Second thoughts on Bully as next dog?
Ogle0437
St Petersburg, FL
Hello, I have been looking forward to getting a bull terrier as my next dog for basically my whole life. I've owned 4 dogs before and now that we have the right house for it, I can finally get my Bully. Now, after reading this Bull Terrier Character section of the forum, sadly I'm having second thoughts.
I realize that like with any forum mostly folks with issues are prone to posting here for help, coloring the perception as likely worse than it is. But it is difficult to find large surveys or polls of Bully owners providing their experiences with trouble behaviors to draw a better sense of if aggressive behavior in or out of adolescence is the exception, the rule, happening 25%, 50% or 100% of the time. It's virtually impossible to find an answer or even get a good sense of it.
I understand the normal caveat of owners affecting outcomes, temperament of parents, etc. But I'm really interested to better understand what others consider the likelihood of aggressive behavior towards owners, other pets, etc. We work from home and can provide considerable attention, have a very well behaved 11-month olf Pomeranian now, and live close enough to two dog parks to be at one of them 3-4 days a week for socialization and playtime.
What should I know/expect in terms of diffidult adoloscent and other behavior? Is it a near guarantee, likely, unlikely, rare in your experience?
I realize that like with any forum mostly folks with issues are prone to posting here for help, coloring the perception as likely worse than it is. But it is difficult to find large surveys or polls of Bully owners providing their experiences with trouble behaviors to draw a better sense of if aggressive behavior in or out of adolescence is the exception, the rule, happening 25%, 50% or 100% of the time. It's virtually impossible to find an answer or even get a good sense of it.
I understand the normal caveat of owners affecting outcomes, temperament of parents, etc. But I'm really interested to better understand what others consider the likelihood of aggressive behavior towards owners, other pets, etc. We work from home and can provide considerable attention, have a very well behaved 11-month olf Pomeranian now, and live close enough to two dog parks to be at one of them 3-4 days a week for socialization and playtime.
What should I know/expect in terms of diffidult adoloscent and other behavior? Is it a near guarantee, likely, unlikely, rare in your experience?
Comments
We had issues with our puppy but we knew both his parents were friendly happy dogs so it was just his puppy phase he is now 9mths old and causes us no issues and friendly with other dogs. They will never be your model citizen, stubbornness is part of the character you grow to love. The swallowing everything in sight is a part you will never grow to love and can be frustrating.
Do as much research as possible if you can go to a few BT shows and speak with breeders a good breeder will generally have a waiting list but will be worth the wait.
You may have read some articles which present the idea that the breed has aggression issues but this is truly not the case. There's good reason why the Bull Terrier continually makes it in the Top 10 Best Dogs with kids, and it's not because they have an aggressive streak.
MOST Bull Terriers have absolutely wonderful temperament and are as lovable as you ever want them to be. Bloodlines make a big different with any breed of dog so it's important that you find yourself a reputable breeder.
"It's not just a Dog, it's a Bull Terrier!"
www.bulliesofnc.com
Our local Bull Terrier chapter is pretty small and appears to be inactive, but I'm working on finding their next event as suggested.
I have found my Bullies I have two to be a pleasure
Not overly dog aggressive and no human aggression
With that said they like any rough and tough breed can be a hand full
Be honest in what kind of dog you are looking for
Ever buy a dog solely on looks
That shows their kind side when brought up with small dogs but with that said just the other day a friend brought around a very aggressive Jack Russel that went after my female bull terrier and she was quick to grab it and if left to her own device would of killed it
They are not dog aggressive but will defend themselves
Every dog is different among all breeds and there is no guarantee what you’ll have to deal with, but if you are having second thoughts I would do some real soul searching before making that decision. There are so many bullies that are given up on because they weren’t what the owners were expecting. They deserve a commitment. Good luck!
"There are so many bullies that are given up on because they weren’t what the owners were expecting. They deserve a commitment. Good luck!"
SO, so true! Wise words!
@Ogle0437
It is great to hear of a prospective first time owner spending so much thought on acquiring a Bull Terrier (puppy) in advance ... and not just getting one without knowing anything. Thats one criteria that makes me feel like you could have what it takes to really become one of us weirdo's, myself included - sry guys, NO offense
I am warning you: Once you've learned to cope with their temperament - they will always be a handful - chances are that you will hardly ever want to own any other dog breed again.
For preparation as a first time owner I recommend:
1. Reading books.
One great book, actually a training book, but gives SO much insight on the temperament of the breed and a lot of helpful advice: Jane Killion's When Pigs Fly.
I am sure there are also other great bull terrier books on the market.
2. Taking it slow and trying to meet the breed in real life to get a better picture before getting a puppy. Dog shows are one possibility, breeders another.
There are several rescue groups located at both coasts of Florida - hello neighbor
Some examples:
https://www.facebook.com/bullterrierrescueclubofsouthwestflorida/
https://www.facebook.com/The-Bull-Terrier-Club-of-Tampa-Bay-130038980519763/
https://www.facebook.com/Bull-Terrier-Rescue-of-Florida-Inc-221615061278615/
You could contact one of them and see if you get the chance to meet their dogs, spend some time with them, ask questions, make some real life contact ... and maybe even fall in love with one of them.
Even if you desperately want a puppy - rescue dogs often are a little older - the experience could still be beneficial.
Just throwing in some ideas here. Good luck! And please don't forget to keep sharing and asking here.
Tip: Steve, the owner of this forum is a breeder of great reputation who may be able to help you with contacts or one of his own puppies in case you are willing to acquire your pup from another state.
Oh, and if you like even more information on the breed maybe check out my blog some time.
Breeds I have owned in order: mixed breed mutt from the pound (Rocky), German Shephard (Duke), Black Lab (Nick), Boston Terrier (Decker) and our current dog a Pomeranian (Nancy Drew).
Motivation for a bullie: It started when I read a book called "Grip, a dog story" when I was kid. It was about the loyalty of the breed amongst other things. Now we are looking and we want a dog with a big personality that was goofy and athletic. Check and check for a Bull Terrier.
I do plan to do some meeting and greeting locally before I decide.
My plan is puppie kindergarten followed by basic obedience. We plan to run our current dog through basic obedience again at the same time.
Can’t help but feel protected!!