Miniature Bull Terrier E-Book

Muriel P. Lee

• Herausgeber: CompanionHouse Books
• Kategorie: Lebensstil
• Serie: Comprehensive Owner's Guide
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 251

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2012

Beschreibung

The compact version of the Bull Terrier, this Miniature offers all the fire and fearlessness of his bigger brother in a more manageable, portable package. The Miniature Bull Terrier is a happy, friendly dog that thrives in an active family where he serves as an affectionate companion and courageous watchdog. Although smaller than the Standard Bull Terrier, the Miniature Bull Terrier is stronger, pound for pound, a true mighty Mini! Like all of the members of the Terrier Group, the Miniature Bull Terrier is intelligent and independent, capable of making his own decisions, sometimes despite his owner's directives. No doubt the Mini will keep his owners laughing; few breeds can compete with the Mini's entertaining and fun-loving disposition. For the family seeking an amenable, amusing canine pal, the Miniature Bull Terrier fits the bill in a big way!

Leseprobe

Physical Characteristics of the Miniature Bull Terrier

(from the American Kennel Club breed standard)

Head: Long, strong and deep, right to the end of the muzzle, but not coarse. The full face should be oval in outline and be filled completely up…i.e., egg shaped.

Ears: Small, thin and placed close together, capable of being held stiffly erect.

Eyes: Small, triangular and obliquely placed, set near together and high up on the dog’s head.

Neck: Very muscular, long, and arched; tapering from the shoulders to the head.

Nose: Should be black, with well developed nostrils bent downwards at the tip.

Lips: Clean and tight.

Teeth: Either a level or scissor bite. The teeth should be sound, strong and perfectly regular.

Chest: Broad when viewed from in front. There should be great depth from withers to brisket.

Forequafters: The shoulders should be strong and muscular, but without heaviness. The legs should be big boned but not to the point of coarseness. The forelegs should be of moderate length, perfectly straight, and the dog must stand firmly up on them. Pasterns should be strong and upright.

Body: Well rounded with marked spring of rib.

Back: Short and strong with a slight arch over the loin.

Tail: Short, set on low, fine, and should be carried horizontally.

Hindquarters: The hind legs should be parallel when viewed from behind. The thighs are very muscular with hocks well let down. The hind pasterns should be short and upright.

Color: For white, pure white coat. For colored, any color to predominate.

Coat: Short, flat and harsh to the touch with a fine gloss.

Feet: Round and compact with well arched toes like a cat.

Underline: From the brisket to the belly, should form a graceful upward curve.

Size: Height 10 inches to 14 inches. Weight in proportion to height.

Contents

History of the Miniature Bull Terrier

Meet the “little brother” of England’s Bull Terrier—the Miniature Bull Terrier. Follow the evolution of the bull-and-terrier breeds, trace the establishment of the Bull Terrier and see how the “small Bull Terriers” gained recognition in their own right. Learn about the important breeders, kennels and dogs responsible for the foundation of the Mini Bull.

Characteristics of the Miniature Bull Terrier

Courageous and intelligent, happy and friendly, there’s nothing “mini” about the Mini Bull! With a personality like no other, the Miniature Bull Terrier makes a charming and affectionate companion. See if you have what it takes to add one of these enthusiastic terriers into your home and heart. Also explore breed-specific health concerns.

Breed Standard for the Miniature Bull Terrier

Learn the requirements of a well-bred Miniature Bull Terrier by studying the description of the breed set forth in the American Kennel Club standard. Both show dogs and pets must possess key characteristics as outlined in the breed standard.

Your Puppy Miniature Bull Terrier

Find out about how to locate a well-bred Miniature Bull Terrier puppy. Discover which questions to ask the breeder and what to expect when visiting the litter. Prepare for your puppy-accessory shopping spree. Also discussed are home safety, the first trip to the vet, socialization and acclimating pup to his new home.

Proper Care of Your Miniature Bull Terrier

Cover the specifics of taking care of your Minature Bull Terrier every day: feeding for the puppy, adult and senior dog; grooming, including coat care, ears, eyes, nails and bathing; and exercise needs for your dog. Also discussed are the essentials of dog identification.

Training Your Miniature Bull Terrier

Begin with the basics of training the puppy and adult dog. Learn the principles of housetraining the Miniature Bull Terrier, including the use of crates and basic scent instincts. Enter Puppy Kindergarten and introduce the pup to his collar and leash, and progress to the basic commands. Find out about obedience classes and other activities.

