The Best in Show at Westminster Kennel Club’s 130th Annual Dog Show was Rufus, a Colored Bull Terrier from New Jersey representing the best of the Terrier Group. So let’s take a look at the breed!
One thing you’ll notice rather quickly about Bull Terriers is the head. It’s a little weird looking, or egg shaped (if you want to use the official description). And the more egglike, the better, according to the breed standards.
Bull Terriers come in two varieties: white or colored. The coat is very short and glossy, and isn’t a whole lot of work to maintain.
Bull Terriers are generally active little guys who love to run and love to play fetch. They’re not big barkers, so if you hear your Bull Terrier barking, it’s probably something you should pay attention to!
Bull Terriers are one of those breeds that tend to have a bad reputation, but they can actually be very playful and loving and friendly! They are very attached to their families, and aren’t happy being left alone for a long time. Leave them in the house with no room to play and you may just find your favorite shoes or pillows torn up. So if you’re home most of the time and have an active family, you might just be the right fit for a Bull Terrier!
But make sure your Bull Terrier knows you are the boss. They can play rough with family members and other dogs, and need a solid obedience base. They can also be very jealous and possessive of their people.
As far as health goes, Bull Terriers don’t tend to have a lot of major problems. Young dogs may suffer sudden lameness as a result of the rapid growth and high activity of the breed. But you’re more likely to see skin allergies as the most frequent problem for the breed. Bull Terriers on average live to be around 11 or 12 years old.