EBT right for me

Maggie15

Hello

New to the forum and so delighted I have found it. My husband and I we love dogs always have.  We have a nearly 10 year old male Rottie and a 8 year old female Yorkie. Both neutered. We also have 3 cats and hopefully getting 1 more next year.  I have always wanted an EBT but my limit on dogs was always 3. I lost my Pug 2 moths ago he was nearly 13.  So I thought right this is the time.  But really want to make sure it is the right decision for us but mostly for the dog.  From reading through the discussions I'm 50/50.  I always thought physical discipline was frowned upon but from reading here it is a must when needs be.  Don't get me wrong I'm not anti punishment. My Rottie has always been the top dog in the house and doesn't tolerate being annoyed.  If an EBT is anything like my brother's Staffy when a puppy I know how boisterous he was.  My cats are a worry too.  From reading other information on the EBT it said they don't get on with cats and will kill them. But I read the discussion about ETB and cats here and it seems it can be done.  I also have 4 children but I'm not worried about that, they are well used to dogs.  It's really the tendency to be aggressive that I'm worried about.  I know I need to toughen up.  Any advise. I know all dogs are individuals.  Thank you and I'm loving this site.  I'm in Ireland btw.

bigbear1tracey

Welcome @Maggie15 EBT are the best do devoted loyal and loving they can be alot of hard work and can test u to your limits u have to be very firm and i mean firm no pussy footing around i had all breeds big dogs small dogs all my life I have staffys too and they r alot easier than a ebt u can have a ebt with other dogs I have two ebt my youngest is 7 months and she came to our home where I have 3 other dogs she had her problems but no fault of her own they have been nearly all sorted the situation with cats mine hate cats but have never lived with any I think if the cats r already there then maybe but trying to bring a cat in once a ebt is already there could be a problem r u looking to get a puppy or a rescue .

Maggie15

Thank you for the welcome.  I would definitely be getting a puppy.  8 weeks old.  The 3 cats are here but was hoping to get my last cat next summer so would be coming in after I have got the puppy but the pup would be no more than 6 months by the time I get the kitten.  I asked the breeder I was looking at about cats and he said once the pup grows up with them it wouldn't be a problem. So you would say they are higher in energy than the Staffy.  When you say test you what do you mean.  

bigbear1tracey

Well I'm sure there other members can give u more advice about the cat situation than me I meant test in they r a very strong willed dog more than any breed I've ever had stubborn as a ox lol but in a good way just don't be prepared for a easy ride as long as u have the time and patience you couldn't ask for a more beautiful dog but as u will see from alot of the posts on here most of us have had our fair share of challenges with our ebt myself included have u actually found a puppy yet.

philsergeant

Welcome Maggie.... I would always want people with desire to have the wonderful experience of owning an EBT, but from what you describe my vote would be no, UNLESS you have a lot of energy, resilience and patience.  You would have to get him/her as a puppy and look forward to ensuring that the Rottie knows that you are the only boss in the house so that he doesn't get a knee jerk reaction when Bullie wants him to know they are equals beneath you. At 10 going on 11 he might find a rambunctious 18 month old Bullie a bit much to tolerate... Big difference to them growing up together. As far as the cat is concerned, I know that some have them living in harmony but I have never tried... ours would eat him for sure.

Maggie15

I have spoken to a few breeders and found one that I really liked. I have not committed yet.  I have met a few EBT over the years. Mostly at shows.  They seemed similar in behaviour to Staffy's.  But obviously I only met them in brief. My brother's Staffy was full of energy when a pup.  He lived with us for 6 months. It was a bit of an eye opener to what I was used to. My Rottie was an angel compared to him.  He has calmed down alot now.  I have the energy, resilience and patience but I might be too soft.  Oh my maybe they are not the breed for me.  Have always loved them.  Just waited until I had more time on my hands before I got one and was down to the 2 dogs. Maybe my Rottie might not tolerate being challenged later on

BulliesofNC

About 95% of Bull Terriers that have NOT been raised around cats will not do good with cats. However, raising a Bull Terrier as a puppy with cats already in the home shouldn't be a problem. We have had many people purchase a puppy from us that owned cats.

A Bull Terriers temperament and character has a lot to do with their bloodlines but just as important is the way they are raised and trained.

philsergeant

@Maggie ... If you choose to go ahead and integrate a Bullie into your family I promise you two things (at least) You will have the truly amazing experience of being the recipients of the most loving dog breed on earth, AND you will have our total support... I wish you strength and luck and kudos for having the determination.
@ Steve... I want the names addresses of each of those Bull Terrier Traitors that love cats!!!! No, I don't particularly like cats myself, but when could i ever measure up to the gifts of a Bullie.

Djammy

@philsergeant

So, are you saying you'd rather add a duck to a cat than a Bull Terrier?

*kidding, of course!*

I like cats, either.

Only, since I've met Bull Terriers, they've occupied all the space I have  in my heart for pets.

But look at all those pictures above - sooooooooo cute! Some BT's seem to love cats, too.

bigbear1tracey

@Maggie15 when I got my first ebt my staffy was 13 yrs old I had to come on here for alot of help he was so soppy and would not put my ebt pup in place I really didn't know what to do but got the best help and advise from this site I managed to raise a fantastic ebt with the help on here and the dedication of the people who I've become very fond off I recently took on a 5 month ebt who came with alot of problems attacking my dogs never been soliclized fear of everyone and everything aggression yet again the surrport was here they r the most wonderful dogs I'd never be with out one now I've had my new ebt about 7 weeks she now friendly with people dogs doesnt attack cars bikes buggies etc it's been a ton of hard work but she needed to find someone who she could trust and it's paided off she's fab so if u do get one you will have help with everything I don't think there's anything that could not be answered .@BulliesofNC those photos r fab ...

Quinnofhearts

Hi, @Maggie15 welcome to the forums!

Bull terriers are very challenging dogs...are you sure you're up to the task? You only had that Staffie for 6 months, but this Bull Terrier would be for 11+ years. And Bull Terriers are crazy for their entire life. I've seen videos of 12 year old bull terriers hucklebutting, knocking furniture around, outpacing dogs younger than them. They are strong and boisterous and stubborn and annoying and also the absolute best dogs in the entire world.

My bull terrier is scared of cats. The one she met hissed at her and she avoided it and tucked her tail after that. The only other cats she has "met" have been through glass. My dog has a low prey drive. Does not chase squirrels, shows a mild interest in birds. Does not care about little dogs. But I believe she is an exception to the rule. Bull Terriers are terriers - they hunt small prey.

However I'd worry less about the cats and more about the Rottweiler. Bull Terriers are pushy and if you don't think the Rottweiler would tolerate that then perhaps a more docile breed would be better. Bull Terriers are the hardest under the age of 15 months. Phew.

I definitely don't want to discourage you, but some situations are just not right. Bullies are very hard and take a lot of dedication and understanding. If only I had known back then what I know now...I'd still get an EBT I'd just be a lot smarter.