Dog Community

considering a bull terrier

Posted : 12/30/2006 9:46:50 AM

Hi All,

I am a single male, and I own my own house. I love dogs and I think I will get a dog sometime next year, preferably during march (when I have a few weeks off to train - I'm a teacher) or in the summer. I mentioned the house and single because of the breed I am considering.

I would really like to have a miniature or regular bull terrier, preferably female. Not a Pit Bull Terrier, but a regular bull terrier. One of these:

I have read about the breed and I know that they can be energetic and need lots of exercise. I have heard mixed reports on whether they are good with children, but that's not an issue at the moment. I also know that they need to be socialized at a young age or they can be over-protective of their owners. I want it to be a nice social dog.

But here's my dilema:

I would really like to rescue a dog for 2 reasons. 1 - it really does "save" a dog, and 2 - breeders can be very expensive, and I'm not making 6 figures! [

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However, Bull Terrier rescues seem to be pretty rare. I'm not sure why.

So any advice would be helpful.

Thanks.

Xerxes

Posted : 12/30/2006 10:18:41 AM

Icy, where are you located? There are Bull Terrier rescues all over the place, just as there are all types of breed specific rescues.

It sounds to me that you are ready for a rescue dog, and you've got a great attitude. I urge you to contact any of the BT rescues in the country and let them know of your situation. These rescues are usually networked with each other quite well. Even if you were to contact a rescue organization a thousand miles away, they may know of a foster close to you that needs a forever home. Please don't let the distance from you to the rescue be a determining factor in contacting them.

The Bull Terrier is my favorite of the bully breeds. They just look like fun!

If you need any help in getting any contacts feel free to PM me and I'll try to help you out.

IcyNinja

Posted : 12/30/2006 10:32:07 AM

I am located in Pittsburgh, PA. I found this website [linkhttp://www.geocities.com/gtbtc/index.html]http://www.geocities.com/gtbtc/index.html[/link] and have contacted them just now. They really are a cool-looking breed, and I think they would be fun, even if they are energetic. I can use the exercise anyway! Thanks for the reply. If you have any info please forward it to me.

miranadobe

Posted : 12/30/2006 3:37:44 PM

Rescue volunteering is also a good opportunity to get hands on with the breed, if you find one in your area. Also consider the Bull Terrier clubs and going to shows to ask questions. I dog sit for Bull Terriers while one travels to dog shows (like Westminster in Feb! yahoo!!) and those dogs are far more powerful than you might imagine,esp considering their size. Tenacious does not begin to describe them, and definitely not a first-time-dog-owner breed without careful understanding and assistance from the Bull Terrier rescue/club and an excellent trainer familiar with the breed in your area.
They're incredibly funny dogs - I fell in love with them, but also walked away bruised and banged up from how physical they are. And BARK! OMG! No shutting them up - again, tenacious! They are not easy to train, according to the BT owner/handlers I know. And considering I don't trust grabbing toys in the presence of these particular dogs, I wouldn't think kids would fare any better. Not vicious, just powerful and FAST at grabbing stuff. Surprisingly fast. Plus, terrier instincts tend toward eyeing fast movements from small animals as, well, prey. BTW, all these dogs in this house have to be kept separated - terribly dog aggressive. Not sure how common that is, but I get the impression it's not rare.

Xerxes

Posted : 12/30/2006 3:41:19 PM

I should've known by the avatar...isn't that Malkin? Not really sure cuz it's not big enough.

They are a very cool dog, with a unique and interesting look. They do have very particular needs too. Contact the rescues and see if you can meet some of the dogs, talk with the people that are fostering the dogs and find out what kind of personalities the dogs have. Good luck!

Nic

Posted : 12/30/2006 4:14:32 PM

Too bad the timing is off. Philadelphia SPCA has one now.

[linkhttp://search.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=7588596]http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=7588596[/link]

miranadobe

Posted : 12/30/2006 4:58:41 PM

Wow! That's rare. I just did a search and after looking at 300+ "Bull Terriers", only 3 were actually Bull Terriers. I bet the BT club will be a good resource. Check out this resource for Bull Terrier rescue - particularly of interest is About Bull Terriers, which also has a "Recommended Reading" list..
[linkhttp://www.btca.com/rescue/index.html]http://www.btca.com/rescue/index.html[/link]

IcyNinja

Posted : 12/30/2006 8:09:57 PM

ORIGINAL: Red Devil*

Too bad the timing is off. Philadelphia SPCA has one now.

[linkhttp://search.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=7588596]http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=7588596[/link]

THAT IS THE CUTEST DOG I'VE EVER SEEN. DO YOU THINK THEY WILL TRNSPORT HER TO PITTSBURGH? [

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IcyNinja

Posted : 12/30/2006 8:10:39 PM

ORIGINAL: Xerxes

I should've known by the avatar...isn't that Malkin? Not really sure cuz it's not big enough.

Yes Malkin. You a hockey fan?

chewbecca

Posted : 12/30/2006 8:40:10 PM

I am a pit bull fan, myself, but I would assume any dog with terrier and bulldog in it are going to probably be quite similar as far as a lot of the temperament stuff is concerned.

If you want your dog (any dog) to be good with children, socialize it.
Educate yourself on the breed and you're doing good to go through a rescue, I think. Not just because I am very pro-rescue, but because rescues tend to be very helpful (if it's a good, reputable rescue) and they'll work with you. Most have behaviorist/trainers that will have also worked with any dog you adopt and can help you with your dog if you have any behavior/training questions.
They'll also help you find a dog that fits your personality, too.

Good luck in your search for a bully![

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IcyNinja

Posted : 1/6/2007 9:27:26 AM

It's amazing at how rare Bull Terriers are. Why do you think that is?

chewbecca

Posted : 1/6/2007 10:44:42 AM

ORIGINAL: IcyNinja

It's amazing at how rare Bull Terriers are. Why do you think that is?

I don't know, but I would consider it a good thing, because at least the jerks who over-breed pit bulls and fight them haven't caught on to the bull terrier yet.

Caryl Peters

Posted : 1/6/2007 7:42:25 PM

That is a great breed and you sound like you have done your home work. You should also definetly look into obedience classes while you are on the hunt for your furry family member. This breed needs training very early. Also when you get one, if there is a park or any where that alows pets you should take your pup there as much as possible and socilize it with as many human, kids and animals as you can find. Plus when school starts up again you might look into a doggie day care. I think it is awsome that you are wanting to rescue one! Good Luck with every thing!

Liz

Posted : 1/6/2007 8:07:18 PM

ORIGINAL: IcyNinja

It's amazing at how rare Bull Terriers are. Why do you think that is?

Bull Terriers were oringinally bred as a fighting breed. Between that, and their interesting head, they aren't that popular.

BUT, they are more popular than you think!

It takes a special person to own this type of dog

chewbecca

Posted : 1/6/2007 8:11:47 PM

Please don't take a bull terrier to a dog park to roam free off leash with other dogs.