MINIATURE BULL TERRIER BREED STANDARD
MINIATURE BULL TERRIER (MBT)
General Appearance
The Miniature Bull Terrier should be a strong, muscular, well-balanced and compact dog, full of substance for its size.
It should have the breed’s distinctive rugby-ball shaped head, small upright ears and a powerful, athletic body.
The overall appearance should be one of strength, confidence, balance and agility, with no exaggeration that interferes with normal function or movement.
Size & Proportions
The Miniature Bull Terrier should not exceed 14 inches (35.5 cm) at the withers.
There is no set weight limit, but the dog should have good substance and muscle in proportion to its size.
The body should be compact, powerful and well balanced, giving the impression of a full-sized Bull Terrier in miniature.
Head & Muzzle
The head should be long, strong and deep, with the distinctive rugby-ball shape when viewed from the front.
Viewed from the side, the profile should curve gently downwards from the top of the skull to the nose, without dips or breaks.
The head should be full and well filled, with no hollows or indentations. The muzzle should finish cleanly, with strong, powerful jaws and good overall balance.
Nose & Breathing
Nose & Breathing
The nose should be black, with a naturally downward-curving tip and well-developed, open nostrils.
Airflow should be free and unrestricted, with silent, easy and effortless breathing at rest.
Pinched or narrow nostrils, noisy breathing, laboured breathing or any visible restriction to airflow are faults.
Eyes
The eyes should be small, dark and triangular, set obliquely and well within the head.
They should contribute to the breed’s characteristic keen, alert and intelligent expression.
Blue or partially blue eyes are undesirable.
Ears
The ears should be small, thin and set close together, positioned high on the head.
They should be carried firmly upright with the tips pointing upwards, complementing the distinctive rugby-ball shaped head and alert expression.
Large, heavy or poorly carried ears are undesirable.
Body & Condition
The body should be strong, rounded and muscular, with good depth and substance for the dog’s size.
The chest should be broad and deep, with well-sprung ribs and a strong, powerful back.
The dog should be fit and muscular with a visible waist and tuck. Excess body fat or poor physical condition is a fault.
Front Construction
The front should be strong, broad and well balanced, with straight, heavily boned forelegs positioned correctly beneath the body.
The shoulders should be strong and muscular, allowing free and unrestricted movement.
The overall construction should provide strength, stability and athletic ability without exaggeration.
Feet
The feet should be round, compact and well formed, with well-arched toes.
They should point straight forward and provide a strong, stable base for movement.
Noticeable turning in or out of the feet is undesirable.
Rear Construction
The rear should be strong, muscular and powerful, with well-developed thighs and balanced angulation.
The hind legs should be correctly positioned beneath the body and parallel when viewed from behind, with strong hocks.
The rear should provide powerful drive and free, balanced movement. Weak, narrow, excessively straight or over-angulated hindquarters are faults.
Movement & Athletic Ability
Movement should be free, powerful and well balanced, with good reach from the front and strong drive from the rear.
The Miniature Bull Terrier should be a fit, energetic and capable canine athlete, able to run, jump, swim, enjoy long walks and participate in active sports.
Its compact, muscular build should be matched by genuine stamina, agility and enthusiasm for exercise, with no structural exaggeration restricting normal movement.
Tail
The tail should be short, set low and carried horizontally.
It should be thick at the root and taper gradually to a fine point, remaining naturally formed and freely movable.
The tail should be in balance with the overall dog and should not be tightly fixed or cause discomfort.
Coat
The coat should be short, flat and close-fitting, with a slightly harsh texture to the touch and a natural healthy sheen.
A softer undercoat may develop during colder weather.
The coat and skin should lie close to the body, allowing the dog’s muscular outline and condition to remain clearly visible.
Colour
For white dogs, the coat should be predominantly white. Head markings and skin pigmentation are accepted.
For coloured dogs, colour should predominate over white.
Accepted colours include brindle, black brindle, red, fawn and tricolour, including these colours with white markings.
No accepted colour should be preferred over another.
Temperament
The Miniature Bull Terrier should be confident, courageous, friendly and full of character, with a strong attachment to its family.
It should have the breed’s characteristic playful, mischievous and fun-loving personality, while remaining steady and manageable.
Early socialisation, clear boundaries and consistent training are important due to the breed’s confidence, determination and sometimes stubborn nature.
Unprovoked aggression or excessive nervousness are faults.