English Bull Terrier
Discussion
Yes, the suggestion was for you. Sarah knows all there is to know about the breed. If you can't find her, let me know & I'll contact her.
But try here first http://www.champdogs.co.uk/breeder/5830?mobile_sit...
The bald patch on the tail is very common on Bullies. My b
h Madge had it all her life, as well as other skin conditions.
But try here first http://www.champdogs.co.uk/breeder/5830?mobile_sit...
The bald patch on the tail is very common on Bullies. My b
h Madge had it all her life, as well as other skin conditions.chilluk7 said:
Bernhund - sorry don't think I'm allowed to PM yet - I've tried to send Sarah an email on the address listed on that champdogs page but it bounced back - do you have any details, or could I send you something to forward if you are still in touch?
I've messaged her directly to see if she's happy for you to contact her. I'll let you know asap.She has said if I read the paperwork she gave me when we bought our Bully, I'll see it says that it's common for young Bullies to develop a 'thumb print' on their heads and tails when they are growing. Also, at Neds age, his head will be broadening which will make it look worse. So that's all there is to it. No worries!
A reputable breeder should've provided you with plenty of paperwork for raising an EBT.
A reputable breeder should've provided you with plenty of paperwork for raising an EBT.
Edited by bernhund on Tuesday 16th February 21:08
Just discovered this thread, wanted to pop in to say hello.
We had a red female when I was a kid. Me, brothers and Dad all wanted an EBT, Mum said no way. Took her along to a local breeder who had a new litter "just for a look", came away with Mum having fallen in love with the cutest puppy in the litter, who fell asleep in her arms, job done.
That dog became the sixth member of our family over 14 happy years. She was almost human, it was uncanny. So many classic EBT traits:
Hugely energetic in bursts, then stubborn when had enough
Often obedient, but occasionally would do just what the hell she liked and no stopping her
Had her own armchair, but would then come and sit in yours, steadily stretching her paws out until she removed you from it
Incredibly loving, loved a cup of tea every morning and got given a roast dinner on a Sunday!
Liked a sleep, sadly too much - slept through not one but two burglaries!
Sadly she died of kidney failure aged 14, I hoped my parents would replace her, alas they were so devastated that they couldn't face it.
18 years on I'm now married with a 1 yr old baby. I'd like an EBT but wonder when the best time would be to have one. Our dog was incredibly placid, but if she was ever touched when a bit grumpy would snap at you. Never a bite, but teeth shown, enough to just say 'bugger off and leave me on my own'. I'd be a little concerned about an EBT (or any dog for that matter) around a baby so may have to leave it a few years.
Then part of me says get a puppy when our son is a toddler, and the two of them can grow up together. We're only planning on having one kid (age is against us) so having a dog would be a good thing for our son, in the absence of a brother or sister. The only other concern I have is my wife never having owned a dog. She's done quite well when we've had a fellow PH-ers Jack Russell to stay with us for the week in our pre-baby days, but an EBT puppy and a toddler might be a bit full-on. All food for thought, let's see how things pan out!
We had a red female when I was a kid. Me, brothers and Dad all wanted an EBT, Mum said no way. Took her along to a local breeder who had a new litter "just for a look", came away with Mum having fallen in love with the cutest puppy in the litter, who fell asleep in her arms, job done.
That dog became the sixth member of our family over 14 happy years. She was almost human, it was uncanny. So many classic EBT traits:
Hugely energetic in bursts, then stubborn when had enough
Often obedient, but occasionally would do just what the hell she liked and no stopping her
Had her own armchair, but would then come and sit in yours, steadily stretching her paws out until she removed you from it
Incredibly loving, loved a cup of tea every morning and got given a roast dinner on a Sunday!
Liked a sleep, sadly too much - slept through not one but two burglaries!
Sadly she died of kidney failure aged 14, I hoped my parents would replace her, alas they were so devastated that they couldn't face it.
18 years on I'm now married with a 1 yr old baby. I'd like an EBT but wonder when the best time would be to have one. Our dog was incredibly placid, but if she was ever touched when a bit grumpy would snap at you. Never a bite, but teeth shown, enough to just say 'bugger off and leave me on my own'. I'd be a little concerned about an EBT (or any dog for that matter) around a baby so may have to leave it a few years.
