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Step 1
Educate yourself about the bull terrier breed. Bull terriers can be a handful when they are young (under age six). They love to be busy and are smart. The combination can mean destructive behavior if bored. Bull terriers may not be the right dog for a working family. Often bull terriers get along with other dogs, but it can be difficult to have two males in the same home. Positive reinforcement behavior training is important since bull terriers are loyal and protective of their families. This could lead to misunderstood encounters, especially if the family children are rough housing with other children.
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Step 2
Contact the Bull Terrier Club of America. Although it is possible to find a bull terrier at your local shelter, it is unlikely. Until recently, bull terriers were not popular so their numbers are relatively small. Shelters usually contact the Bull Terrier Club if one needs a new home. The rescue will conduct interviews and check references to match the right dog with your family. It is possible that you will be placed on a waiting list until the right dog comes into the rescue.
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Step 3
Talk with your pet care professionals. The veterinarian, groomer, doggy day care and kennel that you patronize can be good resources in your search to adopt a bull terrier. Ask them to keep your information available for anyone that may need to find a home for a bull terrier.
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Step 4
Search online adoption portals such as petfinder.com, pets911.com or 1-800-save-a-pet.com. Not all shelters work with rescue groups so it is possible that there is a bull terrier in a shelter. While searching, consider whether a bull terrier mix would be the right addition to your family. If so, there are many dogs listed as bull terrier mixes that may make a great match. When working with a shelter, the veterinary care that the dog receives and the background of the dog may not be known. It is important to meet the dog and spend as much time as possible interacting with the dog before making the decision to adopt.
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Step 5
Find a local bull terrier breeder. Breeders often know of dogs that need a home. Occasionally breeders have a retired dog looking for a home. Before working with a breeder, check with the Bull Terrier Club of America to make certain the breeder is in good standing.
