Trying to decide what breed of dog to get as a family pet is certainly a fun affair. If you have an active family that is very attentive towards pets, Bull Terriers are a good choice. In fact, the American Temperament Test Society, Inc. or ATTS, a non-profit organization which promotes uniform temperament testing for dog breeds, gives the Bull Terrier a pass rate of 91.5%, as compared to an average of 81.5% for other dog breeds.
The Bull Terrier's physical appearance is highly characteristic, its distinctive feature being an egg-shaped head. It has unique triangular eyes which are small, dark, and closely set. Its body is full and round, while its shoulders are robust and muscular and its tail is carried horizontally. What's more, it walks with a jaunty gait, which is why it is known as the "gladiator of the canine race".
Bull Terriers are very friendly and outgoing dogs, and have a clownish attitude about them, which make them very interesting pets. Their physical strength is matched by intelligence, so that both their bodies and minds need to be kept active. They are generally very placid, and will not make the first move, but are very affectionate towards familiar people.
Bull Terriers are particularly good with children, and have a high pain threshold, which means that they are less likely to bite in defense. Younger dogs, however, may regard children as playmates and because of their strength could cause inadvertent injury. As such, they should still not be left alone with kids of tender ages. They are also very protective of children in their charge.
It should be kept in mind, however, that Bull Terriers are not ideal for first time dog owners, since they are very high energy dogs, which need a lot of exercise and stimulation in order to channel that energy. Not giving your Bull Terrier due attention can make it frustrated, bored, or worse, destructive. It will certainly help to give your Bull Terrier quality interactive time with members of the family by letting it join certain activities. Take it on walks, while running errands, or just to play fetch with the kids.
If you do decide to get a Bull Terrier, however, you will definitely be pleased with its engaging nature. It is a born crowd pleaser, although it has a tendency to forget its training when it hears the applause of the people around it. While it certainly will not be the best choice for those who want a dog for serious training, it will please those who appreciate dogs with individuality. With a Bull Terrier, you may have your hands full at times, but it will never be boring or dull.
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