a brief description of
- Other names: Miniature Bull Terrier, minik, minibull, dwarf bull terrier, bull.
- Height: no higher than 35 cm.
- Weight: up to 15 kg.
- Color: black, black brindle, fawn, brown and tan, red, white, tricolor.
- Coat: Short, coarse but shiny, without undercoat, lying close to the strong skin.
- Life expectancy: up to 14-15 years.
- Advantages of the breed: An energetic, playful and charming minibull experiences an exorbitant feeling of love for its owner. Very devoted to his family - his pack. Despite its size, this is a courageous and quite strong dog. Has excellent guard qualities.
- Difficulties of the breed: An extremely stubborn dog, capable of defending its opinion. Representatives of the breed are characterized by excessive persistence. Training and strict education are a mandatory process.
- Price: $1500-1650.
History of the origin of the species
During selection work to obtain the Bull Terrier breed, some litters produced puppies that were much smaller in size than expected. The dwarf bull terrier did not cause any complaints. The miniks were beautifully built, had excellent health , and caught rats no worse than their larger counterparts.
Over the period of its eighty-year history, the miniature bull terrier species has undergone a lot of changes in size, but not in appearance. Sometimes the appearance of toy bull terriers in one litter was recorded, weighing no more than two kilograms in adulthood, along with standard 13-kilogram dogs.
Dog handlers did not remove them from breeding. Based on small offspring, breeders tried to obtain a smaller copy of a standard bull terrier while maintaining the appearance and working qualities of the dog. Ultimately, the desire to obtain a miniature individual with a body weight not exceeding 8.0 kg was crowned with success.
Small dogs of other breeds - fox terriers and Jack Russell terriers - took part in consolidating the resulting phenotype. And matings between representatives of the bull terrier species, permitted until 1988, contributed to the improvement of the type of miniature dogs and made it possible to get rid of some genetic diseases characteristic of standard representatives of the breed.
The principle of breeding both types of bull terriers was based on the postulates introduced by the father of the breed, Mr. Hincks - individuals should have an unusual ovoid head, carry a white coat and have a fighting character.
Still, there are differences between standard boules and miniature ones. And they lie in the shape of the head - in miniks, the skull is shaped like an apple, and the eyes are more protruding and expressive than those of standard bull terriers.
The minibull's exhibition debut took place in 1963 , and since 1991 the miniature bull terrier has been registered as a separate independent breed in the FCI system.
Origin story
The first bull terriers were born in the 19th century. Then they tried to raise this breed by crossing white terriers and English bulldogs . However, the puppies obtained through such crossing did not suit dog breeders.
The physical characteristics of these individuals were far from ideal: the body was disproportionate, the body was too short, large folds of skin in the neck area. So, later another breed of European dog, the Dalmatian, was included in the crossbreeding.
The resulting dogs had much better proportions and good endurance. And they got their name in honor of the two original breeds involved in sectioning.
Since the new dogs turned out to be quite successful, it was decided to breed another of their relatives. It had to have a smaller body that would be ideal for catching rats. In this regard, the smallest bull terriers were selected for crossing with toy terriers. However, the resulting dogs turned out to be too small: their weight often did not exceed 3 kilograms. As a result, their body was too weak and unsuitable for the original task.
First of all, this affected the popularity of the breed - dwarf bull terriers almost disappeared from all European nurseries of those times.
The situation changed for the better only in the 40s of the last century: breeders again began to raise a miniature version of bull terriers and increased their weight to 5 kg. These dogs are the closest to the ones we know now. They were smaller in size, but were able to retain almost all the physical advantages of the older breed. A little later, the first clubs for these four-legged animals began to open in England, which significantly increased the popularization of the breed.
They began to appear at exhibitions and were used not only to catch rats, but also as guards . The final breed standard was approved already in 1991, and a miniature version of bull terriers began to be imported into Russia.
Purpose
Initially, the goal of obtaining the breed was to catch and destroy rats. It was assumed that dexterous and hardy dogs, which, despite their small size, could pursue rodents that were harmful to the household for a long time, could easily go even into places that are difficult for humans to reach.
