Modern breeders know a great many dog breeds. Most of them were bred by crossing different representatives of the canine family. One of the results of such a tandem is considered a rather original animal - a miniature bull terrier.
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Description and characteristics of the breed
The breed is a miniature bull terrier, or, as it is also called, a mini bull, belongs to the shorthair. These dogs are a type of bull terrier. The proportions of the body and physical data of the breed are similar to those of the closest relative.
The eyes are apple-shaped, there is no transition from the forehead to the nose. The body of the animal is muscular, strong, the cut of the eyes is triangular. The ears are small, the tail is short and thick.
The color of the mini-bull is white, with the presence of pigmentation on the head, or tiger, brown, black.
The history of the origin of the miniature bull terrier
The miniature bull terrier was first described in the 19th century. It was during this period that the minibulls were launched in England. Initially, they tried to get this breed by crossing English Bulldogs and White Terriers. Such attempts, however, were unsuccessful.
In the future, the bulldogs crossed already with the Dalmatians. As a result of this combination, modern bull terriers appeared. Subsequently, among the representatives of this breed, the smallest individuals that were crossed with toy terriers were chosen. Subsequently, the resulting small dogs became related with Jack Russell Terriers and Fox Terriers.
Further painstaking breeding work carried out throughout the XX century, led to the fact that miniature bulls are not much different from their ancestor-bull terrier. All physical data of the "big brother", with the exception of size, were saved.
On a note. In 30-40 years. XX century in England was created the first club of fans of mini-bull terriers. And although the first exhibition in which these animals took part took place in 1983, the breed standard was registered only in 1991.
The purpose and nature of the dog
Initially, mini-bulls were intended for hunting rats. Actually, ordinary bull terriers coped with this task. However, their massiveness and impressive size somewhat complicated this process. The kids acted quite quickly and deftly. But gradually, from the hunter, the dog turned into a pet.
It is generally accepted that bull terriers are animals quite dangerous, moreover, unpredictable and uncontrollable. Such a stereotype, most likely, was formed at a time when these animals were used for dog fights. Or people are awed by their massive, “pumped up” look. Many of these fears are often transferred to a small copy of the bull terrier - a mini-bull.
With proper education, these dogs are characterized by a cheerful and cheerful character, discipline and poise, without manifesting any aggression towards people.
The main disadvantage of animals can be called congenital, sometimes difficult to overcome obstinacy. If the animal does not want to do anything, it can be very difficult to convince him. But a dog interested in something learns quickly, and a well-mannered bull terrier becomes a full member of the family.
Breed standard and puppy selection
The breed standard mini-bull terrier includes almost the same requirements that apply to ordinary bulls:
- The head has an elongated shape. Its upper part should be flat, the lower jaw - strong.
- The body is muscular, lean, slim.
- The nose and eyes are black.
- The chest is wide.
- The neck is powerful, strong, long.
- The legs are straight and powerful, set parallel to each other.
The dimensions of the mini-bull terrier should fit into such a framework:
- weight - 11-15 kg;
- growth (height at the withers) —25-35 cm.
Before acquiring a puppy of a miniature bull terrier, it is necessary to collect thorough information about his ancestors, and also to understand the general features of the breed. For representatives of this family, as a rule, the presence of genetic pathologies of the eyes, heart, and kidneys is typical, deafness is often manifested. Moreover, often for several years the animal may look healthy, and after some time - simply die. It is characteristic that it is practically impossible to identify a potentially sick individual.
When choosing a puppy, you should pay attention to the basic parameters:
- The skin of the animal does not have crusts or redness.
- Ears and eyes are certainly clean.
- The bite is correct.
- The black nose is shiny and cold.
- There is no flea excrement on the wool.
A healthy puppy is moderately well-fed, playful, inquisitive.
Maintenance, care and feeding
A mini-bull terrier is an animal not intended for an aviary. The reason for this is the short coat and the lack of undercoat, as a result of which the dog can catch a cold in the cold season. Therefore, as well as in view of the small size of these dogs, owners of apartments often start.
Since animals of this breed are quite unpretentious, a set of measures to care for them is quite typical:
- periodic cleaning of the ears and clipping;
- combing out dead undercoat;
- swimming (as it gets dirty).
You can feed bull terriers with dry food, giving preference to extra-class food or natural food. Regardless of the diet chosen, several basic rules should be considered:
- Dog nutrition should be carried out at the same time, this disciplines the animal. Feeding is best after a walk - after satiety, the pet will probably want to relax. The owner should stop all begging attempts. If the desire to treat the baby is too strong, you can limit yourself to a small carrot, but not pieces of meat and not dry food.
- The nutrition system should be built taking into account the age of the pet. If we are talking about dry food, you need to select products suitable for the dog by age. Features of the natural feeding system for dogs of different ages should be discussed with the veterinarian.
- No need to overfeed the miniature dog - obesity can provoke multiple health problems. Up to 7 months the puppy is fed 4 times a day, after this age one feeding is removed, by the year bringing their number up to 2 times a day.
Do not give your pet food from the table. Sweets and smoked meats are especially harmful. A bowl of water should be located in the immediate vicinity of the mini-bull.
How to train and educate the Mini Bull Terrier
Mini-bullrier is a difficult dog, which requires great patience from the owner. These dogs are equipped with impressive teeth and powerful jaws. In a tandem with a literally fiery temperament, this can create problems for others if the animal is improperly raised. And although aggression towards people is not typical for these dogs, in some cases it can occur.
Little flesh inherited in many respects the character traits of standard bull terriers. Donkey stubbornness alternates with the desire to take a leading position in the family. To avoid unpleasant consequences, education should begin immediately after the purchase of the baby.
The pet should designate a place for rest and food, as well as time for walking. Do not let the bull terrier sleep with the owner. On walks, kids need to be occupied with games, gradually moving on to training. The mini-bull terrier must be able to walk on a leash, ignore other animals and wear a muzzle.
The dog is obliged to know his place in the family, the animal in no case should be aware of its psychological superiority to one of the family members. Otherwise, the bull terrier will try to dominate. There are cases when, in the absence of a “leader” (owner), the bull terriers literally terrorized the remaining family members and kept them in constant fear. Upon returning the owner, the dog again became sweet and affectionate.
Nevertheless, despite the formidable fame that came from the past, mini-bulls are very impressive and have a subtle emotional constitution. You cannot shout at these dogs, let alone use physical force in relation to them - such an approach will only cause bitterness. It is best to use a positive training method, reinforcing correctly executed commands first with a treat and then with approving words.
Pros and cons of the breed
Like many other representatives of the canine family, in the habits of the bull terrier, you can highlight the pros and cons. The positive aspects of the nature of boules include:
- sociability and devotion to the owner;
- minimal hair care;
- the presence of excellent protective and guard qualities.
The mini-bull terrier is rightfully recognized as an excellent companion for the whole family.
Of the minuses, it can be noted:
- independence and the desire to dominate;
- tendency to aggression in relation to other animals;
- mini-bulbs are not suitable for beginner hosts;
- the dog needs a lot of exercise.
A miniature bull terrier is a dog that in its parameters is most similar to a large and massive relative, second only to it in size. The dedication and optimistic nature of these wonderful animals makes them excellent companions for humans. If the owner succeeds in overcoming the pet’s natural obstinacy, there is no need to be afraid of problems with the behavior of small boules.
