Are Bull Terriers Good With Kids?

BulliesofNC

This is a popular question I receive from first time owners or people unfamiliar with the breed.

Like many canine breeds, the temperament of a dog depends a lot on how it was socialized from the time it was a puppy. I wouldn't put any child around a dog that wasn't well socialized with other people or other children. Kids have a tendency to sometimes tease or provoke a dog without even knowing they're doing so. How well a dog tolerates a behavior like this that is foreign to them depends a lot on how that dog was raised and socialized.

Bull Terriers that have been raised properly around children make wonderful pets and are as kind hearted as can be. The link below is a fantastic video which depicts hundreds of photos of nothing but Bull Terriers and the fortunite children lucky enough to grow up with one.

 

 

Zerlett

Great post! They can be clumsy, trample over kids and take things from them, properly trained and socialized with kids can teach them to be polite with children. All my dogs love children, though Bowzer used to be very afraid of them, it took extensive socializing to teach him kids are okay, when we moved to AZ my neighbors kid's were always over to play with the dogs, he learned they were actually awesome with a ton of energy and always wanting to play.

oscar

good boy he is............

bullyluna

My two bullys like kids luna is playful but athena sometimes is a lil cranky...but they love my dauther..and kids...

Leslie

Great video almost makes me tear up!!!!

BulliesofNC

The Bull Terrier makes it in the Top Ten Best Dogs for Kids - http://www.pawnation.com/2013/04/15/top-ten-dogs-for-kids/4

Leslie

Killer Bull Terrier eating young boy  

BulliesofNC

I think he's saying "Wait a second, this isn't a rabbit!"  )

Leslie

Nope no rabbit just a young boy in dog suit getting a serious tounge lashing!!!!!

Leslie

From a verry disrespectful puppy who's grown into a wonderful companion thanks Steve and the others who had even a kind word of encouragement. A very proud moment for me:)

usmc46153

Hahaha, what a great photo.

philsergeant

How old is the rabbit licker?

Leslie

20 months almost 2!!!!! 

Leslie

I had a gentleman ask me the other day if this was the breed with the really strong bite?..... my answer...... yup and my grandmother had a peekanize ( sorry for the spelling ) with a really strong bite too!!! :>

philsergeant

Why didn't you ask him if he'd like to try the bite out and give you his rating.... That would stop him from asking dumb questions....  Oh! you know why they call them peak-a-knees don't you..... that's about as high as they can see....
:-))

Leslie

I hated that dog lol!!!!!

BulliesofNC

A child's custom step stool.  8-}

Leslie

Convenient!!!!! And the dog appears asleep!!! Haha!!

Stoeger

They are great with kids aren't they?

Stoeger ran circles with a young boy at the car lot yesterday.

It was the first time they had met and they're buds now.

Stoeger

Yup...

gilbarbara

Cora loves little girls, often she wants to cross the street to greet them!

And I'm love with this duo: http://instagram.com/jack_bullterrier

Xtracho

Naw....they HATE kids!

BulliesofNC

So many awesome photos!
:-bd

BulliesofNC

The Bull Terrier placed #8 in "Best Dogs with Kids" and now #5 with "Dog Breeds Who Love To Party"  

(Click The Links)

Stoges_mom

Stoeger loves kids!
He jumped right in the 'spaceship' pack and play, after he did though he was like mommy save me, what have I done! Lol I keep the prig ad leash on him just in case. I'd rather be safe then sorry.

Leslie

Cleo loves to snuggle her boy.

BulliesofNC

DianeWright

Both my BT's love kids, but can play a little rough. ">

ITZheida

Yes, I have two small young daughters and they love her, and she loves them. She wants to play, sometimes too aggressively but she has never nipped at them when they push her away. From my experience, they are a good breed with children.

BulliesofNC

Just another great Video with Bull Terriers and Kids:

Soapskid

Bullies are gentle but just try running from one. Spud has never shown aggression to children but will chase a kid if it runs and this happens at the dog park. On the weekends the dog park near me has a soccer field and playground close by and parents at times will think its ok to bring them in. Smaller children at times like puppies don't know any better but there are ones who do and have seen handle Spud by being the alpha, two primarily a 4 year old girl and boy.

