Adopting A Bull Terrier

All dogs should be handled with love and respect. Rescue Bull Terriers with even more love! We firmly believe that you don’t get the dog you want, you get the dog you need. And that every rescue Bull Terrier, chooses their new family, not the other way around!

Introduction

At Adora-Bull Terrier Rescue and Rehabilitation, we firmly believe that all dogs should be treated with love and respect, and rescue Bull Terriers with even more love! Our passion for the Bull Terrier breed is unwavering, and finding them the right forever homes is a top priority for us. When we rescue, rehome, or take a Bull Terrier into our care, they become a part of our rescue family. Our adoption process is thorough, as we strive to find a perfect home, not just any home.
We understand that finding the right home can happen quickly in some cases, while it may take some time in others. We have had instances where it took a week from applying to adopting, while in other cases, it took several months to find the right fit. We also do not put a “hold” on a Bull Terrier, as we cannot in good conscience keep them back from another good home. Our adoption process is strict, as we want to ensure that the Bull Terrier and their new family are the perfect fit for each other.
At Adora-Bull, all our dogs are sterilized, and we require that any current pets in the home are also sterilized (unless medical proof can be given to the contrary). Sterilization has many benefits, including improving the health of your animals, reducing undesirable behaviours, and preventing unwanted animals.
While everyone loves a cute puppy, most Bull Terriers end up in rescue around six months old, when they become too boisterous, and owners do not want to put in the necessary effort and work. If you are looking for a puppy, we will place you on a waiting list, which still does not guarantee you will get one, as the waiting list keeps growing. So please keep your options open and consider an older Bull Terrier in need.
Although we prefer to re-home our Bull Terriers within the Gauteng region, we do consider other provinces. However, when it is an only dog home, arrangements can be made to transport the dog to you. But, in the event that you have existing pets and want to adopt a social dog, please note that all meets and greets will have to be done in Gauteng or wherever the dog available for adoption is located, should the relevant experienced persons be available to assist. The onus would be on the family wishing to adopt to make themselves and their pets available for meets and greets.
Please be aware that we operate as a small team, which sometimes limits our financial resources and availability to travel long distances for meet and greets that may not lead to successful adoptions. We retain the right to evaluate each case on its own merits and, as challenging as it may be, decline to move forward.
It cannot be stressed enough that we are not in the security business! Our Bull Terriers are not security dogs, nor will we home a Bull Terrier if we get the idea that they are only looking for a security
dog. If someone cannot love a dog like a family member, then they should not get one, for dogs only know how to look at you as a pack member, which is family to them, and they will protect their family.
Rescuing is a process, and patience is key. If someone cannot have patience with the process, then how will they have patience with a Bull Terrier trying to find their feet in a new home and environment? Surely in that case, they should not have a dog or a Bull Terrier for that matter.
It is important to note that Adora-Bull team members are volunteers. We do not receive any financial or other gain from rescue. We do this for the love of the Bull Terrier breed! Working with a rescue is hard work, physically and emotionally.
We have our own full-time jobs and our own families that we take time away from to try and assist as quickly as possible. Therefore, we kindly ask people to have some understanding and patience. During the adoption process, we are available at all times for advice, tips, guidance, or reassurance.
By adopting a Bull Terrier from Adora-Bull Terrier Rescue and Rehabilitation, you will become part of a huge support network and the Bull Terrier family.

A Word of Warning from Dania Skone

If you are considering adopting a Bull Terrier, we applaud you for your noble thoughts and intentions. We understand that the decision to adopt is not an easy one, and we appreciate your willingness to give a Bull Terrier a life that it deserves. However, we want to remind you that wanting to do something selfless and actually carrying it out are two different things.

Adopting a Bull Terrier is a major responsibility that requires a great deal of commitment, patience, and dedication. You are essentially inviting a stranger into your home, and it’s natural to experience growing pains and trying times. Just as adopting a child demands careful consideration and commitment, so too does welcoming a Bull Terrier into your family.

We urge you to understand that taking a Bull Terrier home and returning it after only three weeks because it’s not the right fit or too much work is simply unacceptable. This action reflects more on your failings as a person than on the dog itself. Imagine for a moment the emotional turmoil of a child being adopted into a loving home, only to be returned because of a mistake or misbehaviour. The sense of rejection and confusion can be devastating. Similarly, for a Bull Terrier, being returned to the kennels can be traumatic and heartbreaking. They form attachments, they trust, and they depend on us for stability and security.