Then part of me says get a puppy when our son is a toddler, and the two of them can grow up together. We're only planning on having one kid (age is against us) so having a dog would be a good thing for our son, in the absence of a brother or sister. The only other concern I have is my wife never having owned a dog. She's done quite well when we've had a fellow PH-ers Jack Russell to stay with us for the week in our pre-baby days, but an EBT puppy and a toddler might be a bit full-on. All food for thought, let's see how things pan out!
Much appreciated Bernhund - our breeder said it was dust mite allergy?! I couldn't see it being confined to that spot - if it were that it would be all over his underside surely. We did get some advice sheets but nothing about that. I don't suppose you have your info pack still do you - could I pay you to make a copy? Trouble with doing any sort of self research online is you get 20 different verdicts, and when even the vet doesn't recognise it as a standard thing for the breed you know you have no chance personally!
PurpleTurtle - your childhood dog sounds just like our Ned in his stubborn ways. He is very good with being handled though never a cross "word" from him. He was extremely mouthy (nipping everything mostly fingers!) when very young which would be something to watch out for, but is very good now - has never chewed anything in the house, always very good with toileting. Still likes to nibble an ear if you are cuddling him.
Obviously he is immensely strong and on a bully run could easily knock over a small adult never mind a toddler so also something to watch but it wouldn't be in malice (in my experience) just a case of whatever is in the way gets walloped - I have had one or two bruising encounters between his head and my shin!! We joke that an EBT skull must be the hardest substance known to man!
On a couple of facebook groups the wife is on there are plenty of pics of EBTs snuggling up to babies / toddlers. Not sure I'd go that far myself (my kids are older) but I guess you come to trust / know your dog over time.
PurpleTurtle - your childhood dog sounds just like our Ned in his stubborn ways. He is very good with being handled though never a cross "word" from him. He was extremely mouthy (nipping everything mostly fingers!) when very young which would be something to watch out for, but is very good now - has never chewed anything in the house, always very good with toileting. Still likes to nibble an ear if you are cuddling him.
Obviously he is immensely strong and on a bully run could easily knock over a small adult never mind a toddler so also something to watch but it wouldn't be in malice (in my experience) just a case of whatever is in the way gets walloped - I have had one or two bruising encounters between his head and my shin!! We joke that an EBT skull must be the hardest substance known to man!
On a couple of facebook groups the wife is on there are plenty of pics of EBTs snuggling up to babies / toddlers. Not sure I'd go that far myself (my kids are older) but I guess you come to trust / know your dog over time.
Edited by chilluk7 on Wednesday 17th February 10:44
Bull terriers in general are good with kids, but like all dogs NEVER leave them with young kids, as they will try to dominate.
If your bully bites (nips) they you need to correct it.
My 1st bully was 5 when we had our 1st sprogg, and he was good as gold, the present one tries to dominate the youngest (8 year old) but he is learning not to do it as a swift kick up the rear hurts.
If your bully bites (nips) they you need to correct it.
My 1st bully was 5 when we had our 1st sprogg, and he was good as gold, the present one tries to dominate the youngest (8 year old) but he is learning not to do it as a swift kick up the rear hurts.
eatcustard said:
Bull terriers in general are good with kids, but like all dogs NEVER leave them with young kids, as they will try to dominate.
If your bully bites (nips) they you need to correct it.
My 1st bully was 5 when we had our 1st sprogg, and he was good as gold, the present one tries to dominate the youngest (8 year old) but he is learning not to do it as a swift kick up the rear hurts.
Absolutely agree that dogs and kids should not be left unsupervised, but kids can also treat dogs inappropriately (not necessarily intentionally).If your bully bites (nips) they you need to correct it.
My 1st bully was 5 when we had our 1st sprogg, and he was good as gold, the present one tries to dominate the youngest (8 year old) but he is learning not to do it as a swift kick up the rear hurts.