Healthcare of Your Miniature Bull Terrier

By Lowell Ackerman DVM, DACVD

Become your dog’s healthcare advocate and a well-educated canine keeper. Select a skilled and able veterinarian. Discuss pet insurance, vaccinations and infectious diseases, the neuter/spay decision and a sensible, effective plan for parasite control, including fleas, ticks and worms.

Your Aging Miniature Bull Terrier

Know when to consider your Miniature Bull Terrier a senior and what special needs he will have. Learn to recognize the signs of aging in terms of physical and behavioral traits and what your vet can do to optimize your dog’s golden years.

Showing Your Miniature Bull Terrier

Step into the center ring and find out about the world of showing pure-bred dogs. Here are the basics of conformation showing and how to get started in AKC shows. Take a leap into the realms of obedience trials, agility, earthdog events and tracking tests.

Behavior of Your Miniature Bull Terrier

Analyze the canine mind to understand what makes your Miniature Bull Terrier tick. Among the potential problems discussed are aggression, separation anxiety, sex-related issues, chewing, digging and food-related problems.

KENNEL CLUB BOOKS®MINIATURE BULL TERRIER

ISBN 13: 978-1-59378-328-0

eISBN 13: 978-1-62187-025-8

Copyright © 2005 • Kennel Club Books® • A Division of BowTie, Inc. 40 Broad Street, Freehold, New Jersey 07728 USA Cover Design Patented: US 6,435,559 B2 • Printed in South Korea

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form, by photostat, scanner, microfilm, xerography or any other means, or incorporated into any information retrieval system, electronic or mechanical, without the written permission of the copyright owner.

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Photography by Michael Trafford

with additional photographs by

Paulette Braun, T.J. Calhoun, Alan and Sandy Carey, Wil de Veer, Isabelle Français, Carol Ann Johnson, Bill Jonas and Alice van Kempen.

Illustrations by Patricia Peters.

The publisher wishes to thank all of the owners whose dogs are illustrated in this book, including Valerie Allenden.

A special thank you to Valerie Allenden, Erenden Kennels, for her contributions to the sections on breed history, characteristics, health concerns and proper care.

The Miniature Bull Terrier belongs to the group of dogs known as the bull-and-terrier breeds. With his roots in England, his direct ancestor is the larger Bull Terrier.

BULL TERRIER ORIGINS

The Bull Terrier is one of the oldest of the terrier breeds, tracing it roots back to the early 1800s. The history of the Miniature Bull Terrier has to be relayed through the Bull Terrier, as the Miniature is the direct descendant of his big brother.

Nearly all of the dogs in the Terrier Group originated in England, and the Bull Terrier is no exception. Most of the terriers were bred to go to ground, to drive out small and large vermin, rabbits, foxes and even the tough badger. Sometimes these terriers and the larger Bulldog types of dog were utilized for the blood sport of animal baiting, a mortal combat of dog against bull, bear, rat, badger, monkey and other poor creatures, cruelly staged for entertainment purposes.

The Bull Terrier, however, belongs to a different type of dog in the Terrier Group; these are the dogs that were originally bred for the even more heinous sport of dog fighting. Of all these breeds, the American Staffordshire Terrier (or the American Pit Bull Terrier), the Bull Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier were developed as dogs that could work the pits to entertain the spectators who placed their bets on the most tough, courageous and game animal.

WHITE ENGLISH TERRIER

The White English Terrier, progenitor of the Bull Terrier, was an all-white breed that averaged 16.5 pounds (7.5 kg) and resembled the Manchester Terrier. The increased popularity of the white Bull Terrier and the banning of ear cropping in 1894 probably led to its falling popularity and eventual extinction.

Thankfully, by 1835 dog fighting and animal baiting were outlawed in England as inhumane. However, prior to that time, these blood sports provided a cheap and exciting form of escapism that even the common folk could participate in, placing their bets on hopefully the fiercest competitor.

Although many of the other terrier breeds have convoluted origins, requiring a veritable sleuth to sort out their actual beginnings, the Bull Terrier’s origins are fairly clear and traceable from the beginning. Originally the fighting breeds were heavier Bulldog types but, as time went on, breeders began to cross these dogs with the terriers in order to obtain a sleeker, faster and more agile dog. These bull-and-terrier crosses eventually became the Staffordshire Terriers and the Bull Terriers. The Bulldog of the day certainly did not look like today’s lower and stocky heavyweight, but rather was a more athletic “boxy” animal. The Bulldog descended from the old Mastiff, a large dog that is counted among the oldest of all dog breeds and that was originally used for baiting bulls and badgers.

