Bull Terrier and child: relationship features. How to Raise a Bull Terrier Puppy

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

People who love pets, much more than those who treat them negatively. Many people dream of having an affectionate and graceful cat in their home, someone is quite satisfied with silent, but such beautiful aquarium fish, someone likes smart dogs, infinitely devoted to their owner. That's what we're going to talk about today. But not about everyone, but about representatives of the most ambiguous breed, fanned by a mass of rumors and conjectures - the bull terrier.

Angry, aggressive, stubborn with a very unattractive appearance - this is how these animals are characterized by people who have never communicated with them. Kind and affectionate, intelligent and smart, completely devoid of aggression - this is what the owners of bull terriers say about their pets. What is the reason for such conflicting opinions? Maybe we are talking about different varieties of the breed? In fact, the reason for such a difference in estimates lies on the surface. Bull Terrier training in the past (and not far) - for cruel fun - and in our days - for home maintenance -different.

The most common characteristic of this breed - unbridled aggression - is recognized by cynologists as the most deceitful. It is difficult to find dogs that are so strongly attached to the owner. Their devotion knows no bounds, they are ready to defend his interests, even entering into an unequal battle. Undoubtedly, sometimes dog anger takes place, but its manifestations concern only animals that were not socialized at an early age. Many novice dog breeders are interested in the Bull Terrier's attitude towards children. We will also talk about this in the article.

Historical background

The bull terrier dog breed was bred in England. After the ban on bullfights (1835), people lost the exciting spectacle. Dog fights and rat-baiting began to develop. Such shows, as a rule, took place in small rooms. The bulldogs used in fights were too heavy and clumsy. In this regard, the idea was born to breed more nimble animals. The breeders opted for agile terriers.

The founder of the breed was James Hinks. In 1862, he succeeded in breeding the perfect Bull Terrier by crossing a Bulldog, a White English Terrier and, presumably, a Dalmatian.

Bull Terrier Breed Standard

FCI Standard No. 11, registered on 2011-05-07, does not limit the weight and height of animals. At the same time, the dog should look powerful for its size and correspond to the type and gender. The average weight of females is about 18 kg, males - 36 with a height at the withers of 30 to 61 cm, respectively.

Standard Classic English Bull Terrier ismuscular medium-sized dog with a strong, athletic body. Flexible on the move, light on the run. The sternum is deep and broad, with prominent ribs. It is located closer to the floor than the stomach. The back is strong and wide. The tail is short, narrowed towards the end. The long head is set low. It is shaped like an egg.

Narrow triangular eyes set obliquely and deeply. From the nose they are removed at a greater distance than from the middle of the top of the head. According to the standard, the Bull Terrier must have dark brown eyes. Light eyes are a disqualifying factor.

Nose slightly down, with open nostrils. Teeth white, scissor bite. The lower jaw is especially powerful. Thin small ears are set close. The forelimbs are powerful. They are better developed than the rear ones. Consist of round strong bones. The toes are compact and mobile.

Coat and color

The coat is straight, short and rather harsh to the touch, with a noticeable sheen. Therefore, it is allowed to keep a bull terrier in an apartment. Shedding occurs twice a year, but with proper care (combing), it does not cause too much problems for the owners. A soft undercoat appears in winter.

The color of the bull terrier can be classic white or colored. In white dogs, color pigmentation of the skin is allowed, almost invisible through the coat. In colored animals, the main color should prevail.

Bull Terrier decorative

Mini Bull Terrier looks very much like his "big brother". However, hemuch smaller in size and endowed with a peculiar character. This is a great companion that is suitable for keeping even in small apartments. However, it should be remembered that such a dog is very fond of long walks.

Mini Bull Terriers were bred in Great Britain in the 19th century. For this, dwarf puppies were selected, born from mating standard dogs. They were bred not for dog fighting, but to catch rats, which abounded in the houses and streets of old London. In breeding mini bull terriers, Jack Russell terriers and fox terriers were used to fix the small size of the animals.

The growth of small representatives of the breed does not exceed 35.5 centimeters. There are no restrictions on weight, as in standard animals, but it must correspond to growth. Too fat or too thin torso is undesirable.

When the Miniature Bull Terrier is in motion, it is striking how harmoniously and strongly built it is. These dogs also have a hard and short coat. The standard allows the following colors: white with spots on the head, red, brindle with predominant black, tricolor, fawn. If you are wondering what kind of dog to choose for a child, then, of course, a mini bull terrier will do.

