The subject of Tape Training the ears of a Bull Terrier seems to come up about every few months on social media and when it does it always ignites a heated debate. I’m confident this blog subject will provide insight into the safe and effective process of Tape Training the Ears on a Bull Terrier. 

– Why do people tape the ears of their Bull Terrier Puppy?

The reason is simple, because many Bull Terriers (especially “Bull” type) have heavy ears which often require assistance in training them to stand. Without this training they may not ever stand erect as they should per the Breed Standard. Most people actually want their Bull Terrier to look their best and have the correct appearance.

– Why do people tape the ears of their Bull Terrier Puppy?

The reason is simple, because many Bull Terriers (especially “Bull” type) have heavy ears which often require assistance in training them to stand. Without this training they may not ever stand erect as they should per the Breed Standard. Most people actually want their Bull Terrier to look their best and have the correct appearance.

– Does taping the ears hurt the puppy or cause unnecessary stress?

Not at all. It’s medical or sports tape just like the same tape a Vet uses when wrapping a leg that had a cut or injury. Consider it like putting a band-aid or ace bandage on a child. This isn’t a cruel act at all. Most would consider it the exact opposite. Those that dedicate to tape training the ears are Bull Terrier owners that are very proud of their puppy and want to ensure their appearance is the best it can be. A puppy throws a fit the first time an owner puts a collar on him or her because they are not used to it. With taping the ears it’s often no different. However, I’ve had many puppies who didn’t bat an eye when the tape was put on and quickly resorted to playing merrily again immediately after.

– Is the tape training solely for the purpose of getting the ears to stand up?

No. The objective isn’t just to get the ears to stand erect but it’s also to ensure they stand correctly. The ears of a Bull Terrier when erect should stay straight up like the letter “U” vice off to the sides like the letter “V.”

– Why are there people saying that it is unnecessary to tape train the ears and that the ears will go up on their own without any efforts?

This is because their Bull Terriers ears went up just fine as most will. Whether or not they are standing correctly is another story. These owners may also have smaller more “Terrier” type Bull Terriers which often have no issues with the ears standing on their own. People who claim that the ears do not require taping have limited knowledge on the breed and no experience with this subject. Some may not care if the ears don’t go up at all and have no concern about the proper appearance of their Bull Terrier.

– Are there any benefits of having the ears up other than achieving the “proper” look?

Yes, it’s healthier for the dog. Not only will the dog hear better having the ears erect but dogs with floppy ears are far more prone to ear issues. Floppy ears are more susceptible to harvesting bacteria and yeast which can cause infection and other issues. If the proper appearance of a Bull Terrier’s ears isn’t a big deal to you maybe alleviating future health issues is, which is another positive advantage of ensuring the ears of your Bull Terrier stand up as they should.

– Why are some people saying it’s cruel?

These are ignorant people who have no knowledge at all on the process which poses no harm to the puppy if the tape is applied correctly. The process involves placing a small tube (most use a cardboard tampon applicator) in the ear canal and simply wrapping tape around the ear while the tube creates a foundation. The hollow tube allows for air to get in and out of the ear thus preventing moisture build up and allowing the puppy to hear. The tape is bridged between both ears to allow the ears to form straight up and down. There’s no pressure and no pain at all. Now if we were to bring up pain or discomfort we could speak volumes about other procedures more concerning which would include nail trimming, microchipping, teeth cleaning, etc which are far more stressful than applying tape to the ears. Many of the people complaining about the process of tape training are those who have happily taken their puppy to their Vet in order to have them remove the sex organs on their dog via spay and neuter. If focus of attention is on pain, discomfort, or cruelty maybe it’s time to open your eyes to the reality of other common practices which trump the painless process of tape training. It absolutely amazes me that people turn a blind eye to dew clawing and other procedures conducted which actually do cause pain and run their mouth about a process that is no different than putting a band-aid on a child. Try and remember that there are plenty of breeds which require tail docking and ear cropping and when people see these breeds strutting their stuff in the show ring during a televised event you aren’t seeing too many ignorant people running into the ring to scold their owners and telling them how cruel they are and that they shouldn’t own a dog. The truth is, it’s the owners that are proactive in dedicating their efforts to ensure their dog develops appropriately with the best possible appearance who are the ones that deeply care about their dogs and would go to the four corners of the globe in order to do what they feel is best for their dog.

– How to Tape the Ears on a Bull Terrier Puppy.

There are many different ways to tape train and most of them will prove to be successful. However, our method of taping with sports tape and a cardboard applicator from a tampon has proven to be safest and most productive for achieving success.

The video below was made by Craig and Terri from Bullies of NC (Jacksonville) a few years ago and it remains by best method for ear taping. Although in the video it’s mentioned to leave the tape on for a week but I recommend taking the tape off after 24 hours and allowing the puppy to use its muscles in the ear to keep the ears erect. If one or both ears flop repeat the process and continue to do so until the ears remain erect for good. 

• Sports tape is strong enough to stay on the ears and easy enough to take off without pulling much hair off. 
• The cardboard applicator is perfect size and shape for the puppy’s ear. 
  • The cardboard applicator is hollow which allows the puppy’s ear to vent so air can get in out which prevents moisture and prevents the risk of yeast and ear infection. 
  • The hollow cardboard applicator also allows the puppy to hear better than solid dowels that I see other people using. 
  • In the rare chance if ingestion, cardboard would be far safer than other plastic or sponge type dowels used in the ears. 
  • Knox Gelatin is a great supplement for helping harden the cartilage in the ears. Woman have often used this product for strengthening their nails. Knox Gelatin is also a popular ingredient in many weight gain recipes for dogs. I add one package of the Gelatin in the puppy’s food daily while tape training. 

Here is the same puppy in the video one week after Tape Training:

One of the most controversial topics that surfaces every few months on social media and online Forums is the use of “Prong Collars.” One thing is for sure, you either find this collar to be an effective training aid for your dog or you despise it and have already labeled it to be a barbaric torture device used by dog owners with no common sense or heart.