Bull terriers, or rather the type of miniature bull terrier, possessed precisely these qualities. In addition, English cynologists made a lot of efforts to suppress at the genetic level the excessive aggression that large individuals of the breed possessed. Experts not only stabilized the breed type, preventing the height from exceeding 35.5 cm at the withers, but also improved the character of the minibull.
Over time, the need to catch rodents fell into oblivion, and dog fighting was strictly prohibited; the mini-bull terrier appeared in the form of a magnificent companion dog. Due to the low level of aggression towards standard representatives of the breed, miniks have retrained, serving faithfully as shepherds, in addition, performing excellent guard and security service.
Character
The character and temperament of a miniature bull terrier is not much different from representatives of the standard type of breed. The perky and cheerful minibull has a more flexible character and is easier to train than large bull terriers. But he also has such qualities as courage, boldness and great physical strength characteristic of the breed.
The Miniature Bull Terrier has a big heart and well-developed intuition. He always feels the mood of his owner. Miniks are very affectionate, often pestering the owner with their affection and desire to communicate.
This is a very active breed that is not suitable for everyone, especially those who are considered new to dog breeding. For those who have decided to get a dog for the first time, a breed such as a mini bull terrier is categorically not recommended.
Bull Terrier: owner reviews
Nikita Sergeevich:
An excellent breed, but not for everyone. I categorically do not recommend getting a Bull Terrier for beginners and those who do not have experience working with service dogs that require great physical activity. It should be remembered that the dog has enormous physical strength.
Andrey:
My bull terrier lived for 10 years; alas, cancer took the life of my most devoted friend and unsurpassed protector. The degree of aggressiveness of a dog depends solely on the owner. If the owner is unreasonable, training everything that moves, then his dog is bad.
Anna Arkadyevna:
The opinion about bull terriers as killer dogs was formed thanks to careless owners who failed to cope with their upbringing. And from a dachshund you can raise an aggressive dog that attacks everyone. And a bull terrier makes a gentle and devoted friend if raised with love.
Novel:
Real bull terriers are intellectuals, endowed with a sufficient amount of charisma. These are glorious protectors who protect their owner until the last breath. And yet, a bull will never show aggression without reason.
Choosing a puppy
Mini bull terriers require constant and very attentive treatment from both the owner and each family member. The acquisition of a four-legged friend must be discussed in advance with everyone.
Firstly, in order to avoid irreparable consequences, and secondly, to distribute responsibilities between household members, since everyone should take care of the puppy, and upbringing should be continuous.
You should purchase a puppy of this breed only from a nursery with a good reputation. You can find out about the conditions of keeping dogs in advance by visiting the breeding farm, even before the birth of the next litter.
Everything is very simple. You should meet the breeder at the next big dog show and secure his invitation to purchase a puppy. As for the cost of a miniature bull terrier puppy, the price for a baby will be higher than for a standard size puppy.
You should also prepare for choosing a puppy as you would for the acquisition process itself, by inviting a breed expert and a veterinarian to examine your choice for compliance with the standards of the breed and the health of the future ward. The demonstration of the mother and, perhaps, the father of a glorious family will give an idea of what the baby will be like when he grows up. But no one can guarantee that the purchased puppy will definitely become a supernova of the breed.
When choosing a puppy, it is important to pay attention to the main parameters:
- Clean eyes and ears.
- The skin should be clean, without crusts or redness.
- The coat is smooth, shiny, without flea excrement.
- A shiny and cool nose; regardless of color, it should be black.
- Teeth. The bite must be correct and the set of teeth must be complete.
In addition, the puppy must be moderately well-fed, playful, active, overly inquisitive and ready to get to know each other. The baby's belly should be firm. Bloating indicates helminthiasis. It is advisable to ask how long ago the children were wormed.
If the choice falls on a white puppy, you should use a simple method to check for hearing. To do this, it is enough to suddenly clap your hands or rattle your keys. The reaction of the puppies should be unambiguous - they will all start barking. And yet, for Mini Bull Terrier puppies the price is negotiated exclusively with the owner of the kennel.
How to choose a miniature bull terrier puppy
Mini Bulls are dogs designed for living in the city; they are compact and can easily fit into any apartment. Representatives of the breed are cheerful, loyal and courageous, so they will be excellent companions for an active person or companions for teenagers. This dog is not suitable for elderly or sedentary people, as it requires great physical activity.