Mary of Modena, with a smooth-coated White English Terrier, from a painting by W. Wissing, 1670.

Eventually Bulldog owners found that they could easily put two dogs together in a pit and instigate a fight that not only would draw the populace but also would generate an income for the owners and betters. The powerful Bulldog, with his considerable courage and strength, was soon bred to various smaller terriers to add speed and tenacity.

Stonehenge, one of the earliest authorities on the dogs of England, wrote in 1889, “Such a dog to be useful (in the pit) must be more than half terrier or he will be too heavy and slow.” As the terrier was bred to the Bulldog, the offspring became higher on the leg, longer in the head and more spirited. However, the dogs were still unattractive, retaining their blocky heads and coming in all colors, including white.

A Bull Terrier, the breed from which the Miniature Bull Terrier derived.

CANIS LUPUS

“Grandma, what big teeth you have!” The gray wolf, a familiar figure in fairy tales and legends, has had its reputation tarnished and its population pummeled over the centuries. Yet it is the descendants of this much-feared creature to which we open our homes and hearts. Our beloved dog, Canis domesticus, derives directly from the gray wolf, a highly social canine that lives in elaborately structured packs. In the wild, the gray wolf can range from 60 to 175 pounds, standing between 25 and 40 inches in height.

Mr. Hinks of Birmingham took these bull-and-terrier dogs under his wing in the mid-1800s and outcrossed to the now extinct White English Terrier, which was a stylish-looking dog. (It is also thought that Hinks may have crossed to a Dalmatian and a Greyhound.) By 1862 Hinks had bred what he considered to be the best possible “Bull Terrier,” and he then introduced this solid-white dog to the public at a dog show. The Bull Terrier caught the public’s fancy, as here was a handsome white gladiator—sleek, refined and as graceful as any show dog, but with fire and spirit. As Hinks’s white Bull Terrier became more popular, the public became less interested in colored bull-and-terrier dogs. Not only was the white Bull Terrier well made and pleasing to look at, but he was a tough dog that could hold his own.

Mrs. Adlam, in the early 20th century, owned one of the best Bull Terrier kennels in the world. Her dogs were particularly noted for their ears and heads.

THE “SPORT” OF RAT KILLING

William Secord, author of Dog Painting, states: “As with other Terriers of the period, the Bull Terrier was also sometimes used to kill rats, ratting contests being a popular diversion for the lower classes. As offensive as it seems to modern dog fanciers, rat killing was a very popular amusement during the first half of the 19th century, and individual dogs were timed to determine how many rats they could kill in a given period.” Writing in The New Book of the Dog, Robert Leighton reports that Jimmy Shaw’s Jacko (a Bull Terrier) could kill 60 rats in just three minutes!

By the 1870s and 1880s, white Bull Terriers were exported to the United States, and the breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1891. The Bull Terrier Club of America was founded in 1897, making it one of the oldest terrier clubs in America.

In England, the Bull Terrier faced a strong challenge when the cropping of ears was outlawed in 1894. Now breeders had to breed for an erect ear, rather than cropping the ear, to give the head a smart look. It took breeders only five years to breed the proper erect ear and, by the 1930s, the standard noted that anything but an erect ear was to be considered a fault.

Mr. W. I. Pegg was one of the most successful Bull Terrier breeders of his time; his kennel was renowned for producing winning dogs. Three of his dogs from the end of the 19th century are illustrated here.

UNDERGROUND FIGHTING

Although dog fighting and bull baiting were outlawed in 1835 in England, the sport continued underground for some time. Advertisements would appear in papers that said, “Will stand his death” and “Open to fight the world.” Very unfortunately, today one still finds articles in the newspapers telling of underground dog-fighting rings that were broken up, with the perpetrators arrested and the dogs found in horrible condition.

Eventually breeders wanted to develop a colored Bull Terrier, and the Bull Terrier was crossed with the Staffordshire Bull Terrier to bring forth colored Bull Terriers. Enough good-colored Bull Terriers were produced, and the breed no longer had to be crossed with the Staffordshire; Bull Terrier breeders were now able to concentrate on color breeding. In England, the Bull Terrier, regardless of color, is considered one breed. In the US, however, they are considered separate varieties of the same breed—white and colored. The breed standards are identical except for the section on color.