It’s without question the Prong Collar, or Pinch Collar as some call it, has a very intimating look to it which instantly presents the idea that this collar inflicts a lot of pain on the dog. I’m truly convinced that 99% of the people who oppose of the Prong Collar are people who have absolutely no knowledge or experience on the collar and simply react with disgust based on the appearance of the collar. However, the truth is that the Prong Collar is actually designed to be a lot safer than most other collars due to the design and function. The Prong Collar is designed to stop pulling force by tightening around the entire neck vice pulling back on the throat which poses a serious risk to damaging the trachea. Each year many dogs are seriously injured by normal collar and choke collars which put all the stopping power and force on the dog’s trachea which in turn can cause injury. With the Prong Collar this is impossible due to the design which is why the collar is actually safer than a regular collar for a dog with pulling habits while on a lead.

The Prongs on the collar are blunt (not sharp) and do not penetrate the skin in any way. In the event a dog is pulling hard on a lead the prongs are meant to grip around the entire neck and cause discomfort which certainly aids in training a dog to stop pulling while being walked on a lead. Most dogs really don’t need to be trained with a Prong Collar because most of them may learn quickly that pulling while on a lead is not acceptable. I wish I say this was the case with all dogs but it’s not and some breeds, like the Bull Terrier, are a lot more stubborn and have the will power, drive, and force to continue the habit of pulling with extreme power while on a lead. Normal collars and harnesses are excellent for dogs that may not have the overly excited will to pull with all their strength and determination when on a lead. An owner with a mild-mannered dog may be quick to say they trained their dog to stop pulling by using a harness or normal collar. That is wonderful but their means of training a different dog may have proven to be unsuccessful and the dog may simply develop a worse habit of pulling knowing he or she can get away with it.

A popular photo which gets circulated all over the internet by those who are against the Prong Collar is the one that depicts a dog with serious injury to its neck from the prongs digging into the skin and leaving lacerations around the entire neck. The exposure of this photo is to project the idea that the use of this collar caused this injury when in fact it’s far from true. The prongs will NOT cut into the dog’s neck from proper use as they are not sharp enough to do so. What this photo illustrates is a neglected dog that was obviously left outside somewhere for many weeks where the dog outgrew the collar which was left on him and unfortunately grew into his neck. So as the dog grew and its neck widened it became tighter and tighter on the dog thus causing the prongs to embed into the neck. Sadly this exact thing happens with all kinds of collars and some require medical attention in order to cut the collars off these dogs in order to remove the collar which has embedded deep into their neck causing a lot of injury. I’ve also seen photos of harnesses which were left on dogs that quickly grew and caused the harness to dig deeply into their skin. This is pure neglect from irresponsible owners but let’s not be ignorant to the truth of the injuries when we see photos like the one I have posted here.

There are some countries that have banned Prong Collars simply due to the ridicule the collar has received by pet owners too stubborn to educate themselves with the safety and effective use of the collar. It’s a shame too because there have been thousands of happy dog owners that have used this collar to train their dog to stop pulling while on a lead. Many owners only required to use the Prong Collar for a short duration of time due to how effective the training worked and the success it earned by teaching the dog not to pull.

Please understand that I am NOT trying to suggest that ALL dog owners are in need of using this collar to train their dog. There are many alternative and excellent methods used for training a dog to stop pulling while on a lead. However, I feel that it’s important for people to know the truth about an effective and safe training aid for a dog that may have an above average desire to pull while on a lead.

In the event that you wish to use the prong collar to train your dog to stop pulling but do not wish to deal with the dirty looks and scorn from uneducated and ignorant people who may falsely judge the love and dedication you provide your dog there is a Prong Collar made by a company which fashions these training collars to appear as normal collars. These collars would probably receive praise by those that would normally rebuke the use of a prong collar. After all, those that scorn the use of prong collars have no knowledge on their use, function, and safety and are solely basing their disgust on appearance and assumption only. Here’s the link to a more fashion orientated and better appearing Prong Collar – https://lolalimited.net/secret-powers/

For those who truly care about the welfare of all dogs I encourage you to watch the following video on this collar so you can be rest assured as to the training benefits as well as safety. I may not use this collar on my bullies but I certainly won’t condemn a product I have researched and studied. I know many have had great success with this training collar. For those that don’t like the collar, well don’t use it with your dog but don’t criticize a product that may be a lot safer than the collar YOUR dog is currently wearing.

I wish I had a dime for every time someone has contacted me concerned about a dominance or aggression issues from their Bull Terrier. The purpose of me writing this Blog topic is due to the vast amount of inquiries I receive on this topic as well as how many times I see it brought up on Forums and Social Media. Hopefully this article provides insight to the problem, helpful training methods to correct the problem, and the confidence to know the issue is correctable.

FACT – 99% of the Bull Terrier owners looking for advice on this subject are dealing with a Bull Terrier between the ages of 4 months to 14 Months old. It’s during the adolescent stages that Bull Terriers are extremely energetic, hyper, and learning both good and bad habits. It is also at this time they are also learning dominant and aggressive behavior as well. The problem is that they often don’t know when this behavior is warranted and when it’s not. However, they’re quick to learn when this behavior is productive for them by what they get away with. This is why it’s important to stop this trend early on in the puppy’s age while the owner has a lot more confidence in correcting the problem and disciplining the puppy in order for them to recognize that their behavior was incorrect.

The Bull Terrier is a feisty breed of canine that has a lot more intelligence than people think. So much so that they can be very stubborn with doing things they are told to do or not to do. Obviously, no two dogs are the same and there may be some who are a lot more calm and relaxed than others and some that require a lot less training and disciple. However, they all have very similar personalities and characters. One thing is for sure, you’re not going to take the “Terrier” out of a Bull Terrier. Their adolescent stages are a trying period of time that requires a lot of dedication in order to provide them with the exercise and attention they need. Pent up energy can cause an array of issues from health problems to Obsessive Compulsive Disorders (OCD) to unwarranted aggression. Without proper care, attention, and training a puppy can quickly develop some bad habits and by the time they get big enough where they become strong and obnoxious their habits may seem as though they are impossible to deal with and in need of professional training or evaluation form a behavior specialist.

Before you jump to conclusions about your Bull Terrier being born with aggression due to bad genetics or just a bad apple from the litter it may be time you look at how YOU’VE been raising the Bull Terrier which could have triggered the bad behavior to develop.

There are many male dogs that people are wanting to breed but there are very few true “Stud” dogs. This article is meant to provide detailed information recognizing a Stud dog and what questions you should be asking the Stud owner to determine if their dog is a good candidate to use to stud your bitch.

