Miniature bull terriers have all of the characteristics of the Bull terrier but in a much smaller package. In comparison to the regular bull terrier, which is 21–22 inches tall and weighs 50–70 pounds, minis are only 10–14 inches tall and weigh 18–28 pounds. Miniature Bull Terriers are often referred to as “miniature” or “teacup” bulldogs because they have similar features to the larger bulldog breeds like the American Bulldog, English Bulldog, French Bulldog, etc.
The breed might be ‘miniature’ in size, but they make up for it with their big personality. These dogs are described as amusing and mischievous, and they enjoy showing off for their owners—but they’ll get into trouble if they don’t get enough physical and mental exercise and training.
The miniature bull terrier was developed in the 1800s by crossing a Doberman with a Bulldog. It was originally bred to be used as a hunting dog, but due to their small size, the breed became popular as an ideal pet for children. The popularity of the miniature bull terrier has been steadily increasing over time.
If a Standard Bull Terrier is too much for you, why not consider a Mini Bull Terrier? Here’s everything you should know about the breed!
Overview Of The Breed
|
Breed Type |
Height | Weight | Lifespan |
Price |
| Terrier Dogs | 10 to 14 inches | 18 to 28 pounds | 11 -13 years | $3500 (average) |
Miniature Bull Terrier: History
The Miniature Bull Terrier is sometimes mistaken with Bull Terrier. In truth, these two varieties used to be part of the same collective breed known as Bull Terriers, but the American Kennel Club recognized them as independent breeds in 1991.
When bull-baiting and dogfighting were made illegal in England, many fans of the popular bull terrier breed sought to clean up the canine’s reputation. They began effectively competing in dog shows after breeding for personality and looks.
James Hinks combined the bull and terrier with the white English terrier and the Dalmatian around 1860, resulting in the bull terrier, an all-white breed. These canines were popular among young males as fashionable pets. The breed had a wide range of acceptable sizes in its early days. Early on, little bull terriers as small as 4 pounds were observed. These toy bull terriers disappeared from view, but the slightly bigger miniature bull terriers became popular.
The English Kennel Club approved the Miniature Bull Terrier in 1939, but the breed never acquired widespread popularity and expanded slowly. Although this dog is still a rare breed, it is expected to grow in popularity as a real tiny replica of the famous Bull Terrier.
Appearance
Height: 10-14 inches
Weight: 18-28 pounds
Coat: Short, silky, and easy to care for, and can be white or white and another color. The skin is a tight fit.
The only difference between Standard Bull Terriers and Mini Bull Terriers is their size. Standard examples may grow up to 24 inches tall and weigh up to 60 pounds on average, with some specimens weighing much more. Although the Mini Bull Terrier is still a hefty dog, it stands just 14 inches tall and weighs half as much as its larger counterpart.
Aside from their small size, Mini Bulls are compact and robust, with distinctive egg-shaped skulls. Furthermore, these dogs have slit-shaped eyes, which distinguishes them from other dog breeds.
They have ears that are held entirely upright, and the entire head is supported by a powerful neck that blends in with the large shoulders and deep chest that follow. The strong bodies of these dogs are somewhat longer than their height, giving them a rectangular look. The tail is medium in length and is often carried outward from the back.
Temperament
Miniature bull terriers are descendants of 19th-century fighting dogs who retain their forebears’ brave and spirited attitude. They’ve now been raised to be even-tempered household pets, as their fighting days are long gone.
When it comes to family, the Mini Bull Terrier is lively and lovable but maybe headstrong at times. They are enthusiastic dogs and constantly eager to meet new people. They may become possessive of family members, and if their attention is diverted from them, they may become envious. Spend quality time with your mini bull terrier will make them the happiest, but it’s important to keep in mind that they’re also quite clever and often bored. These dogs require a lot of training and exercise to keep happy, but even with the best care, they’re still prone to displaying their stubborn nature.
These dogs, known for their bravery and readiness to confront intruders, are outstanding watchdogs, but their small stature means you’re best off delegating guard dog duties to the larger dogs. If someone approaches the house, the Miniature Bull Terrier will normally bark, but otherwise is calm.
Mini Bull Terriers are loyal and friendly, and while this breed gets along well with kids, it is best suited to older children who can appreciate the dog. Mini Bulls like nipping, head-butting, and leaping around at peak speed without concern for barriers, thus older children may be a better fit than small kids. Remember, children and dogs should never be left alone unsupervised.
If introduced early and socialized appropriately, Mini Bull Terriers may be able to live with another dog of the same sex. Tiffs can happen in the dog park or on walks, so it’s important to start socializing your dog early and often to avoid dominant tendencies. Cats, rats, and other tiny animals aren’t recommended as companions because the high prey drive of this breed causes them to chase and damage or even kill smaller creatures.
Trainability
If you can establish and maintain dominance from the outset, a Mini Bull Terrier may make a great family companion. These canines are powerful and may be stubborn, which can be a dangerous mix if not properly trained. When given the option of obeying your instructions or taking their own path, your mini bull terrier will always choose the latter. It is up to you to control this behavior.
Socialization and Obedience training is highly important for these dogs to become the greatest companions they can be. Many Mini Bull Terriers like having a task to perform, and agility or Earthdog trials may be a fun way to burn off some energy. Rally obedience can also be a relaxing opportunity to show off a Mini Bull Terrier’s ability.
