Confused about dog breed suitability for first-time owner?

Question

It won't be for a few years now but ever since I was about 14 when I met an English bull terrier at a pet expo, I have been mad on them. I have looked them up in countless books and articles and on the internet and they seem like the perfect dog for me, their personality, size and needs.

However, I have constantly read contradictory views on whether an English bull terrier is suitable for a first-time buyer. I have both read that a first-time owner should NOT get a bull terrier, but also been advised that a bull terrier IS a suitable dog for a first-time owner.

I know that bull terriers can be stubborn and at times difficult to train and so I would be prepared to take my dog to puppy training sessions and I would be very comitted to socialising and training it.

Does anyone have first hand experience with a bull terrier or have any advice that would clarify whether I should go straight for a bull terrier or choose a dog that is "easier" to handle.

Um for the first answer it's not an english bull dog it's an english bull terrier

thanks for the advice so far, I think it would be good to contact the local bull terrier club which there is, and ask some questions. I have become a bit more open minded about other breeds too because I realise that I have become a bit determined (i have a bull terrier mind lol) to get one. I would prefer a dog with short hair and of small to medium size.

Answer 1

You need to choose a dog that you would be happy and willing to take the time to care for. I don't believe much of the "not good for a first time owner" business, unless the dog has a personal issue that needs to be addressed by a professional.

English Bull Terriers are great dogs, but they can be tricky (and you're right, it's the terrier in them). As long as you're willing to do the proper amount of research and aren't rushing into this decision (and I must add, I am impressed, you sound like you are being VERY mature about this) you can go for your dream dog.

I would suggest, however, that you check out local shelters and pages such as www.petfinder.com and www.craigslist.com to adopt a Bull Terrier. There are millions of dogs that are euthanized every year because they have nowhere else to go and Bull Terriers are a prime target for euthanization because they are a "bully" breed.

I keep repeating this to everyone, but a great book to check out before you get a dog is "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Positive Dog Training" by Pamela Dennison. Dennison has a very interesting and unique, as well as informative, way of describing dog behavior and displaying proper techniques for handling problem dogs as well as dogs that are in need of basic obedience training.

Good luck to you! I hope you find the dog of your dreams!

Answer 2

As a trainer and long time owner of terriers. I can tell you yes they can be hard headed. Most terriers were not meant to work with people. They were bred to work independently and therefore can view humans as an obstacle.

But here is the key. Start your training at day one. So if you get the pup at 8 weeks of age start that first day. You won't be able to join a socializing class but you can socialize your pup around dogs you know that are good with pups and are up to date on shots.

You would start right away with the "nothing in life is free method" (http://www.k9deb.com/nilif.htm). I have used this with several terriers I have personally owned and showed. I currently have a 3 months old Wheaten terrier and he comes to school with me with over 70 infants to 1st graders. And he is calm and enjoys the children very much.

It is just important to establish alpha rolls a bit earlier with terriers is all. Know what some of the triggers are for your breed of terrier and get out there and work on the reactions.

For instance most terriers have a high prey drive for cats. So as a pup (8-12 weeks) take him around cats and teach him the appropriate way to react. I hope this helps.

Answer 3

For some people, terriers are never good dogs reguardless of if it's their first dog or not. They're headstrong and often need something to motivate them other than food which can make training difficult.

The best thing to do would be to get in contact with some good quality breeders and talk to them specifically about the breed and why or why not they would recomend that breed, both for a beginner and for someone who has owned a dog before. Even though you won't be getting your dog for a few years a good quality breeder will be more than happy to answer questions reguarding the breed and help you decide if this is indeed the right one for you.

Answer 4

I had the cousin to the bull terrier, the american staffordshire terrier. That pup at 6 months and 50 pounds was a monster! I had to put him in a room with nothing in it and he started to dig through the wall. They are also known to be escape artist, I had to give him away. All the pit bull breeds normally are highly power full and need extra supervision regardless to the fact they normally are good with people, but just one bad day with one of the pit bull breeds and you could find your self in the deepest trouble!

Perhaps you know they have miniature bull terriers, If your under age or not 100% confident you should not get one.

Answer 5

I believe many people choose a first dog that they later find out wasn't the best breed for them. If only more folks would be honest with themselves and admit it!

You ask a great question.
I would recommend that you contact folks that have the breed you're interested in. Spend some time at events geared specifically to that breed. In your case, see if there are any English Bull Terrier clubs in your area. Contact them, let them know that you are interested in the breed, and you are doing your homework to learn all you can about the dog. Most clubs would invite you to their events. There you can talk to owners and breeders about their experiences with the breed (all dog people I know love to talk about their dogs - and they invite folks to meet and greet their dogs). Stay in contact with these folks, and ask more questions as they arise. You'll know for sure (soon enough) if that's the best dog for you.
Good luck!

Answer 6

Well..it seems like you have really researched this breed...so, in this case, I would agree that it would be suitable for YOU as a first time dog owner. As long as you know the way the dog is and what you need to do for training this breed...I think you will do fine with this breed. Good luck!

Answer 7

I would not suggest an bull terrier unless you can invest in a excellent trainer that knows the breed.
They can and often are very stubborn and hard headed.
I have even found many with experience of dogs have trouble handling this breed.
I have one now and have a trainer that works with me.

Answer 8

you should look even more into the breed. Get around on the internet look at some breeders email or call them tell them your situation and that you really love the breed. Also you might want to ask if you could come to there facilitys and look at there animals and there temperements.

Some fun websites:
http://www.bullterrier.kiev.ua/english/terrier.shtml

Answer 9

Highly recommend the book "Training Your Retriever" don't recall the author, sorry. Super book for good all around training any breed of dog. Very positive, loving methods. All dog breeds I've been around respond well to the techniques. (Goldens, mixed breeds, Dobies...)

Can't beat a Golden Retriever to learn about training - very tractable, manageable, want to please you breed.

Congrats on thinking ahead, training a well mannered companion, good luck.

Answer 10

visit www.ioeba.net