Bull Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Bull Terrier
Terrier Group
American Hairless Terrier
Terrier Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Bull Terrier Overview
Bull Terriers feature a distinctive egg-shaped head and muscular build, combining strength with agility. Their unique profile, small triangular eyes, and robust body structure create an unmistakable silhouette. Known for their short, glossy white coat, these athletic dogs possess a graceful gait and powerful shoulders, embodying both elegance and strength in their physical form.
American Hairless Terrier Overview
American Hairless Terriers showcase a muscular, elegant build with smooth, warm skin in various color combinations. Their alert expression and graceful movement reflect their terrier heritage. Standing 12-16 inches at the shoulder, these dogs display a balanced, athletic physique with a distinctive wedge-shaped head and expressive eyes that convey their intelligent, inquisitive nature.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Bull Terriers are more energetic than American Hairless Terriers, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Bull Terriers require less grooming attention compared to American Hairless Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Bull Terriers tend to be more outgoing with strangers than American Hairless Terriers.
- Trainability: American Hairless Terriers may be slightly easier to train due to their American Hairless Terrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: American Hairless Terriers adapt better to apartment living, while Bull Terriers typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Bull Terrier and American Hairless Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Bull Terrier | American Hairless Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 12-13 years | 14-16 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | United States |
| Breed Group | Terrier Group | Terrier Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Bull Terrier | American Hairless Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 21-22 inches 53-56 cm | 12-16 inches 30-41 cm |
| Weight | 50-70 lbs 23-32 kg | 12-16 lbs 5-7 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Unknown |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Bull Terrier | American Hairless Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Playful, Charming, Mischievous | Energetic, Alert, Curious |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Bull Terrier | American Hairless Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Bull Terrier Temperament
The Bull Terrier is known for being playful, charming, mischievous, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
American Hairless Terrier Temperament
The American Hairless Terrier is characterized by being energetic, alert, curious, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Bull Terrier and American Hairless Terrier, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Bull Terrier
Rating: 3/5
American Hairless Terrier
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Bull Terrier
Rating: 1/5
American Hairless Terrier
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Bull Terrier
Rating: 4/5
American Hairless Terrier
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Bull Terrier
Rating: 2/5
American Hairless Terrier
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Bull Terrier
Rating: 3/5
American Hairless Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Bull Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Bull Terriers require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Bull Terriers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
American Hairless Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
American Hairless Terriers need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, American Hairless Terriers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Bull Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Heart Disease
- Deafness
- Kidney Disease
- Lens Luxation
- Patella Issues
American Hairless Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Allergies
- Dental issues
- Patella luxation
- Eye problems
- Heart issues
Pros & Cons
Bull Terrier
Pros
- Loyal and affectionate
- Excellent guard dogs
- Low grooming needs
- Good with families
Cons
- Strong-willed personality
- High exercise needs
- Can be stubborn
- May not get along with other pets
American Hairless Terrier
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Great for families
- Low maintenance grooming
- Highly adaptable
- Intelligent and trainable
Cons
- Needs sun protection
- Temperature sensitive
- Can be stubborn
- Requires regular exercise
- May be vocal
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Bull Terrier and American Hairless Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.