Fans of miniature bull terriers say that this is an affectionate and gentle animal that needs a firm hand. And we will add that the owner of this dog must be a real leader, self-confident and calm. If this is you, feel free to choose Minik. Start by visiting dog shows, talking to owners and breeders, and chatting on forums. This way you will better appreciate all the advantages and find out the disadvantages of the breed.
If you are not disappointed, start selecting a nursery. It is better to buy a puppy from reputable breeders; from them you are guaranteed to get a dog with a normal psyche. And in some cases it is even more important than the exterior. Be sure to read independent reviews from dog owners about this or that kennel on the Internet. Make contact with breeders. Consider the following rule: they must talk not only about the parents’ titles, but also speak honestly about the health of the future pet, and provide documents confirming the absence of hereditary diseases.
When it comes to choosing a puppy, pay attention to its health. Check if there is any irritation on the skin and if the ears and eyes are clean. Choose the most cheerful and curious kitten. If you plan to take part in exhibitions, evaluate how the future pet meets the breed standards.
Nicknames
The puppy moves to a new home with a nickname assigned to it. The official name with the factory prefix appears on the puppy - the dog's birth document - and on the veterinary passport, along with the dates of vaccinations. Under the official name, the dog is registered in the stud book and participates in dog shows.
But no one will forbid giving the baby a home name chosen by the new owner. It is important to reflect the character of the animal. It is not without reason that they say that whoever gave the name bestowed the destiny.
By giving a human name, we see how close animals and their owners are to each other. Don't forget that dogs are able to rejoice and cry and express their emotions.
Animals have feelings, and their world of sensations is no less rich than that of humans. Therefore, it is advisable to give a pet name so that the person who will wear it will like it first of all.
Care and maintenance
The Shorthaired Mini Bull Terrier is very clean and requires minimal grooming. Simply brushing the fur with a special brush once a week is quite sufficient for your pet. During shedding, which occurs twice a year, the dog is brushed daily for two or three weeks.
Keeping minibulls is a little more difficult. They can fearlessly fight with dogs significantly larger than them. But behavior can be corrected if the dog is seriously trained, but almost no one can completely eliminate a behavioral deficiency.
It is necessary to regularly attend training courses and teach the dog “good manners” yourself. Do not let him off the leash in crowded places so that the dog does not get into a fight or chase the cat - the minik’s main enemy. In general, keeping a mini bull terrier is no different from its standard counterparts.
Care and maintenance of a miniature bull
The miniature bull terrier will take root well in an apartment or a warm house. And in a yard or enclosure, a smooth-haired dog will be uncomfortable, especially in winter. In order for your mini bull to live well, you need to arrange a soft sleeping place for him where there are no drafts. For walks in cold weather, it is worth purchasing overalls, it will also serve as protection from dirt. You will also need leashes of different lengths, a collar and muzzle, bowls of different sizes and toys (it is better to give them out not in a bunch, but in doses to prolong the effect of novelty).
Walk
The miniature bull is created for long walks and active games. He needs to get his energy out somehow. If a dog is locked within four walls, he will mope and be sad. And he will also become disgraceful from idleness.
Adult Mini Bulls should run, jump and climb a lot while walking. They will benefit from intense training. But puppies up to eight months of age need a gentle regime. Their skeleton and ligaments are developing, so injuries and damage are possible during active activities.
The puppy should be accustomed to walks from about two months old; he must first have all his vaccinations. Mini Bulls should be taken out as often as possible: immediately after sleep and after feeding.
The owner of an adult dog must adhere to the rules that govern keeping animals in the city. Walking is allowed in specially designated areas. Fighting breeds must be bred on short leashes and muzzles. And although the miniature bull terrier is not one of them, it is better not to let it off the leash in crowded places and take a muzzle with you.
Care
Caring for a miniature bull terrier is too easy. He has short hair without a pronounced undercoat. Therefore, it is enough to brush your dog once or twice a week. Instead of bathing, you can wipe it with a damp towel, and then polish the fur with a dry one.
The Mini Bull Terrier breed is considered hypoallergenic. These dogs are suitable for people prone to allergies. Their fur does not cause irritation. Unfortunately, boules themselves are often allergic.
