How long does a Bull Terrier live?

The listed lifespan for a Bull Terrier is 12–13 years.

How tall is a Bull Terrier?

The listed height for a Bull Terrier is 21–22 in.

Is a Bull Terrier good with children?

The AKC good-with-children score for a Bull Terrier is 3 out of 5.

When is a Bull Terrier full grown?

The growth size band for a Bull Terrier is up to 24 months.

Terrier Group

Bull Terrier

Bull Terrier is a large dog in the Terrier Group. Adult weight is 50–70 lb, height is 21–22 in, and the listed lifespan is 12–13 years. AKC describes the temperament as Playful, Charming, Mischievous.

Last reviewed November 1, 2026.

Bull Terrier dog — Photo: Unknown author Unknown author · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Lifespan12–13 years

Weight50–70 lb

SizeLarge GroupTerrier Group

Height

21–22 in

Energy

4 / 5

Shedding

3 / 5

Grooming

2 / 5

Trainability

3 / 5

Good with kids

3 / 5

The breed record

Across 119 single-size large breeds, a lifespan midpoint of 12.5 years is about the same as the 12.6-year average. A midpoint adult weight of 60 lb is about the same as the 59.2 lb average for those large breeds.

The listed origin is England. The coat is described as smooth, short. The AKC energy score is 4 out of 5, 0.4 points above the group average of 3.6 for the Terrier Group. Shedding scores 3 out of 5. Grooming scores 2 out of 5, so home brushing covers most weeks. Trainability scores 3 out of 5. Good with children scores 3 out of 5. Good with other dogs scores 1 out of 5. AKC ranked this breed number 86 in 2025.

Adult size is usually reached in up to 24 months (size-band statement (Salt et al. 2017): larger breeds require up to 24 months). AKC parent-club recommended health screenings: Patella Evaluation, Cardiac Exam, BAER Testing, and Kidney - Urine Protein:Creatinine Ratio. These are screening tests, not a list of diseases the breed is guaranteed to develop.

Frequently asked