Bull Terrier (Miniature)
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| Bull Terrier (Miniature) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
 Standard (left) and Miniature Bull Terriers |
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| Other names | Miniature Bull Terrier | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Country of origin |  England |
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The Bull Terrier (Miniature) is a breed of dog developed using selective breeding to miniaturize the Bull Terrier.
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[edit] Description
[edit] Appearance
Miniature Bull Terriers have short, fine, and glossy coats that are very close to the skin, like the Standards. They are accepted in the ring to be white, white with another color, or fully colored. However, like the Standards, any blue or liver colored coats are undesirable. These dogs require very 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 strong build. They have very muscular shoulders and a full body.
Miniature Bull Terriers, like the Standards, have a head described as "egg-shaped." It is flat on top with a Roman muzzle. 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.
[edit] Temperament
Like the Standard Bull Terriers, Minis are loving and, like many terrier breeds, can be stubborn at times; but despite this they make great dogs for people with limited space.
Bull Terriers are known to be stubborn and courageous. They don't seem to realize their size, however, because even if confronting an enormous dog they will not back down. However, with the right training, confrontations can be avoided. This characteristic does not change in the Miniatures. Some people think that Miniature Bull Terriers are practically a different dog, but one must realize that they are the same dogs, just smaller. They are very energetic and playful. They love people, but often don't get along with other pets. They are variable around other dogs, and young children must be warned to treat them carefully.
[edit] Care
As mentioned before, Miniature Bull Terriers require little grooming. A quick brushing once a day or a few times a week is sufficient to keep the fur in order, as it cannot become tangled due to its length.
[edit] Training
Miniatures do require a lot of training, particularly early on. They must be heavily socialized 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.
[edit] Health
Miniature Bull Terriers are generally quite healthy, but there are hearing, eye, skin, and knee problems in some dogs:
There is a high rate of deafness in white Bull Terriers, Miniature or Standard. Of course, this also occurs in colored and mixed colored and white Bull Terriers. Approximately 1 in 5 white Bull Terriers is unilaterally deaf (deaf in one ear) and 1 in 20 is bilaterally deaf (deaf in both ears.) Deaf dogs should not be bred due to deafness being hereditary.[1]
Miniature Bull Terriers are also susceptible to having luxating patellas. This is a knee problem common in small dogs. It can be treated by surgery.
Miniatures are also susceptible to eye problems such as lens luxation.
Also, the skin of a Miniature can be a problem. Pyotraumatic dermatitis (hot spots), allergic reactions, and hives can be problematic.
[edit] History
However, when the Standard breed was first created in 19th century England, it was about the same size as Miniature Bull Terriers.[2] Crossbreeding with Pointers increased the size so it was an optimal fighting size. Miniature Bull Terriers were granted membership in the American Kennel Club (AKC) in May 14, 1991 (effective January 1, 1992).[3][4]
[edit] External links
[edit] References
- ^ Bull Terrier Health: Deafness. Bull Terriers Health UK. Retrieved on 2008-04-13.
- ^ Miniature Bull Terrier History. American Kennel Club. Retrieved on 2008-04-13.
- ^ Miniature Bull Terrier Breed Standard. American Kennel Club. Retrieved on 2008-04-13.
- ^ Miniature Bull Terrier (colored). Dog.com. Retrieved on 2008-04-13.
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