Compare

Bull Terrier vs Miniature Bull Terrier

Same comic, playful temperament in two sizes; the Bull Terrier is larger and needs more room, the Miniature Bull Terrier fits apartments with daily exercise.

Bull Terrier profileMiniature Bull Terrier profile

Verdict

The Bull Terrier and the Miniature Bull Terrier share a distinctive head, a playful and affectionate nature, a stubborn streak and a short coat that needs little care. Their scores for energy, trainability and children match, and both are rated poorly for first-time owners.

Size is the dividing line. The Bull Terrier weighs 35 to 70 pounds, needs about an hour of exercise, and calls for an experienced and physically capable owner who can manage its strength. The Miniature weighs 18 to 28 pounds, needs 45 to 60 minutes, and its profile says it suits an apartment if the owner exercises it daily. The smaller dog copes with warm weather somewhat better.

Choose the Bull Terrier if

  • You are an experienced, physically capable owner
  • You want the full-sized dog with its comic streak
  • You can supervise it around other animals
  • You have space for an hour of daily exercise

Choose the Miniature Bull Terrier if

  • You want the same personality in a smaller body
  • You live in an apartment and will exercise it daily
  • You have patience for a stubborn learner
  • Your household has no other pets that could trigger it

Side by side

Bull Terrier Miniature Bull Terrier
AKC group Terrier Group Terrier Group
Size class Medium Small
Typical weight 35 to 70 lb 18 to 28 lb
Height 21 to 22 in at the shoulder 10 to 14 in at the shoulder
Typical lifespan 11 to 14 years 11 to 14 years
AKC popularity, 2025 86 of 202 105 of 202
Shedding Light Light
Grooming needs Minimal Minimal
Energy High High
Trainability Below average Below average
Barking Seldom barks Seldom barks
With children Good with supervision Good with supervision
Apartment living Moderate Good
First-time owners Challenging Challenging
Heat tolerance Below average Average
Cold tolerance Below average Below average
Temperament
  • playful
  • determined
  • affectionate
  • mischievous
  • playful
  • inquisitive
  • stubborn
  • affectionate
Health concerns to know about
  • deafness
  • hereditary kidney disease
  • heart disease
  • skin allergies
  • compulsive spinning and tail chasing
  • hereditary kidney disease
  • lens luxation
  • patellar luxation
  • deafness
  • skin allergies
Suits
  • experienced owners
  • people who can supervise around other animals
  • households that enjoy a dog with a comic streak
  • owners who like the Bull Terrier look in a smaller package
  • apartment dwellers who exercise daily
  • people with patience for stubborn dogs

Facts and ratings come from each breed's profile. They describe a breed as a whole, and individual dogs vary, so meet the dog before you choose.

Last reviewed November 8, 2026

In the index now