The colored Bull Terrier started becoming more popular in England in the mid-1930s, with the brindles and reds finding the most favor. In the US, during the same period, the white and colored Bull Terriers could both be registered but only the white Bull Terrier could be shown. In 1936, the breeders of the colored Bull Terrier convinced the American Kennel Club that their dogs should be considered as a separate variety. Both varieties now compete in the AKC’s Terrier Group, in separate classes.

The English Bulldog is the “bull” behind the bull-and-terrier breeds.

THE MINI’S EMERGENCE AND ESTABLISHMENT

For over 100 years, small Bull Terriers have appeared in litters, and these delightful miniatures gained some attention. Toy Bull Terriers were recorded as weighing 9 pounds or less, and a mature dog named Pony Queen weighed 3 pounds. Over the years, breeders have attempted to breed full-size Bull Terriers, but also both Miniature and Toys. Even Mr. Hinks showed a Bull Terrier in the “under 10 pounds” class at the International Dog Show at Islington in 1863, the first show at which a “Miniature” Class was scheduled.

The American Staffordshire Terrier, originally developed for pit fighting, is a bull-and-terrier relative of the Mini.

WILL JUDY’S VIEWS

Will Judy, in Dog Encyclopaedia, noted in 1935 that he received much criticism from Bull Terrier breeders for admitting that he thought that all colors should be recognized because it would lessen objections that all-white dogs soil easily, because there is a tendency toward deafness in all-white animals, because white hairs show easily on clothing and furniture and because a variety of colors in the breed would offer more sales appeal.

The fortunes of the “Miniature” Bull Terrier fluctuated. At one time in England, there were “Toy” Bull Terriers registered, and their weight had to be below 11 pounds. Unfortunately, these little ones did not “take” and the “Toys” were all but forgotten except with a loyal band of English fanciers. These fanciers kept the dogs for sport, such as ratting or going to ground, and cross-bred the dogs with Hunt Terriers to add courage and determination when their terriers became a bit reluctant to go to ground.

Another bull-and-terrier relative, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier was also bred for fighting.

Mrs. Adlam owned the first Mini champion in England, Eng. Ch. Deldon Delovely, who made up her championship in 1948, though some would consider Mr. S. E. Shirley’s Nelson, England’s first Bull Terrier champion, made up in 1873, to actually have been a Mini; Nelson would be considered a Mini by today’s standards. Mr. Shirley, the first chairman of England’s Kennel Club, had a kennel of small Bull Terriers, the majority of which were under 30 pounds. However, by 1900 the Toy Bull Terrier, the small Bull Terrier and the full-sized breed were all shown in the same class. The first male Miniature Bull Terrier to make up his championship was Eng. Ch. Mursley Model, bred by Mr. Stanley North.

At the end of World War I, the desired weight for the small Bull Terrier was down to 12 pounds, but the registrations for the breed were dwindling and the weight limit was raised to 18 pounds with the hope that this would revive the small Bull Terrier.

In 1938 a group of enthusiasts under the chairmanship of Col. Richard Glynn met to form the Miniature Bull Terrier Club. They petitioned The Kennel Club with a principal objective of guaranteeing classes for Miniature Bull Terriers under 14 inches at the shoulder and with a weight limit of 20 pounds. The Kennel Club acknowledged their successful application in the Kennel Gazette of May 1939.

In the 1950s and ‘60s, there was much questioning regarding the weight restriction, summed up best by Richard Glynn in Bull Terriers and How to Breed Them (1950): “The weight limit favored weedy specimens and also led to the systematic underfeeding of “border-line” specimens.” The weight restriction was dropped, and this resulted in the British standard that is in place today, which is the same as that for the Bull Terrier but with the height restriction that Miniatures should not exceed 14 inches at the shoulder.

The Mini has always had great favor in England, whereas in the US the breed suffered through hard times. During the period in England when the Mini was being promoted, the breed was not shown at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show, the most prestigious conformation show in the US. The breed disappeared from the show in 1928 and did not emerge again until 1961.

The British continued to breed top Mini specimens during this period, and if an American fancier wanted a well-bred Miniature Bull Terrier, it was imperative to go to England and convince a reputable breeder to part with one.

EAR CROPPING

Ear cropping consists of surgically trimming the ear leathers and then training the ears to stand upright. Originally cropping was done to prevent the ears from being bitten by any adversary. With fighting dogs and terriers, cropped ears gave the opponent less to hang on to. Ear cropping also was considered important for cosmetic purposes, as it gives the dog a smart look. Eventually, the tradition of cropping Bull Terriers’ ears was banned, and breeders had to start breeding for the erect ear rather than creating it surgically. This took the breeders only five years to accomplish. Today, Bull Terriers and Mini Bull Terriers everywhere in the world have naturally erect ears.

