Need Information about a Bull Terrier?

No dogs have locking jaws. No dogs. You never know if any dog is safe with kids. Even a golden retriever will bite kids if the dog is not conditioned to being around them.

Terriers however, just so you know, used to be known as the Nanny Dog. Parents would leave their children in the care of the bull terrier when they went out into the fields to work. The only way you will know is to bring the dog into the house (on a leash!!) and see the reaction of the dog with your kids. I would bring the dog in and take him to a bedroom.

Take the kids into the room, ONE at a time. Tell the kids NOT to approach the dog. In fact, if they are small enough, you should hold them, allow the dog do to his sniffing but do not allow the dog to jump on you/your children. If the dog approaches with his head lowered, it is a "polite" way of approaching, it shows courtesy. Once things seem calm, then allow your children to be near the dog. You can have all of them in the room at this point. Remember to keep the dog on the leash and don't allow your children to jump on the dog. They should not all approach and once either, the dog may feel trapped. You just need to make sure that the dog gets accustomed to its environment, don't inundate him and if the dog is good with kids, or bad with kids, you will know almost immediately.

You also need to introduce your dog to the new dog and make sure that relationship will work! You need to be careful here as well. If the lab is a protector of the children, another dog entering may make your lab feel like he needs to protect the kids. DO NOT have the dog meet the kids and the dog all at the same time!

One more thing: make sure that he is neutered or get him neutered - neutered males are MUCH less agressive and MUCH less territorial than intact males.

Jaws don't lock. It's a myth. If it is a (English) Bull Terrier then you need to read up on the breed. They can be fine with other dogs and kids, it depends on how it was raised and trained.

The owner should also contact the breeder. A good breeder would take the dog back and has a contract that makes it illegal to sell or give the dog to someone else.

There are Staffordshire Bull Terriers and (English) Bull Terriers...totally different breeds. Spuds MacKenzie was a white Bull Terrier. They are a gladiator breed, so they can be rough and tough. If you do get one, you need to make sure you are the one in charge. Take it to a training class. I would do that with any new dog, but esp. a strong willed breed like a Terrier.

Generally most Bull Terriers and Bully Breeds in particular need to be the ONLY pet in the household. Sometimes they can do okay with an opposite sex other dog. Usually they are great with children and people.

I would suggest that the owner contact Bull Terrier Rescue for the dog. Not knowing where you are, try Petfinder:

http://www.petfinder.com/

.

No such thing as a locking on jaw - that's a myth. No dog has a jaw that locks. Every dog is different. He may be fine with kids and the other dog or not. You have no history on him or how well he's been socialized. Some bully breeds are dog aggressive if not socialized properly, but until you test this dog with yours you won't know.

I'd pass simply because you have no history on this dog and you have small kids. A shelter will at least temperament test a dog or know what a previous owner told them. Here, you don't know what you are getting. If you do take him, go slowly with your kids and dog and supervise closely. Be prepared to relinquish it to a shelter if things don't work out.

!!! I love Bull Terriers! Bull Terriers don't have a locking jaw and they are generally a "one-man" dog, though a few do like families. They aren't that great with chiddlers and I probably wouldn't get one because you have a black lab...

well, is it a football head bull terrier? or some type of bull terrier? most are good with kids, and other dogs. See how he acts with your other dog, he might just be the best dog you will ever have. Don't let people scare you with their ignorance, trust YOUR instincts and open both eyes with this dog's behavior with the other dog and your kids, chances are he is fine, most are....

by the way, no dogs can lock their jaws.

well my uncle has one its hates kids it trys to snap at my baby cousion hes 2.and my baby cousion loves dogs and is use to them to. heres some information

Bull Terrier (AKC Terrier Group)

Height: 15 to 22 inches. Size: Medium.

Weight: 35-80 pounds. Availability: May take some effort to find.

History:

The Bull Terrier was developed from crosses between Bulldogs and Terriers in the 19th century. According to sources, the dog's strength, agility, and courage made it popular as a gentleman's fighting dog; some advocates of the breed, however, say that this is myth. What we do know for sure is that the White Bull Terrier variety (nicknamed the "White Cavalier") became especially fashionable as a pet for the aristocracy in the late 19th century. Today, Bull Terriers are still loved for their courage, loyalty, intelligence, for their affectionate spirits, and for their clownish senses of humor.

Description:

The Bull Terrier is a sturdy, strong, medium-sized dog with a massive, oval-shaped head with no stop. The eyes are small, piercing, and triangular; the body is compact and muscular. The overall appearance is distinctive and unforgettable. Two varieties are accepted in the AKC standard: the White Bull Terrier and the Colored Bull Terrier. The White Bull Terrier may have colored markings on the head, but not elsewhere on the body. Colored Bull Terriers may be brindle, black-brindle, tricolor, red, or fawn with white markings.

