Today’s Spotlight: The Bull Terrier

Today, April 1, we are honoring a unique and beautiful dog: the Bull Terrier. This devoted, outgoing, and perpetually entertaining pooch has been around for almost 200 years! In this article from All About Animals Veterinary Services, serving the Villa Rica area, a local vet puts Fido in the Spotlight.

Is The Bull Terrier Really Popular?

The Bull Terrier is currently ranked 61st on the AKC breed popularity list. So, Fido isn’t exactly the most sought-after dog in town right now. However, this iconic breed does have a few prominent supporters. Many celebrities have owned Bull Terriers, including Kirk Hammett, Eric Clapton, Liam Gallagher, Tom Hardy, Lily Allen, Don Cherry, Princess Anne, Marc Jacobs, and Taylor Swift.

Does Taylor Swift Own a Bull Terrier?

Yes, indeed! If you’re a Swiftie who admires Bull Terriers, you should know that you can buy an autographed photo of the popular artist and her canine buddy. Just be prepared to shell out several hundred dollars for the keepsake.

What Does the Bull Terrier Dog Look Like?

These guys are usually fairly short and stocky. They typically stand between 21 and 22 inches tall, weigh as much as seventy pounds, and live for an average of thirteen years. They are easily identified by their distinctive egg-shaped heads.

As far as colors go, the Bull Terrier can be entirely white, solid, or marked.

Fido’s officially approved fashion choices include black, red, fawn, white, and brindle. He can also wear white on his coat. 

Of course, these cute pups will always look great, no matter what they choose to wear.

Where Did The Bull Terrier Originally Come From?

James Hinks developed the breed in England in the early 1800s by combining bull and terrier dogs with the now-extinct English White terrier. Fido’s family tree soon grew to include the Spanish Pointer, the white English Terrier, and the Dalmatian. Breeders also gave Fido the distinctive egg-shaped head that is now his defining characteristic.

Fido’s predecessors, bull and terrier dogs, were bred to hunt vermin and were frequently used in blood sports. In fact, the Bull Terrier was commonly referred to as the “canine gladiator.” (We are glad to report that dog fighting was banned in England in 1835.)

What Type of Personality Do Bull Terriers Have?

Fido has a great disposition. Bull Terriers really are a joy to be around. They’re also often hilarious to watch. For example, they often like chasing their tails. They can be stubborn at times, but they tend to be pleasant and devoted to their people. If you’re searching for a friendly, energetic dog who will snuggle with you and make you laugh, one of these canines might be an awesome match. That said, it is important to note that they can become aggressive if not properly trained.

That said, we always recommend doing some breed research before adopting a dog. It’s important to make sure you’re picking the right pooch! 

Wasn’t Spud McKenzie A Bull Terrier?

Yup! Spuds Mckenzie, the famous canine mascot of Bud Light beer, is possibly the most well-known Bull Terrier. The charming pooch made his debut in a now-iconic 1987 Super Bowl advertisement, soon winning America’s heart. 

Spuds, dubbed the “original party animal,” was definitely top dog for a couple of years in the 1980s. He appeared in dozens of commercials, movies, and promotional campaigns, often sporting a Hawaiian shirt and sunglasses.

Here are some amazing facts about the popular canine superstar.

• The canine character appeared in both Neil Young’s lyrics and the music video for his song This Note’s For You. MTV rejected the music video because they felt it insulted Budweiser, one of their primary advertisers. It won an MTV Video Music award anyway, so it all worked out for Young in the end.
• Sir Mixalot supposedly penned Baby Got Back after realizing that Spuds’ entourage was entirely made up of skinny females.
• Tone Lōc mentions Spuds in his song, Funky Cold Medina.
• Although many people assumed Spuds was male, the role was really played by a female terrier named Honey Tree Evil Eye, or Evie.
• After going into “retirement,” Spuds reappeared to play a ghost advising a guy to get back in touch with his pals in a 2017 Super Bowl advertisement. (Fun fact: the house number depicted on the spot was 1989, the year  Spuds officially retired.) 

Are There Any Other Bull Terrier Stars?

Spuds isn’t the only renowned Bull Terrier. Target also picked one as their mascot, which is officially named Bullseye. That adorable puppy has a distinct red bullseye circle drawn around his eye. (Non-toxic paint is always used for this.) 

Bullseye has been Target’s official spokesdog for nearly 20 years! Bullseye has been played by numerous canines. The first, Kingsmere Moondoggie, or “Smudgie” for short, won an AKC championship. There are currently three pups rotating through the task.

We don’t want to forget the cartoon Bull Terriers! Our favorite one? Zero from The Nightmare Before Christmas. (Zero was technically a ghost, but we’ll include him.) Sparky from Frankenweenie was also a Bull Terrier. (Given that Tim Burton directed both of these films, it’s reasonable to assume that the renowned filmmaker is probably a Bull Terrier enthusiast himself.) Then there’s Futurama’s Spuds copycat, Slurms MacKenzie.

How Do I Care For A Bull Terrier?

A great dog care regimen always begins with a nutritious diet, regular veterinary treatment, and plenty of affection. Fido, like all dogs, needs training and socialization. To keep your canine companion happy and healthy, make sure he gets adequate attention, playing, and exercise.

Ask your Villa Rica Area, GA veterinarian for advice.

Are Bull Terriers Susceptible To Any Specific Health Issues?

While these dogs are typically pretty robust, potential owners should be aware of a few things. If you’re thinking about getting a Bull Terrier puppy, the AKC recommends that you request proof that he’s been evaluated for heart and kidney issues. 

Fido may also be at risk of hearing loss. Congenital sensorineural deafness (CSD) affects around 10% of Bull Terriers.

The breed standard calls for a patella check, BAER testing, and kidney and cardiovascular exams.

Of course, you should take your canine companion to the vet on a regular basis. This is an excellent chance to ask your Villa Rica Area, GA veterinarian for detailed information regarding your furry friend’s care requirements. 

Do Bull Terriers Require A Lot Of Grooming?

Due to their short, smooth coats, Bull Terriers require little grooming. You will have to brush Fido about once a week to keep him looking and feeling good. You’ll also need to bathe your canine buddy regularly, clean his ears, and trim his nails.

Consult your Villa Rica Area, GA veterinarian for specific care advice.

Do All Bull Terriers Chase Their Tails?

We can’t officially poll every single one, but it’s not uncommon! This playful habit can be both cute and humorous. However, there is a down side: this can occasionally be indicative of doggy obsessive-compulsive disease, also known as canine-compulsive disorder (CCD). (Bull Terriers, for some reason, are particularly susceptible to this). If your four-legged friend appears to be obsessively tail-chasing and/or is exhibiting other signs of distress, such as pacing or chasing his shadow, contact your veterinarian.

Make An Appointment For Your Dog At Your Villa Rica Area, Ga Animal Clinic

Do you have any queries about caring for bull terriers? Please contact us at All About Animals Veterinary Services, serving the Villa Rica area any time. We are always here to help!