Bull Terriers have a lifespan of about 10 to 14 years.
This is quite long for a dog of its size. Bull Terriers vary greatly in size ranging from smaller 35 pound pooches to 75 pound beasts. For the most part, they are quite healthy across all those size groups and are generally quite easy to take care of in this regard. However, there are a few health issues that affect Bull Terriers that you should know about just in case.
Skin Allergies
You may notice that your Bull Terrier stinks a lot even after baths. This is usually as a result of skin issues. These often start as allergic reactions to things like pollen, grooming products, and parasites. If the irritation is not addressed immediately, it will lead to infections which cause the dog to smell.
Luxating Patellas
This condition causes instability in the limbs affecting the pooch’s ability to walk, run, and climb. It could also eventually result in arthritis that is both painful and greatly debilitating for the dog.
Heart Disease
Bull Terriers suffer from a number of heart issues most of which affect the valves. If not noticed and addressed promptly, these eventually spiral into often fatal consequences including heart failure.
Ear Infections
This mostly affects Bull Terriers when they are much younger. This is because their ears are floppy and tend to harbor germs and moisture. The ears will stand to their erect, adult form by 6 to 10 weeks but this may take up to 7 months. Until then, ensure to clean and dry the dog’s ears once every week or two.
Deafness
This is usually genetic and affects white Bull Terriers more than other coat colors. Usually genetic. In very rare occasions, it happens as a result of consequences from untreated ear infections.