Devoted, friendly and playful, the miniature bull terrier's guardian needs a sense of humor as this dog nature is inquisitive and mischievous. However, if its mind and body are exercised properly, it is well-behaved.
Miniature Bull Terrier At a glance
Size:
Weight Range:
Male: 28-33 lbs.
Female: 25-30 lbs.
Height at Withers:
Male: 13 in.
Female: 12 in.
Features:
Upright ears (naturally).
Expectations:
Exercise Requirements: 20-40 minutes/day
Energy Level: Very energetic.
Longevity Range: 11-14 yrs.
Daily Average Caloric Intake: Low.
Tendency to Snore: Low.
Tendency to Bark: Low.
Tendency to Dig: Moderate.
Social/Attention Needs: High.
Bred For:
Ratting, Dog fighting.
Coat:
Length: Short.
Characteristics: Flat.
Colors: White. White with any color.
Overall Grooming Needs: Low.
Club recognition:
AKC Classification: Terrier.
UKC Classification: Terrier.
Prevalence: Rare.
Early in its history, the ears were cropped, but breeders worked to create a naturally erect ear that now is an integral part of this dog's expression.
The Miniature Bull Terrier is just that — a miniature version of the bull terrier imbued with all the qualities that made that breed such a formidable dog in the pits and stately companion in the streets.
It is stocky and muscular without being coarse or ungainly. This is a stylish dog that shares the bull terrier's trademark egghead and clown face.
Early in its history, the ears were cropped, but breeders diligently worked to create a naturally erect ear that is now an integral part of this dog's expression. The eyes are distinctive — small, triangular and deep set. The jaws are strong.
Like all the bull breeds, the Miniature Bull Terrier packs a lot of muscle mass onto its frame. Height ranges from 10 to 14 inches and weight from 23 to 33 pounds (10 to 15 kilograms), the perfect size dog for both cuddling and playing. The close coat is perfect for stroking.
Personality:
The Miniature Bull Terrier's personality is playful, tough, lively and comical. This dog is devoted to its family and friendly toward strangers but not fawning to either. The mini bull is a tolerant and playful companion for a child.
Obedience training is apt to be an adventure. This breed finds humor in everything, especially efforts to train it. If training is turned into a game, better cooperation is achieved; otherwise, the mini bull will always win in a battle of the wills!
Living With:
Those who invite this breed into their homes and hearts had best have a good sense of humor. The Miniature Bull Terrier enjoys his games. The breed's inquisitive and mischievous nature often land it in hot water, but as long as it gets a chance to exercise mind and body on a daily basis, the mini bull is really a well-behaved house dog.
This is a good watchdog and an adequate protection dog — despite being technically too small for the job. This is not a breed that can live secluded outdoors.
Coat care is wash and wear.
History:
The Miniature Bull Terrier was forged from tough stock. Its ancient ancestors fought in fierce battles, and its forebears were pitted against fierce animals and finally against one another. Around 1835, crosses between the old version of the Bulldog and the old English Terrier produced an adept fighting dog known as the Bull and Terrier.
When dog shows became the rage in the late 1800s, the Bull and Terrier was snubbed. The dog's association with a questionable class of people and lack of dapper looks caused the dog show fanciers to look askance at the breed. In response, some Bull Terrier patrons began to select for appearance by crossing the dogs with Dalmatians and White English Terriers. So successful were they that the Bull Terrier became an elegant man's fashion statement. Subsequent crosses back with the Staffordshire Terrier gave back color as well as more variation in size.
Interest in the miniature version of the breed has grown slowly. Although the dogs were recognized as a breed in England in 1939, it was not until 1991 that the American Kennel Club recognized the Miniature Bull Terrier. Still uncommon, to know one is to love one, and this is a breed that is sure to capture many hearts.
“Like” Hill’s on Facebook
• Share special offers
• Chat about your passion for pets
• 350,000 pet parents and growing
Join us in giving 7 million
more pets a home
Discover how pets benefit
daily from Hill’s Food Shelter
& LoveTM program.




