MINIATURE BULL TERRIER
APPEARANCE
The Miniature Bull Terriers have a very strong build. They have very muscular shoulders and a full body. Their coat could be white, white with another color, or fully colored. They have a head described as “egg-shaped.” It is flat on top with a Roman muzzle. The eyes are triangular and closely set. The ears are carried erect and are not cropped or otherwise altered. The tail is carried horizontally rather than vertically. The weight of the Miniature Bull Terrier is around 16-35 pounds, and the height is 10-13 inches for females, and 13-15 inches for males.
PERSONALITY
The Miniature Bull Terriers are loving, active and energetic dog with a stable temperament. An amiable and gentlemanly dog with plenty of imagination, the Miniature Bull Terrier loves a game or a joke, and is highly sociable. Neglected Miniature Bull Terrier can become very destructive, so this is not a breed that is suited to those with little time to dedicate to a pet.
TRAINING
Miniatures do require a lot of training, particularly early on. You need to be confident, assertive, yet positive in order to enjoy success with this breed, as training can be difficult. Some Miniature Bull Terriers may be overly aggressive or timid; some can be dominant, bossy, and possessive; and some can be very challenging.
EXERCISE
These dogs need plenty of attention and exercise too, and will enjoy getting involved in family activities as well as enjoying daily walks. This breed should always have at least one hour of exercise per day to stay healthy and active and to prevent destruction.
SOCIALIZATION
The Miniature Bull Terrier is aloof and occasionally scrappy with other dogs and loves to chase small animals; friendliness toward strangers and house pets is better than most terriers. They may be dangerous around cats, which means that you should socialize this breed very early to cats. These dogs will get along fine with considerate and gentle children, and many will welcome strangers.
LIVING CONDITIONS
Easy access to a yard will help the Miniature Bull Terrier expend some energy during the day. If you live in an apartment, you should compensate for the lack of yard with longer walks. Miniature Bull Terriers should not live outside.
GROOMING
Miniature Bull Terriers require little grooming. A quick brushing once a day or a few times a week is sufficient to keep the fur in order, as it cannot become tangled due to its length. This breed is an average shedder and may not be best suited to those with severe allergies.
HEALTH ISSUES
The life expectancy of the Miniature Bull Terrier is around 11-14 years. Miniature Bull Terriers are generally quite healthy, but there are hearing, eye, skin, and knee problems in some dogs. Approximately 1 in 5 white Bull Terriers is unilaterally deaf (deaf in one ear) and 1 in 20 is bilaterally deaf (deaf in both ears.) Miniature Bull Terriers are also susceptible to having luxating patellas. This is a knee problem common in small dogs. It can be treated by surgery. Miniatures are also susceptible to eye problems such as lens luxation. Pyotraumatic dermatitis (hot spots), allergic reactions, and hives can be problematic.
HISTORY
The Miniature Bull Terrier originates from Great Britain, and is simply a smaller version of the standard Bull Terrier. Bred as a vermin hunter and dog fighter, the breed was registered with the AKC in 1991.
