Miniature Bull Terrier breed: the clown of the family

The Miniature Bull Terrier is a real energy bomb, also known as the clown of dog breeds. Playful, clownish and ideal for children.

Bull Terriers are often misunderstood. Because of their past, some people still believe that they are an aggressive breed. It is true that with the rise of animal fighting, many bull terriers have become fighters, but today they are known for their kindness and playfulness. As well as their miniature counterparts, who are also a very cuddly and affectionate breed. There are only differences in size, their temperament is similar.

The origin of the Miniature Bull Terrier

Bull Terriers were bred as companion dogs in England in the 1830s. Initially used as rat hunters, they became famous, or rather infamous, for dog fighting, which unfortunately still affects the breed’s image today. The miniature version of the breed has always been known. In 1938, under the leadership of Colonel Richard Glyn, the Miniature Bull Terrier Club was founded by fans of the miniature variety. In America, it has been considered a breed in its own right since 1991, but the FCI, but it was only finally accepted in 2011.

Today’s miniature breed is a really good companion dog, with a hunting instinct and a protective nature, but it only comes out when it’s really needed.

Breed standard of the Miniature Bull Terriers

Its standard is the same as that of the Bull Terrier, except for the accepted size. The Miniature Bull Terrier is a strong bodied, really muscular dog. This dog is characterised by its egg-shaped skull and small, triangular dark eyes. It’s teeth and jaws are very strong, so the bite is very powerful. The ears are small and thin. They are close together and point upwards. The neck is long and muscular. Legs are compact, with both front and hind legs parallel. The coat is short and does not require much grooming. Colour can be all white; white with patches on the head; fawn; red; tricolour and striped. Individuals under 35,5 cm are considered miniature bull terriers. They can weigh between 9 and 15 kilograms, with an average of 12 kilograms, but there is no weight limit in the standard. Their life expectancy is 11-13 years.

Character

This breed has higher energy levels than other dog breeds. If you want a dog with whom you can lead an active life, a miniature Bull Terrier could be a good choice. They need plenty of exercise, have low sleep requirements and adapt really well to an active lifestyle. Training them is not easy, as they usually learn to make the owner proud or they are very self-possessed and will only do what they want. However, they love to be close to the owner, to go on excursions, to participate in joint activities. They are real family dogs who get on well with children. They can jump, run and play all day long.
While other breeds may bark at the postman or the neighbour’s children, mini bull terriers are not at all loud. They usually just express their frustration. It’s important to mentally and physically wear these dogs down, and if this is done successfully, they can be a cuddly, bouncy love-bomb for the owner.

The ideal environment for the Miniature Bull Terrier

They can adapt well to any environmental situation. Because of their small size, they can do well in an apartment if they are well exercised, but they can also be great companions in a garden house. They tolerate different lifestyle changes well. They need a determined owner who starts to train and socialise them properly from a very young age. If they are not introduced to other animals from an early age, they may become aggressive. But if there is a caring owner around to train and tire them out, the chances of this happening are low. Miniature Bull Terriers are prone to separation anxiety if left home alone because they are very attached to their owners.

Care

It does not require much grooming apart from the usual bathing and once a week brushing. However, there is no need to use professional tools or trim the coat, it is very easy to brush. The strong, fast-growing nails of this breed should be trimmed regularly to avoid splitting and cracking of the ingrown nails. Check their ears routinely to avoid infections. Teeth should be regularly brushed and cleaned, and it is advisable to seek veterinary advice to ensure proper cleaning.

Common health problems

The health status of the breed is average. However, cancer, renal, cardiovascular and joint problems are common in dogs that are not properly filtered. In addition, congenital deafness, which is more common in white dogs, can be a disease of the breed. Miniature Bull Terriers should have a full health check at least once every year or year and a half so that problems can be detected early and appropriate treatment can be given.