How I worked out my Bull Terrier wasn't hearing properly, and what happened next

For months I assumed he was being stubborn. He'd ignore his name, sleep through the doorbell, not turn when I clapped behind him. I put it down to the typical Bull Terrier selective hearing everyone jokes about. Then I started actually logging his responses, and the pattern was impossible to ignore. Here's how I figured it out, what the BAER test confirmed, and what changed after.

Data: what to log

Collect observations over at least one to two weeks. Be consistent - test when your dog is not looking at you.

• Response to voice - does he turn when you call from another room?
• Response when asleep - does he wake to clapping, doorbell, or keys?
• Response when facing away - does he react to sounds from behind?
• One ear vs both - does he respond only when sound comes from one side? (Unilateral deafness)
• Coat colour - white or predominantly white Bull Terriers have higher risk
• Age of onset - congenital deafness is present from birth; late-onset is different

Insight: what the data tells you

Consistent non-response to sounds when your dog cannot see you suggests hearing loss. Selective response, only when facing you, may mean lip-reading or vibration, not hearing. Response from one side only suggests unilateral deafness. BAER (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response) testing is the gold standard: it confirms hearing in each ear and is required by many breeders before breeding.

Note: "Stubborn" or "ignoring" is often assumed when a dog is actually deaf. Logging removes guesswork.

Action: what to do

Immediate: If you suspect deafness, avoid startling your dog. Approach from the front or use a gentle touch. Never punish for not responding to voice.

Short-term: Book BAER testing with your vet or a specialist. It is quick, non-invasive, and gives a clear result. If deafness is confirmed, start hand-signal training early.

Long-term: Deaf Bull Terriers live full lives with visual cues, vibration collars for recall, and consistent routines. Keep them on lead in unfenced areas. Use a collar tag noting deafness for safety. If breeding, ensure BAER results are recorded and shared.

Frequently asked questions

Are Bull Terriers prone to deafness?

Yes. Hereditary congenital sensorineural deafness is more common in white Bull Terriers and those with white markings. BAER testing confirms hearing status.

How do I know if my Bull Terrier is deaf?

Signs include not responding to sounds when asleep or facing away, sleeping through loud noises, and failing to wake to voice or doorbells. BAER testing gives a definitive answer.

Can deaf Bull Terriers live normal lives?

Yes. Deaf dogs adapt well with hand signals, vibration cues, and visual training. Keep them on lead in unfenced areas and use a collar tag noting deafness.

Related reading

• Is my Bull Terrier deaf? (guide)
• Responsible breeding (BAER testing)
• Behaviour journal