Frequently Asked Question's        

     Home   The Authors   The Kennels   Up-Coming Stars   Mini-Bulls   Newsletter   Show Results

                          Bitabul Creations   Photo Gallery   Our Champions   Pedigree   Rescue

• What are the weight and size limits on Standard and Miniature Bull Terriers?
  
  Since there are no size standards in our breed, each breeder of Bull Terriers breeds his or her own type of dog. Our dogs are more terrier then bull type, averaging 18 to 19 inches at the shoulders and weigh 50 to 60 lbs. at maturity. Maturity is obtained around three years of age in our breeding. Our females are 17 to 18 inches tall averaging 45 to 50 lbs. " Our belief at Coronado Kennels is to keep the physical structure of our dogs as pure to the first bull terriers bred over 150 years ago, a sound, clean, muscular animal "
  Ideal miniatures true to the breed should always be 14 inches or under at the shoulders.  Our male's average 14 inches at the shoulder, weighing in top condition no more than 28 lbs. our females are 12 to 13 inches weighing 15 to 25 lbs.
  
  

• Do Bull Terriers get along with other animals?                    
  
  Yes, if Bull Terriers are introduced as young pups to an environment with other pets the success of harmony is excellent. We have placed bullies with folks that have ducks, birds,  and pigs and yes even cats. The temperament of our dogs is such, that all it takes is a little training from the new owners to have a peaceful household. However note this living arrangement may not always work.
  
  

• Are Bull Terriers good with children?
  
  Yes, you will never find a better nanny for a child than the Bull Terrier. However remember puppies will try to teethe on any objects including shoes, chairs and fingers. And older dogs through their excitement of greeting new friends as well as family members, because of their size  may easily knock a small child down, but this would be his worst offense. Also we must all watch out for those infamous head butts and bull runs.
  
  

• What colors do Bull Terriers come in?
  
  Bull Terriers come in a variety of colors including white, red, black, buckskin, tan, and any mixture of the fore mentioned colors. Any one of these colors may include head markings or not. I would like to mention the word Brindle here as this represents a pattern and not a color. Brindle means a tiger striping.
  
  

• How much exercise do Bull Terriers need?
  
  As with most dogs, exercise is of vital importance to their health and well being. An animal that is not allowed to burn off some energy through some form of exercise, will find other means of expressing built up frustrations. Usually it will be in the form of chewing up your favorite couch, extension cords, trees, shoes, or any thing else that he may find to direct his attention to. Remember that he is a Terrier, and in Latin the word means "go to ground". They were not bred as "Couch Potatoes", but require sufficient amount of exercise for their mental and physical well being.
  
  

• What are some of the Genetic Diseases known to Bull Terriers?
  I will describe four different areas of predisposed genetic diseases known to affect this breed.

  Kidney Diseases
  
  Renal Dysplasia. This disease causes the kidney's cells to develop improperly, resulting in a nonfunctioning kidney/s. The results are kidney failure.
  
  Hereditary nephritis is also fatal, but with a slower progression. The range in age of affected animals is as early as 2 years up to 8 years of age.
  
  Polycystic Kidney Disease, most recently discovered is NOT believed to be a problem in the US, but has been seen in Australia. It is very often associated with heart valvular problems.
  

  
  Laxating Patella's
  

  To keep this simple, this is when the kneecap slips out of place. It can vary from mild to severe and depends on how shallow the groove in the Femur is.

  
  Heart Diseases
  
  There are two forms of congenital heart diseases seen in Bull Terriers.
  
  Sub-aortic Stenosis is the narrowing of the aorta, the major arteries which carries blood away from the heart. This condition results in left-sided heart failure, or pulmonary edema.
  
  Mitral Valve Dysplasia is a "leaking" valve between the two chambers of the heart, the left atrium and left ventricle. The result of this condition is a murmur, called Mitral Regurgitation. The Mitral valve does not completely shut, causing blood that should be pumped entirely into the aorta to supply the body with oxygenated blood from the left ventricle, to leak back into the left atrium.
  
  Mitral Stenosis is when the mitral valve is narrowed, making it difficult for the blood to leave the left atrium. It can affect dogs mildly or severely with most affected animals leading normal lives, but the condition can most certainly worsen with age, resulting in heart failure.

  
  
  Deafness
  
  Degrees of deafness vary. One ear may be affected which is termed UNILATERAL (one-sided). While both ears may be affected or BILATERAL (both ears). Deafness can occur in both colored and whites. The reason for certain degrees of deafness can stem from malformations within the inner ear, to the lack of vital inner ear components, such as vital nerves to achieve proper function.

  
  
           As with ANY purebred dog, there are always certain diseases that each particular breed is predisposed to. It is EVERY Bull Terrier Breeder, Fancier, or prospective owner's responsibility to educate themselves and others on the health issues of these dogs. A REPUTABLE Breeder will have no problem giving a reasonable health guarantee on your new puppy. Research your Breeder carefully, for your new puppy truly deserves to grow old with your family. It does not mean that your dog will be free of all health issues, rather you have helped eliminate a certain percentage of possibility.