Character traits

To understand how to raise a Bull Terrier puppy, you should learn more about his character and highlight the following qualities:

• terrier agility;
• bulldog grip;
• bravery;
• endurance;
• low pain threshold;
• unquestioning obedience to the master;
• desire to win;
• intelligence;
• reverent attitude towards children.

The main feature of these dogs, according to the standard, is calmness. With the right upbringing, a puppy will grow into an obedient and disciplined dog, although it should be borne in mind that your pet will regularly try to push the boundaries.

You should refuse to buy a puppy of this breed for people who have no experience in dog breeding, insecure, limited in time. An unruly, angry bull terrier can grow up in nervous people who do not pay attention to early socialization and raising a puppy.

Bull Terrier needs long walks. They must last at least an hour. This will help your pet release excess energy. Otherwise, negative changes may occur in the character of the dog: it will not respond to commands so accurately, will spoil things, show self-will.

Another feature of the character of the bull terrier, experts call an indefatigable passion for bullying and chasing other dogs, which often happens on walks. Therefore, walking should be carried out on a leash, and by a person who is able to keep an active dog. A child with a bull terrier should not be allowed outside: it will be difficult for him to cope with his power and grip.

If other animals live in the house, then it is necessary to accustom the dog to the fact that they occupy a higher position in the family hierarchy. Otherwise, bullying cannot be avoided. To grow obedient and manageableanimal, it is necessary to carry out social adaptation as early as possible: your pet should be introduced to new people, other animals, be in different, including crowded places.

At the slightest manifestation of aggression, the dog is given to understand that its behavior is unacceptable. At the same time, screaming and physical punishment are excluded. These dogs are smart and smart. Sometimes they show stubbornness, but with the right upbringing they demonstrate unconditional obedience. Bull Terriers are in excellent shape, and therefore make excellent companions for morning runs.

Perhaps someone will be surprised, but powerful and strong bull terriers really need affection and care: they quickly and very strongly become attached to the owner. His long absence is very hard to bear. Dogs become embittered, nervous, show disobedience and stubbornness. With proper care and upbringing, they become devoted family members and loyal defenders.

Is the bull terrier dangerous?

The answer to this question is especially important for people who have a child. The Bull Terrier, which has an ambiguous reputation in society, is famous among specialists for its cheerful and friendly disposition. Representatives of the breed can endlessly play with children of different ages. Of course, in the game it happens that they accidentally push their very small owners. But aggression towards people is not characteristic of them.

Bull Terrier and kids

Despite his intimidating appearance, this dog is a wonderful family man. Therefore, if you are interested in what breed of dog to choose for a child, pay attention tobull terrier. Getting into the house, a desperate fighter turns into a plush toy, which, comfortably curled up, sleeps under your favorite blanket, snoring sweetly. Judging by the reviews, the bull terrier and children are an inseparable company that can have fun all day long until the parents disperse the naughty.

Interestingly, representatives of this breed often get along better with small owners than their parents. If you have children and are planning to have such a four-legged friend, you should be aware that another child will appear in your house. The Bull Terrier needs a lot of time and effort. Weigh well the pros and cons of such a decision so as not to regret it. The relationship between a bull terrier and a child will be the way you build it. The dog should be taught that in your "pack" the child is not the last. The last place should be the dog. But this place should not be shown with screams and kicks, but with proper education. It is equally important to teach the child to communicate with animals. It shouldn't be generic. The Bull Terrier is a dog with a sense of dignity, and therefore requires a respectful attitude.

Choosing a puppy

It is very important to know how to choose the right Bull Terrier puppy. This breed is widespread in our country, so there will be no problems with choosing a nursery or a responsible breeder even in small towns. You should not buy a baby in the bird market, not because they can sell you a puppy of a different breed: due to the unusual appearance, it is almost impossible to make a mistake. But there is noguarantee that the purchased dog will be he althy.

When buying a puppy from a breeder or nursery, pay attention to the conditions of keeping animals. The room should be dry, moderately warm, and there should be no unpleasant odors. A he althy puppy is cheerful and agile. He enjoys playing with a person and his relatives, is not afraid of harsh sounds.

