What makes Bull Terriers great pets?
Fun and energetic, Bull Terriers make popular show dogs and family pets. Despite their fierce reputation, they generally have great temperaments – although you’ll need to set some ground rules to ease them into home life.
Bull Terrier insurance can help you enjoy your time with your pet, without worrying about the cost of taking them to the vet.
What types of pet insurance policies are there?
There are four main types of pet insurance for dogs. Here’s a quick overview of each:
Lifetime policy: this type of policy covers your pet for its entire life, as long as you renew it each year. It’s reassuring to know your pet is always covered.
Maximum benefit: this policy provides a set amount of money for each condition or injury. Once the limit is reached, that condition is no longer covered.
Time limited: often recommended for older pets, this type of policy typically covers illness and injuries for a set period only, usually 12 months. Also, each aspect of the cover has a set limit; you’ll only be covered up to that amount, and you can’t claim for any specific condition more than once.
Accident-only: this is a basic policy that covers your pet for injuries resulting from accidents. It won’t cover them for any illnesses or diseases.
Things to look out for on your policy
When choosing a dog insurance policy, it's important to pay attention to the following details:
Excess: this is the amount you’ll need to pay towards a claim before your insurance kicks in. Make sure you’re comfortable with the excess amount specified in your policy.
Cover limits: check the maximum amount your policy will pay out for each condition and overall. This can vary between policies.
Exclusions: common examples include pre-existing medical conditions, routine treatments and pregnancy. Understanding these exclusions will help you avoid unexpected costs.
Waiting period: this is the time you need to wait after taking out the policy before you can make a claim. Knowing this period can help you plan accordingly.
Do Bull Terriers have any known health conditions?
The Bull Terrier Club strives to keep the breed’s health issues to a minimum, and hopefully your Bull Terrier will live a long and healthy life. But it’s worth knowing that they can be prone to:
Deafness: Bull Terriers can be affected by congenital deafness, particularly those with white coats. This condition is due to a lack of pigment cells in the inner ear, which can affect their hearing.
Kidney disease: this includes hereditary nephritis, a genetic condition where the kidneys fail to filter waste effectively.
Heart disease: Bull Terriers can suffer from heart murmurs or other cardiac issues. These conditions can be hereditary, making regular vet check-ups important.
Skin and coat disorders: this breed’s short coats can make them more susceptible to skin irritations, allergies and rashes.
Patellar luxation: this is a condition where the kneecap dislocates or moves out of its normal position. Bull Terriers can be prone to this due to their active nature.
Lens luxation: this eye condition involves the displacement of the lens and can lead to blindness if untreated. It’s more common in Bull Terriers due to genetic predispositions.
Oral health
While Bull Terriers don't have breed-specific oral health issues, maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for their overall health.
Regular brushing of your Bull Terrier's teeth can prevent the build-up of plaque and tartar that can lead to periodontal disease. Providing dental chews and going for regular vet check-ups can also help keep their teeth and gums healthy.
With the right care and attention, your Bull Terrier can enjoy a long, happy life as a cherished member of your family. Pet insurance plays an essential role in ensuring your dog's health needs are met without unexpected financial strain, allowing you to focus on creating lasting memories with your loyal companion.
How much does Bull Terrier insurance cost?
Bull Terrier insurance premiums can vary, but the average premium for dog insurance is £119 per year [2]. To find out how much it will cost you, start comparing pet insurance quotes now.
Insurance providers consider several factors when calculating the cost of a dog insurance policy, including:
Policy type: different types of policies offer varying levels of cover, which can affect the cost
Age: older dogs may cost more to insure due to the increased likelihood of health issues
Pedigree breed: purebred dogs like Bull Terriers can be more expensive to insure because they can be more prone to certain genetic conditions
Pre-existing medical conditions: if your dog has existing health issues, this can increase the cost of insurance
Location: where you live can impact the cost of your premium, as vet fees vary across the UK.
[2] 51% of our customers were quoted less than £118.13 for their dog insurance in June 2026.
Bull Terrier profile
Here's a quick profile of a healthy adult Bull Terrier:
Size | Weight | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|
Medium | 22-31 kg | 12-14 years |
Bull Terriers are energetic and require at least an hour of daily exercise, including walks and play. They're intelligent but can be stubborn, so consistent, positive reinforcement is key to training.
They thrive in homes with space, like a garden, and adapt to city life with regular outings. A family setting with ample attention suits this affectionate breed well.
