Delicious Bull Terriers

BULL TERRIER SHOPPING LIST & RECOMMENDATIONS

 While you wait for the arrival of your new puppy, I have included examples below to some of my favorite items.  This should help everyone get started but don’t worry if you have other preferences etc. this isn’t the “end all be all” list, just a launch point.  Additionally, I tried to include various options/price points for items so please don’t feel compelled to buy every option of each item. These are easy things to round up and have together before the pup comes home and throws the “routine” off for everyone!

CRATE

I recommend this one (Tan and Grey plastic crate in the image below), its economical and will be the perfect size for when your pup goes home. Once he/she finishes growing tall at least around 9-12 months you can invest in a nicer crate that will last longer.  Depending on how big your pup gets, you may need to buy 1-2 more plastic crates before you settle on the perfect size for maturity.  You can’t really start with a “grow into” crate because a too large crate will cause accidents.  This is another reason we recommend this inexpensive brand.  Please use the “wire” crates with lots of caution.  Bull terriers are mischievous little ones and will do all kinds of silly things to play around in their crate and we always worry about stuck toes/legs/mouths therefore we personally do not use wire crates at any age except on rare occasion at dog shows...with supervision. At maturity we love Ruffland brand crates! Large for females and X-Large for males!

BEDDING

Below are some of my favorite fancier crate pads but UNHEMMED fleece blankets do just fine as well. If they eat the strings from a hemmed blanket that can be dangerous. Please never use towels or batted blankets/beds in crates as if your pup decides to shred or consume these items they can cause a deadly blockage! In our experience if they shred fleece (which they tend to like the taste of less) it will pass through the majority of the time and you have much less to worry over. Shredding varies by individual to individual from never ever to just can’t stop.  In our experience they nearly always grow out of this behavior but it can take a year or two. These blanket kits below are a great way to get 2 fleece blankets for a good price! They’re safe, effective and if an accident happens you won’t feel too bad about just pitching it if needed!

Primo pads are pretty cool and great for those dogs that have to outgrow bedding shredding

The “yak” style pads are pretty amazing, so tough, last for a really long time and many washes but really soft and wonderful for winter.  We use them when transporting dogs that have had surgery, are pregnant or just older ones that love extra cushion. There are a few brands that make them, don’t worry they aren’t real animal fiber just a thick wonderful “fleece” material without batting.

FEEDING

UPDATE: As of 2025 we have updated the kibble we are weaning and recommending for our puppies and dogs. We have transitioned to Pro Plan Puppy sensitive skin and stomach with Salmon and Rice. Over time dog food brands change their formulas. After researching, consulting other breeders and our veterinarian, we are happy so far with this switch and know you will be too! We are also mixing in about 1/4 can of Pro Plan puppy food with their kibble. You are welcome to continue this until your puppy is about 4 months of age but it is optional.

Additionally, we are still recommending a stainless steel feeding bowl that may very well outlive the entire life of your puppy and even you! Over the years we’ve literally thrown maybe one stainless steel dog bowl away. We love them because they are easy to wash or toss in the dishwasher between feedings.

How Much Should I feed my Bull Terrier…PLEASE READ THIS!

Over the years we’ve had some incidences where families have not fed their puppy correctly. We don’t want this to happen to you! We do our very best to get your puppy off to a healthy start in life but it is YOUR responsibility as a new owner to ensure your Bull Terrier has the nutrition he or she needs to grow healthy and strong. Bull Terriers are not a “large” breed in the fact they are tall, however, they can EAT! They are thick sorts of dogs with bodies programmed to grow muscular and strong. Your pup will grow from just 1lb at birth to almost 60lbs in their first year (both males and larger females). This takes a lot of energy and we’ve noted Bull Terriers will generally eat more than many other breeds, especially for their height. Your puppy will have increasing nutritional needs as they grow and their needs will change rapidly. If you underfeed your puppy, not only have we observed growth and development issues, but also unwanted behaviors such as looking for other things to eat (plants, grass, even poo poo) or in extreme circumstances, we have seen aggression. But please pause for a moment…imagine living your life meal to meal and being HUNGRY all the time. Eventually you might get cranky! We don’t want this to happen to your Bull Terrier, so we have put together a couple of charts as guides. Please note: These are just guides however something for you to consider as your puppy starts to grow. If you are offering these amounts and they’re leaving a little behind that’s perfectly ok! It means they’re getting enough. If they’re cleaning everything up and looking on the thin side, feel free to offer a little more!

COLLARS & LEADS

This is really up to you, the puppies necks are usually about 10” when they leave and will be roughly double that at maturity.  Flat buckle collars will work fine at this age. I’m going out on a limb here and going to recommend a martingale which you may not be familiar with, however is one of my preferred collars for young pups! Personally I always use English Slip Leads for convenience at dog shows etc. however for the average pet owner, it probably makes most sense to go with the martingale and a plain snap type leash.  Since they’re growing adjustable works well. Your puppy will not need a choke style collar at this age and we do not use “prong” collars. 

BATHING

Really anything “Puppy safe” from your local pet supply store will be fine.  I would steer away from “heavy duty” chemical flea/tick shampoos at this age as their skin can be quite sensitive and I’m always a fan of organic/natural formulas. For flea/tick prevention we will start everyone off with a dose of frontline which you may continue or switch to your favorite preventative product. I do have a preference towards the below shampoo product for dog shows. Its probably more “fancy” than you’ll need but for whatever reason it makes them smell really nice and gives a great shine.

TOYS

Toys and chews are so important through teething at 4-6 months.  There are many fun toys,” tough” type ones are really great, Kong brand makes some wonderful products.  As with anything always supervise them with toys and throw out any that start to look worn.  For edibles we stick to pig ears, bully sticks and the like. Most things made by “Red Barn” brand are great in my experience and very safe for consumption.  Pretty much I know with the bully sticks, pig ears, ducks feet etc. if they swallow a big piece its completely digestible.

 **WARNING**

PLEASE DO NOT ever use “Nylabones” or anything hard plastic.  We know a young Bull Terrier that ended up on a stomach tube for life after consuming part of a plastic Nylabone.  I don’t do rawhide, the process of making those bleached white type bones is pretty disgusting.  Raw bones are fine but you have to watch to make sure they don’t choke on pieces and they are pretty messy.  Cooked bones tend to splinter and sometimes the greasiness of them doesn’t agree with puppy tummies.