The Bull Terrier is one of the dogs that end up in dog fights. But at the same time, they are great companions. Either way, you may wonder what the bite force of the Bull Terrier is.
A Bull Terrier’s bite force is typically 270 PSI. Their bite force is one of the strongest because they were, unfortunately, bred to win in dog fighting rings. However, with the right socialization, you won’t have to worry about your Bull Terrier biting you or anybody else.
To fully understand the bite force of the Bull Terrier, we must first recap the history of this breed.
Before reading this article, “How Strong Is the Bull Terrier Bite Force,” check out: 5 Best Bull Terrier Breeders in Maine! (2023) and 6 Best Bull Terrier Breeders in New Jersey! (2023).
History of the Bull Terrier
The Bull Terrier appeared around 1835, and its ancestry likely goes back to a mix between a Bulldog and the English White Terrier, which has since become extinct. These “Bull and Terrier” pups got bigger after breeding with Spanish Pointers. Their skill in the ring earned them the title “gladiators.”
The first efforts to breed an all-white dog were made in 1860 by Bull and Terrier enthusiasts, led by James Hinks. Because of their bravery and their polite demeanor around people, these striking dogs earned the nickname “White Cavalier” and became popular as companions among people.
Although white Bull Terriers are no longer fighters, they are often referred to by that name in honor of their amiable nature.
In 1885, Nellie II became the first Bull Terrier registered with the American Kennel Club. The Bull Terrier Club of America started twelve years later. The Miniature Bull Terrier was recognized as a distinct breed in 1992, while the colored version of the Bull Terrier was recognized in 1936.
Famous people who adore Bull Terriers are President Woodrow Wilson, author John Steinbeck, actress Dolores Del Rio, and General George S. Patton, who was often accompanied by his white Bull Terrier, Willie. Patsy Ann, a well-known Bull Terrier, used to meet and greet the passengers and crew of every ship that arrived in Juneau, Alaska, in the 1930s.
She was so well-liked by visitors to Juneau that she was officially designated as the city’s greeter in 1934 — even beating out Rin Tin Tin in the popularity contest. A bronze statue of Patsy Ann was built and displayed on the Juneau pier in 1992, preserving her memory for future generations.
The novel and film adaptation of Sheila Burnford’s The Incredible Journey, which featured a Bull Terrier, did not have as much of an impact on the breed as the 1980s Budweiser advertisements featuring Spuds Mackenzie. After the commercials aired, demand for the breed skyrocketed.
It wasn’t until Ch. Rocky Top’s Sundance Kid (aka “Rufus”) won Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show in 2006 when a colored Bull Terrier made headlines.
The appearance of the breed has evolved considerably, and experts agree these changes are for the better. Rising from the 85th position in 1996 to the current 61st, Bull Terriers have become one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. The Miniature Bull Terrier is the 129th most popular dog.
Bite Force of Bull Terriers
Sadly, Bull Terriers have a history of fighting. A few centuries ago, some bored (and brutal) Englishmen concluded that betting large sums of money on the outcome of matches between two teams of strong canines to fight to the death constituted a sport.
This sweet and gentle dog was bred for generations to have a devastating bite, so it could do more harm in the ring than any other breed. Dog fighting is unfortunately still practiced today, and the Bull Terrier is highly sought after by illegal fighting dog owners due to its powerful bite.
A Bull Terrier’s bite may exert a force of up to 270 PSI, approximately half of that of a lion’s. The biting force of a Bull Terrier is about the same as that of a wolf, at roughly 400 PSI. It should come as no surprise, then, that a bite from a Bull Terrier has the potential to do significant harm.
Although it has a powerful bite, it is not the strongest of all dogs. Although the Bull Terrier’s biting force is greater than that of the Doberman and the German Shepherd, it still falls far short of that of the Kangal Sheperd Dog, a Turkish breed with a bite force of 743 PSI. That’s a gnarly bite!
How Is Bite Force Measured
The Bull Terrier does not have the strongest jaw of all dog breeds, yet it can still cause serious injury. There are a few variables that could cause the measurement to shift. If there is more than one incidence of biting, the bite force measurement may be different each time.
Experts measure bite force in PSI (pounds per square inch). Your Bull Terrier’s physical appearance, psychological condition, and the person whom it bites all play a role in the severity. The number of bites has no bearing on the PSI.
It all depends on the level of damage. Bull Terriers can inflict both superficial and fatal wounds with their attacks. The degree of their anger, fear, or provocation may also play a role.
When and Why Do Bull Terriers Bite?
Bull Terriers are not predisposed to attacking humans. Most of the time, this is simply due to instincts and defense mechanisms. If this is a common occurrence, you should take your Bull Terrier to the vet.
- Bull Terriers may attack humans and other animals for a variety of reasons.
- A Bull Terrier may resort to biting to defend its human companion, its territory, or its offspring.
- If you disturb a sleeping Bull Terrier or sneak up on him from behind, he may bite out of shock.
