In most every way the Miniature Bull Terrier is a
The Miniature Bull Terrier is just a tiny version of their larger Bull Terrier cousin, and many people find them appealing because they are easier to manage. The Miniature Bull is a loving, loyal, clown of a dog who makes an excellent family companion for those with active lifestyles. They love being with people and want to be included in all family activities whether it's a ride in the car, a neighborhood stroll or a romp in the park. They are famous for “Bully Runs,” tears through the house or the yard that happen for no apparent reason, and can cause a lot of laughs. They are typically friendly to visitors, but they make excellent watchdogs and will protect their home and family from anyone with ill intentions.
The Miniature Bull Terrier should do well on a high-quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared with your veterinarian’s supervision and approval. Any diet should be appropriate to the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior). Some Mini Bulls are prone to getting overweight, so watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level. Treats can be an important aid in training, but giving too many can cause obesity. Learn about which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. Check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.
The Miniature Bull Terrier doesn’t require a lot of grooming beyond regular baths and a weekly once-over with a soft brush or hound glove. The breed’s strong, fast-growing nails should be trimmed regularly using a nail clipper or grinder to avoid splitting and cracking of an overgrown nail. Their ears should be checked routinely to avoid a buildup of wax and debris, which can result in infection. Teeth should be brushed regularly and should also receive periodic cleanings from your veterinarian.
Exercising an MBT can be tricky. They require enough exercise as puppies to stay in good condition and keep good muscle tone, yet they can be prone to “sudden lameness.” This is from a combination of weight and density of the muscle, rapid growth rate, and the breed’s very character, which keeps them in almost constant motion. Often their joints simply can’t handle the excesses until the dog is fully matured. For that reason, exercise of an MBT puppy should be kept at a minimum. Never allow them to jump up and down from heights or make sudden stops at high speeds.
Major concerns: deafness (whites)
Minor concerns: none
Occasionally seen: patellar luxation, lens luxation
Suggested tests: hearing (whites), (eye), (knee)
Life span: 11-14 years
The Bull Terrier was created as a fighting dog in the 1830s by crossing Bulldogs with now-extinct English terriers. Soon after, breeders began work on a miniaturized version to use as above-ground ratters (as opposed to “go to ground” terriers, who burrow into the earth in search of quarry). The result of a very long trial-and- period was the Mini. Today’s Minis are companion dogs, but the ratter instinct and a protective streak remain as souvenirs of the breed’s formative years.