Since the 1950s, Mini Bull breed type in the UK has been fairly consistent, leading to the high-quality dogs that have helped establish the breed around the world.

The kennel that had the greatest influence in the early days was Mr. E. Burton’s Navigation Kennels. There is not a Mini, even today, whose pedigree cannot be traced back to Navigation breeding. Some of the best-known Navigation dogs are Eng. Ch. Navigation Billy Boy and Eng. Ch. Navigation Model.

Beginning her Zedbees breeding program in the 1950s, Mrs. Diane D. Berry is regarded by many to be the most influential breeder of the Miniature Bull Terrier. The Zedbees Minis are behind most of the prominent lines in the UK and beyond, and Mrs. Berry’s efforts to “cement” type in the breed are legendary. She was named Patron of the Miniature Bull Terrier Club of England in 1993, to acknowledge her many decades of dedication to the Mini.

The Erenden Kennels of Eric and Valerie Allenden started with Bloodhounds in 1966. They eventually looked for a smaller dog that could hold its ground. The two primary Mini kennels at that time were the Zedbees Kennel of Mrs. Berry and the Kirbeon Kennel of Mr. and Mrs. Kirby. With their first puppy, Zedbees Zhat, the Allendens quickly fell in love with the breed and whelped their first litter in 1975. Their first champion, Eng. Ch. Erenden Eleanor, was made up in 1981 and was later sold to Barbara (B.J.) Andrews, a very prominent breeder of Akitas in the US. The Allendens have bred over 200 Minis, of which two dozen were exported to the United States. They have been instrumental in providing breeding stock for Mini breeders throughout the world.

The 1970s’ Mini scene in England was dominated by Eng. Ch. Kirbeon Bandmaster, bred by Mr. and Mrs. Kirby. Later in the 1980s, Eng. Ch. Beewau Enterprise, bred by Mr. and Mrs. Waugh, continued winning big and proving that the breed was firmly established in type and able to compete in the Terrier Group. The son of Enterprise, Eng. Ch. Warbonnet Hyperion, bred and owned by Mr. and Mrs. Thornley, holds The Kennel Club record for the breed, 25 Challenge Certificates (CCs). The bitch Eng. Ch. Kearby’s Mini Maggy of Graymor, bred by Mrs. Youatt, holds the bitch record of 21 CCs.

Most of the top Mini Bulls in the US today trace back to the foundation kennels in the UK.

Other breeders in the UK besides those mentioned who have left an indelible mark on the breed through the years include Mr. Hinks, Mrs. Adlam, Mr. North, Mrs. Wood, Mr. Burton, Mr. Popejoy—and the list goes on. Those of us who love the breed owe a great debt to these breeders; without them, the breed might have faded away.

MINIS IN THE US

Valerie Allenden eventually sent two 14-month-old litter brothers, Erenden Felix and Erenden Fergus, and two litter sisters, Erenden Grace and Erenden Greta, to B.J. and Bill Andrews and Pam and John Glave. Felix stayed with the Andrewses, and Greta made her home with the Glaves. Next, the Andrewses imported the first English Champion Miniature, Eng. Ch. Erenden Eleanor, along with her litter brother, Erenden Ephraim. The Andrewses eventually imported 12 Minis, placing them with reputable fanciers, and this gave the Miniature Bull Terrier a much-needed new start in America.

In 1963 the Miniature Bull Terrier was accepted into the AKC’s Miscellaneous Class. In 1991 the Mini was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club and could be shown besides its larger Bull Terrier brethren in the Terrier Group. The Mini Bull was the 133rd breed accepted by the AKC. Although the Miniature Bull Terrier is not considered a popular dog in America, compared to such breeds as the Poodle or German Shepherd Dog, it is holding its own and has a strong and dedicated group of supporters. In England, the breed remained a favorite throughout the 20th century and remains so in the 21st. Sound dogs of excellent breeding are now found on both sides of the Atlantic.

Quality Mini Bulls today can be found worldwide; this lovely bitch is from the Netherlands.

MBTCA

The Miniature Bull Terrier Club of America notes: “The club encourages testing for genetic health problems, participating in health seminars, careful selective breeding and Breed Rescue. Breeders make every effort to find the best homes for their puppies, but sometimes Mini Bulls end up in the need of rescue.” The club is there to help the breed.