A miniature bull terrier should be bathed with a special shampoo when it gets dirty. But, as the breeders of this breed assure, the dog loves to get dirty. So get ready to frequently perform water procedures. By the way, white dogs can sunbathe and even sometimes get sunburned.
Other hygiene procedures should be carried out once a week. Wipe your ears with a cotton swab containing hydrogen peroxide. Clean your teeth with a special toothpaste. You should wash your eyes with a damp cloth as they become dirty. And the super agile mini bull terrier rarely has to cut its claws. They usually wear themselves down. But in winter you may have to use a nail clipper.
Once every four months, your pet needs to be treated for internal and external parasites. Use a special drug to repel fleas and ticks, and give anti-helminth medications.
Nutrition
Energetic mini bull terriers do not suffer from lack of appetite. Rather, they are prone to overeating. Little ones are much less common. You can feed your dog natural food or prepared food. But you should not mix the two types of diet. And clean water should always be available.
Babies from two months to seven are fed 4-5 times a day. Then they are transferred to three meals a day. From the age of one, it is enough to feed the dog once or twice a day.
Feeding should take place at the same time. Better after a walk. Begging should be stopped. If your pet gets hungry outside of the regular schedule, give him something healthy, for example, a piece of carrot.
The natural menu must include meat (except pork), raw and slightly boiled, and offal. As well as cereals (in small quantities) and vegetables (except for potatoes) - carrots, pumpkin, cabbage, zucchini and others, stewed or boiled. Sometimes you can give low-bone fish, fermented milk products, fruits and berries. Vitamin supplements and healthy treats are a must. It is strictly forbidden to treat your pet with sweets, smoked products, sausages, including river fish. Food from the master's table is a real poison for the boule. There was a case when an animal died after eating some chocolate.
Finding a balanced natural diet for a mini bull is quite difficult. In addition, these dogs may suffer from allergies. Therefore, many owners prefer industrial feed. You need to choose a reliable brand that produces hypoallergenic mixtures for small breeds of dogs.
Heredity and health
Miniature Bull Terriers do not have hereditary diseases, and are considered one of the healthiest and strongest breeds. The exception is white minibulls, who are prone to deafness at the genetic level.
If one or both ears are affected, dogs are excluded from breeding. It has been noted that the price for white dogs of the Miniature Bull Terrier breed is slightly lower than for colored littermates.
Australian and English breeders often resort to inbreeding - the process of crossing Mini Bull Terriers with standard representatives of the breed to minimize the transmission to offspring of exophthalmos - displacement of the eyeball, a breed predisposition of the Mini Bull Terrier to this ophthalmological problem. It should be noted that standard bull terriers do not have the exophthalmos gene.
In addition to the ears and eyes, minibulls, as artificially bred dogs, have weak points including the kidneys and heart, and are also predisposed to diseases:
- tracheal hypoplasia;
- aortic stenosis;
- Perthes disease;
- destruction of the kneecap.
A dog purchased from a kennel from parents with health certificates has an extremely low likelihood of developing genetic diseases.
How to choose a puppy and their price
If you want to become the owner of a minibull and think that you know the whole truth about the breed, you must remember that such a dog is not for everyone and requires seriousness from its owner and family members.
Therefore, before running to the breeders, weigh your decision and discuss this issue with your loved ones.
When the decision is made, it is better to visit a special exhibition. Here you can take a closer look at minibulls, meet breeders and determine the best option. It is better to choose a nursery with an excellent reputation and comfortable living conditions.
Once the decision is made to take a pet from a certain place, you need to think about the gender of the future pet, as well as the purpose for which it is being acquired.
You can, for example, take a puppy for breeding or to participate in exhibitions, or you can take it as a pet. To select a promising puppy, a future winner of exhibitions, you need to have sufficient experience.
If you take a minibull to participate in exhibitions, you need to remember that no one can guarantee that your pet will become a champion.
However, it is possible to determine the potential of a puppy. To this end, you should get to know his parents and evaluate them both from the point of view of patterns and from the point of view of health and psychological state.
However, regardless of the purpose, it is important to examine the puppy for its physical condition. A healthy pet should have the following parameters:
- nose - cold, shiny;
- skin, eyes and ears are clean;
- teeth - 12 pieces, 6 at the bottom and at the top;
- the stomach is not bloated, elastic.
