Sarplaninac vs Bantam Bulldog - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

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.

Hailing from Macedonia, the beautiful Sarplaninac dog was developed as a guardian of livestock and is large enough to fight off large predators like bears and wolves.

Nobody is too sure of the breeds exact origins, though it is thought that its ancestors came to the Balkan Peninsula with people migrating from ancient Asia.

This huge dog is one of the oldest native breeds from ancient Molosser breeds. The dog was recognized in 1939, and in 1954 it became known as the Yugoslav Shepherd Dog. Later the name changed and the dog was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1995.

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 Sarplaninac is a large, strong, fluffy dog standing at between 54 and 62cm in height and weighing between 30 and 45kg.

The coat of the dog is dense, coarse and of medium length. Colors are different shades of grey, white, tan and black. The head is large, the ears are fairly short but are floppy and covered with short hair. The dog is deep chested and the tail is long, often held high and covered with thick, feathery hair.

Temperament:

Protective, reliable, reserved, stubborn and gentle, this intelligent dog is fairly serious, and while he makes a devoted family pet, he is cool and wary of strangers.

Excellent training and socialization makes him well mannered, balanced and obedient around different people. He will tolerate children but won’t take easily to other pets in the house, capable of becoming aggressive with them.

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.

These dogs are protective, but they’re not vicious. When properly raised they are wonderful family pets.

True, it’s a large, strong willed dog that isn’t a good choice for the first-time dog owner. They are good with children, but only children who have been taught how to treat animals with care and patience.

This dog is a powerful guardian type of dog, imposing in size, but it’s all about upbringing, and if you bring him up well then he can make a tremendous pet and companion.

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 Sarplaninac dog is a robust dog but he can suffer from health issues such as hip dysplasia, obesity, bloat, ear infections and skin allergies.

Obesity:

When your dog gazes up at you with such love in his eyes, don’t be tempted to pop some chocolate into his mouth or let him finish off your ice-cream. Treats like this can damage your pet’s health and give him heat intolerance, breathing difficulties, hypertension, liver disease and diabetes.

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.

Every dog needs care from puppyhood through to old age.

Šarplaninacs are looked upon as medium maintenance dogs. The coat is long and thick and requires a firm bristle brush to get their hair brushed.These dogs are moderate shedders so a brush twice a week will do the trick to keep the hair free of loose hair and matting.

Because these dogs have floppy ears, they will need to be checked and cleaned. Floppy eared dogs battle with moisture and wax build-up that increases the likelihood of ear infections.

Check the eyes that they are clear and free of discharge. Eyes with a lot of discharge can be indicative of health problems.

Check for any unusual lumps as cancer often starts with a new lump.

Provide your pet with a nice warm, dry place to sleep.

Keep his vaccines up to date to prevent deadly canine diseases.

Have him or her spayed or neutered if you don’t want puppies. These are regular procedures for a vet and offers health benefits for the dog. Neutering a male improves his character and keeps him from roaming. These dogs are capable of having 3 – 8 puppies.

The Sarplaninac requires decent food if he is to remain healthy. Dog’s stomachs can become upset if they eat all kinds of sweet and spicy human foods.

Commercially manufactured dog food is a good backup food to have because of its convenience. Try to include some home-made food. Simply add into one big pot chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots. This food can all be chopped up and added in to the dry kibble twice a week. Give this to your pet twice a week and see how his tails wags when he smells it.

Also try to add in some raw meat to his food occasionally.

Ensure there is always a bowl of fresh, cool water within his reach.