Spud's great around kids and when he does chase them now he is in heel position. It took a while to get Spud to not jump excitingly but he has never shown any aggression towards children even off leash.

Xtracho

Maya was a bit "nippy" with Ariana, my grand baby. But after a few months that stopped. I just attributed it to the puppy stage. Now they are best buds. Another wonderful video Steve. Thanks for sharing that. 

Boyda

All of my dogs have great dispositions with my daughter (she's four). I have never had to worry an ounce with all three of them hanging around her. The only time they make her cry is when they try to play with her toys, or should I say destroy her toys.

Quinnofhearts

Haha I wouldn't say I think that Bull Terriers are super good for kids when they are puppies... They don't mean any harm I know, but Quinn used to get so excited about children she would knock them down. They would approach her and she would get very excited, wiggly butt and sticking her nose into them (surely everyone knows the bully nose poke? I often get it in the eye socket...) and then they'd squeal and laugh which get her very excited and then she'd knock them over... Can't say I felt too bad cause this usually happened in dog parks, but I had to pull Quinn off a few times cause she'd start licking them and they couldn't get up... :-\"

She's now required to greet all children sitting down, but she ignores most people nowadays...not interested in you unless you have a ball or a treat.

NoraGroeneweg

We were told our girl was well socialized with children but it is clear she was not exposed much.  We got her at 2 years and we are working on socializing her now.  One the first day, she growled and nipped my two year old twice.  She got pinned both times and kenneled.  Two days later each of her growls is getting less often and more of a grunt.  Growling gets her pinned as well.  She learns very quick.  Wish my toddler was as good about leaving the dogs back side alone.

BulliesofNC

This is concerning based on the age of your Bull Terrier and lack of "true" knowledge of her social experience with kids. I would recommend keeping a close eye on her at all times around your child as I would with any dog that was brought into the house.
You're doing the right thing by immediately reprimanding her each time she shows any sign of aggression. Continue doing so until she truly understands the negative consquences of her bad behavior. I would also get your 2 year old engaged with your bull terrier during times you can have complete control and supervision. You could allow your little one to provide her a treat or her food bowl during eating time. Don't allow your 2 year old to stand by her while eating but the mere act of handing off the food or treat will be enough for your Bull Terrier to respect your child and recognize him/her as a friend.
Often some dogs don't like the energy and noise kids produce and often feel confused around them. Obviously this only comes from dogs unsocialized with children but you have to air caution with any dog that shows aggression or anxiety around kids. If they don't know how to react around kids their natural ability to gain dominance on them will evolve and if irritated by a child they could snap. 
Take things slow and keep constant supervision but allow your child to take certain roles where your Bullie understands that they are a friend not foe.

NoraGroeneweg

Yes she hand feeds the dog her kibble and she is the only one who gets to give the dog special treats.  We also do petting sessions where we pet the dog while she is.  You can tell the dog is hesitant b/c rather than relaxing and enjoying the pets, she keeps a close eye on my daughter.  I will continue to keep a very close eye on these two.  And you are absolutely right, my daughter is very loud and continues to hug her flank/play with her tail, which the dog doesn't appear to enjoy.  So in addition to reprimanding my daughter for these type of touches, my husband and I frequently touch her rear end and tail (which of course she doesn't mind coming from me).  I can't tell you how helpful this forum has been for me.  Thanks so much for taking the time to help other bully owners.  I have only had her for a week and she is truly like no other dog i've ever had. Very unique.

BulliesofNC

Well she sure looks nice from your profile photo but I'm in hopes we get to see more photos of her. 

NoraGroeneweg

Here are a few more.  The one with the wording on the bottom is from her previous owner who had a pup litter with her.

BulliesofNC

Great Photos! 

DianeWright

 She's a beauty Nora.  I'm glad you use the pin down method. 

BulliesofNC

philsergeant

When I saw this I reckoned we could all start saving some vet fees by letting the kids do all the work.

BulliesofNC

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philsergeant

Brutal!  Totally Brutal! I could hardly watch! What are we going to do to curb the violence.... in kids these days!
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