Notes:

The Bull Terrier can be a wonderful pet if thoroughly socialized and trained with a firm hand, but the breed is not recommended for people who don't have the time for these important activities. Can be too energetic for small children, so supervision is required; some Bull Terriers who are wonderful pets to the children in their own family may be aggressive to other children and many Bull Terriers dislike being teased and may bite in response. Highly motivated by food or toys, Bull Terriers respond well to firm training with positive reinforcement and a sense of fun. Avoid overly repetitive or punitive training techniques. Crate training is recommended to keep the Bull Terrier safe and out of trouble when you cannot watch him. Requires a moderate amount of exercise. Can be very destructive (i.e. chewing and digging) if not given lots of toys, attention, and other diversions. Check puppies for deafness. Can be sensitive to fleas or other parasites. Other health issues to ask breeders about include heart defects, kidney failure, luxating patella (dislocation of the knee-cap), and skin allergies.

Personality:

Long ago this breed may have been a gladiator, but he is now much more companionable. Courageous, strong-willed, fun loving, active, and clownish. Fearless. Becomes very attached to his/her owners. Bull Terriers' feelings can be easily hurt. A well-bred and well-socialized Bull Terrier should not generally be aggressive with other dogs. If provoked, however, a Bull Terrier may not back down from a fight. Unaltered males often don't get along with other intact male dogs. All Bull Terriers should be on-leash unless there are no people or animals in the near vicinity. Male and female can live together happily and two females can sometimes live together with care and supervision. Not recommended with any dominant, aggressive, or assertive pets. The Bull Terrier may also be aggressive toward smaller animals, including cats, rodents, birds, and smaller dogs, due to the breed's strong prey drive.

Bull Terriers can be protective and willful; do not encourage this breed to be possessive or jealous. They may try to join in family rough housing or quarrels, which could result in nipping or knocking down. The Bull Terrier should be thoroughly socialized so that he feels comfortable with strangers and other dogs. Be sure to also teach a Bull Terrier not to nip and bite; with his strong jaws he can do real damage even if he thinks he's only playing. Bull Terriers also shouldn't be left alone for a long time; they become bored, lonely, and destructive and they may also develop personality quirks like incessant barking and tail chasing. Always purchase a Bull Terrier from a reputable breeder who takes care to breed for temperament. Different lines can have different personality traits, for example, some lines can be significantly more dominant than others.

Behavior:

Children: Best with older, considerate children.

Friendliness: Fairly friendly with strangers.

Trainability: Somewhat difficult to train.

Independence: Needs people a lot.

Dominance: High.

Other Pets: May be aggressive w/ same-sex dogs; do not trust w/ non-canine pets.

Combativeness: Tends to be fairly dog aggressive.

Noise: Average barker.

Grooming and Physical Needs:

Grooming: Very little grooming needed.

Trimming & Stripping: No trimming or stripping needed.

Coat: Short coat.

Shedding: Average shedder.

Exercise: Moderate exercise needed.

Jogging: An excellent jogging companion.

Indoors: Fairly active indoors.

Apartments: Will be OK in an apartment if sufficiently exercised.

Outdoor Space: Needs an average sized yard.

Climate: Best in warmer climates.

Owner: Not recommended for novice owners.

Longevity: Average (10 to 12 years).

Talents:

Agility, obedience, watchdog, and performing tricks.

so i would say no dont get it get a young dog or a dog that is raised w/ small children

good luck

okay honey, be prepared for an onslaught of horrible quotes about these dogs... check out the akc web page

http://www.akc.org/breeds/staffordshire_bull_terri...

please note this paragraph

Temperament

From the past history of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, the modern dog draws its character of indomitable courage, high intelligence, and tenacity. This, coupled with its affection for its friends, and children in particular, its off-duty quietness and trustworthy stability, makes it a foremost all-purpose dog.

My baby is the sweetest dog and if you raise it right then it will be fine-- not as a guilt trip but if it goes to the pound it will probably be put down so PLEASE give him a home--

as for the kids as with any dog just supervise closely especially at first...

Dogs are safe-- its the owners that are the problem

good luck if you have any more specific questions feel free to e-mail me at brookie8513@hotmail.com i have bull terriers and advocate for them all the time

There's NO SUCH THING as a "locking jaw" on ANY dog in the UNIVERSE!!!

If you this ignorant & FREAKED OUT...Do NOT take the dog!!!

You'll be just WAITING for an excuse to DUMP IT.

They are cute, but I can't really say anything about their personalities. Do tons of research. I have heard that they can be aggressive, but any dog can be aggressive, just make sure you know what you are getting yourself into.