Raising a baby

Bred for dog fighting, a puppy of this breed, as soon as it appears in the house, may try to dominate, set its own rules. If disobedience is not stopped, then the owner will have to forget about the role of the leader in the future forever. A person of a soft nature, unable to cope with emotions, should not have such a dog. Nervousness, breakdown, cry will become a signal for the animal about the weakness of the owner, and he immediately loses his leadership position.

How to train a bull terrier? It is important to be consistent in education, to show patience and perseverance. The rules of conduct must be established once, not changed, and observed strictly. The main ones include:

• Determining where to sleep, eat and rest. The categorical suppression of the animal's attempts to sleep in the owner's bed, since the best and most comfortable sleeping place should belong to the leader.
• It is forbidden for a puppy to show aggression near his bowl: if at a young age such behavior causes tenderness, then it is important to remember what it can turn out to be with an adult dog when, for example, a child is next to the bowl.
• When showing signs of aggression or discontent, the puppy is severely scolded and pointed to his couch.
• Do not allow the dog to be present at the owner's dinner, especially to receive food from the table. Feed her last.
• The puppy's toys are also the property of the owner, determining the time of playing with them is also the prerogative of the owner. The puppy should not react aggressively to an attempt to pick them up. If the dog is not intended for official purposes, then you can’t drag the toy with him: if the dog does not give it away, shake your pet by the scruff of the neck and scold. When the dog spit it out, the animal is taken away and only after that they pick up the toy. This trick is difficult to do with an adult bull terrier. In this case, they resort to using a leash and a strict collar or wait for him to spit out the toy himself. Then it is picked up and removed forever. Only the owner should determine how much, with what and when his four-legged friend will play.
• The same can be said about caresses. If the dog forces you to often stroke it when the owner is busy with something, this indicates an attempt to dominate. In this case, the “Lie down” command is considered the best option. After that, keep doing your thing.
• Bull Terriers treat strangers calmly. If the owner does not incite the puppy himself, then he usually shows restrained curiosity. Another thing is if there is a struggle for leadership between a person and a puppy: the animal should be made clear: it is the owner’s right to determine the target for the attack.
• In case of inappropriate behavior, the bull terrier is taken to another room. Do not forget about the little things: on a walk and going down the stairs, the dog should walk next to the person, and not in front. In the event of a collision at the threshold, the dog must retreat.

Training

Training starts a little later than education. The animal needs time to adapt in a new home, he needs to learn the rules of behavior in it. How to train a bull terrier? If the dog is not intended for protective or service activities, then it is quite possible to limit yourself to a set of basic commands: “Next”, “To me”, “Give”, “No”, “Sit”. They will make walking easier and safer.

If the dog masters the "Place", "Lie down" commands, it will be easier to live together in the house or visit friends. Together with the instructor, it is necessary to work out situations when it is forbidden to take treats from the wrong hands, pick up garbage from the ground, and not respond to sharp extraneous noise.

Make the most of your pet's physical training. With a lack of loads, bull terriers begin to look for an outlet for their energy, which can upset the owner. The character of your pet may deteriorate. Another extreme - when a pet is lazy, he gains excess weight, which negatively affects the he alth of the animal.

More carefully bull terriers are trained for shows. They should move calmly during the show and stand, allowing them to examine their teeth. They are being trained to handle large crowds and being transported in a cage.

Choosing a muzzle

As a rule, this accessory is made to order or selected individually. This is due to the featuresmuzzle structures. This issue must be approached responsibly: there are cases when, during a collision between two bull terriers, one of the dogs independently freed itself from the muzzle.

To this accessory, the pet must be taught from an early age so that there are no problems with adaptations in the future. To do this, a treat is placed inside the muzzle. Thus, gradually increasing the time spent in the muzzle, the dog is accustomed to the accessory. As the animal grows, it is changed in accordance with the parameters of the animal. It is important to treat other people with understanding, who are wary of a rather large pet that does not have the proper "outfit": an outsider cannot know what character someone else's large dog has.

Owner Reviews

Most of the owners in whose house Bull Terriers live are happy with their companions. However, for those who are just planning to have such a pet, they are advised to pay great attention to its early socialization and upbringing - the character of the bull terrier depends on this in the future. If your family has a child, then you can not worry about his safety: these dogs are very reverent and gentle with babies. True, you should be careful with very young children: a powerful dog can accidentally push a child. However, he will never show aggression towards him. However, in this case, it is more advisable to start a mini-bull terrier.