Most people have no clue the involvement in which responsible breeders go through to maintain a healthy and productive Stud for breeding purposes. Some breeds of canine require little to no effort to keep them active and productive for breeding but with Bull Terriers the opposite is true. 

Here are the questions which should be asked when considering to use a particular “Stud Dog”:

– Do you have a Stud Service Contract that I could review?

Every Stud Service contract is going to be different from each breeder. Never assume that every breeder’s policies are the same. If the Stud owner does not have a Stud Service contract this should be a good indicator that they have little to know experience with breeding and studding their dog. It is not recommended to schedule a breeding until both Sire and Dam owners have a complete understanding of the responsibilities of each party and how things will transpire during the breeding, once a litter is born, or if the Dam never even gets pregnant.

– Is your Bull Terrier a proven stud? If so, could you provide his AKC Stud Records?

AKC mandates that breeders maintain a “Stud Record” for any male dog that is bred. The Stud Record should depict every time the Stud mated with a female and the results of all breedings. This information allows people to see if artificial insemination was required or whether natural breeding took place. The Stud Record also allows people to see how successful the stud was during all the breedings he was used as a sire. It should also depict the litter sizes which is an important factor in validating the studs fertility and capabilities as well. Some of the information within the Stud Records can also be validated online within AKC to verify the actual Litters sired by the Stud. The term “Proven Stud” comes from recorded history within registered litters produced by a Stud Dog. A true “Stud Dog” is one who has proven himself through the successful development of many sired litters.

– Has your stud completed all recommended genetic testing? If so, could you provide the records?

No dog regardless if it’s a male or female should even be considered for breeding until genetic health tests are performed to ensure the dog does not carry genetic faults which can be passed down to the offspring which taints the bloodline and significantly jeopardizes the future welfare of the breed. Just because a breeder may say “Yes, all genetic testing has been done” does mean that it has. It is not insulting to ask to see the veterinarian records or documents which validate the actual tests were performed and the results of the tests. For Bull Terriers the common genetic tests that people like to focus on are:

• Hearing Test. Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER) Test.

• Heart Test. ECG/Doppler.

• Kidney Test. Blood test and analysis for creatine levels.

• Luxating Patella. Palpitation test done by a Vet. X-rays if any concerns are noted.

Has your Stud been tested for Brucellosis?

Brucellosis is a very infectious disease which is becoming more common due to people who are not testing their dogs and putting them into environments where the disease can spread. It is one of the leading causes of infertility in breeding stock. It occurs worldwide, affects all dogs and can also be transmitted from dogs to humans. This is not a disease to be taken lightly and thought to be of non-exitance regardless how healthy the stud appears.

Has your stud been DNA tested? If so, could you provide the AKC DNA Certificate?    

It is very important that all Studs have a DNA profile conducted on them before they are ever used to breed as a Stud. The DNA will not only validate that the sires parents are correct but it provides reassurance for the future offspring as well. Sadly, there are many irresponsible breeders who manipulate litter registrations by claiming a false sire of the litter. DNA records keep things in check by validating the authenticity of bloodlines. If a Stud has been DNA certified the DNA # will be depicted in all future pedigrees under the Studs name. This is what a DNA Certificate looks like:    

Do you have a scanned AKC Pedigree on your stud that I could review?

Reputable bloodlines are vital when choosing the proper stud for your bitch. Many people spend a lot of time researching bloodlines in order to get familiar with the Bull Terrier breed. Not only is it a good idea to see what bloodlines produce top quality dogs that emulate the Breed Standards within structure and conformation but it’s also good to know the dogs that have a reputation for sound health and temperament. Unfortunately, there are quite a few breeders that zone more into appearance than they do health and temperament. Having familiarity with particular bloodlines that concentrate on all areas of development is key to choosing a well-balanced Bull Terrier Stud that possesses sound qualities within appearance, health, and temperament. It’s nice seeing many CH’s within a 4 generation pedigree but even better recognizing the bloodline names that hold merit for many years of raising and breeding Bull Terriers. There are many great Bull Terrier breeders that truly calculate their breedings in order to produce puppies that emulate the breed standard and complement the breed by their overall qualities. Not all are show dogs and they don’t have to be in order to represent exemplary qualities for breeding. Some of the healthiest and best Bull Terriers I’ve seen never spent a day in the show ring. However, their bloodlines come from ancestry that did and their bloodlines are all well known for the qualities they’ve produced over many years of skillful and planned breedings.

Does your stud do well with natural breeding or are his sired litters often the result of artificial insemination (A.I.)?

I wish I could say that Bull Terriers on average have the natural ability to be very effective breeders but normally this is just not the case. Sure you may have raised a young Bull Terrier that would hump everything he seen but this is not an indicator of how well he will breed. Many males get so excited and dominant during breeding they just can’t seem to “tie” with the female. Sometime the female will actually be more dominant than the male and regardless if she’s in full ovulation she may not accept any dog mounting her. This is why it’s extremely important that all breedings are done with full supervision and control. A male and female can easily decide they’d rather fight than breed. Artificial Insemination is required when a Stud does not have the experience to tie naturally with the female or the females dominance prevents the breeding from occurring. A young stud often requires some form of training and guidance in order to become a successful natural breeder. It is often best for a new Stud to be scheduled to breed with an appropriate bitch that welcomes the breeding and possesses no dominant characteristics which can effect the future productivity and confidence of the Stud.

In the event a natural breeding cannot be accomplished do you have the knowledge and experience to conduct A.I.?

Artificial Insemination is almost a requirement for any Bull Terrier breeder because of how often it is needed. Even with a seasoned and proven Stud there are times in which he may not be able to tie successfully with a chosen bitch. In the event estrus levels of the female prove to be optimal for scheduled breeding that day and the Stud cannot tie with the female for whatever reason this would be when Artificial Insemination becomes warranted in order to ensure a breeding was conducted at an appropriate time of ovulation. The aspect of saying, “well I hope we have better luck tomorrow” could be the difference between a future litter and no litter. Artificial Insemination is not a difficult or messy task. In fact, it’s pretty easy once there’s been some experience in conducting the procedure. For those opting to have stud service for their female they are going to want to ensure the breeder has the knowledge and experience to perform an AI if the need for it is warranted. Those with experience with AI will agree that the results (if done correctly) are no worse off than a natural tie.

Do you test estrus levels to pinpoint accurate times of ovulation?

