The Miniature Bull Terrier temperament is sweet-natured and protective. They are bred to have the strength and tenacity of a bulldog and the intense and alert nature of a terrier,
Miniature Bull Terrier Temperament and Personality
They make life fun
To say Miniature Bull Terriers make life fun is an understatement. They are clownish, playful, and fearless. This breed loves to find interesting things to do, sometimes to their own detriment. Minis are classic mischief-makers who often get into trouble.
The best way to prevent this is to give him a productive challenge to overcome. If he’s focused on agility trials or therapy dog work, then he won’t have time to go sticking his snout where it doesn’t belong!
They also tend to find everything funny! This can become less entertaining, for you though, when what they find funny are your efforts to train them.
Miniature Bull Terriers love their humans
This is a breed that loves people. They are happiest when they are around family, and they are good with children.
Therefore, what they are not are outdoor dogs. If you want to get a dog for the sole purpose of keeping him outside to guard the house, then this is not the right breed for you.
They are protective
Miniature Bull Terriers are protective – especially when they think their humans are in danger. Early socialization will help them recognize that strangers aren’t always a threat.
However, if the need to protect their family does arise, rest assured that not only does the Mini make a good watchdog, but he also isn’t half bad at guard dog duty either! This may come as a surprise, given his tinier size, but he gets the job done.
Watch out for “Bully Runs”
Minis tend to tear through the yard or house for no apparent reason – often zooming from one end of the house to the other.
That’s why many dog owners call this a case of the “zoomies.” This kind of activity stems from a dog’s adoration for play and running around to their little hearts’ content.
Minis have separation anxiety
When left alone for too long without enough exercise, Miniature Bull Terriers can develop separation anxiety. Therefore, if you have the kind of schedule that drags you out of the house for several hours a day, then the Mini may not be the right dog for you.
Else, on that rare occasion when no one is able to be home with the dog, wearing him out with exercise and loading him up with his toys should be enough to placate him until you get home. (No promises, though.)
They can be possessive
Miniature Bull Terriers are possessive of their humans and territory. Remember to think “territorial” whenever you hear “Terrier,” and you’ll know what you’re getting into with any Terrier breed.
Minis are sometimes aggressive with other animals but do well with dogs of the opposite sex. You should not, however, bring same-sex dogs into your Miniature Bull Terrier’s house, as they are almost guaranteed to fight. Sometimes neutering helps, but not always.
You should also avoid bringing cats, gerbils, or any other smaller animals into the home. Mini owners often see their dogs attacking smaller animals, so it is best not to have smaller animals in the same house as a Miniature Bull Terrier.
Some Minis may become overly protective of their food and toys, too. You must teach them to understand that not everyone nor everything is a threat. If you don’t correct this behavior early on, you can experience some serious difficulties with this dog later on in life.
Though active, they do well in apartments
The Miniature Bull Terrier is an active breed, but they are small enough for apartment dwellers. If they receive proper exercise, then an apartment life won’t bother them.
They are “leash tuggers”
Have you ever owned a dog that pulled on his leash at every dog/cat/leaf he saw while out on a walk with you because he wanted to investigate it further? If so, then you already know what it’s like to own a Miniature Bull Terrier.
The good news is that you should be able to train him out of this behavior. Fair warning, though, that until you do, you’ll build up your arm strength trying to rein him in on your walks together.
Quick Miniature Bull Terrier History
Breeders created the Bull Terrier as a fighting dog in the 1830s. They then crossed Bulldogs with the now-extinct English terriers.
In addition to the “go-to-ground” Terriers, who go into the earth to get prey, breeders began to create smaller versions for above-ground “ratters”.
This led to the creation of Miniature Bull Terriers.
Today, the Miniature Bull Terrier – or Mini – is a companion dog.
How to Train a Miniature Bull Terrier?
As a true Terrier, the Miniature Bull Terrier temperament is stubborn and independent. However, they are intelligent and trainable – with the right owner.
Miniature Bull Terriers need an owner who is firm yet gentle. You will need a lot of patience and a sense of humor when training a Mini.
They love to please you once they figure out what you want. Some Miniature Bull Terrier owners suggest clicker training. Your best bet is to turn training into a game. Then, he’ll feel accomplished when he “wins” (and so will you!).
Regardless of the method, you choose to train your Mini, make sure it is positive and fun to keep their attention. And remember, you can start training your puppy as early as 8 weeks old.
Puppies are just like children: the earlier you teach them something, the more likely it is to stick, and the less difficulty you’ll experience reminding them of that lesson later.
If you find you aren’t getting anywhere in trying to train your Mini, consider either enrolling him in obedience school or hiring a professional trainer.
No matter what, you certainly should not neglect training your puppy as early as possible for maximum results. You’ll both be better for it.
Helpful Dog Training Resource:
Note: If you are up for the fun of training your Miniature Bull Terrier then check out The Online Dog Trainer. This resource is from a world-class trainer who provides hundreds of dog training videos online. You can also get initial access for free.
Finding the Perfect Miniature Bull Terrier
When you are ready to add a Miniature Bull Terrier to your family, you’ll have to decide whether you want to purchase a Miniature Bull Terrier puppy from a breeder or adopt one from a rescue.
Miniature Bull Terrier puppies for sale from a breeder are just that – puppies!
If you don’t have the time to dedicate to raising and training a puppy, consider adoption. Miniature Bull Terriers for adoption are often adults and have basic obedience training.
