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Introduction
The development of the Bull Terrier began about 200 years ago in England, where the breed was used for bull baiting and dog fighting. With the abolition of dog fighting, the Bull Terrier became a show ring dog and started to be bred for appearance and temperament.
The Miniature Bull Terrier was bred with ratting in mind, but like the standard sized Bully, quickly became a very popular companion for nobility in the 1800’s.
Appearance and Personality
Bull Terriers are a medium dog, standing 53 to 56 cm at the shoulder and weighing around 23 to 32kg. The Mini Bull is a small dog, standing up to 36 cm height and should weigh around 11 to 15 kg. They both possess a short, hard glossy flat haircoat, either white or coloured. The life expectancy for Bull Terriers is 10 to 13 years.
They have a short, coarse, coat that sheds but is easy to maintain. White, hairless tummies are prone to sun damage so protecting your Bull Terrier with a cute t-shirt or pet safe sunscreen is a good idea.
Bull Terriers have comical and playful personalities and make a popular choice for families with children. That said, they often have an independent streak which may make them stubborn. Early training is therefore vitally important, and they tend to be better suited to a household with experienced dog people to aid in that training. With fighting instincts in their veins, they may have tendencies towards aggression with other dogs and small animals. As with training, early socialistion to help them become used to other dogs, animals and people will help the Bully large or small be a better adjusted adult dog. Bullies need a moderate amount of daily exercise, such as leash walks, to stay fit. Both sizes appreciate a backyard to sniff around, but the smaller sized Mini may adapt to apartment life if given plenty of exercise, toys, and company.
Common Health Concerns
The five most common reasons for Bull and Mini Bull Terriers to visit the Vet (excluding routine care visits) according to PetSure data across the 2020 calendar year included allergic skin disease, ear infections, foreign body ingestion, gastrointestinal upsets including canine haemorrhagic gastroenteritis, and tumours.
The five most common reasons for a Bull and Mini Terrier to visit the Vet (excluding routine care visits); PetSure data (2020 calendar year):
| Rank | Condition | Average cost for single treatment (average pet insurance claim amount) | Highest cost for single treatment (highest pet insurance claim seen for this condition) |
| 1 | Skin diseases, including allergic skin disease | $194 | $2,220 |
| 2 | Ear infections | $175 | $1,906 |
| 3 | Gastrointestinal problems, including canine haemorrhagic gastroenteritis | $462 | $5,092 |
| 4 | Foreign body or toxin ingestion | $918 | $4,272 |
| 5 | Tumours and cancers | $439 | $4,272 |
Disclaimer: Reimbursement for these claims would be subject to limits, such as annual benefit limits or sub-limits, benefit percentage, applicable waiting periods and any applicable excess. Cover is subject to the policy terms and conditions. You should consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement or policy wording available from the relevant provider.
For the same period (2020 calendar year), the top five highest single vet treatments (or highest pet insurance claims) for Bull Terriers and Mini Bull Terriers from PetSure data were:
| Rank | Condition | Highest Cost of treatment for condition (average pet insurance claim amount) |
| 1 | Cholangiohepatitis | $31,242 |
| 2 | Foreign body ingestion | $6,747 |
| 3 | Glaucoma | $6,331 |
| 4 | Traumatic bone fracture | $6,243 |
| 5 | Cruciate disease | $5,543 |
Disclaimer: Reimbursement for these claims would be subject to limits, such as annual benefit limits or sub-limits, benefit percentage, applicable waiting periods and any applicable excess. Cover is subject to the policy terms and conditions. You should consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement or policy wording available from the relevant provider.
Most popular Bull and Mini Terrier names in 2020 according to PetSure data:
Most popular names:
- Frankie
- Bella
- Bruno
- Buddy
- Butch
- Roxy
- Zeus
- Angus
- Arlo
- Bruce
Most popular female names:
- Bella
- Frankie
- Roxy
- Chilli
- Coco
- Daisy
- Dolly
- Ellie
- Harley
- Iggy
Most popular male names:
- Bruno
- Buddy
- Butch
- Zeus
- Angus
- Arlo
- Bruce
- Frank
- Monty
- Murray
Did you know?
Born in 1929, Patsy Ann was a completely deaf Bull Terrier who earned the name of “Official Greeter of Juneau, Alaska” for her unwavering service and uncanny ability to tell when a ship was coming into dock, long before everyone else did. Pasty passed away in 1942, and some 50 years later a bronze statue was erected in her honour on the dock where she greeted so many during her life.
References
- American Kennel Club, Miniature Bull Terrier, accessed 20/05/21
- American Kennel Club, Bull Terrier, accessed 20/05/21
- Australian National Kennel Council 2021, Breed Standard of the Bull Terrier, accessed on 07/05/2021
- Australian National Kennel Council 2021, Breed Standard of the Miniature Bull Terrier, accessed on 07/05/2021
- Patsy Ann – Official Greeter of Juneau, Alaska, accessed 20/05/21
Pet insurance can help by covering a portion of the eligible vet bill if the unexpected happens. Because it is difficult to predict the costs of veterinary care, it can help to have measures in place to help prepare for the unexpected. Check out our partner network and explore our policy tools to find a pet insurance policy.
Not all conditions or items are covered by Pet Insurance. Refer to the applicable Product Disclosure Statement for information about coverage and exclusions.