I loved having dogs around as I grew up (they were/are part of the family) but my parents waited until their youngest - me - was 5 years old before getting the first family dog. I know lots of other people do it earlier successfully.
Edited by moorx on Wednesday 17th February 13:02
i was around 6 when we got 2 full size EBT's and they were absolutely never left alone with me or any of my friends.
kids can and do have a tendency to pull ears, poke eyes and tug tails without realising that the dog doesnt like it.
bull terriers of all types are particularly good with children but as already mentioned, never to be trusted.
kids can and do have a tendency to pull ears, poke eyes and tug tails without realising that the dog doesnt like it.
bull terriers of all types are particularly good with children but as already mentioned, never to be trusted.
Thanks for the advice, I think probably best to wait until our boy is about five, just so he can understand the ground rules that come with a dog. Something to look forward to for the longer term.
I'm loving looking at some of the pics on this thread, has made me realise how much I miss our old girl.
I'm loving looking at some of the pics on this thread, has made me realise how much I miss our old girl.
On another note - neutering....
Our breeder said to leave him entire until he is around 2 years old so he can mature. Vet has said any time from 6 months, lays it on with all the "pros" for having it done. Googling seems to throw up mixed results (as always) - pros are the same as vet has said, cons saying don't do it until he has done his growing, he could lose a bit of "confidence" etc.
He isn't normally a massive humper, but does get very excited when other dogs are around - normally just playful, but just starting to get a little bit more than that when he gets really excited. He goes to regular puppy training classes and they have also planted the seed with the Mrs that we should get him done after he went a bit giddy when the whole class were off lead. He is VERY friendly with other dogs and they are all potential playmates even if they are barking and growling at him - he just looks at them tail thumping.
Now if there are no downsides I'll book him in next week and all will be sorted. However if having him done now could be detrimental long term to his health, I'd rather mitigate that by just keeping him on lead / away from temptation for a bit longer. BTW we did raise the questions with the vet but I think they are brainwashed nowadays to just repeat the "do it at 6 months, think of the testicular cancer" mantra.
I'm not interested in breeding him obviously, he is our family pet, and I don't care too much if he isn't the most muscly bully ever to walk the streets. I want him to be healthy and continue with the great temperament he seems to have developed.
What have others done with their bullys? Any advice as to when the "best" time is for him and us?
Our breeder said to leave him entire until he is around 2 years old so he can mature. Vet has said any time from 6 months, lays it on with all the "pros" for having it done. Googling seems to throw up mixed results (as always) - pros are the same as vet has said, cons saying don't do it until he has done his growing, he could lose a bit of "confidence" etc.
He isn't normally a massive humper, but does get very excited when other dogs are around - normally just playful, but just starting to get a little bit more than that when he gets really excited. He goes to regular puppy training classes and they have also planted the seed with the Mrs that we should get him done after he went a bit giddy when the whole class were off lead. He is VERY friendly with other dogs and they are all potential playmates even if they are barking and growling at him - he just looks at them tail thumping.
Now if there are no downsides I'll book him in next week and all will be sorted. However if having him done now could be detrimental long term to his health, I'd rather mitigate that by just keeping him on lead / away from temptation for a bit longer. BTW we did raise the questions with the vet but I think they are brainwashed nowadays to just repeat the "do it at 6 months, think of the testicular cancer" mantra.
I'm not interested in breeding him obviously, he is our family pet, and I don't care too much if he isn't the most muscly bully ever to walk the streets. I want him to be healthy and continue with the great temperament he seems to have developed.
What have others done with their bullys? Any advice as to when the "best" time is for him and us?
I have just been reading through this topic. It is amazing to read other peoples experiences of the EBT. It is as though someone was describing my 2yr old white bh.
I took here as a rescue when she was 1yr old.She was going to be put down as the shelter was full of unwanted (mainly staffies) dogs. I was looking for another dog to be a companion to my 4yr old Bullmastiff.
At first she was content to be submissive and just follow his lead. That was approx a year ago.How things change !!!! She has a number of bad habits which I am working with her on.The main problem being that she was not properly socialised in that first year. However,she has so much love,character ,spirit, etc that I am so glad she is now part of our family.
