If you are interested in owning a Bull Terrier but have not been around them, I suggest that you read some of the breed specific books listed on our Recommended Book List. In addition, attending some local dog shows is a good way to meet some breeders and their bull terriers. Bull Terriers are wonderful dogs, but they are definitely not for everyone--its important to be sure they are the breed for you.

Bullies can weigh between 45-90 lbs. and are very strong dogs. They are wonderful and entertaining companions which, like many terriers, tend to be independent thinkers. Some refer to them as three year olds in a dog suit. Life is rarely dull with a bully in the house!

Pups usually have tons of energy, play very hard, and tend to put everything in their mouth. Crate training is a must to keep a pup safe and out of trouble when not supervised. The crate is also an excellent aide to housetraining, and a bully comes to thinks of his crate as a den, not a cage. In addition, some bully pups can be quite mouthy/nippy during the teething stage, hence you may hear them referred to as 'baby alligators.' Early training is a must for a happy relationship. We recommend puppy socialization classes be started with pups as soon as possible.

Check out the stories, picture and info at So You Think You Want a Bull Terrier and also an article titled My Typical Day with a Six-Month-Old Bull Terrier. In addition, a few articles that may help you in determining if a bully is right for you are Introduction to the Bull Terrier by Winkie Mackay-Smith,and Ten Common Questions About Bull Terriers.

Once you have decided that a Bull Terrier is for you, consider whether your home would be most suitable for a puppy or if you might benefit from adopting a mature dog. A mature dog may come potty-trained (housebroken), crate trained, and may know some basic obedience commands. For links on obtaining a rescue dog, please see list at bottom of this page. In addition to rescues, breeders may occasionally have mature dogs or older pups to be placed. Inquire with the breeder of your choice.

Whether puppy or adult, all bullies require a substantial investment of time and effort. Please be sure that your lifestyle allows the time investment a bull terrier requires before jumping in. Getting a dog is a lifetime committment (and their lifespan can reach 15 years or more, although the average is 10-12).

If you feel that a mature dog would fit best in your home, below are some listings where you might look for an available rescue bull terrier. If you have decided that a puppy is best for you and you would like to be added to our waiting list, please fill out our Puppy Interest Form (RTF) or Puppy Interest Form (Word). We look forward to hearing from you and answering any questions you may have on our beloved breed.

Bull Terrier Clubs and Organizations

BTCA Rescue Support Committee
Supports national bull terrier rescue efforts.

Golden State Bull Terrier Club
Based in Southern California. In addition to club information and upcoming events, this web site also contains information on BT health, obedience, rescue, and more!

Barbary Coast Bull Terriers Club
Based in the San Francisco Bay area. This web site offers substantial information on bull terriers.

Bull Terrier Club of America
The National breed club's web site includes the breed standard (graphic intensive), a list of bull terrier clubs all over the U.S., many articles on health, and much more.

Bull Terrier Rescue of Southern California

Bull Terrier Rescue, Inc.
Based in Northern California. Click on the link to Available Rescue Bullies to see pictures and info.

Orange Coast Bull Terrier Club
Located in Southern California.

Miniature Bull Terrier Club of America
The National Miniature Bull Terrier club has much information on the breed.

Bull Terrier Breeders in California

Brigadoon Bull Terriers - Northern California
Bull Moon Bullies Miniature Bull Terriers - Southern Calfornia
Seawind Bull Terriers - Southern California