• Height (at the shoulders): 10 – 14 inches (25 – 33 cm)
• Weight: 24 – 33 pounds (11 – 15 kg)
• Life Expectancy: 10 – 12 years
• AKC Group: Terrier Group – AKC recognized in 1991
• Shedding: average shedder; sheds twice per year
• Living Conditions: okay in apartment (with sufficient exercise); fairly active indoors; best with average sized yard (minimum)

Personality of the Miniature Bull Terrier Dog Breed

Most miniature and toy dog breeds are considered lapdogs. However, the Miniature Bull Terrier does not have the same characteristics as these other small dogs. As far as personality is concerned, these dogs are literally just smaller versions of the standard-sized Bull Terrier.

They are rough, playful, mischievous, yet sweet and friendly, all the same time. Miniature Bull Terriers are considered to be very stubborn but when trained properly become excellent watchdogs.

History of the Miniature Bull Terrier Dog Breed

The Miniature Bull Terrier is a member of the Terrier family, the Mastiff family, and the Bull family. The breed originated in England and the date of origin can be traced back to the 1800s. This dog’s original function was nothing more than to be a companion.

Today, many Miniature Bull Terrier dogs are also used at Earthdog trials.

This dog breed was created directly from the regular sized Bull Terrier so it shares the same history in the early days. Back then, the standard for Bull Terriers allowed for all size ranges and weight. This diversity reflected all of the breed’s ancestry, including the Black and Tan Terrier, Bulldog, and the White English Terrier.

Miniature Bull Terriers have been in existence for a long time. There have been some Bull Terriers reported to weigh as little as 4 pounds. One of the first groups of smaller “toy” Bull Terriers were white in color and referred to as “Coverwood Terriers”. This name was a reflection of the kennel that produce them.

In time, a better and more healthier group of small Bull Terriers were created. Their size was somewhat larger than the toy version and so became known as “miniatures”. These Miniature Bull Terriers were bred and their popularity rose to such a point that the English Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1939.

This recognition created a few problems at first. Because it was its own separate breed, Miniature Bulls could not be interbred with the regular-sized Bull Terriers. Unfortunately, the numbers of miniatures were so small that inbreeding was forced to happen.

The breed was officially registered by the American Kennel Club in 1991 as a member of the AKC Terrier Group.

The Miniature Bull Terrier Dog Breed Care and Grooming

Miniature Bull Terriers should not live outdoors. Playtime in the yard and a few walks on a the leash will provide plenty of exercise for this dog. They also make excellent pets for small apartments or condominiums.

The Miniature Bull Terrier is easy to groom. Just an occasional brushing and combing will be sufficient. You can remove loose hair with a daily rubdown with a special rubber glove.

Health Problems of the Miniature Bull Terrier Dog Breed

The average life expectancy of the Miniature Bull Terrier dog is about ten to twelve years.

Major health concerns for this breed are:

• deafness

Minor health issues include:

• lens luxation
• glaucoma

These other issues can occur, but are rarely seen:

• kidney disease

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

• Height (at the shoulders): Toy: 10 – 12 inches (25 – 30 cm) ; Standard: 15 – 16 inches (39 – 40 cm)
• Weight: Toy: 6 – 8 pounds (2.5 – 3.5 kg)  ; Standard: 18 pounds (8 kg)
• Life Expectancy: 15 or more years
• AKC Group: Terrier and Toy Group – AKC recognized in 1886 (Toy) and 1887 (Standard)
• Shedding: average shedder; the Toy sheds little to no hair
• Living Conditions: good for apartments; very active indoors; okay without a yard

Personality of the Manchester Terrier Dog

The Manchester Terrier has a striking appearance and is one of the more sensitive members of the Terrier Group. Enthusiasts of the breed often describe them as “cat-like” because of its overly-cautious demeanor and independent personality. These dogs take great pride in keeping themselves clean, much like a cat does.

When it comes to personality, the Manchester Terrier is friendly towards other dogs and highly-affectionate with it owners. However, when strangers approach they becomes alert and reserved. For this reason they make excellent watchdogs in any household.

They are also very playful and need to expend lots of energy each day.

History of the Manchester Terrier Dog Breed

The origination of the Manchester Terrier is the result of a cross of two amazing breeds – the Black and Tan Terrier and the Whippet. It all started around the early 16th century, in England, as the people there enjoyed the hunting abilities of the Black and Tan when it came to getting rid of rats and other small rodents.

At the turn of industrialization the working class of England also enjoyed dog racing with the Whippet being the main contender. With the Black and Tan Terriers the most popular rodent-killing dogs, and the Whippet the favorite among racing dogs, it was only a matter of time before both breeds would be crossed.

A man named John Hulme, who lived in Manchester, was the first breeder to do so. His goal was to create a dog that could be refined in both areas; rat killing and racing. The resulting breed was a beautiful canine that looked like a Black and Tan Terrier but with a refined back.

