Temperament
Although there is much discussion regarding the safety of owning a Bull Terrier, the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS), which performs temperament tests in an effort to weed out potentially dangerous dogs from breeding programmes and to educate dog owners, reports consistently high pass rates, around 90%, for Bull Terriers. Generally, Bull Terriers are no more or less aggressive towards people than any other dog. A Washington Animal Foundation human fatalities survey in 2001 found none caused by Bull Terriers.
The Bull Terrier is a fun, comical, people-loving dog. They are known to be courageous, scrappy, fun-loving, active, clownish and fearless. They enjoy being around people, sometimes a little too much, and can prove positively dangerous to people of a delicate nature, not through malicious intent, but rather through their exuberance; as such the Bull Terrier is not recommended for households with small children if the owner is a first time Bull Terrier owner. But then again no animals should be left alone with a child., or the elderly and infirm. Bull Terriers can be both independent and stubborn and for this reason are not considered suitable for an inexperienced dog owner. A firm hand and an assertive demeanour are essential if the Bull Terrier is not to run riot. They are also fiercely protective, although comprehensive socialization at an early age will prevent them from becoming over-protective and neurotic.
When it comes to other animals, caution should be advised. Bull Terriers have a strong prey instinct and can cause injury or death to other animals, especially cats. That said, puppies brought up with cats and other animals can get on well with the animals they know; they can never be completely trusted with other animals,. With other dogs, unaltered males may not get along with other male dogs. Males and females can live together happily, and two females can also be a good combination with care and supervision. Introducing a Bull Terrier of the same sex as the dog in residence is considered unwise, and some Bull Terriers won't countenance any other dogs, of either sex
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Famous quotes containing the word temperament:
“That a good fit between parental handling and child temperament is vital to help children adapt to the imperatives of their society is a crucial concept that can be applied to other cultures.”
—Stella Chess (20th century)
“Temperament is the natural, inborn style of behavior of each individual. It’s the how of behavior, not the why.... The question is not, “Why does he behave a certain way if he doesn’t get a cookie?” but rather, “When he doesn’t get a cookie, how does he express his displeasure...?” The environment—and your behavior as a parent—can influence temperament and interplay with it, but it is not the cause of temperamental characteristics.”
—Stanley Turecki (20th century)
“It is cowardly to fly from natural duties and take up those that suit our taste or temperament better; but it is also unwise to take an exaggerated view of personal duties, which shuts out the proper care of the mind and body entrusted to us.”
—Ellen Henrietta Swallow Richards (1842–1911)