When agitated, the Mini Bull Terrier is just as frightening as a Standard Bull Terrier. You’ll need to make training worthwhile for them. Games are their preferred method of learning, and boring, repeated lectures should be entirely ignored. For this rambunctious breed, socialization and excellent manners should be a top focus.
Mini bull terriers’ stubbornness can lead to a state of “shutdown,” in which the dog loses interest in an activity abruptly. This mental shutdown might happen during training or when your dog objects to a change in routine. These sorts of problems need patience and perseverance to overcome, and it’s also critical to make their training a mentally stimulating exercise.
Positive reinforcement, plenty of goodies, and a sense of humor are essential for training the Miniature Bull Terrier to behave well. But if you’re having trouble training your Mini Bull Terrier, you might want to consider enrolling them in obedience school or hiring a professional trainer.
Grooming
A miniature bull terrier has rather low grooming needs. Brushing these dogs once or twice a week, ideally with a grooming glove, is all they require. They benefit from a bath every now and again to keep doggy stench at bay, but you don’t have to go to great measures to keep their coat looking beautiful. Most of the time, you may just as simply use pet wipes instead of a complete bath.
You should be aware that this breed sheds on average; some dogs shed less, while others shed more, but the short, coarse hairs will end up on your floors, furniture, and clothing in any case. Brushing on a regular basis is the most effective approach to keep extra hair at bay.
Also, a regular wipe over the eyes with a warm, wet cloth may be essential since their eyes tend to accumulate innocuous crusty buildup. Seek medical help if their eyes become puffy or red, or if the discharge smells.
Brushing your dog’s teeth and trimming their nails regularly is also crucial.
Exercise
Miniature bull terriers thrive in households where they are given tasks to do, thanks to their working dog history. They need at least a half-hour of daily exercise, but an hour is preferable. Mini bull terriers flourish in exercises that combine mental and physical activity, like obedience and agility. Walking, jogging, and playing can all work well with the breed. These dogs excel in nose work as well. So, you can hide a treat in the home for them to locate as these appeals to their hunting instincts. Unwanted, damaging, or challenging habits are more likely to emerge if they don’t get enough exercise.
When outside, the breed should be confined to a fenced area as they’re prone to wandering and may chase or start fights with other animals. These canines should not be used as outdoor-only dogs and should always be accompanied while going outside.
The Mini Bull Terrier can adapt to most living settings, even apartments, but only with lots of exercise and care. They may be peaceful and loving inside, but they can become destructive if not given enough exercise and care. Because Mini Bulls aren’t known for their elegance, stack the breakables as high as possible to avoid the clumsy Mini Bull knocking them over during their playtime.
Mini Bull Terriers are high-energy dogs who enjoy an active lifestyle and have the capacity to keep up with many ventures such as hiking if given the opportunity to rest when needed.
Health
The Miniature bull terrier is a healthy breed with an 11–13-year life expectancy. However, the breed, like other dogs, is prone to a few health conditions.
Mini bull terriers are susceptible to two forms of cardiac disease: mitral valve abnormalities and aortic stenosis. All miniature bull terriers should have their hearts examined for murmurs at the age of 12 months. If a murmur is identified, your veterinarian may prescribe further tests.
Kidney disorder, primary lens luxation (which can lead to blindness), and laryngeal paralysis (a condition that obstructs the airway and makes it difficult to breathe) are all possible in miniature bull terriers. Patella luxation and deafness are the other two more prevalent disorders in mini bull terriers.
Ask your Miniature Bull Terrier breeder for health testing from both parents (and the puppy, if appropriate) for common illnesses. To reduce the risk of inbreeding problems, look for a competent breeder with sound pedigrees and a healthy lineage.
Cost
The price of a Miniature Bull Terrier ranges from $1500 to $6,000, with an average of $3,500. Their cost can vary significantly based on the breeder, region, age, and other factors.
When compared to a full-sized Bull Terrier, its pricing is a touch high. One of the reasons is because there are two kinds is mini bull terriers in the market- Purebred and mixed-breed. Mixed-breed Mini Bull Terriers are generally less expensive than purebred Mini Bull Terriers.
When it comes to cost, the quality of the canine breed may also increase the bar. Expect a premium price if you buy from a reputable or well-known breeder, but it will be well worth it.
Also, you can always go for adoption. By rescuing a bull terrier, you are not only providing a loving home for a dog in need but also a second shot at life. Adoption fees in rescue are often far lower than those paid to a breeder for a bull terrier, ranging from $100 to $400 depending on where you get your bull terrier. You can find more information on the adoption of bull terriers on Bull Terrier Rescue.
Conclusion
Miniature Bull Terriers are similar to the standard Bull Terrier in almost every way except size. They are inquisitive and lively dogs with a reputation for being as bull-headed as their name implies. They are also free-thinkers who are always digging, barking, and researching.
The Mini Bull Terrier is the breed for you if you want a dog that you can do activities with. These dogs are natural at both structured and unstructured canine exercises. They’ll love hiking with you and can be a great agility and obedience dog too.
Like many strong breeds, the Mini Bull Terrier is not the ideal pet for every home, and although the smaller size does make these dogs slightly more manageable, they can still be a handful. It takes a strong and attentive owner to handle these dogs and encourage the best they have to offer.
Thank you for reading the article.
Do you have a Miniature Bull Terrier? What do they look like? Are they good family dogs? Are they trained? We want to know it all! Share with us your experience with Mini Bull Terriers in the comments!