Consider this scenario: Would you give up on your own child if they made a mistake? Would you return them to an orphanage if they didn’t meet your expectations? Most likely not. Instead, you would work through the challenges, provide guidance, and offer unconditional love and support. This same level of commitment is required when adopting a Bull Terrier.

Every Bull Terrier, like every human, has its own unique personality and quirks. Some will fit seamlessly into your life, while others may require patience, understanding, and training. At Adora-Bull, we understand that the transition to a new home can be challenging for both you and your new furry friend. That’s why our team is committed to assisting you every step of the way, providing advice, support, and behavioural training as needed.

While we are here to support you, we expect a reciprocal commitment from you as well. We will work tirelessly to help make the adoption a success, but we will not coddle you if you decide to return the dog simply because it’s not a perfect fit, or if you failed putting in the work required.

We want to emphasize that our primary goal is animal rescue, and we are not in the customer service or consumer satisfaction business. Our aim is to keep our Bull Terriers safe, happy and loved, and we will always provide you with honesty and straight talk.

Bull Terriers are not commodities to be chosen based on specific traits like items from a catalogue. Just like people, they come with their own strengths, weaknesses, and imperfections. When you make the decision to adopt a dog, you are making a commitment to accept them for who they are, flaws and all.

So, before you proceed with adoption, take the time to reflect on your readiness for the responsibilities that come with caring for a Bull Terrier. Consider your lifestyle, your ability to provide for their needs, and your willingness to love them unconditionally, even when challenges arise.

We have rules and regulations in place for a reason, and we request that you follow them for the safety and well-being of your adopted Bull Terrier. We cannot stress enough the importance of ensuring the safety of your fur-child.

Pepper

Let us tell you a story about Pepper, who was adopted from us by a loving family. One day, when the family left her alone in the front yard for just five minutes, she was stolen. The family searched for two months, eventually tracking Pepper down in a dog-fighting ring. Although they were able to rescue her, Pepper succumbed to her wounds only two days later.

This is the harsh reality of what can happen to any dog that is stolen, and we urge you to take all necessary precautions to protect your furry family member.

As you move forward in the adoption process, please take note that we are thorough in our evaluation of potential adopters and placements of our Bull Terriers. Our detailed adoption process ensures that we match each dog with the right family and home, and we are confident that with your dedication and commitment, you can provide a happy and loving life for your new furry family member.

Adora-Bull Terrier

Adoption Process

The next section detailing the adoption process will show you how thorough we are when placing a Bull Terrier in a home. There are generally 6 steps in the adoption process:

STEP 1 – Making up your Mind to Rescue

The process of adoption is an incredibly important and life-changing decision. It requires careful consideration and a true commitment to the well-being of the dog in question. When deciding to rescue a Bull Terrier, it is essential to understand that you are taking on the responsibility of giving the dog a better life than it previously had. This commitment entails accepting the dog’s flaws and dedicating the necessary time and effort to work with them, all while providing love and support.
It cannot be emphasized enough – WE ARE NOT IN THE SECURITY BUSINESS!
Adora-Bull dogs are not security dogs, and if we suspect that you are only seeking a dog for such a purpose, we will not place a Bull Terrier with you. The love and care that a dog requires are significant, and if you cannot provide that love like a family member, then getting a dog is not the right choice. Dogs see their owners as pack members, which means that they consider them family and will do everything in their power to protect them.
Fortunately, social media has become an incredibly useful tool for raising awareness about the plight of rescue dogs. It is a fantastic way to connect dogs with potential owners and help them find their forever homes. However, it is crucial to remember that just because you see a picture-perfect dog online does not mean that it is the right fit for you or your family. It is crucial to meet as many dogs as possible and keep an open mind. In many cases, families that have come to our kennels to meet a particular Bull Terrier they saw online end up adopting a different dog entirely.

Always remember to keep an open mind when considering adopting a dog. If you are not willing to consider other options or suggestions, it is time to rethink your decision to rescue.

There is no love like that of a second chance, and if you are an only dog home, offering a dog who has been in kennels for an extended period a place in your life can be an incredibly rewarding experience.

