Miniature Bull Terrier
History
- When bull baiting and dog fighting were outlawed in England, many patrons of the bull and terrier breed, which was a popular gladiator, decided to clean up the dog's image. They bred for personality and appearance, and began to compete in dogs shows successfully.
- Around 1860, James Hinks crossed the bull and terrier with the white English terrier and the Dalmatian, producing an all-white strain he called the bull terrier. These dogs became sought after as stylish companions for young gentlemen.
- In the early days, the breed had a great range in acceptable sizes. In fact, tiny bull terriers as small as 4 pounds were recorded early on. These toy bull terriers were not very good specimens and eventually faded from the scene, but the slightly larger miniature bull terriers caught on.
- The English Kennel Club recognized the miniature bull terrier in 1939.
- The AKC recognized the miniature bull terrier in 1991.
Miniature Bull Terrier Behavior Concerns
- Makes a loyal and lively companion.
- Playful, comical and often mischievous.
- Very good with children.
- Fairly friendly toward strangers.
- Not very friendly towards strange dogs.
- Usually good with other pets.
- The bull terrier learns quickly, but can be stubborn and independent. It tends to rebel against forceful methods.
- Does best with a firm owner who can combine reward-based training with good control and leadership.
- Some like to dig a lot.
Miniature Bull Terrier Suggested Exercises
- Makes a calm and alert housedog as long as it receives regular exercise.
- Requires daily exercise in the form of a walk, short jog, or energetic games.
- The miniature bull terrier enjoys cold weather outings but its short coat is not suited to living outside.
- Obedience training is essential not only for control, but for the mental exercise it provides.
Miniature Bull Terrier Grooming
- Coat is short, flat and harsh.
- The coat needs only occasional brushing, once every week or so, to remove dead hair.
- Shedding is average.
Suggested Miniature Bull Terrier Nutritional Needs
- Miniature bull terriers tend to stay in good weight or tend to be slightly overweight.
- Adult dogs should be fed a balanced diet, with restricted calories if the dog starts to gain too much weight.
