Miniature Bull Terrier - Temperament & Personality
Dog Breeds
Introduction
The Miniature Bull Terrier Dog Breed has a personality and temperament that is energetic and protective. As long as this breed gets plenty of exercise opportunities, they will fit well into small homes and apartments. The Miniature Bull Terrier will bond very closely with the entire family.
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Personality
The Miniature Bull Terrier is just a tiny version of their larger Bull Terrier cousin, and many people find them appealing because they are easier to manage. The Miniature Bull is a loving, loyal, clown of a dog who makes an excellent family companion for those with active lifestyles. They love being with people and want to be included in all family activities whether it's a ride in the car, a neighborhood stroll or a romp in the park. They are famous for “Bully Runs,” tears through the house or the yard that happen for no apparent reason, and can cause a lot of laughs. They are typically friendly to visitors, but they make excellent watchdogs and will protect their home and family from anyone with ill intentions.
Activity Requirements
Bullies need a lot of vigorous exercise, but are small enough for apartment life when a commitment is made to their need for physical activity. Though small, they are a hardy breed and are happiest when they are active. Long walks, short runs, or playing long games of ball in the back yard will meet their daily activity requirements. If a Miniature Bull Terrier is not getting enough exercise, they are sure to let you know. They are notoriously destructive, making easy work of flower beds or expensive furniture, and some develop the neurotic behavior of obsessively chasing their own tail.
Trainability
Bullies, like their larger cousins, are intelligent and have a mind of their own. Training should be started early and always done in calm-assertive manner, as they won't respond to discipline or harsh tones. Training is best done in short sessions due to Bull Terriers' short attention span and they will quickly become uninterested, even if treats are used as a reward. Lots of patience is necessary when working with a Bull Terrier, as training can be a long process. Even after your Miniature Bull Terrier is fully trained, they may decide to test their boundaries as they get older. These situations should be handled with calm assertion; like a teenager, they just want to see how much they can get away with.
Families with children should socialize puppies early on to accept outside children as welcome guests. While Miniature Bull Terriers will bond nicely with kids in their own family, they can sometimes be aggressive to to other children and should be taught early on that all kids are to be welcomed with open arms.
Behavioral Traits
Separation Anxiety develops often in Miniature Bull Terriers. It is important that this breed get enough exercise throughout the day and have enough activities to keep them busy when left alone, or they will become destructive. Some Bullies need to be crated well into adulthood to keep them (and the house furniture) safe when left alone.
Miniature Bull Terriers are possessive of their people and their territory and can be aggressive to other animals. They are usually fine with dogs of the opposite sex, but cats and same-sex dogs should not be introduced into a Bull Terrier's home.
Appearance & Grooming
History and Health