Norfolk Terrier vs Antebellum Bulldog - Breed Comparison

The history of the Antebellum Bulldog dates back the 1600s where it was used as a lasting solution to drive away hogs in rice plantation farms in Altamaha River in Georgia. After the plantation system became dominant in most parts of the United States, a majority of the farmers had to think of a more creative way of driving away wild feral pigs and cattle. Having caused multiple deaths to humans due to their massive bodies and extremely sharp horns, farm owners had no option but to employ bulldogs as the only means of security.

Although these dogs served their purpose of protecting their masters while still being family companions, their age of extinction came during the Civil War where the economy at the Altamaha region was permanently altered. After the fall of plantation farming and abolition of slavery, the Antebellum Bulldog became a forgotten breed something which led to its extinction. However, as years passed by, this rare breed was eventually reintroduced by the Maxwell family under strict guidelines by the Animal Research Foundation.

It was in the 1880s that a working terrier was developed in eastern England. The Norfolk Terrier was developed by crossing local terrier-like dogs with the Irish Terrier breed as well as small red terriers.

Known first as the Cantab Terrier and then later as the Trumpington Terrier, the name changed further but in 1932, the Norwich was accepted into the English Kennel Club and the first written standard was created.

The Norfolk Terrier was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1979. It has gained recognition as an independent breed but is a variety of the Norwich Terrier, distinguished from it by having floppy ears and not erect ears. Both the Norfolk- and Norwich are the smallest of the working terriers.

The Antebellum Bulldog is a recently introduced breed that was developed with an aim of recreating the historic working bulldog or Southern breed. First introduced in the United States, this bulldog was initially bred to be used as a working dog in rice plantations in Altamaha River Valley, a region in South East Georgia.

By nature, the Antebellum Bulldog is an extremely loving, loyal, affectionate, and very intelligent pet. Due to that reason, this breed is a perfect choice for a family dog. If we can get back to history, it’s evident that this dog breed was used in plantation farms to secure the rice from damages caused by cattle and wild hogs. Relating these tasks to the dog’s overall personality, you will find that indeed the Antebellum Bulldog is one such breed that can be trusted as a watchdog in today’s homes.

Appearance

The Antebellum Bulldog is very similar to the American Bulldog only that it’s a little bit larger and bulkier with a proportionally bigger head. These breeds usually range from bigger to biggest with males weighing around 36 to 68 Kg (80—150 pounds) and females 32 to 50 Kg (70—110 pounds). Similar to the American Bulldog, the Antebellum Bulldog has a rough coat, long legs, an athletic body and short tail/ears that don’t require any cropping.

Temperament

Despite of their intimidating appearance, the Antebellum Bulldog is an extremely loving, passionate, and loyal pet that will suit perfectly as a family dog. These dogs will lie down to their masters and will need nothing more than constant company. According to professional breeders, the Antebellum Bulldog is most likely to form a close attachment to one member of the family although they still do enjoy hanging out with the rest of the family members.

As it is the case with most American Bulldogs, the Antebellum Bulldog has a very strong protective instinct that makes it react violently when strangers step into its territories. Something else you need to know about this Bulldog breed is that it does get along well with kids to a point of being overprotective. Since puppies are usually over playful, adults are highly advised to watch out as they can accidentally bowl or knock over your toddler.

Grooming needs

The Antebellum Bulldog doesn’t have to be professionally groomed as is the case with most dog breeds. Apart from a weekly brushing of the coat, the other grooming needs you’re supposed to observe include; regular brushing of the teeth and trimming of nails from an early stage.

The Norfolk Terrier is a small purebred dog, standing at 23 to 25cm in height and weighing roughly between 4.5kg and 6kg. The dog has a wire-haired coat which can be in different colors such as wheaten, red, black and grey or grizzle.

The hair on his head and ears is shorter and smoother and he has longer whiskers and eyebrows. The chest is deep, the front legs are short and straight and the tail has always been docked to half its length but left long these days. The tail is set high and carried erect.

Temperament:

Norfolks are feisty, fearless dogs with an independent streak. They’re gentle though, and when it comes to being a companion dog, they get on well with children and other pets. They thrive on their human family’s companionship and wouldn’t do well at all if they were constantly left outside.

They’re not yappy dogs but will bark occasionally so he can sound the alarm if strangers approach.

This little dog is able to live in the city or the countryside, but just because he is little, you can’t neglect his exercise needs. He will most certainly need to be exercised every day and taken for walks as he is an energetic, lively dog. He is intelligent too and easy to train and socialize, turning him into such an obedient, pleasurable pet.

Children friendliness

Although the Antebellum Bulldog is quite intimidating, this dog can make a great pet thanks to its loving, patient, and extremely tolerant characteristics. This dog enjoys playing with young children as well as other members of the family although proper care should be observed to avoid injuring young toddlers due to their muscular bodies.