She has completely role reversed with my Bullmastiff !! You now have this pint sized female bossing a 10 stone bullmastiff around as though they were an old married couple. As lots of people have pointed out they can be stubborn independent thinkers,which if you don't have the right experience this can cause a problem. As someone said try a 'foster' and get to know the breed a little better before committing . I am so glad I took a chance on her,but it has at times been hard work.
The breed does have a health warning,if not controlled correctly they can land themselves in a lot of trouble very quickly.
The owner of any dog has a duty to be in control of the dog at all times,no matter if in public or at your home.There is a lot of negative prejudice toward certain breeds this being one of them.This is something to think about,you may find your mate next door suddenly thinks your are the son of satan for bringing this savage beast into the neighbourhood.I know of instances of parents no longer allowing their children to go to a home because of a certain breed being present.All things to think about.
Please don't think I am being negative about EBT ownership.I think they are fantastic.But far too many dogs of this type end up in shelters/rescue because the novelty has worn off !!!
I have found my dog to have endless amounts of energy followed by endless amounts of rest, the trick is making sure that she is at home when rest time sets in,as said earlier if your in the middle of a field you've potentially got a challenge on your hands as how to get the bugger home.
I think the dog is at its happiest trying to please its human. Mine seems to like structure, others I know are far more chilled out than mine but I think she is still quite young .
If after all that you still feel up to the challenge then go for it and good luck. Hopefully you will find the same enjoyment companionship, loyalty fun, etc as I and all the other posters have with this breed. Don't be afraid to ask for help if you have any problems. A different perspective often makes a seemingly impossible issue a non event.
h.I took here as a rescue when she was 1yr old.She was going to be put down as the shelter was full of unwanted (mainly staffies) dogs. I was looking for another dog to be a companion to my 4yr old Bullmastiff.
At first she was content to be submissive and just follow his lead. That was approx a year ago.How things change !!!! She has a number of bad habits which I am working with her on.The main problem being that she was not properly socialised in that first year. However,she has so much love,character ,spirit, etc that I am so glad she is now part of our family.
She has completely role reversed with my Bullmastiff !! You now have this pint sized female bossing a 10 stone bullmastiff around as though they were an old married couple. As lots of people have pointed out they can be stubborn independent thinkers,which if you don't have the right experience this can cause a problem. As someone said try a 'foster' and get to know the breed a little better before committing . I am so glad I took a chance on her,but it has at times been hard work.
The breed does have a health warning,if not controlled correctly they can land themselves in a lot of trouble very quickly.
The owner of any dog has a duty to be in control of the dog at all times,no matter if in public or at your home.There is a lot of negative prejudice toward certain breeds this being one of them.This is something to think about,you may find your mate next door suddenly thinks your are the son of satan for bringing this savage beast into the neighbourhood.I know of instances of parents no longer allowing their children to go to a home because of a certain breed being present.All things to think about.
Please don't think I am being negative about EBT ownership.I think they are fantastic.But far too many dogs of this type end up in shelters/rescue because the novelty has worn off !!!
I have found my dog to have endless amounts of energy followed by endless amounts of rest, the trick is making sure that she is at home when rest time sets in,as said earlier if your in the middle of a field you've potentially got a challenge on your hands as how to get the bugger home.
I think the dog is at its happiest trying to please its human. Mine seems to like structure, others I know are far more chilled out than mine but I think she is still quite young .
If after all that you still feel up to the challenge then go for it and good luck. Hopefully you will find the same enjoyment companionship, loyalty fun, etc as I and all the other posters have with this breed. Don't be afraid to ask for help if you have any problems. A different perspective often makes a seemingly impossible issue a non event.
A bit of a thread resurrection but we picked up our Bully pup on December 28th at 8 weeks old. He's called Arthor - he's got "God of Thunder" in his family tree!
He's fabulous, farts like a trooper, is crate trained, seems to know his name, and gets on with our 2 Jack Russells and most importantly our 2 year old son!
He's fabulous, farts like a trooper, is crate trained, seems to know his name, and gets on with our 2 Jack Russells and most importantly our 2 year old son!
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