A good breeder is one that has the knowledge and experience to know when the right time is to introduce a Stud to a female and initiate the breeding. Just because a female is in heat does NOT mean she is ready to breed. Allowing a male dog to mount a female when she is not ready to be bred is a Big mistake. The male might wish to dominant the female while the female quickly goes on the defense to fend him off. This can initiate a fight and throw off the entire scheduled breeding unless AI is conducted. In order to have success with breeding a pair of Bull Terriers it’s always best to test and keep track of the estrus levels of the female so the breeding can start at the appropriate time. Many breeders use estrus strips which at one time used to be fairly accurate. Unfortunately, they no longer make a test strip that provides accuracy. Proper test equipment is expensive but for breeders who are going about their breeding practices with professionalism they are certainly investing into proper test equipment. We use a product called the “Draminski Ovulation Tester” which works flawlessly to track estrus levels and peak ovulation. By testing for ovulation it will ensure breedings occur during the appropriate times with the best possible chance for impregnating the female. The first breeding all the way to the last breeding should be conducted knowing that the dates were based upon estrus levels. Consideration on whether or not the breeder has the test equipment and experience to provide for the breeding should be well thought out otherwise there will be additional expenses required by a Veterinarian in order to provide assistance with pinpointing ovulation time frame and artificial insemination procedures. If a Vet is required for these type of procedures the financial costs for breeding your female could be significantly more and the chances of gaining pregnancy could be significantly lower.  

Can you provide an overnight chilled semen shipment to my Veterinarian during the time of my females ovulation for purposes of a surgical A.I.?

Sometimes having both the stud and female available to breed naturally is impossible due to geographic location. However, when choosing the right stud people will often resort to purchasing fresh or chilled semen for the purposes of surgical artificial insemination. Many Stud owners have sperm stored at a canine sperm bank for the purpose of future breedings through AI. When canine sperm is stored the Vet will add extenders and other chemicals into the solution in order to store the sperm for many years. In order to use this sperm on a future female the sperm will need to go through a process and placed into the female during a surgical AI procedure. This is not an uncommon practice but it is often an expensive practice considering the involvement of medical specialists. Many sought after Studs have sperm available for shipment on a moment’s notice.

When was the last time a sperm count was conducted on your stud? Do you have the results of the test?

So you found a nice looking male Bull Terrier that you wish to breed your female to but does he have “swimmers”? It doesn’t matter how old a Stud dog is or what kind of pedigree he possesses if he doesn’t have a good sperm count the chances of producing a litter are slim to none. Sadly, Bull Terriers are known to lose their sperm count at early ages and if they are not actively bred their sperm count will decrease at a cyclic rate. Reputable breeders will be adamant about keeping good tabs on the sperm count of a Stud they wish to breed for many productive years. Having a sperm count conducted on a semi-annually basis is the best way to monitor the fertility proficiency of a stud dog. The test will provide the results of healthy and liable sperm and the level of productivity per volume. I wish I could tell you how many times I’ve seen and heard about so called “Studs” being used to breed that should have been called “Duds” not studs.  

During inactive periods of breeding do you purge your stud to ensure his sperm count remains high, fresh, and fertile which also minimizes the risk of causing an infection to my bitch?

Here’s a topic not too many people even think about. This kind of dedication divides the backyard breeders from the dedicated professionals who are adamant about sustaining the fertility and productiveness within their stud dogs. If a Stud dog isn’t actively bred it is inevitable that they will decline rapidly within their sperm count. Their desire to breed will also decline and their productivity will become compromised. A dog does not ejaculate or purge on a routine basis and the sperm inside them remains dormant for a long period of time. Most dogs have the natural ability to regenerate and clean out sperm on a frequent basis but with Bull Terriers they often do not. This can affect their breeding production when the time comes to breed. I would be Very nervous about allowing one of my females to breed with a stud that I thought was not actively being bred of purged on a routine basis. The last thing that I’d ever wish to risk would be an infection to my bitch due to dormant sperm during an initial breeding. Call it coincidental all you want but when I hear about a failed pregnancy after a breeding that was conducted and the female ends up with pyometra or some other nasty infection I’m always thinking about how fresh the sperm was during the breeding. It is not uncommon for breeders to “purge” their studs on a routine basis in order to ensure fresh sperm is being produced and to keep the stud active within production capabilities which certainly helps to maintain adequate sperm count. Here’s an article which touches on this subject –

Am I required to go back and forth to your location during each scheduled breeding or do you offer overnight care during the scheduled breeding? If so, please explain her living conditions, care, and attention.

It’s important to find out exactly what the Stud owner’s schedule will be during the scheduled dates of breeding. During any breeding it’s always expected that the female be taken to the Stud for services. Often the female is dropped off during the breeding. Depending on the environment and living facility this can put stress on the female which can make her less receptible for breeding. Proper food and exercise is essential during breeding and the less stress the female experiences the better chances of her having a successful pregnancy. While the female is being bred I would want to make sure that my Bull Terrier was being catered to with pride and love. During the breedings I would also hope that the breeder took a photo or two of the successful tie or artificial insemination of the slated Stud. A phone call saying “Yep, they bred” is entertaining but a photo is validation. With cameras built into every cell phone now a days it isn’t exactly asking a lot for the breeder to click one button in order to capture the breeding that took place.

What policies do you have for a litter that only produces 1 or 2 puppies?

This is a subject which should most definitely be brought up because it would be very saddening to have your female go through pregnancy and labor only to produce one or two puppies and the stud owner have full expectations of retaining the “Pick of the Litter” puppy despite how many puppies his stud sired. One puppy often does NOT constitute a litter but this is where a good Stud Service contract will dictate what is to be expected when a litter of one or two puppies is produced. It is within your best interest to find out how many puppies produced constitutes a litter and whether or not the stud service fee is based off a healthy litter size.

Do you provide a money back guarantee if the female does not get pregnant?

This is a very important question to figure out before you opt to use a stud. There’s no guarantees that a female will get pregnant after being bred. If the breeder is following the same guidelines and ethics as I’ve mentioned in this article you can rest assured that their confidence in breeding is pretty darn good. If the breeder is confident about what they are doing, chances are that they will happily provide a guarantee for impregnating your female. If the breeder has experience in breeding it really isn’t often that the breeding will result in a failed pregnancy. Speaking from my own experience I know that if I receive a female for breeding at the appropriate time of her heat cycle there is little chance she won’t be pregnant after she leaves our kennel facility. Now if chilled semen shipment is required for artificial insemination that is an entirely different thing due to the fact that the stud owner is at the mercy of whoever you have chosen to conduct the AI. This is out of his/her hands in regard to a successful breeding. However, if the breeder provides you with chilled semen which has been tested and verified for fertility during the time of receipt, they have accomplished their part and may very well expect a payment for their services.

