English Bull Terrier Guide: Temperament, Standards & Puppy Care (Surrey, BC)

Welcome.

Considering an English Bull Terrier? This guide covers temperament, the CKC breed standard (plain-language), ethical breeding and health testing, our whelping practices, and day-to-day care. We’re based in Surrey, BC and serve families across the Vancouver Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island, and beyond.

Quick Facts
  • Group: Terrier

  • Size: Medium (often 45–70 lb; Mini Bull Terriers are a separate breed)

  • Coat: Short, flat, dense. Colours include white and coloured (brindle, fawn, red, black & brindle, tri colour).

  • Energy: Medium–high; thrives with daily, structured exercise.

  • Best For: Engaged homes that enjoy training, routine, and playful companionship.

CKC Breed Standard

Standard English Bull Terriers are muscular, balanced dogs with the distinctive egg-shaped head and keen triangular eyes. The ideal dog is athletic and symmetrical with sound movement, strong bone, and a confident, good-tempered character—free from exaggeration.

Check out the complete Canadian Kennel Club breed standard here.

Temperament: Is a Bull Terrier Right for Me?
  • Great fit if you want:

    • A deeply bonded, people-focused companion

    • Daily structure—training, enrichment, and exercise

    • Minimal grooming needs

    Think twice if you prefer:

    • Long hours away from home without dog care

    • A very low-energy “couch only” lifestyle

    • Skipping training or clear boundaries

Also, check out this link.

Health & Ethical Breeding
  • We prioritize health testing and stable temperament. Responsible programs typically include:

    • BAER hearing testing

    • Cardiac evaluation by a qualified veterinarian

    • Kidney/urinary screening and general wellness testing

    • Dentition, patellas, skin/coat assessments
      We’re happy to show our results and how they inform breeding decisions.

Exercise, Lifestyle & Enrichment
Training & Socialization
  • Exercise: Two purposeful sessions daily (training walks; structured play). Avoid over-exertion in summer heat.

  • Home life: Thrive indoors with people; crate training is recommended for safety and routine.

  • Other pets: Introductions should be thoughtful and supervised; maintain management and training.

  • Early, positive exposure is key. We recommend puppy kindergarten after vaccines and consistent reinforcement of household rules. Clear, fair boundaries prevent nuisance behaviours.

Our Whelping & Puppy-Raising Practices
  • We use Puppy Culture, a structured whelping and socialization program designed for Bull Terriers from birth to go-home. Check out Puppy Culture books, videos, and resources here.

  • Puppies experience age-appropriate handling, sensory exposure, crate introduction, potty-area management, and early training foundations.

  • We send each puppy home with guidance tailored to your household.

What Comes with a Snarfington Puppy?
  • Veterinary exam and age-appropriate vaccines

  • Health records and deworming schedule

  • Micro chip and Canadian Kennel Club registration

  • Written contract and lifetime breeder support

  • A going-home kit including a bag of puppy food to help with the transition.

Frequently Asked Questions
  • How much do English Bull Terrier puppies cost in BC?
    Pricing reflects health testing, ethical breeding, veterinary care, and our hands-on raising program. See our Intake & Purchase Process page for current details.

  • When can puppies go home?
    Typically at eight weeks, depending on development and the veterinary schedule.

  • Do you offer support after purchase?
    Yes—lifetime breeder support. We want your puppy to thrive and we’re here to help.

Next Steps...