Russell Terrier vs Bantam Bulldog - Breed Comparison

The origin of the Bantam Bulldog goes back to the 1800s, and in fact there is evidence of miniature bull dogs in 1899, In 1902 the smaller bulldog breed was facing extinction, so that it became necessary to import French bulldogs to England to help restore the bantam bulldog breed.

It was only in 2002 that the United Canine Association recognized the English bantam bulldog.

They’re the same as the ordinary bulldog except they are lighter and shorter, although there are slightly larger ones which are as tall as a regular bulldog.

The Bantam bulldogge is related to the English and French bulldogs so that the standards for the bantam breed has similarities to both types.

This feisty little dog was developed in England a couple of centuries ago. He has a well documented history. An interesting aspect with this dog is that the very name ‘Jack Russell’ became a common name for predominantly white terriers after the death of clergyman Jack Russell.

The Russell Terrier was developed from Jack Russell working terrier strains that were used in the 19th century for hunting fox. The dog has been standardized by Kennel Club recognition. The Fedédération Cynologique Internationale also recognizes the breed.

It was in the early 1970s that the Jack Russell Terrier Club of Great Britain was formed.

Short, Stout and Compact Build

The breed has its origins with the English bulldog, but it was in 2011 that the ‘English’ was abandoned and the name of the dog changed to Bantam Bulldogge. Short to medium in height, and with his large, square head and broad, short muzzle, the dog is short, strong, stout and compact. He had wide apart eyes, short, half-pricked, half-floppy ears and the front legs are also strong and set wide apart.

Forms Strong Bonds with his Family

He is fit and active with a playful, jovial personality. The Bantam Bulldog is completely at ease with his human family and welcomes visitors to the home. He forms strong bonds with everyone in the family and loves the presence of children in the home too. As with most other dog breeds, he does well with training and socialization – it just makes him a better dog all round. He doesn’t have a problem with accepting other pets in the home.

Coat

The coat of the Bantam is short, dense and straight with the skin being tight to the body but looser around the head and neck. Both head and face have moderate wrinkles. The coat is available in all colors and is low maintenance. A good brush twice a week won’t only remove loose hairs and keep his short coat glossy, the mere act of brushing him strengthens the bond between you as well.

The Russell Terrier has a weatherproof coat that is mainly white with patches of tan or black or maybe even both. You get the smooth haired type, the broken type- as well as the rough haired Russell Terrier. All these coats shed.

He is a small dog standing at between 20-35cm in height and weighing between 7 and 12kg.

Temperament:

Your Russell Terrier is a jaunty, fearless, confident little dog with a powerful personality. The bright face with alert eyes are constantly telling you that he is just ready to spring into action when you’re ready.

He just loves games and sports and you won’t have to ask him twice to join in. Happy and energetic, you could say it's his desire to hunt as well as his high energy levels that make it necessary for him to be trained and socialized It is of particular importance because he is so strong willed. Super smart, you won't have any trouble teaching him some basic commands.

He also makes a good watch dog and while he can be aggressive towards other dogs, he is prepared to get along with children in the house who have been disciplined and who know how to treat animals with respect and kindness.

The Bantam Bulldog is full of personality and is active, friendly and social. He is an adaptable pet and will happily live with his human family in an apartment or in a home with a garden. Patient and tolerant, he responds well to the voice of his owner and simple commands are no problem with him as he is quick to learn and to please.

He is never going to be much of a guard dog for you, but he will be a happy, contented, loyal and devoted companion who just wants to be as close to you as he can.

It is true that this very active, very 'in-your-face' dog may not be everybody’s cup of tea. He will be discontent if not given the chance to run and be active.

If you’re a super active family who loves swimming, going on hikes or you enjoy sports such as cycling and horse riding, you can count the Russell Terrier in every time.

These dogs make a loving, loyal companion. They'll make you smile and be amused by their antics, bringing you lots of joy and entertainment.

A happy dog is a healthy dog, but the happy Bantam Bulldog will be prone to certain ailments that are common to his breed

Hip Dysplasia

This breed of dog is prone to have hip dysplasia. Because of their genetic make-up, the soft tissues surrounding the joint develop abnormally and the disease can affect one- or both hips.

Digestion Problems

Bulldogs can also be prone to digestion issues which amounts to flatulence. This problem however, can be reduced significantly by giving your pet the best diet. Speak to your vet about appropriate foods for dogs with a sensitive stomach. With a sensitive stomach, you want to avoid dog foods with toxic colorants, artificial preservatives and artificial flavors.

Breathing Problems

Be aware of breathing problems with your bantam bulldog because flat-faced dog breeds such as this can battle with upper airway problems. Symptoms of an obstructed upper airway can include noisy breathing, panting, snoring, rapid breathing and coughing.

The Russell Terrier is a robust little dog who can lead a good, healthy life of 13, 14 or 15 years if well cared for. There are however, a number of common dog ailments that he can succumb to. Some of these are cataracts, deafness and myasthenia gravis.

Myasthenia Gravis:

This disorder is caused by a breakdown of the transmission of impulses from the nerves to the muscles. The muscles can’t contract and the dog becomes weak. It’s a disease that can be an inherited congenital defect, and the Russell Terrier is at risk of getting this disease. Symptoms do vary from dog to dog but a common symptom is muscle weakness.

Feeding

Your Bantam Bulldog needs a lot of protein in his diet. In fact, the Association of American Feed Control Officials have suggested that the dog needs at least 22% of maintenance protein for puppies and 18% of protein for adult dogs. Speak to your vet about wet- and dry dog foods and which foods will suit this particular pet of yours. Always ensure cool, fresh water is within your pet’s reach.

Exercise

The exercise needs of the Bantam Bulldog are minimal. He is never going to turn down a game of ball with the kids but you don’t have to take him on long walks or runs. He is a social pet, so even though you don’t have to be putting him through an exercise program every day, he doesn’t want to be left alone hour after hour, day after day.

Exercise:

This little dog needs plenty of exercise, and being lazy yourself and not exercising him will lead to him becoming destructive through no fault of his.

He will need walks every day as well as runs in the park off his leash. Ball- and frisbee games fill him with delight and he gives chase every time. Even though he is small, he isn’t recommended for life in the city and small properties as he is a small dog with high energy needs and requires a lot of room to run.

Grooming:

The weatherproof coat isn’t going to require much grooming apart from a brushing twice week. Regular checking of the teeth, checking the eyes, looking inside the ears and checking for lumps will be required. He will also need to have his nails trimmed.

Provide him with nice, warm, dry place to sleep.

Have him neutered or spayed if you aren’t wanting puppies.

Keep his vaccines up to date and get him to a vet if you see his is lethargic, miserable and in pain.

Provide him with top quality food, whether it is commercially manufactured food or homemade food.

Your Russell Terrier will be relying on you for good food. Try to include some home-made food for him which can be simply mixed into the kibble twice a week which is easy to prepare and totally uncomplicated.

You can add everything together in one big pot -chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots. This food can all be chopped up, refrigerated and added warmed up and in small portions to your pets dry kibble once or twice a week.

Simple and tasty, your Russell Terrier will love tasty treats like this. Ensure he always has a bowl of fresh, cool water within his reach.