Bull Terrier Progression: Growth Chart, Milestones, and Training Tips

Bull Terriers are playful, fun-loving, and a bit thick-headed at times. However, these dogs will be your best friend. Read this article to discover bull terrier progression and growth charts while gaining useful training tips.

Bull Terrier Origin

The bull terrier has quite an extensive history. You’ll learn more about it in this section.

In the 18th century, Victorians began to seek mixed breeds of dogs. They began to mix the two to create the bull and terrier. The purpose of creating this canine mix was to make a dog that could offer the terrier’s physical fitness coupled with the bulldog’s fierce grip. 

In the 1830s, it was made illegal to engage in bloodsports. Consequently, these dogs were brought underground to sneakily continue bloodsports such as bull-baiting and bear-baiting.

This road map would lead to many variations of bull breeds that would be loved in modern times today.

James Hinks, an Irish shoemaker’s descendant, began his breeding career with poultry. Soon after, he began to explore the world of dog breeding. 

In the 19th century, he utilized his backyard to mix breeders. Eventually, he got the mix right, creating the ideal bull terrier that is loved for their charm, loyalty, and athleticism today.

In the 20th century, bull terriers were bred for their distinct shape of head. It is also believed that the egg shape of the bull terrier has a similar influence on the Staffordshire terrier.

Female & Male Bull Terrier Growth Progression Chart

In the section, a bull terrier growth progression chart will be provided to give you an estimated weight at certain ages. It is important to remember that genes, lineage, and other things can have a contributing factor to their growth. If you are concerned that they are not growing as they should, please consult your local veterinarian.

Bull Terrier Milestones

Whether you are raising, breeding, or welcoming a bull terrier to your home, these milestones will give you a brief idea of what to expect at different parts of their lifespan. On average, a bull terrier will live to be 11 to 13 years old.

0 to 2 Weeks Old

At this stage in life, the bull terrier’s progression is minimal. For instance, they do not understand human communication yet. This is due to lacking all of their senses. They do not even open their eyes until two weeks of age.

2 to 4 Weeks Old

This stage in the pup’s life is one of the most crucial to how their adulthood will turn out. During this stage, their senses will begin to awaken slowly. Next, they will begin to learn about how to maneuver around.

Your bull terrier puppy will begin to gain baby teeth. Moreover, they will begin to become restless, desire to play, and want to go on adventures with their siblings.

4 to 12 Weeks Old

The 4 to 12-week-old stage for bull terrier puppies is another important stage of their life. In this milestone, they will require socialization training as they learn to communicate with other dogs, animals, and people.

Potty training should be started now as the puppy has more control of their bowls. However, accidents still occur. This is also the time when worms are most common in puppies. Therefore, you will need to monitor their stools to ensure there are no visible signs of worms.

During this stage, your puppy will also become more attuned to their surroundings and yourself. It is an important time to use motivation and praise-based training to help them overcome fears they may develop.

3 to 6 Months Old

This period of your bull terrier’s life may be referred to as “the ranking stage.” At this time, they will begin to develop their personalities. Nonetheless, you will need to make sure that they begin to learn who is in charge at home. They may attempt to gain power or dominance over your household. Plus, daily training will help them avoid becoming headstrong and help them reduce their desire for independence.

You may desire to send them to doggy training school once they reach four months old. 

6 to 12 Months Old

At 6 to 12 months old, your bull terrier will reach the adolescence stage in their life. During this stage, your puppy will become an adult. What’s more, is that they will also develop adult sexual behaviors. This also is the ideal time to decide if you are going to breed them or have them fixed.

Be on the lookout for signs of teething at this stage of their life as well. Around this time, bull terriers will lose their baby teeth, and their adult teeth will come in. This can be painful and uncomfortable, which is why having plenty of stuff to chew and nibble on is highly recommended. 

Daily training should be continued. Plus, it may be time to increase the amount of food they are being given. Vaccinations should also be continued according to your vet’s recommendations.

Bull Terrier Training Tips

If you are uncertain how to train your bull terrier, these tips will help get you started.

Begin Training Sooner Than Later

As stated in the above paragraphs, getting your bull terrier’s training started early is important. For one thing, it helps to teach them how to respect boundaries. Plus, it helps your puppy comprehend what you ask them.

Be Consistent

Any training you wish to provide for your bull terrier must be consistent. One way to keep a consistent training schedule is to make sure all family members follow the same training. This also helps eliminate the confusion and frustration your puppy would experience if training were not consistent.

Use Positive Training

It is a common misconception that using forceful or aggressive training is best for canine breeds that are known to be confrontational. Positive training is a better option because it provides a fun, engaging, and positive experience. 

Don’t Conduct Extensive Training Sessions

Bull terriers have the attention span of toddlers. Consequently, it is recommended to only spend 15 minutes training per session 3 times per day. It also helps your bull terrier retain information while still keeping it new.

Patience Is a Virtue

Do not expect your canine to pick up training on the very first day. It will take time, consistency, and patience for when they may be a little stubborn. But, if you can have faith in them, stay on track, and continue with positive reinforcement training, your puppy will surprise you.

Refocus 

Your bull terrier will test the waters with you regarding training. If you find them performing unwanted behaviors, simply redshift their focus. For example, if your puppy tries to chew on human toes, direct their attention to a chew toy. By doing so, you are showing your puppy how to behave in a way that you find appropriate,

Don’t Forget to Get Social

As mentioned above, socializing your bull terrier will help them avoid fear of other animals and humans. In addition, socialization helps reduce aggression that may come later in life. 

Remember to start socializing slowly, such as bringing your puppy to a dog park and letting them watch the world around them. Over time, you can bring them closer to people and strangers, provided that they act appropriately.

Get Professional Help 

If you have been trying to train your puppy on your own, and it isn’t working, it may be time to call a professional dog trainer. There is no shame in needing the help of a professional handler. It can help you discover a technique to train your puppy in a way that works for both of you.

Recap: Bull Terrier Progression

In conclusion, your bull terror may have a slower, or faster progression in development. However, this article has provided you with general knowledge about their growth chart, milestones, and essential training tips for a healthy, happy life,

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/cindygoff