Rat Terrier vs Antebellum Bulldog - Breed Comparison

Rat Terrier vs Antebellum Bulldog - Breed ComparisonBoth Rat Terrier and Antebellum Bulldog are originated from United States. Rat Terrier may grow 30 cm / 11 inches shorter than Antebellum Bulldog. Rat Terrier may weigh 64 kg / 141 pounds lesser than Antebellum Bulldog. Rat Terrier may live 3 years more than Antebellum Bulldog. Both Rat Terrier and Antebellum Bulldog has almost same litter size. Both Rat Terrier and Antebellum Bulldog requires Low maintenance.

History

rat terrier - historyKnown also as the American Rat Terrier or even as the Rattie, this American dog breed is a farm dog, common on family farms during the 1920's and 1930's.

Miniatures or Standards, these dogs are also recognized by the American Kennel Clubs and thought of today as a multi-purpose companion dog.

He is an American dog breed, having come about from Fox Terriers, Old English White Terriers, Bull Terriers, Manchester Terriers and others. Whippets and Italian Greyhounds have also come into the mix to add speed as a characteristic.

The Rat Terrier started to decline in numbers, and by the 1950's the numbers of the dog were so low that breeders stepped in to restore numbers.

antebellum bulldog - historyThe 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.

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Working dog
Origin:
United States
United States
Height Male:
20 - 36 cm
7 - 15 inches
46 - 66 cm
18 - 26 inches
Height Female:
20 - 36 cm
7 - 15 inches
46 - 66 cm
18 - 26 inches
Weight Male:
3 - 4 kg
6 - 9 pounds
36 - 68 kg
79 - 150 pounds
Weight Female:
3 - 4 kg
6 - 9 pounds
32 - 50 kg
70 - 111 pounds
Life Span:
15 - 18 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 7
4 - 8
Size:
Small dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Rattie, American Rat Terrier
Altamaha Plantation Dog, Altamaha Plantation Bulldog
Colors Available:
Mix of colors - mostly tri-colored - white, tan, black
White, sable brown, brindle and beige
Coat:
Single coat, short and smooth
Short and soft
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Aggressive, Courageous, Energetic, Friendly, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

rat terrier puppy - descriptionThere are different sized Rat Terriers, but the mid-sized one stands roughly between 20 and 36cm in height and weighs between 3 and 4kg.

The single coat is short and smooth and comes in colors such as tan, grey, chocolate, black and in solid colors too such as white. They are mostly in tri-colors - white, tan, black. Ticking is also seen.

With his short coat he is seen as a low maintenance dog even though he is still a shedder, with heavier seasonal shedding.

The ears can sometimes be erect, otherwise they are half-erect, half floppy. The tail has always been traditionally docked, giving him a nice, distinctive look, but today the tail is often just left un-docked. It isn't unusual for a puppy to be born with a short or long tail.

Temperament:

Intelligent, wary, loyal, loving, playful but stubborn, your Rat Terrier is a little bit wary around strangers. Training and socialization can be good for this dog and help him t be obedient and well mannered in all situations. These dogs also want to please. He is an active dog too and makes a great playmate for children, getting on well with kids and other pets in the home.

antebellum bulldog puppy - descriptionThe 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.

Characteristics

rat terrier dog - characteristicsThe Rat Terrier is such a clever, bright dog. These characteristics make him an excellent watchdog with strong jaws for his role of getting rid of rats on farms.

Even though he is a small dog, he isn’t particularly suited to life in the city on a small property as he has quite a shrill bark.

Because of him being small to medium in size, he is well suited to many homes, but you just have to watch out in the city if you live close to your neighbors as he is fairly noisy and active.

He would love a large property where he can just be himself. Provide him with the right home, and you’l have a friend for life.

Children friendliness

antebellum bulldog dog - characteristicsAlthough 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.

Health Problems

rat terrier puppies - health problemsRat Terriers are generally feisty, healthy dogs who, with good care, can live to the ripe old age of 16, 17 or 18 years of age.

Just like with many other dogs, he can develop some of the more common dog illnesses there are. If you're opting for a puppy, find a good, reputable breeder.

Allergies:

It can be tricky trying to decide what kind of allergies are causing such problems with your pet. A skin allergy can cause a lot of itchiness and pain for your canine friend and he will bite and lick on the affected spots and make the situation worse. You will need to get him to the vet for some kind of treatment, as such an ailment can drive him mad.

Patellar Luxation:

This is a common problem in dogs, with the kneecap or patella being dislocated. It can cause a lot of pain and can be crippling for your dog.

antebellum bulldog puppies - health problemsThe 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.

Caring The Pet

Diet:

rat terrier dogs - caringYour Rat Terrier can easily reach 16, 17 or 18 years of age with good food. While you do get some excellent commercially manufactured dog foods, you want to add variety by including some nutritious home-made food too.

Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots are a healthy choice for your pet. Chop it up and add it into the dry kibble a couple of times a week.No complications - just plain and simple - the way dogs love it.

Some raw meat added in from time to time will help his skin and coat remain healthy. Never leave him without a constant source of fresh, cool water.

Exercise:

The Rat Terrier is an active dog. He just loves to dig too, so if you live close to a beach, he will love running and digging in the sand. If this isn’t possible, he will be happy to be taken on walks with you and maybe for a run in the park.

He loves all ball games and running after a frisbee, and he’s so clever, maybe you can even teach him to fetch the frisbee for you.

Grooming:

The Rat Terrier is a low-maintenance dog and only requires having his coat brushed twice a week.

Check inside his mouth for bad teeth. You can even brush his teeth with special canine toothpaste and brush to remove tartar buildup.

Keep his nails trimmed too if he doesn’t wear them down naturally so as to prevent them hooking on things and ripping into the flesh.

Check inside your dog’s ears too. If you’re not experienced with trimming dog nails or cleaning inside dog’s ears, your vet or professional groomer will do it for you.

During these grooming sessions with your Rat Terrier, check for fleas and ticks as well as for any sores or new lumps. Also, his eyes should be clear and bright with no discharge or redness.

Feeding the puppy

antebellum bulldog dogs - caringFeeding 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.

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