STEP 2 – The Application

Once you have made the decision to adopt a rescue dog, the next step is to begin the application process. It’s important to remember that honesty and thoroughness are key when it comes to completing all documentation and providing information.
Before starting the adoption application, it’s crucial to note that our rescue organization has strict safety protocols for our dogs.
No matter how loving and caring you are and how wonderful a life you can provide for the Bull Terrier, if your property’s walls and fencing are not up to standard, we will not entrust you with one of our dogs. For instance, if you live in a security complex behind boomed gates, a 6ft wall is sufficient. However, if you reside in a street access house, we require a split property with the dog kept at the back, behind two sets of walls or fences. Please note that we consider walls and palisades as viable fences, but not normal wire mesh fences.
Due to the alarming number of dogs being stolen for fighting clubs or poisoned in break-ins, we also expect our Bull Terriers to sleep inside the house, or in a lockable room adjacent to the house, where they will be secure, warm and cosy, and they cannot be accessed by intruders. It has been proven that dogs sleeping inside have a better chance of protecting and alerting you to any imminent danger.
Additionally, we only home our dogs to families where all existing pets are sterilized. This is a critical requirement as we are pro-life and do not condone breeding of any kind. Sterilization has many benefits, including improving the health of your pets, reducing undesirable behaviours, and preventing unwanted animals. However, we do consider exceptional circumstances to the contrary.
Furthermore, it’s important to mention any past incidents of crime or poisoning on your property and how you have taken measures to ensure the safety of your animals. Additionally, it’s essential to disclose information about all animals, not just dogs, in your household. Some dogs may have a history of not getting along with cats, birds, or horses, and we need to ensure the right match is made.
Lastly, be open and share any other significant information about your current pets or circumstances. Honesty is crucial in the adoption process, and only when we are given upfront information can we make educated decisions to match you and your family with the right Bull Terrier.
It’s important to keep in mind that we have the right to decline an adoption if we feel the overall application does not meet the Bull Terrier/Adora-Bull Rescue criteria. If this happens, please remember to be gracious and accept the decision of the organization. If you’re not happy with the decision, ask what you can do to change things. We are all human, and the rescue will never judge if all avenues have been used to attempt to find a happy medium. Adopting a rescue dog is a commitment, but it’s also one of the most rewarding experiences you can have.

STEP 3 – Home Check

Moving on to the third step in the process of adopting a Bull Terrier from Adora-Bull Rescue – the home check. After your application has been carefully evaluated, the Adora-Bull team will decide if your request is suitable to be forwarded to one of the representatives for a home check. It is our priority to schedule the home check as soon as possible, but we ask that you allow for approximately two weeks for this to take place. While we understand that waiting for a response can be nerve-wracking, especially when it comes to something as important as adopting a rescue dog, it’s important to note that our team is busy tending to the needs of all the bullies in our care on a daily basis.
If your application is approved for a home check, you will be required to agree to a full property check. One of our volunteers will guide you through each step of the process, emphasizing the significance of this property/home check. The safety and security of our dogs is of utmost importance to us. Bull Terriers are a powerful breed and are therefore at risk of being stolen and used for dog fighting. It’s a grim reality, but dog fighting syndicates operate throughout South Africa, even in the most affluent suburbs.
Once the home check is completed and feedback has been given to our homing team, you will be notified of whether your application has been approved or turned down. We will always provide feedback and give you the opportunity to make any necessary changes. As mentioned earlier, it’s essential to accept the decision of the organization and be gracious about it. If you are not content with the decision, ask what you can do to change things. We are all human, and the rescue will never judge if all avenues have been explored to find a happy medium. In the past, we have suggested changes to some applicants, and they have made the necessary adjustments because of their commitment to rescue. Others have chosen not to continue with the process, and the situation ended amicably.

STEP 4 – Analysing the Information

A successful home check means we can move to the next step in the process, which is done by our Adora-Bull homing team. Considering all the provided information we were given; we analyse your application in order to make a decision on the best fit for your family. We take this responsibility very seriously. All the Bull Terriers in our care have been vetted by our behaviourists. It is extremely important for us to place the right Bull Terrier with the right family, as we also do not want the Bull Terrier to come back to the kennels. This can be damaging to their spirit and mental health.
If you are a home with no existing pets or are planning on being an only dog home, it makes the process so much easier for us to find the right match for you. We generally then invite you to our kennels to meet our Bull Terriers. This will allow you time to see which Bull Terrier you bond with and which Bull Terrier bonds with you.

The adoption process from there on happens quite quickly. We will guide you through every step of the way with regards to which Bull Terrier might be a good fit for you and your family.
If you are a multi-pet home, there are many other factors we consider when placing a Bull Terrier. These factors include the family size, their needs, energy levels, lifestyle, environment, children, existing pets, and their socialization, etc. We will then put suitable Bull Terriers forward and arrange a meet and greet with your own pets.
Please take note that this process may take some time, as we may not always have the right Bull Terrier at that specific time that suits your family and current pets’ needs. This is where communication and patience are again very important.

