Canis lupus familiaris
Miniature Bull Terrier
Featured photominiature-bull-terrier.jpgThe Miniature Bull Terrier is a compact, muscular terrier breed that is identical in conformation and character to the Bull Terrier but stands no more than 35 cm at the withers. Its most distinctive feature is the long, egg-shaped head with a filled, curved profile unique among all dog breeds. Both white and coloured varieties are recognised. Long treated as a variety of the Bull Terrier, the Miniature Bull Terrier was separated into its own AKC breed in 1991. Males and females stand 25–35 cm and weigh 11–15 kg.
Quick facts
- AKC group
- Terrier
- Origin country
- England
- Origin period
- Mid-19th century
- Coat type
- Short
- Coat colors
- White, Brindle, Fawn, Red, Black, Tricolor
- Average lifespan
- 11-13 years
- Recognition
- AKC 1991 · FCI 1954 · UKC 1991 · Group 3 — Terriers (Section 3: Bull type Terriers)
Origin
Small bull-and-terrier crosses were produced in England alongside the larger Bull Terrier from at least the 1860s. These miniatures were created by selecting for the smallest individuals from Bull Terrier litters or by outcrossing to small terriers. They were exhibited at dog shows in England as a variety class from the 1870s onward, with a height limit progressively standardised. Unlike the Standard Bull Terrier, which was developed largely by James Hinks, the Miniature's development was driven by multiple small-dog enthusiasts who bred down from the standard size.
Recognition
The Kennel Club (UK) maintained the Miniature Bull Terrier as a variety of the Bull Terrier rather than a separate breed for many decades. The FCI recognises the Miniature Bull Terrier separately (FCI No. 359) and places it in Group 3 alongside the standard Bull Terrier. The AKC registered miniatures in the Bull Terrier stud book until 1991, when it formally established the Miniature Bull Terrier as a separate breed. The Miniature Bull Terrier Club of America was founded to promote the newly independent breed.
Standard
The AKC and FCI standards for the Miniature Bull Terrier specify that the dog must be a full-sized Bull Terrier scaled down proportionally — the same egg-shaped, downward-curved head profile without a stop, the same strongly muscled, short-backed, well-rounded body, and the same fiery terrier temperament — but standing no more than 35 cm. White, coloured, and white-with-colour varieties are all accepted. A weight or height of more than 35 cm is a disqualification. Males and females are both 25–35 cm.
Sources & further reading (3)
- kennel-club-registry — accessed 2026-05-07
- encyclopedia — accessed 2026-05-07
- fci-standard — accessed 2026-05-07
Frequently asked questions
What AKC group does the Miniature Bull Terrier belong to?
The AKC places the Miniature Bull Terrier in the Terrier Group. It was formally recognised as a distinct breed from the (Standard) Bull Terrier in 1991. Both breeds are in the AKC Terrier Group and share the same egg-shaped head, muscular body, and bull-type terrier ancestry, differing only in size — the Miniature must not exceed 35 cm at the withers.
How is the Miniature Bull Terrier different from the Bull Terrier?
The Miniature Bull Terrier is identical to the Bull Terrier in all respects except size. The Bull Terrier has no height limit specified in the AKC standard (males typically stand 53–56 cm), while the Miniature must not exceed 35 cm. Both breeds have the same distinctive egg-shaped head, the same coloured or white coat varieties, and the same breed history. The AKC separated them as distinct breeds in 1991.
When was the Miniature Bull Terrier recognised by the AKC?
The AKC formally recognised the Miniature Bull Terrier as a separate breed from the Bull Terrier in 1991 and placed it in the Terrier Group. Before 1991, miniatures were registered in the Bull Terrier studbook. The FCI had recognised the breed independently since 1954 (FCI No. 359), and the Kennel Club (UK) maintains a separate breed register for the Miniature Bull Terrier.
