The English Bull Terrier breed is equally as prone to health problems as any other breed, but the English Bull Terrier has some health problems only associated with the specific breed.
Some of these issues include:
Patellar luxation – dislocated kneecaps, often found in small to medium breeds
Skin Allergies – Bull Terriers are prone to environmental and flea allergies
Zinc Deficiency – Lethal Acrodermatitis, This can manifest itself by having a small weight at birth, deformations of the skeleton bones and less glowing of the coat. There are many treatments, but most are unsuccessful.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder – This breed is prone to OCD in many different forms, including, tail chasing, scratching and other anxiety behaviors. There are medications out there that will help slightly in combating this behavior.
Deafness – all white terriers are prone to either being born deaf or going deaf very shortly after birth.
The Bull Terrier is equal to other breeds in that it requires regular medical check ups as well as vaccinations.
Grooming
Taking care of your English Bull Terrier on a regular basis is quick and easy and that makes it a perfect dog for people that do not have time for extensive grooming procedures. Only a weekly rubdown with a rubber glove or a bristle brush is all that is needed for good grooming. As with other dogs this is the perfect time to check for any infection or discharge coming from eyes and ears.
The breed does not require regular baths as the dog is a very clean animal in itself and a bath should only be given when required. The hairs will be shed at a fairly descent rate, with 2 significant increases every year. Good grooming will prevent the house being full of hairs of your bull terrier.
The toughness of the nails is remarkable and they do not require a lot of attention if the dog is exercised regularly on streets or sidewalks. The nail should not be lower then the footpad itself otherwise the nail will actually be pushing itself into the footpad. If the toenail is longer then the footpad it should be removed immediately to prevent further pain and problems. The best way to find out how to cut these hard nails is to visit a veterinarian and have them show you.