miniature bull terriers

The Miniature English Bull Terrier breed was developed from the larger English Bull Terrier. Before the 1970s, some breeders bred Miniature Bull Terriers so small they lost a lot of their physical characteristics, and subsequently breeders gave up trying to breed smaller and smaller bull terriers.

Some of the main characteristics of the Miniature Bull Terrier breed are listed here. Be aware that a small standard-sized English Bull Terrier is not a miniature. A miniature is a separate breed, and will be noted as such on their pedigree.

Size: 10-14 inches
Coat: short, flat, harsh, glossy
Color: white or colored
Eyes: dark, sunken, triangular in shape
Ears: small, thin, pointed, close together
Nose: black
Tail: short, low-set, fine, carried horizontally, tapered to a fine point
Shape: Square set and muscular body.
Head: Oval shaped with no discernible stop to their nose.

Activity Level

When I first bought my Miniature English Bull Terrier I was under the impression - after much online research - that they were an active breed. In my mind "active" meant that I would end up with a lovely running companion. This was not the case.

In fact most mini bullies I've come across are not active, but instead have short burst of energy if the stimulus is interesting enough to them. I've heard many stories to back up my own experience of mini bullies who will lie down on the spot and refuse to walk if they decide its not interesting enough for them or if you're walking in a direction they do not want to go. I've carried my dog for blocks because he refuses to walk anymore. This is both endearing and frustrating. This leads me to one of their significant traits. They are single-minded and stubborn.

The Miniature English Bull Terrier will run him or herself ragged over a ball or a stick or something that gives them immediate gratification. They will not do it just on the basis of your praise or your companionship. Their tenacity and single-mindedness comes inherently from what they were initially bred for - fighting. They do not give up on something they are interested in, and they are not easily distracted from it. They will keep going until they are physically exhausted.

Intelligence

Don't be fooled by their clownish ways. English Bull Terriers are incredibly smart. They have a great capacity for remembering things that they're interested in. They can fetch their leash, they will remember where they hid their toy a month ago, they will do any number of commands for a food treat or for access to the object they desire.

Training mine was an interesting learning curve because I'd always dealt with Dobermans and larger working breeds. Bull Terriers are tough, but one raised word to them and you've hurt their feelings. If you want a bull terrier to stop doing something, like climbing on to your lap or generally getting into whatever you're doing, pushing them away does not work. They will come back twofold and repeat the action you require them to stop. The best way is to ask them to do something else like sit, or go to their bed. You have to break their focus on doing what they're doing by giving them another task.

Temperament

Bull Terriers love people. In fact they prefer the company of humans over other dogs. There's nothing better than curling up for a nap with your bullie. He'll snuggle and sleep for as long as you want. His only desire is to be near his owner.

Traditionally Bull Terriers have been know to be wonderful family dogs. I would caution that this is only the case if the dog has been raised from a young puppy around children.

Miniature English Bull Terriers are generally not dog friendly - especially the males. This trait can sometimes take up to 3 years to show itself, and it only takes one or two dog park tussles for them to pick it up. They will usually tolerate puppies and dogs of the opposite sex, but I would strongly urge you not to be complacent with your bull terrier. Always keep them on a leash, and never let them run unattended in dog parks or trails.

Bull Terriers are very good personal guard dogs but not so much for property. My experience with them is that they will let anyone in your home while you're not there, but they will valiantly protect you if they think you're in danger from another person.

Miniature Bull Terriers have many health issues to deal with. Some can be extreme to very mild, but you should be aware of these before you purchase a Miniature Bull Terrier.

Deafness

There is a tendency for all white bull terriers to be born deaf. These dogs adapt quickly to accommodate for their lack of hearing, but it does mean that you will need to spend more time on training and supervise them so they are not startled or injured because they can't hear what's going on around them.

There is a BAER test that all good breeders will put their puppies through to ensure that the puppy you're getting can hear or not.

Primary Lens Luxation (PLL)

This is an heart-breaking disease because you can't test for it, and it shows up when the dog is around 2 years old. The onset of the disease is very painful for your pet, because the eye swells, and if not treated immediately your dog will go blind. Your regular vet will not be able to help you if your dog develops PLL. Make sure you know who your local veterinary specialist in this disorder is.

Kidney Problems

Bull Terriers are susceptible to kidney failure because some lines have very small kidneys, others have glomerular nephritis which causes kidney failure before your pet reaches 3 years old. Kidney problems can be tested for just by a simple annual urine test, and measure can be taken to manage the disease.

Heart Problems

Heart problems are hereditery in bull terriers, so it is wise to find out all you can about your dogs parents. It is essential to buy from a good breeder because they only breed from sound, healthy dogs. Once a heart murmur has been detected, regular annual check ups are advised so you can monitor whether or not the condition is getting worse. Many times medication can regulate your dog's condition. Your breeder should also be advised so they know that a heart murmur has shown up in their breed line.

Skin Conditions

Bullies - especially the white variety - are prone to skin problems due to environmental or food allergies. I've found the best way to control this is to cook my dog's food from all natural ingredients. Fresh meat, brown rice, vegetables and a small amount of salmon or fish oil will keeps him healthy. I also bathe him using special non-allergenic shampoo if he's been out around something like pollen that is causing him discomfort. Bull Terriers will lose their coats easily, so the slightest allergic reaction can cause them to develop "hot spots" and baldness.

A good place to find out more about skin problems and food allergies is http://www.dog-allergies.com

Intestinal Blockages

If there is something on the ground that your dog shouldn't eat, then its guaranteed that your bullie will find it and eat it. Many, many of these dogs have had to go in for "zipper" operations to remove intestinal obstructions such as, paper clips, plastic toys, bottle caps, sticks, pieces of blanket, socks, underwear, stones... This is a reason you should be VERY careful what sort of toys you give your Bull Terrier. Their strong jaws can rip through most commercial dog toys. The best toys I've found for my bullie are Kong Toys which are heavy and durable.

If your dog is displaying depression, lethargy and vomiting for no discernible reason, then check with your vet because it may be because of eating something he shouldn't have.

Neurological Disorders

This breed is prone to disorders such as Spinning, Sudden Onset Rage Syndrome, and Epilepsy.

Spinning - is an OCD behaviour that can become so severe that your dog will have to be put down. If you notice your dog spinning or tail chasing, try to stop them by distracting them with toys or treats or a session of obedience training to take their mind off it.

Sudden Onset Rage Syndrome - shows up in Bull Terriers and Cocker Spaniels, this type of aggression is neurologically based and can not be trained out of the dog. Some owners have noted that the Sudden Onset Rage will when the dog wakes up from sleep, or the dog will develop a "glazed, staring" look before the Rage. Prognosis for this disorder is poor, and the dog will likely have to be put to sleep.

Epilepsy - a few Bull Terriers develop grand mal type epileptic seizures. This form of epilepsy seems to be inherited, and seizures usually begin between the ages of 6 to 18 months. Again, another reason to make sure you choose a breeder wisely.

Before buying a Miniature English Bull Terrier you should research the breed as best you can, find out about your local breed clubs, and get recommendations from them for a good quality breeder. Maybe even check out a few shows to get a feel for the breed.

Minature Bull Terrier Club of America
Canadian Kennel Club
Bull Terrier Rescue
Bull Terrier Breeder Resource
Bull Terrier Club UK
Miniature Bull Terrier Breeders Association of Australia