STEP 5 – Meet and Greet Process

The second last significant step in the adoption process of a Bull Terrier from our organization is the meet and greet opportunity. At Adora-Bull, we usually schedule a meet and greet on a Saturday at the start of the weekend. We understand that it is essential for the Bull Terrier to have enough time to settle in with their new family before they leave the house on Monday. Therefore, we ensure that they have a calm environment over the weekend to adjust to the significant changes in their life.
We take the meet and greet process very seriously, and if it is successful, we urge you to ensure that only your direct family is present and no additional people. To prepare you for what to expect and do when you get a rescue Bull Terrier, we provide an accompanying document titled “I got an Adora-Bull Rescue, Now What?”
At Adora-Bull, we always do the first meet and greet on neutral grounds to start off. We prefer having two Adora-Bull representatives to handle the dogs while you as the owner will stay on the side-line and watch. However, if you need help, the Adora-Bull representative will explain the process and what you need to do. We advise that you stay calm and focused at all times, as the Bull Terrier will sense if you are nervous and will react to your emotional state.
It is important to note that meet and greets can take a few hours in some cases, so please make sure you have enough time available with no other plans. Once the Adora-Bull representative is convinced that the meet and greet is going well and there is potential that the dogs will get along, the meet and greet will then move to your property to assess the dogs at home. Depending on how they react at home and around the family, the representative will then make a decision.
At Adora-Bull, we prioritize the safety and well-being of our Bull Terriers. If our representative observes any warning signs or has any doubt that there might be issues, they will suggest another meet and greet or suggest another dog altogether. Rest assured that we will keep you in the loop and communicate with you throughout the process.

It is essential to remember that not all dogs will get along, just like people. We have had successful meet and greets in the first five minutes of the dogs meeting, while others have taken multiple attempts with different dogs that have not worked out. Please have patience with the process and listen to our Adora-Bull representatives, as we will always be open and honest with you on what needs to happen or be done. If a meet and greet did not go as expected, do not get disheartened. Take into consideration that these things happen, and we will work with you to find the right Bull Terrier for your family.

STEP 6 – The Contract, Adoption Fee and There-after

If all goes well during the meet and greet, and everyone involved, including the dogs, are happy, we will move forward with signing a contract between Adora-Bull and you as the adopter. This contract is in place to protect the welfare of the Bull Terrier you are adopting, and states that the adopted Bull Terrier will remain the responsibility of the rescue for the duration of their life. This measure is taken to safeguard the Bull Terrier in the event of unforeseen circumstances where they can no longer be cared for, or in situations such as death or divorce. We will send the contract to you before the meet and greet, allowing you ample time to read through and familiarize yourself with it.
At Adora-Bull, we strive to build strong relationships with our adopters. We do not simply place a dog and then disappear. Instead, you become part of the Adora-Bull family, and your successes with your Bull Terrier become our joy and driving force. We urge you to keep in touch with our rescue organization, providing us with monthly feedback and updated photos, so that we can continue to share your happy stories with our supporters.
Likewise, if any issues arise during your time with your adopted Bull Terrier, we are here to assist and guide you in the best way possible. If we do not have the expertise to address your concerns, we will connect you with qualified behaviourists who can help. It is important to note that once you adopt a Bull Terrier from our rescue, you become part of a vast network and Bull Terrier family.
Adoption Fee
Our adoption process includes discussing the adoption fee in confidence with our new adoptive owners. We don’t have a set adoption fee, and the amount may vary depending on the individual case. Rest assured that we never compromise on the care and well-being of our rescue Bull Terriers. Before leaving the rescue, every Bull Terrier is sterilised, microchipped, and vaccinated at our cost.
As a non-profit rescue organization, we rely solely on the generosity and goodwill of members of the public who share our passion for the Bull Terrier breed and support our mission to rescue them and give them a second chance at life. We are dedicated to providing the best possible care for every rescue Bull Terrier, and we appreciate any donations, big or small, that enable us to continue our life-saving work.

Responsible Breeders (Kusa Registered) vs Backyard Breeders/Puppy Mills KUSA Registered/Ethical Breeders

If you feel that adopting a rescue Bull Terrier is not the right fit for you, we understand. If you choose to purchase a puppy from a breeder, we highly recommend that you seek out ethical breeders who prioritize the well-being of their animals. Look for breeders who are:
• Registered with the relevant breed associations
• Only breed after carefully screening potential homes
• Only have one litter at a time to ensure proper care and socialization
• Raise their puppies inside to provide a safe and healthy environment
• Practice early Canine Neurostimulation to enhance cognitive development
• Test their breeding dogs for common genetic disorders in the Bull Terrier breed
• Wait until their dogs are fully mature before breeding
• Do not sell two pups from the same litter to the same home
• Offer a lifetime return policy if any problems arise
• Ensure that all puppies are vaccinated at the appropriate intervals
Kusa registration is also an important factor to consider when looking for a breeder. It’s important to note that even reputable and well-known breeders typically do not make a significant profit from raising purebred litters. The costs of breeding, including stud fees, vaccinations, health care costs, and high-quality food, often consume most of the “profit.” However, reputable breeders take pride in raising their chosen breeds and strive to improve the standard of the breeds they raise.

