Mini Bull Terrier Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Mini Bull Terrier?

Bull Terriers were bred to deal with vermin from the Manchester Terrier and Old English Bulldog. Miniature Bull Terriers first appeared on the scene at the start of the 1900s.

Like the Standard Bull Terrier, this dog is now bred as a companion dog rather than its original purpose of hunting and killing vermin.

Who are Mini Bull Terrier dogs best for?

Mini Bull Terriers are great family pets but can be a little lively for toddlers and younger children. Because of this, they can be better suited to homes with older children.

As a breed, they can be aggressive towards other dogs and smaller animals like cats or rabbits, so homes without other pets might be best. That being said, socialising your dog from a young age will help them with other animals.

The breed can pick up training well because it is an intelligent dog, but they do need a lot of mental stimulation and exercise, so a home that can dedicate time to this is essential.

The breed builds a strong bond with its family and is best suited to homes that can provide the dog with a lot of company, and the breed won't enjoy being left alone for long periods.

How much grooming does a Mini Bull Terrier need?

If you are looking for a dog that doesn't require a difficult grooming regime, this could be the one for you.

The short, coarse hair is easy to brush and bathing them monthly should be enough to keep them in good shape.

The dog will shed throughout the year, but it is not a heavy shedder. Daily brushing will help to remove dead hair and minimise the amount of hair around your home or on your clothing.

Do Mini Bull Terrier bark much?

As well as being relatively easy to groom, these dogs are also known for not being a particularly vocal breed. All dogs will occasionally bark, but problem barkers can cause problems, especially with neighbours.

Do Mini Bull Terrier bite?

The Miniature Bull Terrier dog tends to be energetic, sometimes mischievous, and often rambunctious. All puppies will nip and bite when they play, so being firm and stopping the dog from doing this at an early age is essential.

Training and socialisation from a young age will help, but diagnosing the triggers and checking with your vet for underlying issues is vital if your dog is showing aggressive tendencies as an adult.

As well as your vet, the Miniature Bull Terrier can benefit from visiting a dog behaviourist if you are concerned about behaviours.

What is the temperament & personality of a Mini Bull Terrier?

The Miniature Bull Terrier Breed is affectionate and builds a strong bond with its family and people they know. They are good with children but are not recommended for those with young children due to their energy levels and rambunctiousness.

Early socialisation will help with their temperament around other dogs. Because of the dog's prey drive, they can show aggression to other animals and, despite being small, are stubborn and will not back down.

What is the weight & size of a Mini Bull Terrier?

The breed should be between 25 and 35 cm in height to the dog's shoulder, and you can expect them to weigh anywhere between 9 and 16 kilos.

How much training does a Mini Bull Terrier need?

The highly intelligent dog breed can be challenging to train and needs a lot of interaction and mental stimulation. Obedience training can be challenging but is essential for the breed as it has a prey drive that needs to be controlled when out for walks.

Early socialisation can reduce the risk of aggression towards other dogs.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Mini Bull Terrier?

Understanding the most common health concerns a dog can suffer from will help give you a better idea of health insurance costs and the breed's overall health.

Miniature Bull Terriers are regarded as generally healthy dogs, but there are several health problems they are more susceptible to than others, including;

• Mitral Valve Disease - Miniature Bull Terriers can suffer from several heart ailments, including Mitral Valve Disease. This is a condition that causes the heart valves to deteriorate.

• Kidney Disease - The most common kidney issue Mini Bull Terriers suffer from is Polycystic Kidney Disease. This is an issue that can be inherited from either parent that causes cysts to grow and decrease the functionality of the kidney.

• Epilepsy - Epilepsy and seizures can occur in dogs and Mini Bull Terriers. The dogs' condition can be managed with medication. Other causes of seizures include tumours, heat exhaustion, a poor diet or nutrient deficiency, or poor blood sugar levels.

• Spinning - You might think a dog chasing its tail is a funny little trait, but compulsive tail chasing can be a sign of neurological disease and speaking with a vet is advised.

• Rage Syndrome - Also known as sudden-onset aggression, this is a condition that causes the dog to lash out aggressively after waking up. This can be especially dangerous in homes with children.

• Primary Lens Luxation - Primary Lens Luxation is a condition that is inherited from a dog's parents that cause the eye's lens to move position. This can cause glaucoma, inflammation, and even cause blindness.

What is the lifespan of a Mini Bull Terrier?

The lifespan of a Miniature Bull Terrier can be anywhere between 11 to 14 years. Regular health checks with your vet, a balanced diet, and the required exercise will give your dog the best chance of a long life.

How much should you feed a Mini Bull Terrier?

On average, a Miniature Bull Terrier should be fed between one and two cups of high-quality dry dog food. The quality of food is important in ensuring the dog gets a balanced diet and all the necessary nutrients to promote the growth of bone and muscle.

Requesting a diet plan from a vet or Miniature Bull Terrier breeder is an excellent way of ensuring the dog is well looked after. Diet plans will then be altered as the dog grows.

What is the price of a Mini Bull Terrier in Australia?

You must seek a reputable breeder if you are looking for a Miniature Bull Terrier Puppy. This will ensure you receive a healthy puppy and minimise the risk of inherited health conditions.

You can expect to pay anywhere between $1,500 and $4,000 for a puppy. If you are interested in finding a reputable breeder, speaking with the Miniature Bull Terrier Club or requesting paperwork should help.