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  Photo by © Guy Briselden Miniature Bull Terrier - Breed Profile: Origin: England Physical characteristicsThe Miniature Bull Terrier is a smaller variety of the standard Bull Terrier. The breeds look almost the same with the only difference in their size. The Miniature variety weighs 20 to 34 pounds with the height 10 to 14 inches. The Miniature Bull Terrier has the same muscular build, short flat coat and a long, strong head. The latter is deep and egg-shaped. Obviously, it is the breed's most distinctive feature. There is no stop, and the "Roman" nose forms a long, undifferentiated line. The triangular eyes are well-sunken, with an intelligent look. The nose is black. The powerful jaws should form a scissor bite. The short tail tapers to a fine point; it is carried horizontally. The gait is smooth and easy.TemperamentAs well as their bigger cousins, Miniature Bull Terriers can be headstrong, wilful, aggressive, and dominant. These dogs require proper human leadership and extensive socialization at an early age. They tend to challenge authority, especially as adolescents. The owners should be able to always remain firm and consistent pack leaders. Miniature Bull Terriers can be difficult to train because they don't see the point of repetitive tasks. They should not be trusted with smaller non-canine animals due to their strong prey instincts.This is a breed that should never be treated carelessly. The owners should spare a sufficient amount of time for physical exercise, mental stimulation, and obedience training. This will help avoid unwanted behaviour. Unhappy and unstable Bull Terriers can be dangerous to people and other animals, which is entirely the fault of their owners. Well-balanced Bull Terriers are courageous, clownish, and devoted companions. Well-trained and obedient Bull Terriers will hardly attack other dogs unless provoked. When provoked, they can respond pretty fiercely and, therefore, usually get the blame. Some Bull Terriers are good watchdogs while others love people so much that they hardly bark at strangers. Nonetheless, they do look quite intimidating so the job is done that way to some extent. Coat and groomingThe short glossy coat is flat and harsh to the touch. Very little grooming is necessary. Miniature Bull Terriers come in either pure white colour (although markings on the head and skin pigmentation are okay), or any other colour that should predominate on the dog's body.HealthAs the breed is extremely rare, it suffers from a number of genetic maladies such as heart defects (predominantly valve problems) and lens luxation. Other health concerns include the eye, hearing, heart, thyroid, and kidney function disorders. The breed should have yearly veterinary check ups as some of these diseases (e.g. lens luxation and glaucoma) can often be prevented with medications. The lifespan is 12 to 15 years.The information below is courtesy of Guy Briselden: The Primary Lens Luxation now has a genetic test available and potential owners should only buy from breeders who have tested parents and bred appropriately. The results of the tests will be "clear", "carrier" or "affected" and carriers must not be bred together. This testing should see the incidence of the problem markedly reduced in the future. | Have a question? People are waiting to help. |
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