Backyard Breeders/Puppy Mills

Puppies from “backyard breeders” usually totally lack the genetics, temperament, and early-life development that would make a purebred puppy worth the cost. PLEASE, do NOT support backyard breeders! A backyard breeder is an amateur animal breeder whose breeding is considered substandard, with little or misguided effort towards ethical, selective breeding. Our aim should always be to avoid supporting backyard breeders, as they breed on a small scale, usually at home with their pets (hence the “backyard” description). Typically motivated by monetary gain, backyard breeders fail to put in the effort required for ethical and selective breeding.
Puppy mills are commercial breeding facilities that mass-produce dogs (and cats in cat mills) for sale through pet stores or directly to consumers through classified ads or the Internet. These mills are notorious for their inhumane conditions, lack of proper care, and unhealthy breeding practices.
Here are 10 signs to tell if you’re dealing with a backyard breeder/puppy mill.
  • They don’t want to screen potential buyers. Responsible breeders have their dogs’ best interests in mind, even if they plan on selling them. Any responsible breeder will want to know what kind of home their puppies are going to and whether they will be well taken care of or not. At our establishment, we always ensure that potential buyers are properly screened before purchasing a puppy from us. We care about our puppies and would never want them to receive neglect or abuse at the hands of their new owners.
  • They sell on social media, on Facebook, Gumtree, Bid or Buy, or in pet stores. Responsible breeders will not sell their puppies simply by advertising as part of their screening of potential buyers. Instead, we educate potential buyers about our puppies, their parents, health screenings, and other educational information through our website. By doing so, we ensure that our puppies are going to loving homes that are well-prepared to take care of them.
  • They offer minimal medical security. Health guarantees are contracts between the breeder and buyer that guarantee the health of their puppies for at least 1 year after the purchase date. At our establishment, we go above and beyond to provide health guarantees for our puppies. Some responsible breeders even have lifetime health guarantees! We ensure that our puppies are cared for in case of health conditions caused by poor genetics. We stop breeding parents who may have passed down the defective gene.
  • They don’t have proof of genetic testing. Genetic testing goes hand in hand with health guarantees. Responsible breeders test most, if not all, of the most common congenital disabilities prevalent in the breed of dog they sell. At our establishment, we take genetic testing seriously and ensure that all our breeding dogs are tested for genetic issues before breeding them.
  • They don’t offer lifetime return policies. Just like with health guarantees, responsible breeders typically ask that buyers return their pup if they find themselves in extenuating circumstances and can no longer provide good care. At our establishment, we care for all our dogs so much that we would rather take back these puppies than leave them in a questionable home or in a shelter or pound.
  • There are no veterinary records for the puppies. All puppies should have received their first veterinary visits, de-wormers, and shots between 6–8 weeks. This ensures that they have been examined by a veterinarian for health issues and are protected from potential diseases. At our establishment, we ensure that all our puppies receive proper veterinary care before they are sold.
  • They sell puppies before they are 8 weeks old. 8 weeks old is the youngest a puppy should leave their mother. Although weaned at 5–6 weeks old, the 6- to 8-week-old period is a critical
  • Responsible breeders are transparent about where their puppies are born and raised and allow prospective buyers to see their facilities, which also serves as an opportunity to screen potential buyers. However, backyard breeders may refuse such requests, often because they try to hide unsanitary and overcrowded environments.
  • Over-breeding or too many dogs crowded together is indicated by year-round availability of puppies. While smaller breeds may have up to three litters a year, giant breeds usually have one. A responsible breeder allows mother dogs to have breaks between heat cycles and usually only produces one litter a year.
  • Backyard breeders are often unable to answer questions about their breeding practices, while responsible breeders should be knowledgeable about their dogs, including each puppy’s temperament and the type of home it would suit best, as well as any illnesses the parents may have had. Additionally, responsible breeders should be able to answer detailed questions about their breeding practices, such as how long they’ve been breeding, how many litters they’ve produced, why they chose the breed, and how they choose the parents.