Melissa Dreyer | Sunrise Miniature Bull Terriers

Interview with Melissa Dreyer, Breeder of Sunrise Miniature Bull Terriers

1. Please tell us a little bit about yourself. Where do you live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder? What is your kennel name?
2. What are the hallmarks of your breed and why are they important for maintaining breed type?
3. In your opinion, are there enough puppy homes to support breeding a litter this year?
4. How have you implemented new technologies in science and communications as a breeder?
5. In your community, have you noticed a change in the public’s perception of purebred dogs?
6. Have you noticed any trends in the sport? Anything to be concerned about?
7. What are some of the positive changes you’ve seen in the sport in recent years?

Melissa Dreyer

1. My name is Melissa Dreyer, and along with Robin and Erica Massingill we are Sunrise Miniature Bull Terriers (MBT) from Haslet, Texas. We have all been involved in dogs since childhood.

Robin and I started in 4-H doing Obedience and training Seeing Eye puppies. We showed in AKC (American Kennel Club) Conformation and Junior Showmanship. We have bred and finished several Golden Retrievers, and currently breed and show our Great Danes and Miniature Bull Terriers.

We started in Miniature Bull Terriers in 2003. We bred our first litter of Mini Bulls in 2005. We are registered as Breeders of Merit and have bred Minis that have won many notable achievements, such as at National Specialties, Multiple Bests in Specialty Show, Bests in Show (BIS), Reserve Bests in Show (RBIS), and Best of Breed at The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. We have had the No. 1 MBT (All-Breed), No. 1 bitch (Breed), and No. 1 MBT in the National Owner-Handled Series (NOHS) for several years, and continuous for several generations of our breeding. Most recently, we made history with the youngest MBT to ever win an all-breed BIS and the only MBT to have won back-to-back-to-back RBIS and BIS—three shows in a row on the same weekend.

2. The obvious hallmark is the egghead, making it easily one of the most recognizable breeds in the world. Their eyes are dark, fierce, and triangle-shaped. Their temperament is jovial, inquisitive, and full of fire. All together, the MBT is a balanced, compact version of a standard Bull Terrier.

3. Absolutely, we have a waiting list.

4. We have really come a long way in utilizing DNA marker tests for breed-specific conditions.

As far as communications go, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok have each brought numerous ways to reach people. These venues have enabled us to reach many different audiences from all over the world.

5. I think we have always had a problem being a bully breed and getting a bad rap because of guilt by association. Then with purebred dogs, people have this problem with buying a dog versus “adopting” a dog.

6. Trends, yes: lack of entries. Too many shows in too many places at the same time and on every weekend.

7. I think Performance activities have brought a lot of people out to watch and participate in Performance events at shows.