Group 3 · Terriers
Bull Terrier
The Bull Terrier, recognisable by its egg-shaped head, is a playful, stubborn and very people-focused clown in a muscular body. It comes in a standard and a miniature variety, and both need consistent, patient training.
Health
These examinations come from the official breeding programme for the breed Bull Terrier by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen (Animal Welfare Flanders). They apply to the puppies’ parents.
In short
Both parents must have 2 examinations:
- 1 DNA test
- 1 heart examination
The breeding programme also recommends 5 further examinations.
A sample for DNA tests can be taken either with a mouth swab or by a blood sample. To carry out the examinations, the breeder uses a vet or a laboratory. For each examination below, you can see from what age and how often it must be done. Ask the breeder for the results of both parent dogs.
Mandatory examinations (2)
-
Lethal acrodermatitis (LAD)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- MKLN1: c.400+3A>C
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Mitral valve disease (MVD) (auscultation) (MVD Ausc)
Heart examination Valid for 1 year at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- Auscultation + if a heart murmur is present (from grade 1) echocardiography
Recommended examinations (5)
-
Degenerative myelopathy (DM)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- SOD1: c.118G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Patellar luxation (PT)
Kneecap examination Once at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- Palpation of the kneecap
-
Primary lens luxation (PLL)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- ADAMTS17: c.1473+1G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Progressive retinal atrophy – progressive rod-cone degeneration (Prcd-PRA)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- PRCD: XM_022422503.1:c.5G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Progressive retinal atrophy – cone-rod dystrophy 4 (cord1-PRA/crd4)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- RPGRIP1: c.142_143ins[A[29]; GGAAGCAACAGGATG
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
The breeding programme also contains the breeding advice for each examination and general rules on inbreeding, the number of matings per stud dog and the use of frozen semen. You can find these in the official document.
Source: breeding programme Bull Terrier, Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, PDF published on 24/08/2026.
View the official breeding programme (PDF, in Dutch)
A breeding programme reduces the risk of hereditary conditions, but does not offer a 100% health guarantee.
Translation of the Dutch breeding programme by Puppymakelaar. In case of any difference, the official document prevails.
This breed profile is not a breed sheet within the meaning of the Flemish Breeding Decree (Fokkerijbesluit). The legal rules for breeding this breed are set out in the official breeding programme.
Considerations when buying
According to the breeding programme approved by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, these examinations must be carried out on both parent dogs: Lethal acrodermatitis (LAD) and Mitral valve disease (MVD) (auscultation) (MVD Ausc). The breeding programme also lists these recommended examinations: Degenerative myelopathy (DM), Patellar luxation (PT), Primary lens luxation (PLL), Progressive retinal atrophy – progressive rod-cone degeneration (Prcd-PRA) and Progressive retinal atrophy – cone-rod dystrophy 4 (cord1-PRA/crd4). A puppy with a Flemish pedigree comes from parent dogs bred according to this breeding programme. Ask for the results of both parent dogs and compare them with the overview above. A Bull Terrier needs vigorous daily exercise and play. Its short coat is easy to look after with a weekly brush.
Questions for the breeder
- Have both parent dogs undergone all the mandatory examinations in the breeding programme, and may I see the results?
- Will the puppy receive a Flemish pedigree from a recognised breed registry association?
- How are the puppies socialised before they go to their new home?
Breed-specific challenges
The Bull Terrier is funny, people-oriented and stubborn. It is strong and not always tolerant of other dogs, which makes early socialisation and patient, consistent training important. It does not like being left alone for long.
More background
General guides that help you understand this breed information and choose well.
