Bull Terriers are a very unique & wonderful breed.  The prospective owner needs to be aware of some of the differences between Bullies and other breeds, and to be able to manage these differences.  The items listed below are some generalizations about some of these unique characteristics.  There may be individual exceptions to these generalizations, but these provide a good starting point in terms of understanding and relating to Bull Terriers...  

 

    1. Bullies should not be off leash outside of a completely secure area. Unless he is very well trained in obedience and heelwork 

 

    2. Socialization is very important.  The greater the variety of places to which they are taken, and the more people and animals they meet -especially when young- the better they will tend to be. 

 

    3. Bullies tend to be both very high energy and high attention-need dogs. They need to get plenty of exercise and be kept busy in positive ways. on the other hand the same energetic bullie is more than happy to slob out with you if you are unable to walk that day ( not everyday)

 

  4. Bullies -no matter what their size- are comfort-loving "lap dogs"  They also delight in doing their best to "convert" even the most staunch of any dog-disliking people you may know!                              
    5. Good training classes for Bully and owner, and consistency in relating to Bullies are very important.  Most Bullies do better with a training program which is fun and rewarding, rather than highly corrective / punitive. 

 

    6. Most Bullies take great delight in "Bully Runs", This is where they race around a chosen path through the house, sometimes bouncing off furniture in an expression of their joy of life. 

 

    7. Many (though not all) Bullies enjoy creeping slowly under shrubs, the tablecloth etc... letting the item "tickle' their back (almost like a cat stalking its prey). This is sometimes called "trancing". Although some have presented theories as to why they do this, no one really knows. It does not appear to be harmful in any way, or to be an indication of some other problem, so is considered by most to be just another unique & funny characteristic of Bull Terriers. 

 

    8. Some Bullies tend to eat anything and everything...whether or not the item is actually edible. This means that some -even as adults- can never be left "loose" without supervision in the home, car or any other place which is not completely secure and "Bully-proofed". Also, even when Bully is supervised, great care is needed in terms of what is "out" where he can get it. 

 

    9. Going along with the above.., if a normally active Bully suddenly becomes lethargic, and especially if the lethargy is accompanied by vomiting and / or diarrhoea, your vet should be made aware that -unlike in other breeds- an intestinal blockage is a likely diagnosis. An x-ray is well advised---and surgery may be necessary. Time is of the essence. Unfortunately, Bullies have died from blockages when they were not recognized or dealt with promptly. In many breeds a little lethargy may not be a big deal, but by the time a Bully starts acting "down", he can be in a very serious condition indeed. 

 

    10. Some Bullies can be quite strong-willed and will often "test" the limits. For these, a very consistent routine and the firm but fair use of techniques which establish in the dog's mind that the owners are "alpha" over him are very important. 

 

    11. Bullies should NOT have rawhide or cows hooves as treats. The former they try to wolf down (and some have died choking on these), and the latter their strong jaw pressure can break into pieces which may contain sharp edges which could cause damage. 

 

12. Most dog toys will not stand up to the jaw strength of a Bull Terrier. Some toys which tend to hold up better than others are: Kong's and other toys made of the same very dense, tough rubber as Kongs, and the hard nylabones ..not the "gumabone' type. 

 

    13. For the reasons already stated above, Bullies should have only stainless steel or heavy ceramic dishes. Not plastic! 

 

    14. As a general rule, Bullies should not be left unattended with other animals. Sometimes pets can get along very well for long periods of time, then suddenly have a conflict about something, sometimes with tragic consequences. There are exceptions to this, but this is a good starting point until such time as animals have proven themselves trustworthy together. Even the most experianced of breeders has come unstuck before! and learned a harsh and often expensive lesson.

 

    15. When having more than one pet, you should be aware of the three main "triggers" for conflict:  A- Food;  B- Toys, crates or other possessions an animal considers to be "his";  and, C- Competition for human attention. Things should be structured in such a way as to minimize or eliminate these conflict triggers as much as possible. (i.e. feeding separately, keeping a special toy where another animal does not have access to it etc...) 

 

    16. There are occasions when individual pets may have difficulty in co-existing peacefully. In these cases consultations with the breeder, and / or a qualified animal behaviourist or trainer will often correct this problem. There are occasions, though, when certain combinations of pets may just not be able to establish a peaceful co-existence, even with these extra measures. (Just as certain combinations of people simply don't get along with one another.) In these rare cases the best solution is a complete separation. Each pet should receive equal time, attention and love, but should be kept apart from one another. 

 

    17. Bull Terriers are terriers, and as such, some can have a rather strong "prey drive" and look at small animals as something to chase / kill. 

 

    18. Along this line, Bull Terriers who are raised with cats from a young age will usually accept the cats in their home as "family" and get along with them. Once in a while one might need separation from even family cats, though. Also, some which are reliable around family cats, may see other cats as "fair game". 

