Gully Terrier vs Japanese Terrier - Breed Comparison

The Japanese Terrier is native to Japan and is a rare pure bred dog. It is believed that the dog comes from Smooth Fox Terriers who arrived way back in the 17th century.

Certainly he looks very much like a regular Fox Terrier. It is thought that these smooth Fox Terriers were then interbred with local, Japanese dogs and used to hunt rats. Gradually he became a lap dog and companion.

Planned breeding of the dog began in 1920, and it was in 1930 that the dog was admitted to the Japanese Kennel Club with a breeding program being started.

Today you will find the Japanese Terrier in his home country and small numbers elsewhere. He was admitted to the United Kennel Club in 2006.

The Gully Terrier originated in India as a street dog, a mix of indigenous Indian Pariah Dogs and bully breeds like Pit Bulls and American Bulldogs.

Developed primarily for protection and hunting, they were used as guard dogs in urban and semi-urban areas. The name "Gully" refers to the narrow alleys and streets where these dogs were often found, while "Bully" highlights their muscular, strong build inherited from bully breeds.

Known for their loyalty, alertness, and protective instincts, Gully Terriers became valued companions for families in need of a strong, resilient dog that could thrive in tough environments.

The Japanese Terrier is a small sized dog who stands at 20 – 33cm at the shoulders and weighs in at about 2 to 5kg.

He is a short, smooth haired dog with a tight skin and in colors of white and black. Sometimes you may find a little bit of tan color on the face too as well as 'freckles' around the neck area and legs. The black shading of the coat is essentially found around the head of the dog and also his ears.

His ears are set high on the head and are semi-erect, semi-floppy. The tail has always been traditionally docked, giving the dog a nice compact look but these days it is unfortunately often left long and then its a medium length tail which is thinly covered in short hair. The nose is black and the eye are brown, bright and alert.

Temperament:

Gentle, cheerful, intelligent, loving and loyal are some of the characteristics of the Japanese Terrier. People who have kept him as a pet will vouch for him being a wonderful companion.

He is an active dog, but he still loves to be petted and won’t do well if left alone and not part of his human family. Being a clever dog, he is easy to train, learning easily and quickly. He is quite amusing at times and you can even teach him some tricks.

He gets on well with other pets in the home as well as with children. He is alert and will make a good watchdog, alerting you to an intruder.

Because of the Japanese Terrier’s small size and sensitive nature, this breed needs a calm owner and a quiet household. It is not recommended for boisterous households.

The Gully Terrier is a medium-sized, muscular dog known for its agility, loyalty, and protective nature. With a short, dense coat that comes in various colors, including black, brown, tan, and white, this breed has a distinctive appearance, often with a strong, powerful build.

The Gully Terrier is highly energetic and requires regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. Its intelligent, alert, and sometimes independent nature makes it a great guard dog and companion, although consistent training is necessary to manage its strong-willed personality.

This breed is well-suited for active families or individuals looking for a devoted and protective dog with a loving but protective demeanor.

As a pet of yours, the Japanese Terrier is an animated, contented little dog. He loves playing games and gets on well with children who aren't rough and disrespectful of him.

He is smart and gentle and loves nothing more than to sit on your lap in the evenings and be your reading- or watching-TV companion. Give him the right amount of attention as any other family member receives and he is guaranteed to make you an excellent, low maintenance pet.

The Gully Terrier is a loyal, energetic, and intelligent breed with a strong, muscular build. Known for their protective nature, they make excellent guard dogs, staying alert and watchful of their surroundings.

While they are friendly and devoted to their family, they can also be independent and sometimes stubborn, requiring consistent training. Their short, dense coat is easy to groom, needing only regular brushing and ear cleaning.

Gully Terriers are active dogs that thrive on daily exercise and mental stimulation, making them great companions for those with an active lifestyle.

The Japanese Terrier has no particular health issues and has a lifespan of 12 – 15 years if looked after well.

There are always one or two illnesses to watch out for such as eye- and ear infections. Some dogs also develop conditions such as Patella Luxation. This happens when your dog's kneecap is dislocated. It can only be returned to its normal position when certain muscles in the back legs are relaxed and lengthened.

With this condition, your dog holds up one of his hind legs. This condition is more prevalent in small dog breeds.

Hip Dysplasia:

Like many medium to large-sized dogs, Gully Terriers can be prone to hip dysplasia, a condition where the hip joint doesn't develop properly, leading to arthritis and discomfort.

Ear Infections:

Due to their floppy or semi-erect ears, Gully Terriers can be more susceptible to ear infections. Regular ear cleaning and checking can help prevent this.

Skin Issues:

Their short coat can sometimes be prone to skin irritations, especially if they are exposed to harsh weather or poor hygiene. Allergies or parasite infestations (like fleas) can cause skin problems.

Obesity:

Gully Terriers are highly energetic, but they can be prone to obesity if they don't get enough exercise or are overfed. A balanced diet and regular activity are essential.

Eye Problems:

Some dogs in this breed may experience congenital eye issues like cataracts or progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), which can affect vision.

Health Tips:

Regular vet check-ups to monitor joints, ears, and skin Consistent exercise to maintain a healthy weight Proper grooming to reduce risk of skin issues and ear infections

The Japanese Terrier is an active dog and will require exercise every day. He’ll love to join you on your walks or have ball games in your garden. He can adapt to life in the city or in the country but will always need to have good exercise.

Grooming:

The Japanese Terrier is a medium shedder and you want to be sure then to brush him twice a week to get rid of all those loose hairs.

Diet:

The Japanese Terriers will require the best commercially manufactured dog food, and instead of one large meal a day, rather feed him 2 smaller meals. You can mix some tasty home-made food into his dry kibble from time to time. Excellent home-made food would be something like cooked chicken, brown rice or pasta and some vegetables.

If you can, try to also include some raw meat occasionally. If you’re in any doubt as to how to feed your Japanese Terrier so that he remains healthy, speak to your veterinarian.

Your dog should never ever be without a continuous supply of fresh, cool drinking water.

Caring for a Gully Terrier is straightforward but requires attention to their exercise, grooming, and training needs:

Exercise:

Gully Terriers are energetic and need daily exercise. Regular walks, runs, or play sessions will keep them happy and healthy.

Mental Stimulation:

They are smart and need activities that challenge their minds, like puzzle toys or training sessions.

Grooming:

Their short coat requires minimal care. Brush them once or twice a week and clean their ears regularly to prevent infections. Trim nails as needed.

Training:

Gully Terriers can be a bit independent, so start training early with positive reinforcement. Socialize them with people and other animals to avoid territorial behavior.

Diet and Health:

Feed them a balanced diet and control their portions to avoid weight gain. Regular vet check-ups will help keep them healthy.

With the right care, the Gully Terrier will be a happy, loyal companion!