Important! White minibulik puppies are required to be tested for deafness. For this purpose, the dog is taken to an isolated room and clapping hands, squeaking with toys or rattling keys.
It’s also worth taking a closer look at the puppy’s character and energy. Dog breeders advise giving preference to an active, playful minibull without signs of aggression.
The ideal age of a puppy is 2-2.5 months.
In addition, the Miniature Bull Terrier must not only meet breed standards, but also have all the necessary vaccinations.
As for the cost of a purebred puppy, it is quite high - $1200-2000. An adult representative can be charged up to $3,500.
Nutrition
Due to the breed's predisposition to obesity, the Mini Bull Terrier's diet must be strictly controlled by the owner. It is strictly not recommended to feed dogs “from the table”. It is also undesirable to create a diet for minis from natural sources.
This does not apply to meat, dairy and offal. Rapidly growing Mini Bull Terrier puppies up to 4 months old should receive veal and low-fat cottage cheese daily to strengthen their bones.
At four months, the dog is switched to food with a clearly calculated diet for this breed. Before feeding your minibull puppy food, follow the advice of the breeder from whom the dog was purchased.
Food and only food constitutes the main food of a minibull. It should be high in calories, as well as easily and completely digestible. For a miniature bull terrier, food based on chicken meat is undesirable
Training
Dogs with an independent and stubborn character, who have won more negative than positive attitudes from society, like no other, need constant high-quality training, starting from a very early age. In the process, complete socialization of minibulls is important, promoting courage and sociability in young dogs, since cowardice causes the dog to bite.
The small bull terrier is an extremely active creature. This is a bundle of energy that can indulge in outdoor games for hours. By the age of one year, dogs calm down, so it is extremely important to provide them with sufficient exercise, since minibulls tend to gain excess weight.
Walks and games must include moments of education - reinforcing commands learned the day before and learning new ones.
Minibulls, those willful stubborn creatures, are very responsive to praise. It is enough to emotionally praise the puppy once for leaving a puddle on the ground, and he will willingly do this again and again, seeking another ode of praise addressed to him.
But often stubbornness becomes the cause of disagreements between the pet and the owner, complicating the training process. Therefore, it is extremely important to choose the key for the dog that will allow you to reach his soul.
For a minibull, strict upbringing is important, guaranteeing unconditional execution of commands. This is not a breed for those who have a gentle temperament or are inexperienced in raising dogs.
With decent upbringing, miniature bull terriers develop a kind, balanced character, not prone to aggression. Lack of education gives rise to a dangerous monster, even with miniature sizes. In general, the methods of training a Minik are similar to the process of training a standard Bull Terrier.
From "The Constellation of Adomas"
I sometimes hear or read that a miniature bull terrier is a stubborn dog that cannot be trained, some offer such a brutal option: bulls must be beaten, otherwise they will not understand anything... This is wrong. As in any other breed, among the minik - bulik there are individuals with different characters, but the development, including mental, as well as the upbringing of each individual dog always depends on its owner.
If you are interested in this breed, or if it somehow attracts you, then first I advise you to open Seton-Thompson’s book and read the story “Snap or the History of the Bull Terrier .” You will probably notice the beginning of the story: “Snap, my friend, some people would raise you with beatings, but it seems to me that my plan is better. Current doctors recommend a treatment system called “leave without breakfast.” I’ll try it on you.”
In fact, it really is the best system. Minibulls , like any other dogs, are great at working for food. They train wonderfully and with pleasure and get great pleasure from training. Yes, of course, owners need to make an effort to win the trust of the minibull . It’s unlikely that even a small miniature bull terrier will suck up to its owner after stealing and eating a slipper, but you didn’t buy a doormat, but a self-sufficient, serious, small dog , a dog with a capital D!