It was officially known as the Manchester Terrier in 1860, then renamed the Black and Tan Terrier, but changed back to the Manchester in 1923.

The breed was officially registered by the American Kennel Club in 1886.

The Manchester Terrier Care and Grooming

This breed needs daily action but can get its exercise requirements from a few brisk walks on the leash or a romp around the yard. Natural explorers, the Manchester Terrier is most happy when able to roam outside off-leash in a safe area. Ideally, the dog should have access to a fenced-in yard while sleeping indoors with the family at night.

The Manchester has very little tolerance for cold temperatures but can handle hot climates.

Their coat is smooth which means minimal grooming needs. A light brushing every couple of weeks just to remove dead hairs is plenty.

These dogs also need soft bedding to sleep on.

Health Problems of the Manchester Terrier Dog Breed

The average life expectancy of the Manchester Terrier is about fifteen years.

There are no major health concerns for this breed.

Minor health issues include:

• vWD (Von Willebrand’s Disease)
• cardiomyopathy
• hypothyroidism

These other issues can occur, but are rarely seen:

• PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy)
• deafness
• patellar luxation
• Legg-Perthes

Veterinarians recommend having the Manchester Terrier breed tested specifically for vWD (Von Willebrand’s Disease), eye, hip, and thyroid problems.

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

Quick Stats for the Lakeland Terrier Dog Breed

• Height (at the shoulders): 14.5 inches (37 cm)
• Weight: dogs: 17 pounds (8 kg) ; bitches: 15 pounds (7 kg)
• Life Expectancy: 10 – 12 years
• AKC Group: Terrier Group – AKC recognized in 1934
• Shedding: sheds little to no hair
• Living Conditions: good for apartments (with sufficient exercise); very active indoors; okay without a yard

Personality of the Lakeland Terrier Dog Breed

The Lakeland Terrier is a playful member of the AKC Terrier Group. They are always looking for entertainment and action. These dogs are quite busy, never stopping to investigate their surroundings or finding a good hunt. They are an affectionate breed, loving, and devoted to their family.

Lakeland Terriers also make excellent watchdogs. It is their nature to be weary of strangers, especially of approaching individuals on their territory. These dogs are also very reserved around other dogs and pets, which might make it difficult for the other animals to coexist in the same household.

History of the Lakeland Terrier Dog Breed

The Lakeland Terrier shares a common ancestry with the Fox Terrier, Bedlington Terrier, and the Border Terrier. They originally came from England. The breed has been around since the 1700s, with the first Lakeland Terriers used to hunt and kill fox for farmers.

In time, fox hunting became more popular as a sporting event and these terriers made great competitors. It was the terriers from the Lakeland area that proved to be the most aggressive in the events and of course the most successful.

At the time they were referred by different names: Elterwater Terriers, Patterdale Terriers, and Fell Terriers.

In 1921, they were officially named the Lakeland Terrier. The AKC recognized the breed in 1934. Since that time the breed has proven itself to be a prize-winning show dog and a handsome specimen, but not quite as popular as other terriers in the common household.

The Lakeland Terrier Dog Breed Care and Grooming

This is a highly-active breed that needs lots of daily exercise. Lakeland Terriers seem to be on a never-ending adventure, which makes them easily distracted. Training this dog may take some work, but always worth it in the end to the owner that has patience with dog training.

They have tolerance for moderately hot or cool temperatures, but should not live completely outside. Sleeping indoors after a long day of exploring is ideal.

Grooming requirements for the breed calls for a good combing about three times weekly. Its coat is wiry so a professional scissoring or stripping is recommended about every three months. The breed sheds little to no hair.

Health Problems of the Lakeland Terrier Dog Breed

The average life expectancy of the Lakeland Terrier Dog Breed is about ten to twelve years although some dogs have been known to live as long as sixteen years.

No major health concerns for this breed.

Minor health issues include:

• distichiasis
• lens luxation

These other issues can occur, but are rarely seen:

• vWD (Von Willebrand’s Disease)
• Legg-Perthes

Veterinarians recommend having the Lakeland Terrier Dog Breed tested specifically for eye problems.

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

Quick Stats for the Irish Terrier Dog Breed

• Height (at the shoulders): about 18 inches (43 cm)
• Weight: 25 – 27 pounds (11 – 12 kg)
• Life Expectancy: 12 – 15 years
• AKC Group: Terrier Group – AKC recognized in 1885
• Shedding: rarely sheds
• Living Conditions: okay in apartment (with sufficient exercise); okay with a small yard

Personality of the Irish Terrier Dog Breed

Irish Terrier dogs are extremely bold, dashing, assertive, and independent. Often said to be one of the most strong-willed of dog breeds, these animals can be a bit aggressive towards other dogs and smaller animals, and tend to be reserved when around strangers.