Although the Mini is not as popular as its larger brother, it has a dedicated following in many countries nonetheless.

Originally founded in 1966, the Miniature Bull Terrier Club of America (MBTCA) had lapsed into inactivity, but by 1983, B.J. Andrews led an effort to “jump-start” the club. The first national match show for the breed was held with the Bull Terrier Club of America’s Silverwood show in 1985. Exhibitors came from across the country to show under judge Winkie MacKay Smith, a well-known breeder of the standard Bull Terrier. The club was recognized by the AKC in 1991. The coveted Van Hildrikhusen Trophy has been awarded by the MBTCA since 1990, recognizing the Best Mini bred in North America. The club hosts a national specialty each fall along with regional specialties and supported shows around the country throughout the year. Each show weekend is a wonderful event for Minis and fanciers, with social, educational and fundraising events held along with the competition.

A UNIQUE PERSONALITY

The Miniature Bull Terrier is a lucky dog as, unlike most other breeds, he has a big brother whom he resembles in every way except size. The Mini is a strong dog that is very bright and friendly and thrives on affection. However, he is also a very courageous dog and, though he is not likely to start a fight, he will not back away from one. If you are considering adding a Miniature Bull Terrier to your household, you must be aware that this is a high-energy dog that will require a vigilant owner and frequent opportunity for exercise. On the “up-side,” he is small enough to fit into any home and to sit on his owner’s lap to give comfort and cuddles.

The breed has a very steady disposition and fits in well with family life, whether it is in a large country house or an apartment in the city. He becomes very attached to his family, and this loyalty is a good thing as long as he doesn’t become jealous. He gets along well with children and will accept strangers once he has had a chance to size them up. Common characteristics for all terriers are their desire to work with great enthusiasm and courage, and the Mini is certainly no exception. All terriers have large and powerful teeth for the size of their bodies; they also have keen hearing and excellent eyesight. No matter for how many generations they have been bred as pets, the purpose for which the breed was intended will remain with the dog.

The Miniature Bull Terrier is a versatile dog and a great house dog and companion. If you like to work with your dog, you will find the Mini to be a happy and willing participant in whatever area you choose, be it obedience work, agility, therapy or flyball. This is a smart dog that likes to please, to keep busy and to be challenged. Give him any job that requires a bit of brain activity on his part and he will be thrilled and content. Of course, it is best to establish very early on who is the head of the household, and the most basic in obedience lessons is always a good idea before attempting to train for more involved activities. If you are a first-time dog owner, you also must be aware of your responsibility toward your new friend. You must keep your dog either on a leash or in your fenced yard.

MINI VIRTUES

E. S. Montgomery, well-known Bull Terrier breeder in the US, wrote, “Bull Terriers are the best of pals, never yap, are devoted to their owners and are the best dogs alive, but at the same time, they can, if necessary, fight as no other dog can and will allow no one to molest their owners on any pretext.”

Bull Terriers, Mini or Standard, as with other terriers, can be challenging to train for the obedience ring. Terriers are not easy to work with in obedience as, with their independent spirits, they can be sometimes more trying to train than had been anticipated. You will see many other breeds in great numbers in obedience classes, as the dogs of the Herding, Sporting and Toy groups are generally easy to work with. Not only are dogs like the Golden Retriever and Border Collie intelligent but, more importantly, they also have a supernal willingness to please their masters.

The terrier is easily distracted and busy, but he also is an intelligent dog and he does respond to training. Of course, when training a smart and independent dog, the handler will often learn humility while the dog is learning his sits and stays. The Mini is a quick, alert and bright dog, and he likes his owner to be his equal.

“Happy” and “quizzical” are traits that show on every Mini’s face. A small dog with “big-dog” heart and courage, the Mini is a true terrier in spirit and smarts.

The Miniature Bull Terrier has been described as a happy, laughing dog with a quizzical expression. He has an ideal disposition, as he is loyal to his family, shows no fear, loves to play and is cheerful, gentle and affectionate. His size is a plus, as he can easily romp through a small house, or in a small yard, and not cause a great disturbance. He is graceful, strong and determined. It has been noted that he has an even temperament and that he is open to criticism and correction.

Do remember that, when necessary, he will hold his own against another dog. If you have not owned a dog before or if you are hesitant about who is going to have the upper hand in the household (you or the dog), a beginning course in obedience training will be time well spent. Determine early on who will be the master of the household (you), or else your newfound chum will quickly take over.