If a stud owner is wanting to charge a significant amount of money for “Stud Service” it’s best you have knowledge if the investment is worthwhile and in the best interest for the future offspring produced. If a stud owner is not committed to raising a true stud dog and breeding with professionalism I encourage you to find an alternate stud that will enhance your goal to produce a healthy litter that you will be proud of. It is common to see breeders advertising their “STUD” for breeding purposes on social media or 3^rd party web advertisements but it’s rare to see appropriate information listed for these studs. Most sought after Studs for breeding aren’t even advertised and the breeders are in expectation of people contacting them in pursuit to use their stud for breeding with their own Bull Terrier. I hope this article provides some useful insight for things to consider when looking for a Stud to use for breeding to your female Bull Terrier.

Choosing the Right Bull Terrier Stud

This is a topic in which many breeders will have different opinions so keep in mind that the information provided here is based off my opinion from experience and knowledge on breeding Bull Terriers.

Most Canine Registries allow for VERY early ages for breeding dogs which shocks me. I am using the American Kennel Club (AKC) as an example because this is the Canine Registry I utilize and have the most familiarity with. AKC is our National Canine Registry and certainly the most reputable and recommended Registry in the United States. Their regulations on the breeding ages on dogs are as follows:

AKC REGULATIONS ON BREEDING AGES

MALES:      7 months old – 12 years old.  

FEMALES:    8 months old – 12 years old.  

AKC will also allow Males and Females to be bred at younger or older ages if breeding is witnessed and an affidavit or evidence is provided. Due to these regulations it’s easy to see how dogs of any age are allowed to be bred and provided registration papers for the litters produced. Although AKC may not recommend breeding so early in age or late in age they certainly do not apply appropriate restrictions for registering a litter of puppies. Additionally, there are no restrictions on the maximum number of litters a Dam can produce. With this said, it’s easy to see how puppymills are able to start breeding a female on her first heat cycle and continue breeding her on every heat cycle until she is 12 years old. Again, this may not be something AKC recommends but it is within their acceptable policies for registering litters.

Now, just because a breeder can get away with breeding their 7 month old puppy on it’s first heat cycle does this make it right? AKC may allow it but this does not mean it’s of ethical breeding practices.

Here’s my opinion as a breeder of Bull Terriers for many years:

FEMALES:   I am completely aware of the physical makeup and health aspects to breeding a female at young age. I will even share an informative article that supports breeding at early ages due to the bitch’s pelvis development – Best Age To Breed. On a medical stand point I can understand how it would be better to breed a younger female vice waiting until she is 3 years or older. However, with Bull Terriers I know it to be very important to ensure the female is fully matured both physically and mentally. I do NOT recommend breeding a female on her first cycle because she would not have the mental maturity to safely whelp a litter of puppies and the physical and chemical changes would cause significant stress and anxiety which could prevent her from proper care and attention to her pups. It is not rare that a litter of Bull Terriers requires had raising due to the Dam becoming a bad mother. I feel that the best time frame to breed a female Bull Terrier is based on the individuals dog maturity both physically and mentality. Ideally this is during the females 3rd heat cycle and closer to the 2 year old mark. Yes, there are some which may be perfectly fine to breed during their 2nd heat cycle when they are around 1.5 years old but even at that age the female may very well still be in the puppy phase herself. Now due to the fact that I would not wish to breed a female more than 4 times (3 litters is our normal amount before we retire a female from breeding) I can’t possibly see how anyone would wish to breed a female beyond 6 years old. If you were to breed a female Bull Terrier starting at the age of 2 and skip a heat cycle between litters she would only be 4 – 4 1/2 years old by the time she had 3 litters which in my opinion is a good limit of litters for any female dog. I think it’s important to skip a cycle before breeding the female again in order to allow sufficient time for the Dam to return back to excellent physical shape prior to whelping another litter. I realize that a female may have the capabilities to rear a dozen or more litters between 8 months and 12 years old but common sense should tell you how bad this would be for any dog regardless if AKC or any other canine registry would continue to allow the breeder to register litter after litter from the same female.

MALES:   When it comes to the proper age for studding a male dog there aren’t many health concerns to consider since breeding him at any age would not be detrimental to his health or well being. However, there are many factors that should be considered prior to breeding a male dog as well as continued studding of a male dog. I provided a lot of information in regard to stud service in a couple of my previous blog topics so I’m not going to discuss in detail the difference between a male dog and stud dog. However, I will touch on the proper requirements for any male dogs that are planning on becoming a stud dog because it has a lot to do with the best age for breeding one.
Unlike many other breeds, Bull Terriers are known to lose sperm counts rapidly as they age especially if they are not bred or purged on a routine basis. With this said, the chances of having a productive stud dog after the age of 10 are extremely slim. Prior to using a male for stud service they should have a DNA test to ensure their bloodline is correct per their registry and pedigree. The rapid slide agglutination test (RSAT) is highly recommended to ensure the stud is free from the bacterial disease brucellosis. A sperm count should be performed in order to ensure the dog is fertile with high enough sperm count to be a productive stud dog.
There’s nothing wrong about initiating stud services at an early age if pertinent tests have been completed and verification of health and qualities is evident. Most studs start their breeding careers around the age of 12 months old and continue for as long as their fertility remains productive based on annual sperm count analysis.

