THE MINIATURE BULL TERRIER: SMALL SIZE, LIVELY CHARACTER
The Miniature Bull Terrier has a rich and eventful history that begins in the early 19th century. By crossing small Terriers and Bulldog genes, Bull Terriers and Terriers were created in a wide range of weights, ranging from as little as 3.5 kg to over 20 kg. The Miniature Bull Terrier originally emerged from the same crosses as the standard Bull Terrier, developed by James Hinks. By combining breeds such as the Bulldog, Dalmatian, and various Terriers, Bull Terriers came in a variety of sizes. Soon, separate classes for lighter dogs were introduced at dog shows. In 1863 at a dog show in Islington, a class for Bull Terriers under 10 lbs (4.5 kg) was introduced, and in 1883 this limit was raised to about 25 lbs (11.5 kg). The first official champion, Nelson, weighed less than 7.5 kg and would now be classified as a Miniature. Breeders experimented further and bred Bull Terriers weighing less than 1.5 kg, these were called Toy Bull Terriers, although these often no longer had the typical Bull Terrier appearance.
Due tothe multiple types and strict weight limitsthe breed fell into decline. In 1913, Toy Bull Terriers were entered in The Kennel Club's Toy register, and in 1918 the Miniature Bull Terrier was removed from the official register.Despite these setbacks, a few dedicated breeders continued to preserve the breed, primarily for sporting purposes such as ground hunting and the strengthening of (other) hunting Terriers. It wasn't until 1938 that the breed began to experience a renaissance with the formation of the Miniature Bull Terrier Club under the leadership of Colonel Richard Glynn. In 1939, The Kennel Club re-recognized the breed with a height limit of 14 inches and a weight limit of 9 kg (later dropped due to concerns about the dogs' welfare).
From 1948 onwards new champions appeared such as Ch Deldon Delovely and Ch Mursley Model, and later influential lines from breeders such as Mrs Diane Berry with her Zedbees kennel. Her 26 champions and worldwide influence are still visible today in the pedigrees of Miniature Bull Terriers worldwide. Also iconic champions such as Ch Kearby’s Mini Maggie or Graymor, who held the female record for many years with 21 CC’s. And the males Ch Kirbeon Bandmaster, Ch Beewau Enterprise and his son Ch Warbonnet Hyperion cannot go unmentioned.
Today, the Miniature Bull Terrier is a companion dog with flair. Its compact yet robust build, lively energy, and affectionate nature make it a distinctive, cheerful, and reliable housemate. Although physically smaller than its big brother, the Standard Bull Terrier, it is certainly no less temperamentally similar. Both breeds share the same confident and playful nature, the same tireless curiosity, and the same deep loyalty to their people.
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