Everything for the dog who thinks he is a person

With the right household they are wonderful, and they are not a low-effort dog. They are affectionate to the point of clingy, very funny, and completely devoted to their people. They are also strong, boisterous, stubborn and incapable of settling themselves down. They need consistent training, real daily exercise and something to think about, and early socialisation matters more here than in most breeds.

Most adults weigh 22-32 kg (50-70 lb) and stand 53-56 cm (21-22 in) at the withers. Miniature Bull Terriers are 8-13 kg (18-28 lb). Those are ranges rather than targets, and frame size varies enough that body condition assessed by hand is far more reliable than the scales.

The four worth understanding before you buy are congenital deafness, hereditary nephritis and polycystic kidney disease, atopic skin disease, and compulsive tail chasing. Ask any breeder for BAER hearing certificates for the litter and kidney screening for both parents, and ask directly about compulsive behaviour in the line.

The four commonest causes in this breed are environmental allergy, an adverse food reaction, flea-bite hypersensitivity, and contact irritation. Where he is itching separates them: the base of the tail points at fleas, the face and ears at atopy or food, the belly and pads at contact irritation.

Usually 10 to 14 years. What most affects where a dog lands in that range is kidney health, keeping him at a sensible body condition, and skin disease being properly managed rather than endured.

Because living with one is unlike living with any other dog. They are comedians with a stubborn streak, they lean on you rather than sit beside you, they grumble conversationally, and they are convinced they are human. Most owners never go back to another breed.