Tips for keeping your Bull Terrier happy and healthy
Diet: Bull Terriers are fast growers, so it’s important not to overfeed them. Provide your pup with an age-appropriate diet rich in natural calcium to promote healthy bone development. If you’re uncertain about your dog’s dietary requirements, talk to your vet to make sure they’re getting all the nutrients they need.
Grooming: Bull Terriers have a short, dense coat that is relatively low maintenance. They’re mild shedders, so a weekly brush should keep their coat healthy and shiny. Regular grooming also helps check for any skin issues or parasites.
Staying social: an active social life that includes both human-to-dog and dog-to-dog interaction will help your pet gain confidence – so they're able to adapt to new people and situations quickly. Find your nearest dog park, or team up with other dog walkers in your area, to ensure your Bull Terrier can engage in social activities.
Vet check-ups: vet visits aren’t fun for any dog. However, regular health check-ups, vaccinations and deworming are vital for keeping your dog in tip-top health. Try to get your pup used to going to the vets from a young age, to save stressful visits later on.
Microchipping
In the UK, it’s a legal requirement to microchip your dog. If you don’t, you can be fined up to £500.
Microchipping provides a permanent method of ID, which helps reunite lost dogs with their owners. You can arrange for your Bull Terrier to be microchipped at your local vet or through animal charities.
It’s also a legal requirement for dogs to wear a collar with a tag that includes the owner's name and address.
Many dog owners will add a phone number too. This helps ensure that if your dog gets lost, they can be easily returned to you. Not having a collar and tag can also result in a fine of up to £2,000.
What do I need to get a quote?
To compare dog insurance with Compare the Market, we’ll need to know:
Your pet’s age and breed
How much you paid or donated for them
Whether your pet has been neutered or spayed
Whether they’re microchipped
If you want cover for pre-existing conditions and illnesses.
FAQs
What is third-party pet insurance and do I need it?
Third-party pet insurance – also known as third-party public liability insurance – covers you if your dog damages someone else’s property or injures another person or pet. Even if your Bull Terrier is a happy, docile dog, they could end up in a scrape at some point.
Most pet insurance policies include third-party dog insurance as standard. Double check your pet policy to see if you already have it.
What if my Bull Terrier is lost or stolen?
Some insurance providers can help with this. Look for a policy that offers a reward for finding your lost dog – or help towards advertising your missing pet. You could even get compensation if he or she can’t be found.
Are Bull Terriers good for new owners?
Bull Terriers can be a challenging breed for first-time dog owners due to their strong-willed and energetic nature. They require consistent training and socialisation from an early age to ensure they grow into well-behaved adults.
While they’re affectionate and loyal, their stubbornness can be a hurdle for inexperienced owners. Think carefully about your lifestyle and commitment to training before choosing a Bull Terrier as your first dog.
Are Bull Terriers good with kids?
Bull Terriers can be good with children, as they are generally affectionate and playful.
However, due to their energetic nature and strong build, they may not be suitable for very young children. As with all breeds, Bull Terriers must always be supervised when around children.
It’s also important to teach both your dog and children how to interact safely and respectfully.
Why should I compare pet insurance with Compare the Market?
We can tailor your pet insurance quote to suit your needs. Just tell us a little about yourself, your Bull Terrier and the type of cover you’d like. Once we have this, we’ll search a selection of the UK’s pet insurance providers and give you a list of suitable quotes, in price order.
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Allie has spent her career helping people quickly understand complicated topics, to help them save money and focus on what matters. With almost 10 years’ experience writing, leading and managing content, she is an expert in personal finance and insurance products.
Stephen Maunder is an experienced personal finance editor, having spent more than a decade working for consumer print and online titles. He won several industry awards for his personal finance features at Which?, before becoming Deputy Editor at Compare the Market.
Amy helps make sure you get the best value when choosing insurance. Thanks to more than four years’ experience at Compare the Market, she understands what people look for, working closely with insurance providers to offer you deals and services that are fair, easy to understand and right for your needs.
Our content is written by a Compare the Market expert, backed by data and enhanced by technology. Find out how we ensure accuracy and quality in our Editorial Guidelines.
What our expert says...
“Bull Terriers are often thought of as quite an aggressive breed. However, with the right training, they become gentle and obedient pets. Engage your Bull Terrier in regular obedience training from a young age, then watch your pup grow into a loyal and loving companion.”