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The English Bull Terrier is known for their distinctive look and affectionate nature, not to mention their endless goofy antics. Famous for being the Target mascot, the Bull Terrier has both Terrier and Bulldog blood and is a tough pup with a big personality. If you’re worried whether any differences between a male and a female of this breed might influence your decision on which to welcome into your home, you’re in the right place. Read on to learn about both male and female Bull Terriers so you can make a more informed decision.
Visual Differences
At a Glance
- Average height (adult): 20–22 inches
- Average weight (adult): 55–65 pounds
- Average height (adult): 18–20 inches
- Average weight (adult): 45–55 pounds
Bull Terrier 101
When a dog breeding trend swept Victorian England in the 19th century,1 breeders had the genius idea of breeding together the robust, powerful Bulldog with the more agile, sporty English Terrier. Both breeds were used for hunting various types of game, and the new English Bull Terrier quickly became a hunter too, specifically for pest control. They were used to sniff out disease-ridden vermin like rats in essential grain stores to help keep people from getting sick.
While their stock is nearly the same as Pitbulls, the Bull Terrier had a few other unusual ancestors: the Dalmatian, various Pointers, and Greyhounds. These dogs were used to introduce more desirable traits like longer legs and to preserve the sharklike egg-shaped head. Considered a gentleman’s dog, the Bull Terrier has been owned by various figures like Teddy Roosevelt and General George Patton. Today, they’re an energetic, loving flurry of white perfectly suited for any active household, though preferably with a yard.
Male Bull Terrier Overview
Personality/Character
Male Bull Terriers are more adventurous, playful, and outgoing than females. They also have a higher tendency to show aggressive behavior, which is why neutering is highly recommended as soon as possible. Intact male Bull Terriers are more territorial and possessive and likely to try to dominate smaller dogs in their space.
Training
Despite these dogs’ moderate size, you’ll want to start socialization, obedience, and leash training as soon as possible. Male Bull Terriers, especially intact males, are more likely to test your boundaries and pull on the leash than females. That said, there’s no real difference in the training techniques you’ll use between a male and a female.
Health & Care
We generally recommend neutering male Bull Terriers if you’re not planning on breeding. Neutering reduces not only aggression but also the chance of developing cancers and prostate issues. On the behavioral end, neutering can make your male Bull Terrier more trainable and amenable to housetraining early on in his life.
- Playful
- Adventurous
- More active than females
- More aggressive
- Needs neutering to temper behavioral problems and mitigate future health risks
Female Bull Terrier Overview
Personality/Character
Female Bull Terriers have a reputation for being more doting and affectionate than males, with a more calm and curious manner. They still love a good romp in the yard, of course, but females are more amiable and tolerant of children and other dogs in the house. That said, you should realize that female Bull Terriers may not all be like this, and some can be just as high-powered or aggressive as males. As with people, dog personalities are unique to every individual.
Training
While more relaxed overall, female Bull Terriers benefit from the same training as males. Early obedience, leash training, and socialization will temper any aggressive rough edges and make them more well-behaved in the long run at home or in public.
Health & Care
A female Bull Terrier benefits from being spayed in many similar ways to a male being neutered. Reduced risk of ovarian cancer, mammary cancer, and uterine infections are just a couple of benefits of spaying, but it will also reduce aggression if that’s an issue with your female.
- Laidback
- Highly affectionate
- Gentle
- Can still become aggressive
- May notice personality differences after being spayed
Which Sex Is Right for You?
The male Bull Terrier is the perfect gentleman’s dog as per their reputation through history, happy to play rough and tumble in the yard or explore in search of wacky hijinks. The female shares that same core personality while being gentler and more loving in general. However, it’s important to meet a dog and assess their temperament for yourself. Some males may be more shy and affectionate, and some females can be rowdy and aggressive.
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Featured Image Credit: Top – dezy, Shutterstock | Bottom – dezy, Shutterstock
