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FAQ
Heart disease in minis can be present at birth or can occur later in life.
The 2 main types of heart disease in Mini Bull Terriers are mitral valve dysplasia and sub-aortic steno sis. Mitral valve dysplasia is a "leaking" valve between the two chambers of the heart, the valve does not shut completely and the result is a murmur often called " regurge" in layman’s terms.
In both Minis and Standard Bull Terriers skin problems can be an issue; however we personally have observed far less in our minis. We feel strongly that proper diet can resolve much of the problem. We feed our dogs raw beef, chicken, oats, eggs, yogurt, vitamins as well as a small amount of prepared dry dog food. We also believe in natural remedies and avoid masking underlying issues with drugs like steroids.
Temperment and Health Questions
of the Miniature Bull Terrier
eye issues
heart & kidney
Non medical aggression is rarely an issue if the owner does his or her job. Educating oneself as to the way dogs think and learning canine body language is essential no matter what breed you choose to own. We suggest Brian Kilcommins "Good Owners Great Dogs" as a training manual. Dogs don't think like people. They are most comfortable in a structured pack environment with a leader, and that leader should be you!
aggression
Hucklebuckling is wild playful abandon. Miniature Bull Terriers will run through the house or yard, generally acting like fools, rolling on their backs, jumping and sailing through the air, and generally having fun. Thankfully they poop out quickly!
whats hucklebuckling/ hucklebutting
Spinning is an odd condition thought to be genetic. The spinning generally occurs when the dog gets excited. If left unchecked or encouraged because it is cute, it can become an obsession and the dog will spin uncontrollably. Medication is available with some success. Prevention is the best way to control this problem.
spinning & obsessions
2 days from delivering 6 babies
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Our advice for health and temperamant questions is to educate your self from a proper source regarding the MBT breed. A vet familiar with the breed would be one of the best sources, and there is some good information on the web and in books. Mini clubs andAKC Mini breeders are usually reputable sources. We have listed a web site on our information page that outlines in a more technical manner some of the following conditions. We are not Vets and this information is simply meant to inform you that these conditions do exist. Please keep in mind that Miniature Bull Terriers bought from a reputable breeder will be health tested and registered with the AKC...so don't be afraid to ask questions.
Many pure bred varieties have health problems that are often genetic and Primary Lens Luxation is the most notorious in Miniature Bullterriers. Breeders test for this condition in an attempt to control it within the breed. Primary Lens Luxation (PLL), is a detachment of the eye lens which can cause blindness. Some Vets claim it is operable if found early on, but the success rate is low, the cost high and reoccurrence can occur. Blindness occurs virtually overnight. This is a recessive gene so a Mini Bull can be a carrier with out actually having PLL occur. Dogs that go blind do unbelievably well and the hang ups are more of a human condition. In October of 09 a test to site the gene became available so now this disease can be far less of an issue with testing before breeding.
Mitral steno sis where the mitral valve is narrowed and it is difficult for the blood to leave the left atrium, this can be a mild or severe. Most dogs can live normal lives, but with age the condition can worsen and they can die of heart failure. The 2nd, sub-aortic steno sis, is a narrowed aorta, this leads to left-sided heart failure. Many reputable breeders test their dogs with a rather expensive test called a color Doppler ultrasound for very accurate diagnosis of these issues to determine breed ability. Kidneys disease in Minis is predominately of 3 types. Renal dysplasia where kidney cells fail to develop properly, resulting in a nonfunctioning kidneys. The second is hereditary nephritis, also fatal, but with a slower progression. It can present itself as early as 2 years. The best prevention (until DNA tests are available) is to test dogs every year for urine-protein/ urine-creatinine (UPC ). The third kidney disease is polycystic kidney disease, (PCKD).
skin problems