Miniature Bull Terrier - All About Dogs

Requirements

Indoor

With plenty of exercise and attention, the Mini Bull Terrier can adjust to most living situations, including apartments. They can be calm and cuddly indoors, but without proper exercise and attention, may become destructive. They aren’t known for their gracefulness, so put the breakables as high as you can or risk the clumsy Mini Bull knocking them over—likely during a Bully Run.

Outdoor

Time outside is important for high-energy Mini Bull Terriers, but they should be contained in a fenced area for safety—they’re likely to wander, and may chase or start spats with neighborhood animals. MBTs are not suitable as outdoor-only dogs, and should be accompanied during their trips outside.

Exercise

Miniature Bull Terriers require at least a half hour of exercise per day, but closer to an hour is better. Exercise may include walks, jogs, and play—as well as mental stimulation. Without enough exercise, undesirable, destructive, or difficult behaviors are more likely to arise.

Endurance

High-energy Mini Bull Terriers enjoy an active lifestyle and have the stamina to keep up on many adventures, as long as they're given the opportunity to take breaks as necessary.

Activity distance rating

Running Miles: Full-grown Miniature Bull Terriers may be able to jog about three miles, but the breed is built for sprinting rather than distance running. Strenuous exercise should wait until the dog’s bones and joints are finished growing. Too much exercise can damage a growing puppy, so wait until a puppy reaches 12 to 18 months to run longer distances.
Hiking Miles: Hiking is an activity that many Mini Bull Terriers enjoy, but due to their impulsive nature and tendency to chase, they should bekept on a leashfor excursions. A full day on the trail may be no problem for this hardy breed.

Food

Food-motivated Miniature Bull Terriers respond well to treats during training. The general recommendation for how much high-quality dry dog food to feed an MBT is 1 to 2 cups per day, based on average weight and activity level. The breed is at risk for bloat, so food should be split between two or three meals and activity should be limited for an hour after meals. They have a tendency to overeat, so free feeding is not recommended.

Mini Bull Terriers sometimes guard their food in response to other pets and people. To prevent resource guarding, all pets in the household may need their own space to eat, with their own dog bowl or feeding station. Any instances of resource guarding should be discussed with a behaviorist before it escalates. Children should never be allowed to touch or remove food from any dog while it is eating.

Alone Time

Time alone is not easy for the social Miniature Bull Terrier. The breed may suffer from separation anxiety, and can exhibit obsessive-compulsive behaviors without enough attention. Crate training may be necessary, but Mini Bulls have been known to break out of their crates—or injure themselves trying. A home where people are usually around, or bringing the dog along, is ideal for this breed. If a Mini Bull Terrier must stay home alone, offer plenty of attention and exercise while you are home, and leave her in a secure, dog-proofed area with plenty of mentally stimulating toys.

Breed FAQ

Here are a few commonly asked questions about Miniature Bull Terriers.

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The Miniature Bull Terrier is considered a hypoallergenic dog as they shed less than many other dogs. The Standard Bull Terrier is not considered hypoallergenic. Though no dog truly possesses zero risk of stimulating a reaction in allergic individuals, the Mini Bull Terrier is less likely to trigger allergies than other breeds.

Some Mini Bull Terriers suffer from obsessive-compulsive behaviors such as tail chasing, excessive licking, or displaying an intense attachment to specific objects. These behaviors and others may arise if an MBT is left home alone for too long, or if they are not getting enough exercise and attention. If a Mini Bull Terrier is showing signs of obsessive-compulsive behaviors, consult a veterinarian or behaviorist for management advice and assistance.

Mild neurological behaviors such as tail chasing, pacing, and spinning can be discouraged through distraction, but more frequent or severe behaviors may be a sign of a bigger problem. In extreme cases, seizure-like episodes referred to as Sudden Onset Aggression (SOA) may occur in sleeping Bull Terriers—they may wake suddenly and attempt to bite or lunge until they reach full consciousness. SOA can’t be managed through training, as these dogs aren’t aware of their behavior during the episodes, but special considerations—including crating the dog during sleep and never disturbing them—may help manage the condition. Consult your dog’s veterinarian if you suspect she has SOA.

Ghost walking or trancing is a habit some dog breeds display, and Bull Terriers lead the pack as the best known for the behavior. While dogs are trancing, they begin to creep slowly while allowing an object to touch their back or head gently. They aren’t usually quick to respond while they’re in their trance. While nobody is sure what triggers these ghost walking episodes, there may be a tactile element—the feel of a plant or tablecloth against their head or back feels so good they want to savor it. There doesn’t seem to be a neurological disorder or any concern for other behaviors popping up—but it sure does seem to make them happy.

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