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Bull Terrier vs Yorkshire Terrier

Compare two breeds

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First breed
Second breed
Bull Terrier photo

Bull Terrier

Developed in 19th century England by crossing bulldogs with terriers, this breed started out in fighting rings and rat pits before being refined into a purely companion breed. The distinctive egg shaped head, with no clear stop between forehead and muzzle, is the breed's trademark and recognizable even to people who know nothing else about dogs. A male can weigh up to 28 kilograms of muscular, compact build. The short, dense coat needs little upkeep, but underneath it sits an unusually strong bone and joint structure. The Bull Terrier is known for a stubborn, playful streak and a strong drive to chew and play that can turn destructive if the dog is bored. With consistent socialization it's typically friendly toward people but can be intolerant of other dogs of the same sex. Life expectancy runs 10 to 14 years.

Yorkshire Terrier photo

Yorkshire Terrier

In England's industrial Yorkshire region, this breed was created by working class ratters to clear vermin from textile mills and coal mines, not as the ornamental dog it later became. The long, silky, straight coat with no undercoat has a texture close to human hair and needs daily brushing to stay tangle-free. The body is featherlight, up to 3.2 kilograms, one of the smallest breeds on the FCI list. Despite the tiny size, the temperament stays bold and sometimes feisty, a clear echo of its terrier working past. The bones are fragile given the size, so care around small children matters. It attaches closely to its family. Life expectancy runs 13 to 16 years.

At a glance

Bull Terrier Yorkshire Terrier
Height (male) 45.0–55.0 cm not specified
Weight (male) 24.0–28.0 kg not specified
Life expectancy 10–14 yrs 13–16 yrs
Coat short, flat long, silky, straight

Temperament & Family Life

Bull Terrier Yorkshire Terrier
Family friendly
Good with children
Good with other dogs
Friendly with strangers
Intelligence
Trainability

Exercise, Energy & Space

Bull Terrier Yorkshire Terrier
Energy level
Exercise need
Apartment friendly
Prey drive
Hunting instinct

Guarding & Alertness

Bull Terrier Yorkshire Terrier
Guarding instinct
Watchfulness
Barking level

Grooming & Care

Bull Terrier Yorkshire Terrier
Shedding
Drooling
Grooming need

Temperament and care scores (1-5) are a general guide based on the breed standard — every individual dog is different.