Special talents

The Antebellum Bulldog is a protective dog breed with very strong guarding instincts. New visitors will have to be very careful as these dog breeds are quite wary of strangers and will not treat them politely. However, if you become familiar with them, they are likely to know you and later accept you as part of a large family.

Adaptability

Speaking of adaptability, the Antebellum Bulldog is more of a working dog than a household pet. Although some people will prefer to keep them indoors, always ensure that your homestead has a backyard where they can exercise. Otherwise, these dog breed will prefer to be kept in rural areas where there are vast tracks of land for them to play on.

Learning ability

Finally, the Antebellum Bulldog is an intelligent dog with a very sharp memory. However, due to their extremely playful nature, they can become very stubborn and messy. Therefore, owners are advised to train them early enough before they are fully grown.

Fearless and brave, the Norfolk Terrier promises to be a wonderful companion.

They're social, loving dogs and want to be part of the household. He is lively and active too and wants to be included in your walks and your games. He loves nothing more than to be running across a field after a ball.

They’re such amicable pets that they make great dogs for first-time dog owners. Let him into your heart and your home – he makes such a splendid pet – that once you’ve had one, you’ll realize you can never be without such a wonderful pet and companion again.

The Antebellum Bulldog has a life expectancy of 12—15 years. Recognized as an emerging breed, this dog doesn’t have many health problems as compared to most other dog breeds. Although these dogs are muscular and very athletic, these breeds suffer from various health conditions which are caused by the nature of their coat. Among the common health problems of the Antebellum Bulldog include

Blindness

One major health problem that affects blue-eyed dog breeds (such as this one) is possible blindness. This condition is usually caused by diabetes, hypertension or Cushing’s syndrome. To treat this condition, you need to take your dog for regular veterinary checkups to know the root cause of the problem.

Hip dysplasia

Another health problem that is very familiar with most Antebellum Bulldogs is hip dysplasia. Since these dog breeds are usually muscular and very huge, this condition is most likely to affect them, especially at an early stage. Dog owners should, therefore, be very familiar with this condition and should take their pets for regular veterinary tests to avoid it.

The life expectancy of your Norfolk Terrier is 8 to 14 years, but there are some who have received excellent care and who have reached 17 years of age.

Just as with any other dog, they are prone to common dog illnesses, and these can include dental issues and mitral valve disease. They also are prone to hip dysplasia, and according to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) they are known for problematic hips.

Feeding the puppy

Feeding an Antebellum Bulldog is much similar to feeding other dogs. Owners are highly advised to stick to high-quality hypoallergenic diets that are rich in vitamins and nutrients. Now, since Antebellum Bulldog puppies are usually playful, feeding them with high nutrient food thrice a day will really help. Always avoid feeding your puppies with processed foods or foods with artificial sugars as they can expose the puppies to severe health problems.

Feeding the adult

When feeding senior Antebellum Bulldog, there are some small changes you’ll need to make. First, these dogs will require high-quality foods that are easy to digest. Wet foods are perfect for Antebellum Bulldogs as they will help to keep them hydrated. Buy dog foods low in calories and rich in essential vitamins and nutrients to match your dog’s energy.

Points for good health

Antebellum Bulldog can add extra weight if proper care is not observed when feeding them. Due to this reason, these dogs should be fed depending on their level of activity to avoid cases of obesity.

Games and exercises

Since their ancestors were used to guard rice plantations in Altamaha, Antebellum Bulldogs are very energetic and highly suited in rural settings over indoor lifestyle. However, if you decide to keep these dogs as pets in your households, it’s advisable that you provide them with some playing space in the backyard.

When it comes to training the Antebellum Bulldog, owners are advised to train them to be obedient at an early stage as they can get really stubborn in the future. These dogs are very intelligent and they never forget what they learn once they’ve mastered it.

Grooming:

The Norfolk Terrier’s hard, wiry, straight coat requires being hand stripped about twice a year by hand or with a stripping knife. The paws will also need to be trimmed.

It is recommended to keep the hair short around the anus for hygienic purposes and the tail itself will need to be stripped.

The Norfolk doesn’t shed his coat naturally, and the hair keeps growing, making the dog uncomfortable and ungroomed looking. The dog will certainly need to have his hair kept away from around the eyes.

If you don’t want to strip your dog, there are people who take their dogs to professional groomers, but then this professional grooming makes it that the texture of the dog’s coat changes from wiry to soft.

Small dogs are prone to dental problems, so check your dog’s teeth regularly. A bad tooth can play havoc with your dogs general health.

Diet:

As with any other dog, the Norfolk Terrier will do well on high-quality kibble, specially formulated for small dog breeds. For a tasty treat, boil some chicken and vegetables such as sweet potato, carrots and spinach in a pot, chop them up and add to his kibble with some brown rice and pasta. A tiny bit of raw meat added in occasionally is all this little dog needs to stay healthy and content.

Don’t ‘treat’ him by giving him chocolates, chips and peanuts. You will upset his stomach. Dogs do best on simply, healthy, tasty diets such as mentioned above. Make sure he has a constant supply of fresh, cool water.