On the other hand, when it comes to its family, the Irish Terrier is well known for its playfulness.  It loves adventure and is also an excellent watchdog. So long as it gets plenty of daily exercise, this dog will maintain a well-mannered pet.

History of the Irish Terrier Dog Breed

The Irish Terrier is known as the world’s oldest Terrier breed.  It is said to have descended from the Black and Tan Terrier. It is also believed to have been mixed with a larger and more streamlined wheaten colored Terrier. There is no official documentation to list this ancestry, but researchers are pretty confident with this estimation. Other information leads us to believe that the Irish Terrier may also have roots from the Irish Wolfhound dog breed.

Irish Terriers dogs are considered to be the raciest of the Terrier Group. It has a longer body with legs that extend further than most other Terriers. The solid red color of the Irish Terrier became a standard for the breed around the end of the 19th century.  Before that time, early Irish Terriers were seen in a variety of other colors, including gray, brindle, and black/tan.

The very first Irish Terrier was shown in the year 1875. They became so popular that by the middle of the 1880s, the Irish Terrier was rated as the fourth most popular dog breed in England. During that time, it was fashionable to crop the ears of the Irish Terrier. However, this practice was banned in 1889 by the Irish Terrier Club Of England. This banning led to the abolition of cropping ears for all dog breeds that were shown in England.

The Irish Terrier soon became quite popular in America.  During the late 1920s, they were ranked #13 of all breeds listed at that time. With such fame and a great beginning, you would assume that the Irish Terrier would maintain its popularity. However, it is considered to be one of the more rare Terriers of today.

The breed was officially registered by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a member of the Terrier Group.

The Irish Terrier Dog Breed Care and Grooming

This is one dog that not only needs physical exercise on a daily basis, but it also requires a lot of mental stimulation as well.  Daily entertainment and vigorous playtime is a requirement if you plan on raising an Irish Terrier. They make great jogging partners and are often the desired pet for active people.

When it comes to grooming, it has a very wiry coat that will need a thorough combing two to three times per week.

Health Problems of the Irish Terrier Dog Breed

The average life expectancy of the Irish Terrier Dog Breed is about twelve to fifteen years.

There are no major health concerns for this breed.In fact, Irish Terriers are one of the most healthiest dog breeds.

Minor health issues include:

• urinary stones

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

• Height (at the shoulders): 8 – 11 inches (20 – 28 cm)
• Weight: 18 – 24 pounds (8 – 11 kg)
• Life Expectancy: 12 – 15 years
• AKC Group: Terrier Group – AKC recognized in 1886
• Shedding: sheds little to no hair
• Living Conditions: good for apartments; fairly active indoors; small yard okay

Personality of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier Breed

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is playful, affectionate and loyal. They have an independent personality, but yet they are loyal companions and devoted to their family. They make a great companion dog for people of all ages.

They are friendly towards other dogs and other household pets. They can be be overly playful at times, and are always on the lookout for an opportunity to play. However, they make excellent watchdogs. If a stranger approaches the house when the owners are not there the Dandie Dinmont will bark nonstop to ward off the intruder.

History of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier Breed

The breed originated in area that bordered England and Scotland. Farmers originally used them to help hunt and kill small animals such as otters, fox, and badgers.

Before being called the Dandie Dinomont Terrier, they were called various other names – Mustard Terriers, Hindlee Terriers, Pepper Terriers, and even Catcleugh Terreir. Many of these terriers were owned by one man, James Davidson.

It is believed that Mr. Davidson used these dogs as models for the Dandie Dinmont characters that were used in a Sir Walter Scott book by the title of “Guy Mannering”. That book was published in 1914. Of course, these dogs were dubbed the Dandie Dinmont Terrier. They were eventually recognized as a separate breed in 1873.

The breed was officially registered by the American Kennel Club in 1886 as a member of the Terrier Group.

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier Breed Care and Grooming

These terriers have very high levels of energy and require sufficient daily exercise. They are best for individuals and families who live and active lifestyle. They enjoy playtime outdoors and love to explore and hunt small animals around the yard.

Grooming requirements for these dogs include a good brushing with a high quality dog brush, at least twice weekly. Professional clipping and trimming is recommended about every three to four months to keep their coats well maintained.

This breed sheds little to no hair.

Health Problems of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier Breed

The average life expectancy of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier breed is about twelve to fifteen years.

There are no major health concerns for this dog breed.

Minor health issues include:

• glaucoma
• intervertebral disk disease
• epilepsy
• hypothyroidism
• overweight in older dogs

These other issues can occur, but are rarely seen:

• cheyletiella mites

Veterinarians recommend having the Dandie Dinmont Terrier breed tested specifically for eye problems.

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

Best,

Omar Reyes

For even more information about this dog breed check out the book: