The Miniature Bull Terrier is a very sound, healthy canine, but as with all dogs, they are susceptible to certain diseases.  Regular check ups by your veterinarian, along with keeping all shots updated, and awareness of the owner of any changes in temperament or in activity, will help insure the health of your dog.
     Bullies do not do well in damp or cold conditions.  They thrive where there is warmth and a certain degree of comfort.  Do not keep the Miniature Bullie tied to a doghouse in the back yard.  Miniature Bullies need to be an intimate part of the family, to insure soundness of temperament. They also need a comfortable place to bed down, a rug will not do.  Mini Bullies are susceptible to pressure sores if they spend too much time lying on the ground, or on a hard floor.  Pressure sores are normally seen as a callus on joints that have a thin layer of skin over them.  This area can occasionally become infected, and the owner needs to keep aware of it, other than that the callus is simply a cosmetic problem.
     If you have purchased a Miniature Bull Terrier, either have the breeder certify that the dog has undergone a Baer Test for hearing, or have your veterinarian make arrangements to have your dog undergo this test.  For more information concerning Baer Testing, see medical index/baer test.
There are also related topics that will give further information concerning the ear and hearing:

Congenital Deafness
     Responsible breeders are starting to screen (BAER test) their breeding stock and puppies, in order to avoid this condition from becoming a major problem.
For further information please see: medical index/congenital deafness.

Heart Conditions
     Also some bloodlines of the Miniature Bull Terrier have a history of congenital heart conditions.  These conditions vary as to the affected area of the heart.  Some articles that may be of interest are:
Mitral Valve Disease
        With mitral regurgitation the blood backflows (leaks) from the left ventricle into the left atrium of the heart.  This regurgitation frequently occurs which such velocity that it produces a turbulence.  This turbulence can usually be detected as a systolic murmur, heard between the first and second heart sounds.
For further information please see:  medical index/mitral valve disease.

Sub Aortic Stenosis
        This congenital heart condition has been found in Miniature Bull Terriers, although major efforts are underway to eliminate (severely reduce) this condition.  Ranging from minor heart murmurs to fatal, this condition covers a wide array of symptoms.
For further information please see:   medical index/sub aortic stenosis.

Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia
     This condition also appears more often in some "bloodlines" than in others. Therefore it is suspected of being hereditary. Be sure that any breeder you are dealing with has health screenings on the parents, as well as the litter of puppies.
For further information please see:   medical index/tricuspid valve dysplasia.

Lethal Acro Dermatitus
     One of the most devastating diseases to affect Miniature Bull Terriers is Lethal Acro Dermatitus.  This is an inherited recessive gene.  The puppies are usually undersized and have difficulty nursing.  This skin disease is progressive and worsens despite treatment.  The pups that are affected by this disease usually are dead within 7 months.  For further information, please refer to medical index/lethal acro dermatitus.

     Again in some bloodlines, Bullies may be affected by familial kidney disease.  There are many possible afflictions to the kidneys, the following list is a few articles to familiarize you with canine kidneys:
     medical index/structure and function of the kidney
     medical index/kidney - congenital defects
     medical index/diagnostic tests for detecting kidney disease.

Lens Luxation
     Lens luxation is the displacement of the entire lens into the anterior chamber of the eye. Some bloodline of the Miniature Bull Terrier have a predisposition to this condition. Vision can be saved by surgery.
For further information please see : medical index/structure of the canine eye.

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