Male vs. Female Bull Terrier: Key Differences (With Pictures)

The English Bull Terrier is known for their distinctive look and affectionate personalities, not to mention their endless goofy antics. Famous for being the Target mascot, the Bull Terrier comes from both Terrier and Bulldog blood to produce a tough pup with a big personality. If you’re worried whether there are any major differences between a male and a female that might influence your decision on which to welcome into your home, you’re in the right place. Check out the major physical differences below for both male and female Bull Terriers so you can make a more informed decision ASAP.

Visual Differences

At a Glance

Bull Terrier 101

As a dog breeding craze swept Victorian England in the 19th century, breeders had the genius idea of breeding together the robust, powerful Bull Dog with the more agile, sporty English Terrier. Both breeds were used for hunting various types of game, and the new English or Staffordshire Bull Terrier quickly became a hunter of its own—specifically for pest control. They were used to sniff out disease-ridden vermin like rats in essential grain stores to help keep people from getting sick.

While their stock is nearly the same as Pitbulls, the Bull Terrier had a few other unusual ancestors: the Dalmatian, various Pointers, and Greyhounds were all used to introduce more desirable traits like longer legs and to preserve the sharklike egg-shaped head. Considered a gentleman’s dog, Bull Terriers have been owned by various figures like Teddy Roosevelt and General George Patton. Today, they’re an energetic, loving flurry of white perfectly suited for any active household, and preferably with a yard.

Male Bull Terrier Overview

Personality / Character

Male Bull Terriers are more adventurous, playful, and outgoing compared to females. They also have a higher tendency of showing aggressive behavior, which is why neutering is highly recommended as soon as possible. Intact male Bull Terriers are more territorial, possessive, and likely to try to dominate smaller dogs in their space.

Training

Despite their moderate size, you’ll want to start socialization, obedience, and leash training ASAP. Male Bull Terriers, and especially intact males, are more likely to test your boundaries and pull on the leash than females. That said, there’s no real difference in the training techniques you’ll use between a male and a female.

Health & Care

As mentioned above, we generally recommend neutering male Bull Terriers if you’re not planning on breeding. Neutering reduces not only aggression but also dramatically reduces the chance of developing cancers and prostate issues. On the behavioral end, neutering can make your Bull Terrier more trainable and amenable to housetraining early on in his life.

Female Bull Terrier Overview

Personality / Character

Female Bull Terriers have a reputation for being more doting and affectionate than males, with a more calm and curious manner. They still love a good romp in the yard, of course, but females are more amiable and tolerant of children and other dogs in the house. Finally, you should realize that female Bull Terriers may not all be like this, and some can be just as high-powered or even aggressive as males. As with people, dog personalities are unique to every individual.

Training

While more relaxed overall, female Bull Terriers benefit from all the same training that males do. Early obedience, leash, and socialization will temper any aggressive rough edges and make them more well-behaved in the long run at home or in public.

Health & Care

Female Bull Terriers benefit from being spayed in many similar ways to a male being neutered. Reduced risk of ovarian cancer, mammary cancer, and uterine infections are just a couple of benefits from spaying, but it will also reduce aggression if that’s an issue with your female.

Which Gender Is Right for You?

Male Bull Terriers are the perfect gentleman’s dog as per their reputation through history, happy to play rough and tumble in the yard or explore in search of wacky hijinks. Females share that same core personality while being gentler and more loving in general. However, it’s important to meet a dog and assess their temperament for yourself. Some males may be more shy and affectionate and females can be rowdy and aggressive.

Featured Image Credit: Top – dezy, Shutterstock | Bottom – dezy, Shutterstock