Miniature Bull Terrier

Everything You Need to Know About the Miniature Bull Terrier

With its intimidating looks, the Miniature Bull Terrier is a dog where it’s easy to get the wrong impression. This breed is full of fun and loves to act like the clown. Its loyalty to the owner cannot be doubted even though you must remain strong and dominant to let them know who is in charge. 

Mini Bull Terrier is a fantastic family dog and is excellent with children but can be somewhat boisterous if you fail to carry out the proper puppy training. Nurturing them will be a joy, and they will want you to be around all the time. 

So, how do you care for a Miniature Bull Terrier? What kind of dog will you be bringing into your home? Read on to learn everything you need to know.

Fast Facts

Group - Terrier 

Height - 10-14 inches

Weight - 18-28 pounds

Hair Length - Short

Shedding - Moderate

Lifespan - 11-14 Years

The General Appearance of the Miniature Bull Terrier

Born from a blend of the now extinct English White Terrier, Dalmatian, and Bulldog, a Mini Bull Terrier is a smaller version of the Bull Terrier.

Their head is long and robust right to the end of the muzzle. Their face is also slightly oval, while no hollows are giving a smooth appearance. Some describe the head as being egg-shaped.

The underjaw is well-defined while the ears are triangular and set high on their head. The neck is muscular and arches slightly, leading to a short but powerful back. 

The overall sense of their body is healthy and robust. Their chest is broad, while the tail is thick, where it joins to the body and is held horizontally. 

With broad shoulders, the forelegs are straight and big-boned. Their thighs on their hindquarters are very powerful. Their hindlegs always have an appearance of being primed for them to leap into action.

The feeling about the Mini Bull Terriers’ appearance is that this breed is a powerful dog that means business. However, that does not mean it must translate into aggression, and we will see that looks can be deceptive in this sense.

The Color Options of the Miniature Bull Terrier

This breed does have many color options that are allowed by the AKC. Those include:

• Black 
• Brindle
• White
• Fawn
• Red
• Tri-color 

Alternatively, white may be the predominant color with other markings over the body.

Appearances aside, there are many other important factors to learn about with the Miniature Bull Terrier. So, what about their temperament?

The General Temperament of the Miniature Bull Terrier

The Miniature Bull Terrier may seem relatively aggressive, but its temperament is something completely different. This dog is playful, full of life, and loves to be involved in events. Its approach is it loves life, and nothing is going to stop Mini Bulldog from having fun.

Considering their appearance, it’s a surprise to learn that the breed has an even temper and is a joy to have around. They are far more peaceful than people expect, and that does translate into a breed that is a wonderful addition to the family, even with young children.

If you have minors in your family, the breed is tolerant even when your child becomes more boisterous. There’s a willingness to protect your family and territory with a tendency to show some courage and bravery should the situation arise.

They are comical, tough, and sometimes too lively for people to deal with. The Miniature Bull Terrier can find something entertaining and amusing in almost anything. If you are not a fan of a full-energy dog, then a Miniature Bull Terrier would not be the perfect breed for you. But, if you can handle that, then you are in line for a fantastic time with your new dog.

Generally, their temperament does make them an excellent dog for novice owners. This breed will make you fall in love with dogs in general, thanks to the astonishing way in which they look at life. 

But how does their temperament relate to training? Is it easy to do or does it require some additional work on your behalf?

How to Correctly Train a Miniature Bull Terrier

Training a Miniature Bull terrier is not for the faint-hearted. Due to their love to have fun, you will require some patience with a training routine. 

Also, you must be firm in what you do. They need to be taught obedience from an early age. Make sure your vocal commands are also consistent, or they will become confused regarding what you want from them.

This breed may be easier to train if you use a clicker while offering rewards. As soon as your dog realizes what you want from them, it will seek to please you, and that’s when training becomes even more fun.

You do need to vary training to keep Mini Bull Terrier interested. They can become distracted if they sense they have been doing something for too long.

As with any breed, early socialization is important. They do tend to get on well with other dogs and are friendly, but that is mainly due to helping them become accustomed to encountering other dogs in various situations.

Correctly Grooming a Miniature Bull Terrier

From a grooming perspective, this breed is low maintenance. A weekly brush with a hound glove or soft brush will be enough. Also, giving them a bath will be good for both their hair and skin.

Miniature Bull Terriers are not hypoallergenic. They shed seasonally but brushing them with a hound glove will keep that to a minimum. 

You need to pay close attention to their nails as they are faster growing with this breed than most. Regularly trimming is essential as this stops them from cracking or becoming overgrown.

Don’t forget to check their ears and teeth. Ears can have a build-up of wax, leading to the possibility of infections. And teeth brushing will help to keep their general health. 

Living Space for the Miniature Bull Terrier

Even though it has boundless energy, the Miniature Bull Terrier does not require a vast amount of space. The key is taking your dog for a walk to burn off that energy. As such, they can live in an apartment if required. However, it would be more beneficial for your dog to have access to even a small yard.

The General Health of the Miniature Bull Terrier

The breed can be susceptible to a number of health conditions, and you must be aware of them before owning a dog. A good breeder should have carried out certain tests before you take ownership, so don’t be afraid to ask them.

The main health issues associated with this breed include:

• Patella Luxation
• Heart Disease
• Kidney Disease
• Hearing Issues
• Primary Lens Luxation
• Throat Issues

While some are less severe than others, issues such as primary lens luxation can cause pain. This condition leads to a canine version of glaucoma, but an operation can resolve the problem and provide your dog with renewed sight.

A condition known as glomerulonephropathy can lead to kidney failure and is something that is inherited. However, urine tests can indicate it, so regular checkups for the breed will stop this potentially deadly disease from developing.

To help their health, you need to remember their exercise levels. It’s recommended to have between 20 and 40 minutes of exercise per day. They will also use up some of their energy by playing in their home, but getting them out and exploring is important.

Do not overfeed a Miniature Bull Terrier. They are prone to problems with their knees and heart. Obesity can put significant extra strain on their health. This is especially important when they do suffer from patella luxation.

Limit snacks and treats as much as possible. Stick to high-quality dog food, and their health will benefit from it.

The History of the Miniature Bull Terrier

Essentially, the Miniature is a replica of the Standard Bull Terrier in every way other than size. The Mini Bull Terrier was first bred in the 1830s for fighting.

Initially, the breed was created by crossing the Bull Terrier with the Bulldog to give a more compact dog but with the same aggression and strength. The dog was then used to catch and kill rats. Eventually, their aggression was diminished into the more peaceful breed we know and love today.