Miniature Bull Terrier - Dog Breed Profile

Author: Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Small

Height: 25 - 35 cm (10 - 14 inches)

Weight: 11 - 15 kg (24 - 33 lb)

Life Span: 13 years

Grooming: Easy

Exercise: Medium

Feeding: Medium

Temperament: Boisterous & fearless

Country of Origin: England

AKC Group: Terrier

Temperament:

The Miniature Bull Terrier is stubborn, affectionate, fearless, active, boisterous and cheerful. Some Miniature Bull Terriers can be keen to fight other dogs with their history as canine fighters. However their relationship with humans is friendly, loving and co-operative. Miniature Bull Terriers enjoy having physical contact with their owner/family and make excellent watchdogs. These dogs can sometimes be too boisterous for small children and do not like to be pestered and therefore children need to learn to respect these dogs. Because the Miniature Bull Terrier thrives on companionship they are not fond of being left alone all day and can become destructive if unoccupied for long periods. Miniature Bull Terriers need firm training and don't tend to get along with other household pets. These dogs can make wonderful companions if properly trained and socialized from an early age.

Grooming:

The Miniature Bull Terrier only needs periodic brushing to keep it's coat in good condition.

Exercise:

The Miniature Bull Terrier is very active and enjoys daily exercise. Good exercise for this breed includes walks, running and playing off the lead. Miniature Bull Terriers will be calm indoors if they receive adequate exercise.

History:

Before the 1850s, after crosses between the Bulldog and a terrier type of dog, the breed was known as the Bull and Terrier. They were not attractive with their bowed forelegs and thick blunt heads and came in a variety of colors. Their uses varied from ratting, badger hunting, bull baiting and fighting. In the early 1850s James Hinks developed a white strain, from cross-breeding of the old Bull and Terrier, the old English White Terrier and the Dalmatian. By continuing to breed the whitest and gamest Terriers with each other, he eliminated all color from this particular line. However the parti-colored variety was not lost and today is accepted in the showring. Once breeders began to consistently produce Bull Terriers a number of individuals decided to develop smaller versions of this breed, so that the same qualities were in the dog but in a more manageable size, thus giving us the Miniature Bull Terrier.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Egg-shaped head, well proportioned, muscular, strongly built, spirited expression and alert.

Color: White with or without markings over the ear or eye. Parti-colored - preferably brindle/white but black, brindle, red fawn or tricolor are acceptable.

Coat: Short, harsh, flat with a fine gloss and tight skin. A soft textured undercoat may be present during winter.

Tail: Set low, short, carried horizontally and tapering.

Ears: Small, thin, close together, set high and carried erect.

Body: Muscular, short, level back that arches slightly at the loin. Flat and well muscled shoulders with a broad chest.

Additional Comments:

* The Miniature Bull Terrier comes from exactly the same lines as the Bull Terrier, except that it is not supposed to be taller than 35.5 cm (14 inches) in height.

About the author: This article provided courtesy of http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/miniature_bull_terrier/