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR BOTH MALES AND FEMALES:   Prior to breeding ANY dog full genetic tests should be conducted to verify the dog it within proper health standards for producing puppies. A veterinarian health check is NOT genetic testing. Specific tests are recommended for every breed of canine to ensure the dog does not carry a genetic health trait that can passed down to future puppies. Within the Bull Terrier breed the main concentration of genetic testing should be: 

• Heart – Echocardiogram with Doppler (ECHO).
• Kidney – Symmetric Dimethylarginine (SDMA) Test.
• Hearing – Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER) Test.
• Luxating Patella – A physical examination combined with radiography.
• Primary Lens Luxation – (Miniature Bull Terriers only) DNA testing for Primary Lens Luxation (PLL)

Besides the appropriate genetic testing that should be conducting for all Bull Terriers being considered for breeding it is important to ensure the overall qualities of the dogs being bred possess the proper structure and conformation that emulates the Breed Standard. Just because you have a registered pure bred Bull Terrier does not mean it has the qualities to be bred in order to do justice for the future progression of the breed. The objective of breeding should always be to better the breed by utilizing breeding dogs that have exemplary qualities. It is important for breeders to study the Breed Standards and gain thorough knowledge in recognizing faults as well positive traits. Additionally, it is vital to ensure the dog you plan on breeding has sound temperament which is expected within the breed. Proper health is not defined simply by receiving positive results from the expected genetic tests pertinent to the breed. Many Bull Terriers may prove to be good in those areas but suffer from skin allergies, aggression, Obsessive Compulsive Disorders (OCD), and other negative faults that may have been inherited through bad genetics.

As a breeder I can honestly say there is an abundance of pride and joy in producing puppies but my pride comes from knowing the production of my puppies are resulting in healthy Bull Terrier puppies that emulate the qualities within the breed standards. This is, and always will be, the overall goal of any responsible breeder.

LIMITED REGISTRATION, FULL REGISTRATION, AND CO-OWNERSHIP

Many people are very confused with the various registration policies which breeders utilize when they sell their puppies. Unfortunately, there aren’t too many articles on the internet that can be researched in order to fully explain the registration options and the reasons why breeders choose to utilize these options. This article is to provide insight on the subject of Puppy Registration options and the differences between Full Registration and Limited Registration.

On average, most new puppy owners have no intentions of breeding or showing their new puppy. However, they most definitely want to ensure their puppy has proper registration papers proving he or she is a pure bred , who the parents are, and also having the opportunity to acquire a pedigree to see the bloodline history of their puppy. This can all be done with Limited Registration. The registration papers on a puppy with Limited Registration actually mirror the papers of a puppy with Full Registration. The only difference in the appearance of the two documents is that Limited Registration is pink and white in color and Full Registration is purple and white. Limited Registration will also say “Limited Registration” on the top. If the owner desires to order an AKC 3 or 4 generation pedigree it is the exact same document regardless if you have Full or Limited Registration.

THINGS TO EXPECT TO SEE ON A CO-OWNERSHIP CONTRACT:

Every co-ownership is different and puppy owners who are wanting to breed or show their puppy should carefully review the breeders contract prior to the purchase of the puppy. Some contracts are very fair while others may prove to be extremely demanding and profitable for the breeder.

Normally most all puppies that are provided Full Registration with or without a co-ownership contract will cost more than a puppy that is sold with Limited Registration. Breeders may even mandate that a certain fee be charged for every litter produced by a female or every time a male is studded out. Breeders often refer to this as a “Royalty” fee for producing puppies based off their bloodlines they have earned positive reputation with. Unfortunately, there are breeders who expect far more than a higher cost for Full Registration and small royalty fees for future breedings conducted. Some breeders may require that your puppy earn a champion title in AKC conformation shows before they are allowed to breed at all. Even then, they may not allow you to pick the breeding mate of your dog and require that the dog be bred either back to their bloodline or to an alternate breeder they may be associated with through friendship or a Club in which they are a member of. Additionally, they may also require that one or more puppies from each litter to be provided back to them. Sadly, there are several breeders who take advantage of people by conducting co-ownership contracts which are extremely profitable for them and ensure that they have co-ownership of many dogs from past breedings which are producing more puppies from them to turn around and sell themselves and initiate more co-ownership contracts with. This keeps them from raising and breeding several dogs in their own home and claiming to be a small hobby breeder when in fact they have multiple dogs in which they are co-owned with which are earning them financial reward. This is a hidden monopoly that exists today, so if you happen to see various pedigrees that carry the same bloodline it may not necessarily mean that the breeder was mass producing puppies themselves but they certainly might be involved with dozens of breedings being conducted with co-owned dogs being bred by others who have no choice but to provide them puppies produced which will continue to carry their bloodline name. Once again, it’s best to read your breeders contract in full detail and ask questions if you have the intent to breed or show your puppy. Otherwise, you may find out that you can never be afforded the opportunity to breed your puppy because it doesn’t have the capabilities to earn a champion title or that your litters may be cut short due to having to provide one or more of them back to the breeder of your dog.

So, what is the reason why some breeders provide Limited Registration instead of just giving them Full Registration so the puppy owner can make their own decision on whether they wish to breed or show their puppy in the future?

Many breeders that carry a positive reputation within their bloodlines and Kennel name care deeply about the welfare of the puppies they produce as well as the reputation they have within their own bloodlines. Breeders that sell their puppies with Limited Registration do so NOT because they don’t wish for them to be shown or bred but to protect their bloodlines from inappropriate breedings that could jeopardize their reputation as well as minimize the breed standards in the event proper breeding ethics were not conducted.

As an example, let’s say a reputable breeder with the bloodline or kennel name of “Shining Light Bullies” sold a female with Full Registration and without co-ownership. This would mean the new owner could breed her to whoever they wished regardless if it was in the good graces of the breed standards. Let’s say this female puppy turned two years of age and the owner noticed a friend or neighbor that had a male bull terrier and made the decision to breed their female with this other dog. Even if the male Bull Terrier had undesirable conformation, structure, temperament, etc the intent of the owner may only be to produce puppies in hopes of selling them for a lot of money based on the reputation of the dam’s bloodlines and pedigree. Once the puppies are born they could be advertised in the owner’s local paper or online as “Shining Light” bloodlines in hopes of gaining attention to their litter. Those puppies may very well develop genetic disorders due to the bloodlines of the stud utilized. However, the only recognized bloodline listed on the puppy’s pedigree happens to be “Shining Light”. Someone that just paid more than $1400 for a puppy they thought was reputable is now faced with a puppy with possible liver, kidney, heart, problems that require extensive medical responsibilities. In the event a puppy does develop a genetic disorder they may feel notification to AKC is warranted so others aren’t faced with the negative genetic faults associated with the “Shining Light” bloodline. Obviously, the genetic fault doesn’t stem from that particular bloodline but it’s the one that was mentioned, remembered, and used in vain. This is every breeder’s nightmare but it is easily prevented by either selling puppies with Limited Registration or by conducting Full Registration with co-ownership.

