The Bull Terrier is one of those dogs that people remember after seeing only once because of its unforgettable appearance. That distinctive look attracts people who like unusual pets, but in many cities the Bull Terrier is treated as a restricted breed. It is considered a powerful dog with a high level of arousal, and poor training can increase the risk of injury incidents.
Why is the Bull Terrier restricted?
There are generally four main reasons. First, the Bull Terrier belongs to a terrier related type and retains some natural aggression. Second, some people believe the breed can carry inherited instability or impulse related problems that make its temper seem unpredictable, causing sudden outbursts of barking, biting, or attack behavior, as well as poor response to commands. Third, its mood can appear changeable and it may seem to become excited very suddenly. Fourth, the Bull Terrier is considered a strong and highly stimulated breed, so if it is taken outside without proper training, there is a greater risk of injury to people or other animals.
Bull Terrier killing its owner
News reports have indeed described incidents in which a Bull Terrier fatally attacked its owner. One widely discussed case involved a forty one year old man who was reportedly mauled by his own Bull Terrier and later died in hospital. So yes, such an event has occurred in reality. Even so, despite several incidents involving the breed, the Bull Terrier is still not on the official banned breed list in some countries such as the United Kingdom and remains popular there.
Objectively speaking, the Bull Terrier is often gentler with humans than many people expect, especially toward its own family. The unusual face may create a stereotype that the dog is dangerous, but nearly every breed has had some record of attacking a person. People should avoid unfairly judging the Bull Terrier by appearance alone.