Trying to decide on which breed of dog would make a great family pet can be confusing, but fun at the same time. If you are a family who loves being active and is very attentive towards animals, a Bull Terrier would make an ideal choice. The American Temperament Test Society is a non-profit foundation that does temperament testing on dogs, and they give a Bull Terrier more than a 90% rating, as compared to the average 81.5% for other breeds of dogs.

Bull Terriers are a friendly and outgoing breed of dog; they have a child-like nature and make a very fun family pet. The physical appearance of a Terrier is matched only by their intelligence, so this makes it necessary to stimulate both their mind and body. The dogs are generally very easy going and nonaggressive, displaying much love and affection towards their favorite people.

The physical appearance of a Bull Terrier is highly characteristic of the breed; the dog has distinctive features which include an egg-shaped head. The dog has unusual triangular-shaped eyes which are closely set together and dark in color. The body of a Terrier is full and rounded, the shoulders are muscular and the tail is carried horizontal. The dog is known as the "gladiator" of the canine world because of the way it walks with a jaunty stride.

The breed is very good with children of all ages, and has a high threshold for pain which means they are less aggressive if a child were to accidentally play to rough with them. A younger dog however, may view children as a fellow playmate and because of their strength could accidentally injure the child. The dog should not be left alone with kids of a young age, but in contrast are extremely protective of children in their family.

It bears remembering, that a Terrier may not be an ideal pet for a first-time pet owner since they are such high energy dogs. The breed requires a lot of exercise and stimulation in order to burn off excess energy. Not giving the dog enough attention can result in boredom which can lead to destructive behavior and frustration. It helps to give the Terrier quality time with each member of the family and to allow the dog to join in daily activities.

If you and your family decide to adopt or purchase a Bull Terrier, you might find yourself pleasantly surprised with the dogs engaging personality. A Bull Terrier will live and play well with other dogs, and will make a great addition to a family with their calm and relaxed nature. The dog is very playful even after is has long outgrown the typical "puppy stage." While a Bull Terrier may not be an ideal choice for those desiring to involve the dog in serious training, the dog will be appreciated by those who enjoy their unique personality. With a Bull Terrier in the family, there is guaranteed to never be a dull moment.