Mary Allen
The miniature bull terrier, like the large bull terrier, originated in England in the 18th and 19th centuries. Find out everything about the behavior, character, activity and exercise needs, education, and care of the Bull Terrier dog breed (miniature) in the profile.
The miniature bull terrier, like the large bull terrier, originated in England in the 18th and 19th centuries. Bulldogs and terriers are also among his ancestors. Just like many other small terrier breeds, the Miniature Bull Terrier was initially bred to fight rats and mice. The main focus was on the characteristics and less on the optics, which is why the Miniature Bull Terrier has existed in different variants for a long time and is still allowed to exist with different coat colors today. The first Miniature Butterrier Club was founded in England in 1938, and the first animals only came to Germany a few years later.
General Appearance
Like its “big brother”, the mini bull terrier is very strongly built and muscular. The physique looks very robust and harmonious overall. The little Bull Terrier also appears very active, with a determined and intelligent expression. According to the breed standard, a typical feature of this breed is the “downforce” (diverging headlines) and the egg-shaped head with a long snout and strong teeth. Also striking: Regardless of size, males look very masculine and females clearly feminine. The mini bull terrier’s coat is short and smooth, numerous color variations are possible.
Behavior and temperament
The little Bull Terrier is very attached to his people, literally craves attention and attention, loves physical contact. Always in the mood for jokes and pranks, his temperament sometimes gets the better of him, and he can hardly contain himself when he’s romping – out of sheer happiness. If you want to buy a Mini, you not only have to deal with more violent tokens of love but also with the typical joy of barking dogs. A first-class companion and family dog that is very attached to its people and, contrary to certain prejudices, has no tendency to fight. At most, he will “knock out” his counterpart with sheer enthusiasm.
Need for employment and physical activity
In addition to regular walks, the mini needs sufficient activity, which it certainly finds in agility, tournament dog sports, obedience, and rescue dog training, but it will never become a competitive athlete. He is the inventor of the work-life balance for dogs and enjoys and needs the action at least as much as lounging around and cuddling with his people.
Upbringing
Since he does have a good deal of independence, stubbornness, and will, consistent but sensitive training is essential even as a puppy. This dog is particularly enthusiastic about playful training, monotonous repetitions bore him and he quickly refuses to obey. However, an owner who manages to remain interesting in the eyes of this dog will never have to complain about a lack of obedience. The Miniature Bull Terrier is constantly looking for new charms and adventures, and if you can provide that, he will love it.
Maintenance
Its short coat is very easy to care for: brushing once a week is perfectly sufficient.
Disease Susceptibility / Common Diseases
The small bull terriers suffer comparatively often from eye diseases such as loosening of the lens, which leads to blindness in the dog. Kidney problems are also known.
Did you know?
The Standard Bull Terrier is listed as a dangerous dog in many federal states. Unfortunately, according to experts, the Bull Terrier is “one of the friendliest dog breeds ever” (Hanover Veterinary Dog School). The mini bull terrier has so far been spared from this fate: To this day, there are no special conditions for the small bull terrier, and no “attack dog tax” has to be paid for it either.