Terrier Lover

Terriers, by nature, are exceptionally, naturally healthy creatures.

The lifespan of a Bull Terrier is between 10 – 14 years. Bulls live slightly shorter lives, on average, than their fellow terrier breeds; however, terriers tend to live very long lives compared to other breeds.

Bull terriers are prone to being deaf, and/or having atopy (allergic hypersensitivity of the skin), sometimes described as looking like acne.

In the breed’s early history, deafness was especially prevalent in white bullies bred to white bullies. This is not nearly so much the norm nowadays, however, due to responsible breeding practices.

Puppies can be tested as young as 8 weeks old to determine if there is a hearing problem.

* Tip: To ensure the best advantage of acquiring a healthy puppy is to adopt from a reputable breeder.

Again, the white dogs of the breed seem to be more affected by skin allergies than the other colors. This may cause your bull terrier to lick and chew persistently. If you notice your dog constantly fussing over it’s skin, take them to your veterinarian…It may be as simple as controlling it with an over-the-counter medication.

The voracious licking or chewing from the skin allergies has been known to result in an obsessive compulsive behavior, which may include tail chasing or self-mutilation from excessive chewing. Keep your eye on your pooch for such determined behavior.

Due to their short hair, the bull terrier one of the most hygienic of dog breeds. Terriers are hypoallergenic and do not shed, but with such short hair, there is little to do by way of grooming for these dogs:  A weekly brushing, trimming nails when they get longer, tooth brushing 3-4 times/week, cleaning out their ears every couple of weeks with an alcohol dipped cottonball, and a monthly bath or so (unless they get especially dirty outside)…and you’re done!

This grooming regimen is much less time consuming as compared to grooming a longer-haired breed of terrier that also needs their coat “plucked”, like the Cairn, Wire Fox or Scottie.

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I hope you enjoyed today’s installment of Terrier Lover! Until next time…

Love Your Terrier,

Kimberly Edwards

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