AKC Ranking: 132
Family: terrier, mastiff (bull)
Area of Origin: England
Date of Origin: 1800s
Original Function: ratting, dog fighting
Today's Function: earthdog trials
Avg Size of male: Height: 10-14 Weight: 25-33
Avg Size of Female: Height: 10-14 Weight: 25-33
Other Name: none

History
The miniature bull terrier comes directly from the bull terrier and so shares the breed's early history. In the early days of the bull terrier, the standards allowed for a great range of weights, reflecting the great range in size of the bull terrier's ancestors: the bulldog, white English terrier, and black and tan terrier. Smaller bull terriers have long been a part of the breed, with specimens weighing as little as 4 pounds being recorded early on. These smallest white bull terriers were at one time called Coverwood terriers, after the kennel that produced them. These tiny toys tended to have poor type and interest waned in them. Better type was found in slightly larger specimens, the miniatures rather than toys. By 1939, the miniature bull terrier was recognized by the English Kennel Club, yet this recognition as a separate breed proved to be a problem. As a separate breed, the miniature could no longer be interbred with standard-sized bull terriers, and there were so few miniatures that considerable inbreeding resulted. The breed never gained popular attention and grew only slowly. In 1991 it was recognized by the AKC. Still an uncommon breed, it is bound to increase in popularity as a true miniature version of the popular bull terrier.

Temperament
Very much like the larger bull terrier, the mini is comical, lively, playful and mischievous. Despite its smaller size, it is not a lap dog. It is every bit as tough as the larger version and apt to want to prove itself even more. It is a sweet clown, devoted but not fawning. It is stubborn and independent and needs to be trained with a firm yet gentle hand — and a good sense of humor. It likes to play and investigate. It likes to dig, and it needs ample exercise.

Upkeep
The mini's exercise needs are daily, but not excessive. It needs either a moderate walk or a romp in a safe area. It is not a breed that should live outdoors, but it does do well with access to a yard. It can, however, do well as an apartment or city dog. Coat care is minimal.

Health
• Major concerns: deafness (whites)
• Minor concerns: none
• Occasionally seen: patellar luxation, lens luxation
• Suggested tests: hearing (whites), (eye), (knee)
• Life span: 11 – 14 years

Form and Function
This is a strongly built, square-proportioned dog, big-boned but not coarse. It should reflect those attributes that made the standard-sized bull terrier a formidable foe in the fighting ring with its sturdy bone and muscle and strong jaws. Its gait is free and easy. Its skin is tight and its coat is short, flat and harsh. It wears a keen and determined expression on its characteristic clown face.

Related Dogs
American Staffordshire Terrier
Australian Terrier
Bedlington Terrier
Border Terrier
Bull Terrier
Cairn Terrier
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Irish Terrier
Smooth Fox Terrier
Wire Fox Terrier