Bull Terrier: Size, Temperament, Health and Adoption Guide
Bull terrier origin and history
AKC lists England as the Bull Terrier's origin and places the breed in the Terrier Group. UKC traces the breed to English bull-and-terrier crosses that were standardized there by James Hinks. VCA says Hinks mixed in the White English terrier and the Dalmatian to produce an all-white strain.
Bull terrier size and weight
AKC places the Bull Terrier in its medium size category. AKC publishes a height of 21-22 inches and a weight of 50-70 pounds. UKC sets no height or weight limits for its standard and instead looks for an impression of maximum substance relative to the individual dog's size.
Bull terrier temperament and personality
AKC's temperament words for the breed are playful, charming and mischievous, and VCA calls it exuberantly comical and often mischievous. UKC describes a breed with a sweet disposition that is responsive to discipline. VCA notes that Bull Terriers can sometimes show compulsive behavior. AKC rates dog compatibility at 1 of 5 and child compatibility at 3 of 5 for the breed.
Exercise needs
VCA says the breed needs daily exercise such as a long walk, a short jog or energetic games, and can be a calm, alert housedog when it gets that exercise. AKC rates the breed's energy at 4 of 5. Its short coat makes it unsuited to living outside, even though VCA says it enjoys cold weather outings.
Coat and grooming
AKC lists the coat as short and smooth, and UKC calls it short, flat, glossy and harsh to the touch. VCA says the coat needs only occasional brushing to remove dead hair.
Training
VCA says the Bull Terrier learns quickly but can be stubborn and tends to rebel against forceful methods. It suggests the breed does best with a firm owner who combines reward-based training with good control and leadership. Obedience training is described as essential for the mental exercise it provides as well as for control.
Bull terrier life span and health screenings
AKC gives a general life expectancy of 12-13 years for the Bull Terrier. VCA says Bull Terriers tend to stay at a good weight or run slightly overweight, so calories may need restricting if an adult starts to gain too much.
AKC breed facts
These are the American Kennel Club’s general facts and 1 to 5 ratings for the Bull Terrier as a breed. General tendencies don’t establish any one dog’s ancestry, personality or health; ask the listing organization about the dog you are considering.
- AKC group
- Terrier Group
- AKC recognition year
- 1885
- Height (AKC published)
- 21-22 inches
- Weight (AKC published)
- 50-70 pounds
- General life expectancy
- 12-13 years
- AKC size category
- Medium
AKC general breed ratings (1 to 5)
- Energy: 4 of 5
- Mental enrichment: 4 of 5
- Trainability: 3 of 5
- Grooming frequency: 2 of 5
- Shedding: 3 of 5
- Vocalization: 3 of 5
- Drooling: 1 of 5
- Adaptability: 3 of 5
- Playfulness: 4 of 5
- Watchful or protective tendency: 3 of 5
- Affection toward family: 4 of 5
- Openness toward strangers: 4 of 5
- AKC child compatibility rating: 3 of 5
- AKC dog compatibility rating: 1 of 5
Health screenings AKC lists for the breed
Breeding evaluations AKC names for the breed; they are not a diagnosis or a testing plan for any one dog.
- Patella Evaluation
- Cardiac Exam
- BAER Testing
- Kidney - Urine Protein:Creatinine Ratio
Source: American Kennel Club breed profile (opens in a new tab), retrieved November 4, 2026 (snapshot akc-2026-11-04).
Written by Lily's Second Chance with AI assistance from the sources listed under References. Facts were checked automatically against those sources on November 7, 2026.
References
- Bull Terrier | VCA Animal Hospitals (opens in a new tab), VCA Animal Hospitals, checked November 7, 2026
- Breed Standards : Bull Terrier | United Kennel Club (UKC) (opens in a new tab), United Kennel Club, checked November 7, 2026
- Bull Terrier - AKC breed profile (snapshot akc-2026-11-04) (opens in a new tab), American Kennel Club, checked November 4, 2026