Another example would be selling a puppy with Full Registration and later finding out the puppy was resold to some backyard breeder or puppy mill that was happy to stick the dog outside and breed it during every heat cycle to whatever stud they sought fit. Adult dogs with Limited Registration are of no interest to these breeders for obvious reasons since they only care about breeding for profit and would be happy to obtain a Bull Terrier from a reputable bloodline.

Breeders that care about their bloodlines don’t allow things like this to happen by mandating all puppies sold to be registered with “Limited Registration.” Please understand that this doesn’t mean they could never show or breed their Bull Terrier. However, it does mean if they wish to show or breed they would need to contact the breeder in order to convert to Full Registration in order to register the litter of puppies. It isn’t rare that a past puppy owner will contact their breeder later on for full rights on their dog for the intention of breeding him or her. Normally when a reputable breeder provides an owner with Full Registration, whether it be from the very start or later in the future, they will have you sign a detailed “Co-ownership Contract” to ensure they have some control on future breedings which will not jeopardize the bloodline reputation they have worked hard for over many years.

This is a long article and I know some breeders reading it will have opposing views on some of things I have mentioned. Some breeders may even be disturbed that I exposed certain elements of co-ownership contracts that certainly exist today and will be around for a long time. Every breeder has their own ethics in regard to how they wish to sell their puppies. Most breeders that have no reputation or haven’t even earned a reputable bloodline name have no clue about protecting their bloodline and preventing the rise of backyard breeding and puppymills so they may have no issues at all about selling their puppies with Full Registration without any form of co-ownership contract. I’m sure this is how they received their puppy too. However, one thing is for sure, any breeder willing to blindly sell their puppies with Full registration without co-ownership has no concern about the future welfare of their puppies who can be bred to any available mate regardless of health, genetics, and overall qualities. This is exactly how irresponsible breeders get their hands on dogs they wish to sell for profit without any knowledge on breeding to the standard of the breed with health, temperament, and proper structure in mind. If all breeders took the time to conduct proper co-ownership with the puppies they sold with Full Registrations we certainly wouldn’t have the problems we have today with poor quality puppies produced from unknowledgeable and unethical backyard breeders and puppymills.

Lately I’m seeing more and more Liver Bull Terriers showing up on social media and when they do you can always predict there to be many people intrigued by the color and many others who are completely disgusted to see any color which isn’t within the breed standard. During these conversations, I see so many opinions as well as information that just isn’t true in regard to the “Liver” gene that I thought I’d write a detailed explanation on the subject from the knowledge and experience I have within Liver Bull Terriers.

What is a Liver Bull Terrier? The phrase “Liver” refers to the gene that extracts Black color and pigmentation (eumelanin) from the dog. Liver is not an actual color, which many think it is. A pure white Bull Terrier can have the liver gene. The fur coat is not the only thing that changes within the appearance of a Liver Bull Terrier. If it were, we would never be able to tell a white Bull Terrier was liver. Due to the gene causing it to extract black pigmentation it will produce a red or maroon colored pigmentation on the nose where it would normally be black. The gene will also lighten the color of the eyes to a yellowish green (amber) color. Colored Bull Terriers with the Liver gene are easy to detect because on a brindle or tri color it lightens their entire coat. A Red Bull Terrier has little change in regard to their coat except it may be noted that their color is slightly lighter with a more orange look to it. Any smut markings will change to a dark orange or light maroon appearance. The most desirable color for the “Designer” breeders are the Tri-colored and Black Brindles because it converts the black fur color to a brownish color thus the nick name “Chocolate Bull Terrier.” I could go into specifics in regard to DNA and genes but for this article I prefer to describe the Liver Bull Terriers in the simplest form possible.

Does the Bull Terrier Breed Standard recognize the Liver Gene within the Standards? No, it does not. The breed standard clearly depicts the eyes to be “well-sunken and as dark as possible.” With this said, no liver Bull Terrier regardless what color fur they have will fall into the correct aspect of breed standard with amber colored eyes. Additionally, the breed standard depicts the nose to be “black.” Any dog born with the liver gene will never have a black nose as the gene omits this color and pigmentation. Both nose color and eye color would be faults according to the Standard of the Breed so even if the Bull Terrier was white it would still have genetic faults that contradict the Standard. The Bull Terrier breed has 22 color variations within the breed and none of them include a brown or chocolate color so any Tri-colored or Black Brindle Liver Bull Terrier wouldn’t even have a proper color choices to register.

Do other breeds recognize the Liver gene? Yes, actually there are several breeds that do but they have actually called them by specific names and make no mention of them having the “Liver” gene. A good example would be a Chocolate Lab. In truth, a Chocolate Lab is simply a Black Lab born with the liver gene thus changing the fur coat, lightening the eye color, and giving it the maroon colored nose.

A few other examples of Liver Breeds accepted within their Breed Standards are; Red Doberman Pinschers, Dalmatians (Liver Spotted), Field Spaniel, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, German Spitz, English Pointer, English Springer Spaniel, Spanish Water Dog, Cocker Spaniel, Australian Shepherd, Bloodhound, Lancashire Heeler, Dachshund, and Red Nose Pit Bull Terrier. There are several others but this gives you an example of how populated the Liver Gene is within other breeds. Some people might ask, “Why won’t the Bull Terrier breed allow Liver Bull Terriers within the Standards?” Unlike other breeds like the Labrador where they have only a few colors with their standard (Yellow, Black, and Chocolate) the Bull Terrier breed has 22 color combinations so adding dozens of more combinations when introducing the Liver Gene would complicate things a lot more without even considering the changes within the proper nose and eye color. Breed Standards define the breed and when there is too much of a disparity within the breed it takes away from the uniqueness of the breed itself.

Are Liver Bull Terrier healthy as any other Bull Terrier? Despite what many people fail to realize is that the gene is a genetic makeup of their DNA and has nothing to do with a negative flaw within their health. If the Liver Gene proved to have certain negative aspects that affect their well-being you can surely bet you’d hear about it from the plethora of other breeds that support the Liver gene within their Standards. Saying that a Liver Bull Terrier is any less healthy than another Bull Terrier without the Liver Gene is like saying a Black Lab is healthier than Chocolate Lab even is they are siblings. This is far from true. The health of any puppy is indicative of the health and qualities of the sire and dam.

