How I worked out my Bull Terrier wasn't hearing properly — and what happened next
12 March 2026
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 the 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.