Not sure when to transition your English Bull Terrier dog food from puppy to adult? It’s important to know what stage your dog is in. Bull Terriers in different stages require different nutrients from their body. So, when are English Bull Terrier dogs considered adults?
Quick Navigation
When Are English Bull Terrier Dogs Considered Adults?
Bull Terrier dogs are considered adults when they turn 12 to 24. An adult Bull Terrier should be physically, sexually, and emotionally mature and responsive to training. Also, other dogs should interact with them as fellow adults.
Signs that Your Bull Terrier is Turning Adult
Growing up is a natural process. Sometimes, puppies don’t grow up at the same rate. Different factors influence maturity, such as early socialization. In the next section, I will discuss different signs when your English Bull Terriers are becoming adults.
Begins to Mature
You’ll know your Bull Terrier reaches adulthood when it starts manifesting signs of maturity physically, sexually, and mentally.
Physical Maturity
Physical maturity in dogs means they reach their full-size potential. A Bull Terrier physically matures between 20 to 24 months when it finally reaches its full height and weight. However, even though your Bull Terrier reaches its full size doesn’t mean it automatically stops its puppy-like behavior.
It’s important to determine whether your Bull Terrier physically matures so you can give him appropriate dog food that meets its nutrient requirements.
Mental Maturity
The mental maturity of the modern Bull Terrier varies. On average, expect your Bull Terrier to mentally mature when it reaches one to four years old, it might be different for Miniature Bull Terriers. Mental maturity changes behavior, such as halting its puppy-like behaviors.
A mentally matured dog is characterized by the following:
- better at listening
- more obedient
- doesn’t easily get distracted
- calmer
- more settled demeanor
When your Bull Terrier reaches its adult stage, it fully settles into its new role as an adult.
Sexual Maturity
A dog’s sexual maturity comes before it reaches mental and physical maturity. According to the American Kennel Club, an American Pit Bull Terrier sexually matures as early as six months and as late as nine months. Expect your dog to exhibit behavioral changes due to changes in hormones.
Typically, a female dog goes into heat twice a year. Observable changes include swelling of the vulva and red vaginal discharge in seven to 10 days.
On the other hand, a sexually mature male Bull Terrier exhibits behavioral changes like marking its territory. You’d also notice him roaming around more often. At this stage, you need to decide whether to spay/neuter your dog or not.
It’s best to consult your vet for the right time of neutering or spaying to avoid any health problems caused by too early neutering or spaying, such as orthopedic problems.
Less Destructive Behavior
According to Dr. Melissa Bain, a professor of clinical animal behavior at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, the destructive behavior of puppies lessens as they mature.
It starts when they grow their puppy teeth and change to adult teeth. You’ll observe that their destructive behavior, such as chewing, slowly ceases as early as five months.
Less Playful
Bull Terriers are remarkably energetic dogs especially when they’re still puppies, according to The Bull Terrier Club. Although they are still full of energy and very playful, you’ll notice that the energy levels aren’t the same compared to when they’re still puppies. Instead, you’ll notice your dog becomes more interested in exploring his surroundings.
Responsive to Training
Adults are easier to train than bull terrier puppies. Usually, bull terrier puppies don’t pay attention or listen when you tell them to do something. Meanwhile, adult dogs aren’t easily distracted compared to puppies.
They tend to pay more attention and concentrate on their owner’s supervision and directives. This is contrary to the misconception that adult dogs are harder to train.
Nonetheless, it’s recommended to train your dog at a young age because you can prevent him from acquiring bad behaviors. It’s easier to teach your dog to learn something than to teach him to unlearn something. However, it’s never too late to correct your dog’s behavior even when it’s already adult.
Related Questions
At What Age Do Puppies Stop Growing?
Small breeds of dogs stop growing at six to eight months old. A medium-sized dog breed like the Miniature Bull Terrier reaches its full size at 12 months old on average. Meanwhile, large breeds take 12 to 18 months old.
What Months Do Puppies Grow the Most?
Puppies grow the most between three to five months old – especially the small breeds. When puppies step into their sixth month, they either grow slowly or stop growing.
Conclusion
English Bull Terrier dogs reach adulthood when they exhibit signs of maturity such as physical, mental, and sexual. They also exhibit behavioral changes indicating they are already adults, such as becoming less playful, less destructive, calmer, and settled, and more responsive to training.
When you observe these changes, you’ll know it’s time to switch from puppy food to adult food.