By the way, I really want to draw the attention of readers to what kind of owner should be the owner of a miniature bull terrier . So, the owner must also be self-sufficient! And it was very unlucky for those mini - bulics whose owners were people with painful self-esteem, or people who were not sufficiently fulfilled in life, or who were not confident in themselves and were trying to increase their self-esteem at the expense of the dog . As a rule, such tandems end in discarding or “ the dog in good hands.” Convinced that the minibull , like the bull , is very difficult to force, such people believe that it is beyond their dignity to establish contact and come to an agreement with the dog; they must break it. Well, any “withdrawal” usually ends very sadly...
minibull appeared in my house , many things in his behavior surprised me. During a walk, he was happy to caress everyone around him, whereas, for example, a Cane Corso , especially if he is older than 6-8 months, will always prefer to communicate with his owner. But a little later it turned out that if I have a ball in my hands, then the little Bulik doesn’t need anyone at all...except the ball, of course. And all acquaintances on the street are made precisely with the goal of understanding whether someone has something that will be very, very interesting for the baby. At home, at first it was also not clear to me why, having so many toys, the puppy chose slippers. But since all the games take place before my eyes (and there is no fear that the puppy will tear the slipper and eat the rag), I just bought the puppy a pair of slippers for him personally. And because for dogs it is the smell that attracts him, then no one had ever worn “his slippers”, no connection with other slippers arose in his brain, the little guy never stole other people’s slippers. Minibulls , like other dogs, normally agree to exchange toys, and you need to take advantage of this, there is no point in forbidding your baby to take certain objects all the time, just engage in fetching with him, choosing the most convenient dog toy for these purposes.
I know people who take their dogs to the playground and get a lot of pleasure from the fact that their miniature pet accurately follows commands on a par with large ones. You can pick up many exercises from circus training that a miniature bull terrier . So, it depends only on the owner whether his life with the dog will be rich and positive or boring and boring.
Advantages and disadvantages
This noteworthy breed has a high level of intelligence and learning ability. Dogs are unpretentious either in food or living conditions. Minbulka is equally suitable for both a one-room apartment and a spacious mansion outside the city. Dogs are distinguished by their natural peacefulness and sociability, but without appropriate training, a dog can become uncontrollable.
for minibulls to quickly become attached to the owner and the people around him. They get very bored in the absence of their owner and feel sad during a long separation.
Another positive quality of the breed is considered to be easy to care for the dog. But with the onset of seasonal changes in weather conditions, minibulls need warm clothes.
There is only one serious drawback in the breed - dogs are difficult to breed, since the risk of getting hereditary diseases is quite high. A significant part of the breed suffers from an allergic reaction to insect bites. A flea or mosquito bite can cause severe dermatosis. Sunburn is caused by photodermatoses.
Choosing a Bull Terrier: What You Need to Know
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The Bull Terrier, or English Bull Terrier, is another national symbol of Old Lady England, along with the world famous English Bulldog. It should be noted that bull terriers are much less common. Dogs were rushed to be declared prone to aggression; quite often (at least in Russia) voices were heard to “ban” and “destroy”. In the mid-late 90s. in our country there was a surge of interest in bull terriers, which, however, quickly waned. Currently, only enthusiasts or very big fanciers keep such pets. At the same time, it should be noted that in their homeland, in Great Britain, bull terriers are very popular. Moreover, dogs are kept not as “horror stories”, but as reliable and faithful pets. Are you interested in this unusual breed? Then read on!
Bull Terriers are remarkable for their unusual head shape. She is long, strong and low set. When you look at the dog (or rather, at the developed lower jaw), you immediately understand: no compromises, this is a real fighter. Please note: if you look at the dog from the front, you will find that the head is shaped like an egg. There are also some parallels with the white shark - some similarity is definitely present.
Both terrier and bulldog “in one bottle”. Let's figure it out. From bulldogs, the bull terrier inherited strength, physical power and, of course, a fair amount of stubbornness. From terriers - the instincts of a breadwinner, independence, and “honest” character. And also many working qualities. As you can see, it has its advantages and disadvantages. These dogs just need to be understood and appreciated. And also keep them under your constant control.
A purebred bull terrier is an expensive pleasure. According to the pets4homes portal, the largest British pet site, the average price for bull terrier puppies in the UK was 68-95 thousand rubles (in equivalent, at the current Bank of Russia exchange rate). In our country, the price range is quite wide; there are not too many current offers. The average price for a purebred puppy ranges from 30-50 thousand rubles, and can deviate greatly in one direction or the other.
Dogs of this breed are prone to deafness. Especially white dogs. About 20% of white dogs (or every fifth) and 1.5% of other colors are born deaf. You should be aware of this feature. We advise you to discuss this topic in detail with the breeder when purchasing. It is advisable that the breeder does not skimp on testing for genetic diseases.
