The Bull Terrier (Miniature) is
a breed with origins in the extinct English White Terrier, the Dalmatian and
the Bulldog. The first existence is documented 1872 in The Dogs of British
Island.
Description
Appearance
Miniature
Bull Terriers have short, fine, and glossy coats that are very close to the
skin, like the Bull Terriers. They are accepted in the ring to be white, white
with another colour, or fully coloured. However, like the Standards, any blue
or liver coloured coats are undesirable. These dogs require minimal grooming.
In
the early 1900s, the difference between the breeds was determined by the dog's
weight. However, this led to Miniature Bull Terriers becoming so small and fine
that they looked more like a Chihuahua than a Bull Terrier. So, in the 1970s,
the weight limit was replaced with a height limit of under fourteen inches.
They are usually no smaller than ten inches. According to the AKC, miniature bull
terriers' weight must be proportionate to its height. However, they tend to
range anywhere from 20–35 lbs.
The
Miniature Bull Terriers have a very bold build. They have very muscular
shoulders and a full body. Like the Bull Terrier, they have a head described as
"egg-shaped." It is flat on top with a Roman nose. The eyes are
triangular and closely set. The ears are carried erect and are not cropped or
otherwise altered.The tail is carried horizontally rather than vertically.
Temperament
Like
the Bull Terriers, Minis are loving and, like many terrier breeds, they can be
stubborn at times; but despite this they make great dogs for people with
limited space.
Miniature
Bull Terriers are known to be stubborn and courageous. Despite their dimuitive
stature, they will readily challenge larger dogs. However, as with any dog,
owners can reduce the likelihood of confrontations by providing appropriate
training. They are very energetic and playful and love people, but care must be
taken as they are variable around other dogs.
Miniature
Bull Terriers require little grooming. A quick brushing once a day or a few
times a week is sufficient. Sunscreen must be used on any sparse white sections
of fur around the face, ears, hindquarters or stomach when outdoors (especially
in the summer between the hours of 10am and 2pm) to avoid sunburn and cancer.
Training
Miniatures
are independent and stubborn and do require a lot of training, particularly
early on. They must be heavily socialized at a young age and trained to obey early
in their lives. They also are very energetic and seem to be able to play
endlessly as puppies. However, as they grow older, they become less energetic.
They must be carefully exercised and dieted to avoid obesity.
Health
Miniature
Bull Terriers are generally quite healthy, but there are hearing, eye, skin,
kidney, heart and knee problems in some dogs. Deafness occurs in both coloured
and white Bull Terrier (Miniature). Puppies can be born unilaterally deaf (deaf
in one ear) or bilaterally deaf (deaf in both ears). Deaf dogs should not be
bred due to deafness being hereditary.[BEAP (or BAER) testing is done on
puppies prior to sale to discover which puppies have hearing problems.
Bull
Terrier (Miniature) are also susceptible to having luxating patellas. This is a
knee problem common in small dogs. It can be treated by surgery.
Polycystic
kidney disease (PKD) and Bull Terrier hereditary nephritis (BTHN) are autosomal
dominant diseases. PKD is diagnosed by Ultrasonic scan by a specialist
veterinarian. BTHN is diagnosed by a UPC test. Dogs with a score of .3 or below
are considered clear of the disease. Clearing breeding stock prior to use
ensures that progeny are not affected with the disease.
Miniature
Bull Terriers are also susceptible to eye problems such as primary lens
luxation. PLL is a late onset disease which typically affects dogs between the
ages of mid 2 and 7. Younger and older cases are known. During September 2009 a
definitive DNA test was released by the Animal Health Trust. This test gives
three results: Clear, Carrier, or Affected.
Aortic
valve stenosis and mitral valve dysplasia are heart diseases. Diagnosis is made
by colour doppler echocardiography scanning by a specialist veterinarian.
Disorders
of the skin of a Miniature Bull Terrier can occur. Pyotraumatic dermatitis (hot
spots), allergic reactions, and hives can be problematic. UK and US breed
surveys shows an average lifespan of 10-14 years.
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