Miniature Bull Terrier Puppies for Sale
The average Miniature Bull Terrier price is between $1200-$2000. The Miniature Bull Terrier cost depends on your location, litter availability, and whether they come from a champion bloodline.
Miniature Bull Terriers for sale from a champion bloodline will be significantly more expensive than those without.
On average Miniature Bull Terriers from a rescue will cost between $300-$600 depending on the rescue organization.
Miniature Bull Terrier Rescue and Adoption
Decided to go the rescue route? Bull Terrier Rescue is the perfect resource for Miniature Bull Terrier rescue. They offer information about the breed as well a list of available Miniature Bull Terriers for adoption.
Miniature Bull Terrier adoption is right for you if you are looking for an adult dog that is (typically) already trained.
Additionally, Mini’s with special needs are available for adoption. They have minor issues – such as skin problems or shyness – or more severe health issues that can require frequent vet visits.
A lot of Miniature Bull Terriers in rescue need to be the only pet in the house due to their dog selectiveness.
Miniature Bull Terrier Breeders
If you have decided on a purebred Mini, the AKC Marketplace is a great place to search for Miniature Bull Terrier breeders. Here, you can search for breeders based on location, litter availability, and bloodline.
Keep in mind that a reputable breeder will:
- Have a clean home and/or kennel,
- Treat their dogs with love and care,
- And know everything there is to know about the breed.
If a breeder doesn’t fit these criteria, move on to the next one!
Good Miniature Bull Terrier breeders will also provide you with health certificates and let you know of any known temperament or health issues.
They will also ask you questions to determine if a Miniature Bull Terrier is, in fact, the right breed for you and your family.
The Miniature Bull Terrier Appearance
Characterized by their signature egg-shaped heads and square bodies, the Miniature Bull Terrier size is around 10-14 inches tall.
A Miniature Bull Terrier weight is between 18-28 pounds with a life expectancy of 11-13 years.
As for colors the Mini comes in, you can choose from red, white, or fawn, as well as black brindle, black and tan, and tri-color.
How to Groom a Miniature Bull Terrier?
Thanks to their short hair, the Miniature Bull Terrier does not require a lot of grooming.
The good news here is that, because the Mini doesn’t shed much, you can own one if you’re typically allergic to dogs. While no dog is truly “hypoallergenic,” you’re less likely to have an allergic reaction around a Mini.
They only need regular baths and once-weekly brushes with a soft brush.
Their nails grow quickly, though, so you should trim regularly to avoid overgrown nails.
Check ears regularly for wax buildup and debris.
Which Miniature Bull Terrier Health Issues Do You Need to Know About?
The Miniature Bull Terrier is prone to such health conditions as:
- Heart and kidney issues,
- Deafness, particularly in dogs with white coats,
- Patellar Luxation(kneecap dislocation),
- Sub-aortic Stenosis (narrowing of the aortic valve in the heart),
- Entropion (abnormal eyelid),
- Allergies,
- Mitral valve dysplasia (congenital heart defect)
- And Primary Lens Luxation(disclosure of the eye lens).
Note that if the vet diagnoses your Mini with eye lens discoloration, his odds of becoming blind from 3 years old on are high.
Helpful Health Resource
Note: Grab a copy of The Ultimate Guide to Dog Health and get knowledgeable about the health problems that can literally cause your pet pain and suffering, so you can help prevent them.
Exercise
Miniature Bull Terrier puppies require a moderate amount of exercise to stay lean and in shape. But they are also prone to “sudden lameness”.
This means that their joints can’t handle a lot of exercise until they are mature.
In other words, you shouldn’t exercise Miniature Bull Terrier puppies d too much. For example, don’t allow them to:
- Jump from high places, or
- Suddenly stop at high speeds.
Once they mature, they do require vigorous exercise, like long walks, short runs or long games of fetch in the backyard.
The Miniature Bull Terrier is a notoriously destructive breed if he doesn’t receive the proper exercise.
Miniature Bull Terrier Mixes
If you’re interested in a Miniature Bull Terrier mixed breed, then there are several out there from which to choose. Consider the following combinations if you’re in the market for a mixed breed dog:
- The Aussietare (Australian Shepherd mix)
- The Bullmatian Terrier (Dalmatian mix)
- The Bully Jack Terrier (Jack Russell Terrier mix)
- The Rottbull (Rottweiler mix)
- The Bullhuahua Terrier (Chihuahua mix)
- The French Miniature Bull Terrier dog (French Bulldog mix)
Why the Miniature Bull Terrier?
The Miniature Bull Terrier temperament will undoubtedly keep you laughing with their clownish antics.
They also require a large dose of patience from their owners, since they tend not to take training seriously. Make it into a game, and you’ll be much less frustrated.
They love their families and can be protective if they feel you are in danger.
Miniature Bull Terriers are also “dog selective” i.e. they don't like all dogs and can be territorial.
Minis are intelligent dogs but, in true Terrier fashion, can also be stubborn!
If you’re looking for a loyal, active, and playful temperament, the Miniature Bull Terrier is the perfect fit!
Kailyn has worked as a professional freelance writer since 2012, and during that time she has written about nearly every dog breed imaginable. Her mother loved Collies, and so Kailyn grew up with three of them throughout her childhood – including a blonde one who was half-blind! Now her home belongs to her first official dog, Macho, a Dogo Argentino rescue.