chest is broad when viewed from the front, giving the animal a strong and powerful appearance.

When viewed from behind, the hindlegs are in parallel, giving a symmetrical appearance.

The muscular thighs and well-developed second thighs are key characteristics of a strong hindquarters.

The stifle joint is well bent, allowing for smooth movement and flexibility.

The hock is well angulated, which helps with balance and stability.

The bone to foot is short and strong, providing a solid foundation for the hindlegs.

The tail is a distinctive feature of many animals, and its shape and carriage can reveal a lot about its overall body structure.

It's relatively short, set on low and carried horizontally.

The root of the tail is thick, which provides stability and balance.

If this caught your attention, see: Rhodesian Ridgeback Tail

The Bull Terrier is a breed of dog that originated in England in the 19th century. They were bred as a fighting dog, but today they're a popular companion animal.

Bull Terriers are known for their distinctive egg-shaped head and short, stout body. This physical characteristic is a result of their breeding history.

The breed standard for Bull Terriers was established in 1888, and it has remained largely unchanged since then. This consistency is important for maintaining the breed's unique characteristics.

Bull Terriers are often described as friendly and outgoing, but they can also be strong-willed and independent. This mix of traits makes them a great match for experienced dog owners.

For another approach, see: White Boxer Dogs