Miniature Bull TerrierCharacteristics, history, training and care

The FCI standard says James Hinks was the first to fix the type of the Bull Terrier in the 1850s, choosing the egg-shaped head. A smaller Bull Terrier has been known since the early 19th century, but it fell out of fashion before the First World War and was removed from the Kennel Club register in 1918.

In 1938, Colonel Richard Glyn and a group of breeders set out to revive the small variety. Wikipedia says the breed descends from the extinct English White Terrier, the Dalmatian and the Bulldog, and that the first documented mention dates from 1872.

How the breed developed

• Early 19th century – A smaller Bull Terrier is known.
• 1850s – James Hinks fixes the type of the Bull Terrier.
• 1918 – The small variety is removed from the Kennel Club register.
• 1938 – Colonel Richard Glyn begins reviving the breed.
• 5 July 2011 – The FCI recognises the breed.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.

The AKC says that, with its square body and egg-shaped head, it looks like no other breed. It is a small, muscular, strong, active and fearless terrier. The standard sets no weight limit, but the dog should look solid for its size and always be balanced.

General appearance

The head is long, strong and deep right to the end of the muzzle; seen from the front, it is egg-shaped and well filled, with no hollows. The coat is short, flat, even and harsh to the touch, with a fine gloss; a soft undercoat may appear in winter.

In white dogs, the coat is pure white; skin pigmentation and markings on the head are not penalised. In coloured dogs, colour predominates, brindle being preferred; black brindle, red, fawn and tricolour are accepted. Blue and liver are highly undesirable.

The AKC says that, as a typical terrier, it needs a trainer with a firm hand and a gentle voice, plenty of patience and a good sense of humour. It is very intelligent, curious and independent, but likes to please its person once it understands what you want.

Many owners recommend clicker training. Whatever the method, the tone should stay cheerful. The AKC compares it to the “class clown” or to an adorable toddler full of mischief.

Tips for effective training

• Be firm but gentle. It is stubborn.
• Try clicker training. Many owners recommend it.
• Keep your sense of humour. It is full of mischief.
• Be careful with exercise in puppies. They can suddenly go lame.

The AKC says exercising a Mini Bull can be tricky: puppies need enough activity to keep their muscle tone, but they are prone to “sudden lameness” because of their weight, dense muscles, rapid growth and the fact that they are always on the go.

Tips for a balanced life

• It can also live in an apartment.
• Limit jumping in puppies.
• In winter, its short coat does not protect it from the cold.

Coat and skin care

The AKC says it does not need much grooming: regular baths and a weekly brush with a soft brush or a grooming mitt. Its strong nails grow quickly and should be trimmed regularly, and the ears should be checked often.

Common health problems

The AKC says it is generally healthy, but a few problems can occur. Tail chasing can be a sign of a neurological disorder.

Other care

• Ask for the heart, kidney, hearing and eye tests.
• Check the ears regularly.
• Trim the nails regularly.

The AKC says some Mini Bulls gain weight easily, so calories and weight should be watched.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Give it its food in two meals a day.
• Treats count towards the daily portion.
• A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs without pressing hard.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months. Small breeds become adults faster than large ones, usually at around one year.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In small breeds, a litter has 3–4 puppies on average. The puppies are very small and fragile in the first weeks, so they must be kept warm and handled with care. Socialisation starts early: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.

• An egg-shaped head. Seen from the front, the head is shaped like an egg.
• No weight limit. The standard limits only the height.
• The “class clown”. The AKC compares it to the class clown.
• Saved in 1938. Colonel Richard Glyn revived the breed.
• It barks quite a bit. The AKC gives it top marks for barking.

How does it differ from the Bull Terrier?

It is the small variety, no more than 35.5 cm; otherwise, the two are very similar.

How much does it weigh?

The standard sets no limit; the AKC gives 8–12.5 kg.

Is it easy to train?

It is intelligent but stubborn; the AKC recommends firmness, gentleness and patience.

How long does it live?

The AKC gives 11–13 years.