Overview
The Miniature Bull Terrier is the same breed in miniature, with the egg-shaped head, triangular eyes and solid, muscular frame of its larger cousin. It was bred in England in the nineteenth century from the smaller Bull Terriers and is now a distinct Kennel Club breed. It is less common than the standard but gaining ground.
The character is pure Bull Terrier: playful, affectionate, clownish and quite stubborn. They love people and games, they are strong and very physical in play, and they can be argumentative with other dogs if things are not managed well.
Exercise and walking needs
An hour a day in two walks suits most adults, with a chance to play hard in at least one. They are more athletic than they look and enjoy a tug game, a chase after a ball and some rough and tumble with a dog they trust.
The breed is prone to overdoing it in heat and to sudden bursts followed by a flat refusal to move. Pace the walk and bring water.
On the walk
- Pulling: Low to the ground and very strong. A well-fitted harness and a short lead save your shoulders, especially past things the dog wants.
- Other dogs: Some are sociable, some are not, and body language can be hard to read on this face. Manage greetings closely and keep rough play to dogs the owner has approved.
- Recall: Not the breed's strongest suit. Off-lead time belongs in enclosed areas, and even there the dog may finish its game before it answers.
- Spinning and obsessions: Bull Terriers can fixate on a ball, a shadow or their own tail. If the dog gets stuck in a loop, change the activity rather than joining in.
Tips for professional walkers
- Bring a tough toy; cheap ones do not survive the first walk.
- Pick your battles. When a Mini Bull plants its feet, a treat and a change of direction beat a tug of war.
- Check the skin after walks through long grass, as the breed can be prone to irritation.
- Keep an eye on the dog's weight; they are solid and can get heavy.
What to ask the owner
- How does the dog get on with other dogs, and which ones does it already know?
- Any kidney, heart or knee issues, which the breed can carry?
- Does the dog have any obsessions, and how do you break them?