In general, the breed is susceptible to many hereditary diseases. And, alas, the matter is not limited to deafness. The average lifespan of a Bull Terrier is 10-12 years. Before purchasing, we advise you to immerse yourself in this issue headlong, work with authoritative sources in order to build a constructive and business-like conversation with breeders.
The Bull Terrier is not the smartest dog breed. Traditionally, we refer to the Dog Breed Intelligence Scale developed by Dr. Coren. It consists of 138 dog breeds. Bull Terriers are located at the very bottom of the list, in 124th position. What does this mean in practice? Your pet, after some effort, will learn several basic commands. At the same time, he will seriously “think” whether it is worth performing them here and now.
The dog has a strong-willed character and strives for dominance. It is almost impossible to surprise or frighten these dogs with anything. If you have made an enemy in the person of the English Bull Terrier, then this is a deadly enemy. Dogs feel power and strength behind them. Sensing weakness in the owner, they will immediately try to crush him under themselves, to impose their own conditions. The dog must be controlled and under no circumstances should you lose control over it. Your will and authority become decisive. Training should become routine and consistent.
A properly socialized Bull Terrier will make a wonderful family pet. Affectionate, loyal, reliable and predictable. Dogs get along well with children (provided that the children have certain skills in working with dogs).
The breed is not very active. This quality makes bull terriers similar to bulldogs. Bull Terriers certainly have flashes of playfulness and sportiness, and it is better to reciprocate them. Two half-hour walks a day (minimum) will be quite enough. Quite a feasible load for the “average” owner.
An experienced owner is preferable for a bull terrier. Or let's put it this way: strong-willed, purposeful and consistent. In no case, according to the principle “so that it may be”. You have a lot of routine, daily menial work to do. Puppies need consistent and early socialization. If you have now seen yourself, you are not afraid of possible difficulties, the bull terrier will be the optimal and completely justified choice.
Original : 10 Things You Need To Know About The English Bull Terrier Before You Buy One. Source: pets 4 homes . co . uk . Photo: ok . ru (from open sources).
Miniature Bull Terrier: owner reviews
Yaroslav:
I consider minibulks exclusively as companion dogs. There can't even be any talk about any security skills. Guard qualities are present, but not protective in any way. This dog should be protected from inappropriate people.
Evgeniya:
I don’t agree about the lack of protective qualities, maybe from the point of view of the bull’s owner. But I’m with mine – it’s like behind a stone wall. He even saved my father from drunken brawlers.
Alena Pleskova:
Our dog lived in the family for 14 years. I never touched strangers, especially children. Strange dogs and cats were problems if I didn’t have time to put them on a leash. And so - the smartest creature and extremely loyal, you can’t look for them. I've been looking for two years now, but still nothing.
We are interested in everything about minibugs - how you raised your dog and what difficulties you encountered. How difficult it was to drive the mini at first. Tell us about your puppies' favorite games and funny pranks, and how adult dogs behave. We look forward to hearing stories about them and you. Leave your comments at the bottom of the article. We will be grateful to you.
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- Elya
Minik is absolutely not a guard dog, he will bark in the dark, but when he comes closer he will be happy and lick him) definitely requires strict education from an early age, then you can be proud of him in the future. But this will require a lot of patience and time. My mini girl completed the puppy course from 4 to 6 months, then OKD - 2.5 months, 2 times a week for 2 hours. I admire her intelligence, but at the same time she is prone to stubbornness... she has to resort to tricks. A dog of very fine mental organization, it requires strictness in education, but not cruelty!!! I don’t recommend it to beginners in dog breeding, because the breed requires a lot of attention and constant work and education, lazy and irresponsible people often fail and then the dog grows up to be a monster and is abandoned! Bull is the fifth dog in my life - and this breed fascinated me - they are the most emotional and loving :)
Owner reviews
Many owners falsely believe these dogs are stupid. You can often find comments in which people complain that miniature bull terriers are unable to follow certain commands. However, this is most often the result of their stubborn nature rather than their weak intellect. And if you were unable to establish a relationship with your animal in its puppyhood, then these are the problems that can await you over time.
There are also often reviews in which owners speak positively about the maintenance of these dogs. They are undemanding to care and do not require an expensive diet.