ENGLISH BULL TERRIER BREED STANDARD
Size & Proportions
There is no set height or weight limit for the English Bull Terrier.
The dog should be well balanced and proportioned, with good substance, strength and muscle appropriate to its overall size.
Dogs should appear masculine and bitches feminine, while maintaining correct breed type and balance.
Head & Muzzle
The head should be long, strong and deep, with a distinctive rugby-ball shape when viewed from the front.
Viewed from the side, the profile should curve gently downwards from the top of the skull to the nose, without dips or breaks.
The head should appear full and well filled, with no hollows or indentations.
The jaws should be strong and powerful, with a clean, balanced finish to the muzzle.
ENGLISH BULL TERRIER (EBT)
Nose & Breathing
The nose should be black, with a naturally downward-curving tip and well-developed, open nostrils.
Airflow should be free and unrestricted, with silent and effortless breathing at rest.
Pinched or narrowed nostrils, or noisy, laboured or restricted breathing at rest, are faults.
Eyes
Eyes should be small, dark and triangular, set obliquely and positioned well within the head.
They should give the characteristic keen, alert and intelligent Bull Terrier expression.
Blue or partially blue eyes are undesirable.
Ears
Ears should be small, thin and set close together, positioned high on the head.
They should be carried firmly upright, with the tips pointing upwards.
The ears should complement the distinctive rugby-ball shaped head and alert Bull Terrier expression.
Body & Condition
The English Bull Terrier should have a strong, rounded and muscular body, with good depth and substance throughout.
The chest should be broad and deep, with well-sprung ribs and a powerful, muscular back.
The body should taper into a visible waist and abdominal tuck, giving an athletic and capable appearance.
The dog should be presented in fit, muscular condition. Excess body fat and being overweight are faults.
Front Construction
Viewed from the front, the English Bull Terrier should appear strong, broad and well balanced.
The front legs should be straight, strong and heavily boned, with the elbows held correctly and the legs positioned firmly beneath the body.
The shoulders should be strong and muscular, allowing free movement through the front.
The overall front should give an impression of strength, stability and athleticism.
Feet
Feet should be round, compact and well formed, with well-arched toes.
They should point straight forward, supporting balanced and efficient movement.
Feet turning noticeably inward or outward are undesirable.
Rear Construction
The hindquarters should be strong, muscular and powerful, with well-developed thighs and good rear angulation.
The hind legs should be parallel when viewed from behind, with strong hocks and correct positioning beneath the body.
The rear should provide powerful forward drive, allowing free, balanced and athletic movement.
Weak, narrow, overly straight or excessively angulated hindquarters are faults.
Movement & Athletic Ability
Movement should be free, powerful and balanced, with good reach through the front and strong drive from the rear.
The English Bull Terrier should be a strong, energetic and highly capable canine athlete, able to run, jump, swim, enjoy long walks and take part in active sports with ease.
It should display stamina, agility and enthusiasm for physical activity, moving confidently and efficiently.
The breed’s muscular, substantial build should be matched by genuine athletic ability and fitness.
Tail
The tail should be short, set low and carried horizontally.
It should be thick at the base and taper gradually to a fine point.
The tail should be naturally formed, balanced with the dog and freely movable.
Coat
The coat should be short, flat, close-fitting and harsh to the touch, with a natural healthy sheen.
A soft undercoat may be present during colder weather.
The skin and coat should sit closely over the body, allowing the dog’s muscular outline to be clearly seen.
Colour
For white dogs, the coat should be predominantly white. Head markings and skin pigmentation are accepted.
For coloured dogs, colour should predominate over white.
Accepted colours include brindle, red, fawn and tricolour, including these colours with white markings.
No accepted colour should be preferred over another.
Temperament
The English Bull Terrier should be confident, courageous, friendly and full of character, with a strong attachment to its family.
It should have the breed’s characteristic playful, mischievous and clown-like personality, while remaining steady and manageable.
Early socialisation, clear boundaries and consistent training are important due to the breed’s strength, confidence and determination.
Unprovoked aggression or excessive nervousness are faults.