- Your Bull Terrier may bite if you play too rough with him. For instance, if a youngster runs around with him while they are playing, it may stimulate his desire to hunt and cause him to bite the child.
- If your Bull Terrier feels threatened in any way, including hearing a loud noise, he may bite you to defend himself. If they have experienced a traumatic event in the past and you have triggered it in some way, they may perceive you as a threat.
- When sick or in pain, a Bull Terrier may have erratic mood swings and a propensity to act aggressively. Due to the intensity of their discomfort, they may refuse physical contact with you.
Is Aggression Common in Bull Terriers?
The Bull Terrier is native to the United States and descends from the English Bulldog. Since these dogs were initially developed to engage in fights, it stands to reason they would be considered violent. Their size and overall appearance could make some people worry that they’re going to attack them.
However, Bull Terriers are not aggressive. Without proper socialization and training, these dogs might develop dangerously possessive, jealous, and attention-seeking attitudes. But on the whole, Bull Terriers are friendly dogs.
Like many dog breeds, the Bull Terrier can become aggressive if not properly socialized and taught who is in charge of the household. The following are two other causes of aggression in Bull Terriers:
Isolation
Bull Terriers, despite their friendly and sociable personalities, can feel lonely and depressed if they are home alone for long periods, especially when they are young. Because Bull Terriers need their owners so much, they may become anxious or disturbed when their owners must leave.
If they are alone for too long, they may develop aggressive behaviors. Bull Terriers require time and attention to develop into well-behaved adults, which is why they are not recommended for beginners.
Lack of Stimulation
Bull Terriers need lots of exercise because they are high-energy dogs. If these dogs don’t get enough physical activity, all that pent-up energy could explode in aggressive outbursts.
Bull Terriers require extensive outdoor time, active play, and mental stimulation. They may become more than just aggressive if their needs for mental and physical stimulation aren’t met.
How to Stop Your Bull Terrier from Biting
Allowing your Bull Terrier to bite you repeatedly, even if it’s just playing, will teach it that biting is acceptable. It is your job as the owner to teach them that biting is not appropriate. If your Bull Terrier has a biting problem, try these suggestions.
Your Bull Terrier can learn to behave more submissively with the help of positive reinforcement. Because Bull Terriers tend to be headstrong in the training process, you’ll need to be firm.
How well you socialize your Bull Terrier will have a big impact on how he or she acts in the future. Introduce your young Bull Terrier to other people, animals, and environments as soon as possible.
Positive Experiences
Expose them to positive experiences. This will not just stop the bad behavior of biting but also calm the pet’s nerves. Give them a taste of new sights and sounds by exposing them to the world. To some extent, you’ll protect them from being easily startled in the future.
Keep your dog away from potentially stressful situations. For instance, take him away from the area if he isn’t yet used to being around other dogs.
Training shouldn’t involve any form of punishment. Doing so will make things more challenging for you and the dog. You should reward your Bull Terrier when you need to.
Best Practices
When walking or running errands with your Bull Terrier, he must always wear a leash. It is for his safety since you do not want him to start a fight or run away. If your Bull Terrier is acting aggressively or fearfully, it’s best to wait a few minutes before touching him.
Ensure that he receives all of his vaccinations on time. This will keep him safe, as well as any other humans or animals in the area.
Learn to read and respond to your Bull Terrier’s nonverbal cues. You can use these signs to figure out how they’re feeling right now and respond appropriately.
Are Bull Terriers Safe Around Children or Animals?
Houses with small children should not have energetic dogs like Bull Terriers or Miniature Bull Terriers because of how rough they can be when playing. Active kids who are old enough to know how to interact with dogs will find that they are endless sources of fun and energy.
Bull Terriers can be hostile toward children they aren’t familiar with, especially if there’s a lot of running around and shouting. They may feel obligated to shield children from their friends.
Parents should supervise, and children should learn proper pet protocol to be safe.
They have a lot of patience with their kids, but they don’t take teasing well. Allowing your kids to play tug-of-war with the dog is a bad idea.
When it comes to other dogs of the same sex, Bull Terriers, especially unneutered males, could quickly become aggressive. However, dogs of other sexes tend to get along rather well. Cats and other small animals are not necessarily safe around Bull Terriers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bull Terriers can’t lock their jaws, but they can bite down hard and tear.
With a forceful bark and territorial nature, Bull Terriers are adept guard dogs.
Loud noises, strangers, and other dogs can startle or even scare Bull Terriers.
Conclusion for “How Strong Is the Bull Terrier Bite Force”
The unfortunate history of the Bull Terrier has earned it a bad reputation for being a dangerous dog. While the bite force of a Bull Terrier is quite strong at 270 PSI, if adequate training is provided, you won’t have anything to worry about. These are often amazing dogs, even in a family setting.
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Garrett loves animals and is a huge advocate for all Doodle dog breeds. He owns his own Goldendoodle named Kona. In addition, he volunteers at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, where he fosters dogs and helps animals. Garrett enjoys writing about Doodles and believes that dogs can teach humans more about how to live than humans can teach a dog.
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