Get ready to celebrate the cutest, quirkiest and most paw-some holiday of the year – International Bull Terrier Day!
We’re paying homage to this breed’s playful and lovable personality, their irresistible charm, and their special place in our hearts.
Whether you’re a proud Bull Terrier owner or simply a fan, it’s time to let loose and join the festivities.
So grab your furry friend, spread the word, and let’s make this day a howling success!
When is International Bull Terrier Day?
April 1st is not only reserved for pranks and jokes, it’s also a memorable holiday for Bull Terriers.
It may not be a coincidence that International Bull Terrier Day is celebrated the same day as April Fool’s.
Bull Terriers are known for their playful and mischievous attitude, and many believe that this is how the holiday came about.
How to Celebrate International Bull Terrier Day
Aside from making your Bull Terrier feel loved and appreciated this International Bull Terrier Day, there are plenty of ways to celebrate this holiday.
- Go for a long walk – give your Bull Terrier a fun day exploring around your neighborhood. They love walks, and they especially enjoy vigorous exercise.
- Visit the vet – while this might not be the most “fun” way to celebrate, we highly recommend it. Especially if you haven’t had your dog checked in a few months. This will help you be informed on what’s going on with your Bull Terrier’s health.
- Give them a new toy – an interactive toy is preferable. Any toy that will keep them entertained for a long period of time will help give them the mental stimulation they need.
- Take them to the park – Bull Terriers are extroverts who love spending time with their owners and making new friends. What better way to do this than by visiting the park?
- Raise awareness for abandoned Bull Terriers – because of their temperament, many dog owners surrender their BTs to the shelters, or abandon them completely. Use this day to help raise awareness for the breed.
Unique Gifts for Bull Terrier Dog Lovers
If you’re a Bull Terrier owner, or know someone who is, you might be looking for a cool gift to get yourself, or a friend.
Vintoys Bull Terrier Dog Big Hugging Pillow Soft Plush Toy
This huggable plush toy is the perfect gift for any Bull Terrier dog lover. It’s 21 inches long, and super adorable!
Bull Terrier Socks
They are fun, snug and comfy, what more could a Bull Terrier owner need to show off their love for this breed?
Scheppend Fluffy Flannel Fleece Pet Dog Bed Throw Blanket Cover for Couch
Another perfect gift is this cute fluffy flannel blanket. It helps protect your furniture from fur, dirt, and muddy paws! It’s also very easy to clean.
The History and Origins of the Bull Terrier Dog Breed
The origins of the Bull Terrier dog breed trace back to James Hinks of Birmingham, England, who began his breeding career by raising poultry and rabbits.
Soon after, he began dog breeding and seized the opportunity to make Bulldogs more friendlier-looking in the eyes of the public.
In the 1830s, bull and bear-baiting were outlawed and humanely shut down by authorities. Hinks saw this as an opportunity to combine the best of both worlds—the power of a Bulldog and the agility of Terriers. Thus, he started the cross-breeding process and eventually created the Bull Terrier.
Bull Terriers have a softer and smoother look than Bulldogs, yet they are still muscular and alert. This breed also inherits the Terrier’s activeness and agility.
Not only that, but Bull Terriers are also the ‘outline’ or the starting point of several breeds such as Pit bulls.
Characteristics of a Bull Terrier
Full of love and energy, Bull Terriers are a devoted breed. They are playful and agile, making them great active companions.
Bull Terriers are easily distinguishable by their long, egg-shaped heads, pointy ears that are always erect, and small triangular eyes, which are often filled with humor and delight.
When it comes to their bodies, Bull Terriers are at the same height as most Terriers, around 21-22 inches. But, they are more robust and big-boned, inheriting the trait from their Bulldog ancestors. On average, this breed weighs around 50-70 pounds.
Most Bull Terriers are white combined with other colors, usually including a beautiful brindle stripping. Their coats are smooth and short, requiring little maintenance.
The Bull Terrier as a Family Pet
There are plenty of reasons why Bull Terriers make amazing family pets. Aside from their goofiness and humor, Bull Terriers are also affectionate and devoted to their families.
Bull Terriers are also social dogs, but they can show signs of protectiveness. They can easily make friends with strangers.
However, Bull Terriers generally don’t do well with other dogs and pets. And any interaction between a Bull Terrier and young children should be supervised.
The good news is that there are ways around this, especially with training and socialization.
They can be incredibly stubborn, too, depending on their mood for the day, so training is important.
Bull Terriers get bored easily, so don’t leave them alone for a long time. They need to be supervised often.
Because of their curiosity and high energy, they’ll find creative ways to spend their time. Most of the time, this includes eating and chewing on anything they see.
How to Keep Your Bull Terrier Happy
Socialize Early
To keep them emotionally and mentally happy, your Bull Terrier needs early socialization with dogs and people.
Training your Bull Terrier to socialize should happen as early as 10-12 weeks into puppyhood.
By this time, your Bull Terrier pup should have all their shots and be cleared to meet other dogs and socialize with people.
You can start by introducing your Bull Terrier to smells, sounds, and the environment they will live in. Then introduce them to as many people and dogs as you can.
Early socialization will help your Bull Terrier learn good behavior instead of distrusting ones as they grow up.
It’s also easier to train dogs that are socialized.
Learn these basic steps to introduce your dog to other dogs.
Early Training
Basic commands and obedience training will also help keep your Bull Terrier happy.
By 6 months, your BT should know basic commands such as sit, stay, off, and come pretty well.
Start with short 10-20 minute training sessions each day.
Consistent training gives them the mental stimulation they need. No matter how old your dog gets, training them consistently can help them mentally.
Bull Terriers have a lot of energy, so mental stimulation and exercise can help them burn this off.
Exercise Regularly
Speaking of exercise, your Bull Terrier needs this as well. As mentioned, they have a lot of excess energy, and exercise is a great way to burn it off.
Otherwise, they may get bored and develop behavioral problems such as destroying household furniture, fighting with other dogs, and excessive barking.
Quality Time
Your Bull Terrier also needs to know how loved and valued they are – just like with most dogs.
Be sure to spend some quality time with your Bull Terrier every day to remind them how precious they are.
Here are a few ideas you can do:
- Cuddle on the couch and watch a movie.
- Head to the park for some exploring.
- Play a game of fetch in the backyard.
- Cool off and go for a swim.
Learn how to keep your dog safe at the park.
We hope you have fun celebrating International Bull Terrier this year! Learn more about the other dog holidays you should celebrate.