 

    19. Crate training is highly recommended!  Crates are a great aid in potty training the young pup. They are also very helpful for those times you cannot directly supervise a busy young Bully. A crate is a good place for your dog to be during your short absences from home. When in his crate, you know that he will not be remodelling the house while you're gone! (For longer absences a larger  area which is completely secure and "Bully-proofed"  would be best.) Crates are good for "making" an overly-excited busy young Bully pup take a rest. Also, as a safe place for Bully in a situation such as might occur if unruly young visitors are not treating the dog properly.  And finally, a crate is the safest place for your dog when riding in the car. Tragic results can occur in a sudden stop or accident when "loose" dogs are thrown around the vehicle or escape onto the road hurt and bewildered. 

 

    20. VERY important: If you can handle all of the above, and still appreciate the Bull Terrier, then likely there will be no turning back! The Bully's zest for life, Knack for making mischief and comical, loving nature will make it all but impossible for you to live without at least one of these special characters "gracing" your life and home!

So you STILL think a bullie is for you?

owning a bull terrier is not something to be taken lightly ....you need to be aware of the breeds nature and needs...you can find out more from reading books specifically about bull terriers and also from talking to breeders...before we will consider you for one of our pups we like to ask several Q's about you, work commitments, etc we hope you are not offended by our questions, but we ask for the well-being of our pups...please feel free to contact us with any of your questions about us and our bullies or even if you own a bully and need help ....we all need advice sometimes!
we send our pups out with a 16week insurance policy, a bag of food the pups were weaned on, a feeding guide and any help you require....we ask that all owners sign an agreement with ourselves that if for ANY reason (even if you changed your mind) you do not or can not keep the bully that we get the animal back into our care, this way we can ensure that the animal gets re-homed to a suitable home.

The Bull Terriers not a breed meant for everyone. Many problems can arise after a pup goes to his new home. The pup can sometimes be sent back to the breeder and branded as un-trainable. sometimes simply changing ownership can straighten out a pups naughty behaviour and he will adapt to his new family. Bullies are a special breed for special people. With lots of beforehand knowledge and by working closely with the breeder (who should always be available to help when needed) you can be one of those special people owned by a bullie!!

The Bull Terrier

The character of this wonderful breed is so unique that there is no other breed of dog like a bullie! Small or large, they are alike in their character. they are fun loving dogs, And they will meet every demand that an owner puts on them, from showing (off) in the ring to simply being a couch buddy! They are known for their loyalty and undying love. They are tough little dogs and unfortunately their appearance and bad press does not let the public forget what the original bull terrier was bred for-To fight in the pits!!

The bullies love for children and seniors is uncanny. stories about bullies saving kids from burning houses, finding lost children and saving people from drowning... all this from a breed that cannot supposedly swim!!

They are by nature busy dogs more so as pups, as pups they rarely sit still (unless you have tit bits) for anything! As they get older it does get better. We advise that you take your pup to a reputable trainer as they can be very obstinate and not willing to learn. (im sure they do it just to see you humiliated when you get asked to leave the training classes. then turn into a model dog as you walk out !)But in a few years time your bullie will become a couch potato overnight!!

The breed standard (more on this later) states that " A bull terrier must be strongly built, muscular, symmetrical and active, with a keen, determined and intelligent expression". This is asking a lot of any dog, and yet this is what you get with a bull terrier.

The bullies attitude towards most things is "wait and see". he can be very inquisitive, giving strangers A "checking you out " greeting. He will approach you (usually at full pelt) sniff, dance around your feet (usually standing on your toes! several times), he willingly revels in all your petting and tummy rubbing, then sits back and takes a good look at you his new friend!!! if he accepts you as said friend beware of those high jumps at you and those oh so painful body slams and head buts!! you have been warned! he then proceeds to sit as close to you as possible, whether it be sat at or more often then not ON your feet or even sprawled all over you on the sofa you have found a friend for life, who is loyal, loving, stubborn, and brave to the end!

 

AND  ONCE YOU GET YOUR FIRST BULLIE AND SEE WHAT JOT THEY BRING YOU WILL BE HOOKED AND SOON DESIRE ANOTHER!

BULLIES ARE NOT MY WHOLE LIFE...THEY MAKE MAKE MY LIFE WHOLE!!!!

After reading all this and carefully considered getting a bullie having done your research then you need to find a reputable breeder you can get in touch with the kennel club who will give you a list of accredited breeders and if you request a list of all bull terrier clubs visit shows see bullies and meet people ask the handlers (when they leave the ring not before entering the ring) if they can advise on a good breeder.. search the web also but be aware anyone can have a web page nowadays! it is best to go to a proper breeder who will look into the pedigree of both dogs and know exactly what they are doing. After all its their REPUTATION at stake so they do know what they are doing!

We are members of the Yorkshire BTC, northern provincial BTC, nebtc, ndbtc, we are also accredited breeders (kc reg), members of the dog breeders association we attend many club shows at open and champ level both as members and non members.

If you would like to be considered for one of our babes then please mail/call me telling me a bit about yourselves and your requirements (bitch/dog/colour) I will endeavour to help you get the ideal pup for you!