Bull Terrier health: what owners should know

Health concerns in the breed include deafness, particularly in white dogs, inherited kidney disease (hereditary nephritis), heart conditions such as mitral valve disease and aortic stenosis, luxating patellas, skin allergies and compulsive behavior such as tail chasing. Lethal acrodermatitis is a rare, severe inherited disorder that now has a DNA test. Responsible breeders use BAER hearing tests, urine protein to creatinine ratio screening for kidney health, heart examinations and patella checks.

Yearly check-ups that include a urine test help pick up kidney changes early. Contact your vet if your dog drinks and urinates noticeably more, loses weight, tires quickly or faints, or begins chasing its tail or snapping at the air in a way you cannot easily interrupt.