Types of bull terriers

Regarded as one of the most charming and mischievous dogs in the canine world, the bull terrier is a playful, devoted, and sometimes headstrong companion. The muscular body and the typical egg-shaped head are, without a doubt, its two most striking attributes. But did you know that there are different types of bull terriers?

Read on below to learn what these bull terrier types are, how they originated, what differentiates them, and how to tell if a bull terrier is purebred.

The 6 types of the English bull terrier breed: What kind of bull terrier do you have?

The English Bull Terrier, commonly called the Bull Terrier, is a stocky, heavily muscled dog with a relatively short body. Officially speaking, only 2 types of bull terriers are recognized: the Standard Bull Terrier and the Miniature Bull Terrier. These are the classifications registered by the AKC (American Kennel Club) and other kennel clubs.

However, the influence of different breeds in the development of the bull terrier we know today has led to the distinction of other sub-types derived from the standard dog. They are:

• Bull terrier type bull or bulldog
• Terrier-type bull terrier
• Dalmatian Bull Terrier
• Mixed type bull terrier

For a better understanding of the subject, in the article, we will be talking in detail about all these types of bull terriers and their characteristics.

1. Standard bull terrier

The standard bull terrier type is the dog with which we are usually most familiar. It is a muscular dog, with a body longer than it is tall and a center of gravity close to the ground. These specimens can weigh between 22 and 31 kg, and reach 53-55 cm in height. Its most special feature is the oval-shaped head, flattened at the top.

This dog has a wide body with rounded contours; the back is short and arched over the shoulders, and the chest is broad.

2. Bull terrier miniature

For its part, the Miniature English Bull Terrier is simply a smaller version of the standard; They are the same in everything except size. Even so, they are considered two separate breeds. A mini bull terrier can measure between 25 and 35.56 cm, and weigh from 8 to 12 kg.

Like his older cousin, he has a square, muscular appearance, and impressive strength for his size. Likewise, he sports the typical egg-shaped head, with dark triangular eyes that give him that sharp, mischievous expression.

The Miniatura Bull Terrier is also popular as it is considered the perfect size dog for those who cannot handle a standard Bull Terrier.

3. Bull terrier type bull or bulldog

Many experts believe that to understand the original Bull Terrier, it’s important to look at the dogs that helped create the breed. Precisely, the bulldog was one of them. The English bulldog is appreciated for traits such as solid structure, muscularity, courage, and tenacity.

He also brought features such as a heavy skeleton, short fur, and a powerful jaw.

So what differentiates a bull terrier from a bull type?

The bull or bulldog sub-type describes a bull terrier that is much more compact and heavier than normal. The exaggerated weight is seen in the bones, muscles, and general composition. Its chest and hindquarters are remarkably wide, while the neck and legs are quite short.

These and other variations, such as high shoulders, straight knees, etc., cause this bull terrier to show restrictions in its movement. Many consider it a sub-type of poor quality. Still, it is common for breeders to use it to add more robustness to their breeding line.

It may interest you: 13+ Types of Bulldog (English, American, French, and Others)

4. Terrier-type bull terrier

The differentiation of the bull terrier from the terrier type goes back precisely to a remarkable ancestor: the now-extinct white English terrier (White English terrier). This is said to have been the ancestor of many popular breeds today, including the Staffordshire bull terrier and the Boston terrier.

Being a beautiful and slender dog, the white English terrier brought very special traits to the bull terrier breed. For example:

• Small, dark eyes and pricked ears
• A facial expression denoting mischief
• Clean body contour
• Whitecoat color
• Straight legs and tight shoulders
• Arched toes (“cat feet”)
• Whiptail
• Great agility and intelligence
• Likewise, he was responsible for a more refined and lighter constitution.

Today, this type of bull terrier breed can be easily distinguished from other sub-types by its clean lines, defined muscles, and a more harmonious overall appearance. It is a lighter, more agile, alert dog, which denotes greater skill in its movements.

See later: How Many Types of Terrier Dogs Are There? 30+ Terrier Breeds and Images

5. Dalmatian bull terrier

At a certain point, breeders realized that the developing bull terrier breed needed more confirmation. It was then that they decided to introduce the Dalmatian. This favored the obtaining of better legs/legs and long strides, providing greater elegance.

Many connoisseurs say that of all the Bull Terrier types, the Dalmatian sub-type is the easiest to identify. She exhibits long legs, a delicate body, and a more elegant face than the others. The neck appears longer, the shoulders are thrown back, and the cleanly contoured head appears to be elongated.

It is the variation used by breeders to improve conformation and movement traits.

Note. It is sometimes misclassified as a mongrel dog.

6. Bull terrier mixed type

Finally, a type of mixed bull terrier is distinguished, which exhibits characteristics of the previous sub-types. However, such traits are never very pronounced. For example, a mixed bull terrier may be lighter than a bull-type, less light and agile than a terrier-type, or less graceful than a Dalmatian-type bull terrier.

The mix is said to be the closest bull terrier variation to the breed standard. In addition, it seems to be the easiest to breed.

In addition to the standard bull terrier and the miniature bull terrier, there are 4 other subtypes or variations of the bull terrier: bull type, terrier type, dalmatian type, and mixed type. While they are all very similar dogs, there are differences in body and leg conformation, movement, and appearance.

Regardless of the type, the bull terrier breed is unique and virtually impossible to confuse.