Can you register a Liver Bull Terrier? Absolutely. AKC and many other canine registries worldwide have no concept that a Bull Terrier litter produced by two registered dogs produced a Liver Bull Terrier so registrations papers will be issued without question. The breeder of a colored Bull Terrier with the liver gene would obviously be left with no other choice than to register a liver puppy as if he or she was the proper color per the standards. There would be no mention of the Liver gene or specific color on the puppy’s registration paper. It would only be verified through physical appearance of the dog itself.

Can a Liver Bull Terrier show up within any Bloodline? Yes, it can. The liver gene comes from the breeding of a sire and dam that both possess the liver allele. In the DNA of the sire and dam if both possess the Bb within their genes then they have the capabilities to produce a Liver Bull Terrier with the bb gene. Many breeders, especially those that do not study the DNA of their breeding stock, have no idea whether their Bull Terrier has the capabilities of producing a liver until it is mated with a Bull Terrier that possesses the same shared component of the genes Bb. As a breeder myself,

Are Liver Bull Terriers considered Bad? Now this is a question that can be answered differently by every Bull Terrier advocate and it’s the reason why we see so much controversy over them on social media. There’s nothing physically wrong with a Bull Terrier born with the liver gene but it’s obvious that they do not emulate the breed standards due to their faults. With this said, this would only make them fall short in competition in conformation events where they judge each dog based on how close they emulate the breed standards. Provided a Liver Bull Terrier actually came from a reputable breeder that had all the other qualities that define the Bull Terrier standard the dog may be a contender at a show despite its faults within the eyes and nose. The breed standard actually says “Any color other than white, or any color with white markings” which means the fur color can’t be faulted. However, the nose color and the eye color can. These aren’t disqualifying features like it would be if the eyes were Blue but the nose and eye color would discredit the dog and obviously cost it points at a show. History shows that there has been success on the show ring with Bull Terriers that were liver. A good example is “Nuance Nonconformance” (Anna Nicole) who was the winner of the 2008 Eva Weatherill Brood Bitch Trophy. Anna had a decent run in the show circuit but her Liver gene prevented her from going the distance. However, Anna was bred to a Champion sired named Silmaril Scarlet Knight which produced a puppy named “Nuance Nonsense” who was the 2008 Silverwood trophy winner. She also produced a Silverwood Reserve colored bitch. The success of the two sisters landed Anna the BTCA’s 2008 Eva Weatherill Brood Bitch Trophy. This history clearly shows that no Liver Bull Terrier should be discredited based on the gene itself especially when the particular Bull Terrier may have so many other attributes that emulate the breed standard.

So why are there so many people within the Bull Terrier community that condemn Liver Bull Terriers?  The sad truth is that is that most Liver Bull Terriers come from breeders that have many other things that jeopardize the qualities of the breed itself besides the Liver gene and many of these breeders have no intention to conform to the breed standards. Even worse is the mere fact that, like any breed type, there is always “Designer Breeders” who realize it’s much harder gaining a positive reputation through the development of puppies which emulate all spectrum of the breed standards than it is to simply concentrate on the color of the puppies they produce. Sadly, there will always be some that see no wrong with completely ignoring the standards of the breed in order to produce a color or certain look that captures the eye of people who have absolutely no concern about the integrity of the breed. Those with little or no knowledge on proper breeding ethics will see a Liver Bull Terrier or maybe even a Merle Bull Terrier with Blue eyes and think of it as some kind of rarity, unique, or special type of production. Factually this is far from being true. Yes, they are rare but the reason they are rare is because responsible breeders and reputable breeders do NOT try and produce qualities which fault the breed standard. Instead they aim their focus on breeding to emulate the qualities depicted within the standards. The mere fact that there are breeders who are deliberately trying to breed against these standards is shameful and should not be praised by any measure. “Designer” breeders focus on one concept only – color. This is a VERY easy thing to accomplish simply by breeding one faulted color to another. Focused attention on faulted colors in order to attract naive individuals allows these breeders to neglect the array of other qualities within the breed that define the proper look, structure, and conformation that responsible breeders strive for. Please understand, taking calculated decisions on proper breeding in order to produce a Bull Terrier that truly emulates the standard in all aspects is a difficult challenge for any breeder. The reason why people Show their Bull Terriers is to have them judged on how close they come to achieving this goal. Designer breeders completely ignore these qualities and although they realize what they are producing won’t even meet minimum qualities to enter into a competitive conformation show they seem to fool people into thinking their faulted puppies warrant higher price tags. Regardless if you have intent of showing or not, the simple truth is that deliberately breeding outside the standard compromises the future integrity of the breed that “some” of us respect and try their best to maintain with pride and passion.

Lately I am seeing more and more Liver Bull Terriers produced and there’s no question there are breeders deliberately doing it for the purpose of achieving a higher price for their puppies because they are capable of fooling people into thinking they are some kind of rare gem that is difficult to reproduce. What’s truly upsetting is that some of these designer breeders are posting their puppies for prices as high as $6,000 when there is absolutely nothing that would warrant a price anywhere close to that. These are the same breeders that do not Health Test their breeding stock, do not provide a 2 year health guarantee against genetic disorders, have no reputable bloodlines within the pedigree of their dogs,  no not show their dogs, and have no care what so ever about the integrity of the breed standards and the future welfare of the breed. It’s for these reason many Bull Terrier advocates cringe at the sight of more and more Liver Bull Terriers being produced.

Conclusion – I have nothing against Liver Bull Terriers and even the best of the best breeders could produce one. However, the objective would never be to deliberately produce them as they contradict the Breed Standards that we all respect. I love ALL Bull Terriers regardless if they are show quality or not but I feel breeders should be doing their due diligence in preserving the integrity of the breed we all love and cherish. To base the qualities of any dog by the color is ignorant. I have no problem complimenting the quality of a Liver Bull Terrier “IF” it’s of sound qualities within all the other attributes of the Breed Standard. Those that own one of this nature should be proud of their Bull Terrier just like anyone else that owns a Bull Terrier. However, if you sought after a Liver Bull Terrier from a designer breeder that plagues the future integrity of the breed by practicing poor breeding ethics you were only bamboozled into purchasing a poorly bred Bull Terrier with no reputable merit and this type of caliber of puppy would most definitely question the actual health and genetics of the dog since those qualities were far from the mind of the breeder.