Miniature English Bulldog Breed Description

An Owner's Miniature English Bulldog Description
Miniature doesn't mean less, it just means smaller. My Miniature English Bulldog has proved herself to be a real example of that! She's not less of a character, and certainly not less amusing; the amount of care she needs isn't less either. Mimi keeps me laughing nonstop - she's funny 24/7.

She'll play with you, but it's on her terms: it will be for exactly how long she wants to and not a minute beyond. For example, I'll invite her for a game of fetch, get her ball out of the toy bin and open the door to the yard. She'll act all excited... but after two or three bouts of retrieving it, she'll just stop and look at me as if to say, "This is so over for me. You go right ahead and keep throwing if you like, but I'm moving on." And she bounces away without a backward glance. Same thing happens over our evening stroll. She obviously enjoys the walk down the path, sniffing along with that prance to her step. But when we get to sidewalk, she looks in both directions, turns around and heads back to the porch. Other times, she can't get to the sidewalk fast enough - go figure!

I had to think long and hard about getting Mimi. I understood the commitment of taking a dog ownership meant years, no matter what breed I selected. And once I decided on a Miniature English Bulldog, I learned that taking care of her might entail a lot. Like all bulldogs, large or small, Mimi has her share of health issues. Once I was up to speed on what to be alert for, and learned how to treat her ailments, I was okay with it. But I was all kinds of stressed at first. Lots of calls to my vet, lots of worry. I spend a considerable amount of time nursing her, and making sure she follows through with her medication. She can be very sneaky when it comes to hiding a pill in her mouth but pretending she's swallowed it!

Don't get me wrong, she's not a sickly dog, but she does have some chronic issues that I have to monitor. It's a small price to pay for the joy she brings me. I love Mimi and I know she loves me. She never stops teaching me new tricks.

Introduction

These dogs were developed in the 1980s to improve the health and reduce the size of the full-sized English Bulldog. Miniature Bulldogs are an improved dog whose behavior, looks, and health are ideal for the Bulldog lover. They have the features of full size English Bulldogs: active and loving, obedient, protective companions. They are loyal, people-oriented and like to do things with their owners. Groom once a week, paying special attention to the ears and face. Small yards will do for exercising. Weight can range from 20 to 40 lbs. These dogs typically stand 12 to 14" at the shoulders, length is 17 to 24."

History

There are as many kinds of miniature bull dogs as there are hybrid breeders. However, it must be noted that there are some purebred kennels specializing in small bull dogs, with no outcrosses, creating ever-smaller bull dogs from pure blood lines. If having a pedigreed animal is important to you, be sure to contact one of these miniature bull dog breeders.

Other than those pedigree breeders, the rest of miniature bulldogs on the market today are hybrid animals created by crossing small bull dogs with either Pugs, or Boston Terriers or another small breed. Once hybrids are created, future litters can breed hybrid-to-hybrid. Whether that continues, or a kennel seeks to create true-breeding new dog will vary from breeder to breeder. Conscientious breeding requires genetic knowledge, health testing and complete transparency about a litter's origins. Contact a professional breeder today.

General Description

Depending on the outcrosses being used to create the hybrid miniatures, the miniature bull dogs can look just like a bull dog, but smaller, or they can have a considerable number of traits from their other ancestors. Each dog will look different, and your best tool for assessing a puppy is to see the parents.

Those breeders specializing in pure miniature bulldogs are mating dogs from breeding lines that go back to full sized animals, selecting for the smallest, and mating smallest to smallest within safe genetic parameters. These dogs have a specific breed standard, as one would expect from any purebred dog.

The head circumference of a miniature bull dog should be equal to the height of the dog at the shoulders. Round eyes and rose ears sit above a distinct stop , with a muzzle so short that the profile looks flat-faced. Jaws are undershot, just as in their larger ancestors.

Broad chests, muscular shoulders, strong hind legs and wide-set forelegs all follow the lines of larger bulldogs. The hind legs higher than the front give the dog its distinctive walk. Wrinkles and dewlaps are the norm. Colors can be white, red and white or fawn and white; all brindles are accepted as well.

Temperament

Hybrid or purbred, miniature bull dogs are vivacious animals that love being the center of attention. Most bull dogs have significant problems dealing with high temperatures - not a dog to leave outside in the summer and not the best choice for desert dwellers.

Health and Care

Petting alone with keep the coat in wonderful condition, but all those skin folds need your regular attention to stay clean and grime free. Gentle cleaning with a dampened cotton swab can remove accumulated food stuffs and grease.

Colors

red, fawn, brindle, white, piebald, yellow or any combination of colors. Solid black color is not considered acceptable in the breed.

Living Area

The Miniature English Bulldog is good for apartment life. They are very inactive indoors and will do okay without a yard. Bulldogs do best in temperate climates as they can get cold easily and have trouble cooling off in very hot weather.

Recognized By

EBMA, MBA, BMWCOA, MBCOA, MBWC, DRA

Pets4You offers listings of Miniature English Bulldog breeders with puppies for sale.