Norfolk Terrier vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison

Norfolk Terrier vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed ComparisonNorfolk Terrier is originated from United Kingdom but Bulgarian Shepherd is originated from Bulgaria. Norfolk Terrier may grow 49 cm / 19 inches shorter than Bulgarian Shepherd. Norfolk Terrier may weigh 51 kg / 112 pounds lesser than Bulgarian Shepherd. Norfolk Terrier may live 42 years less than Bulgarian Shepherd. Norfolk Terrier may have less litter size than Bulgarian Shepherd. Both Norfolk Terrier and Bulgarian Shepherd requires Moderate maintenance.

History

norfolk terrier - historyIt 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.

bulgarian shepherd - historyThe Bulgarian Shepard Dog comes from the ancient line of Molossers of Central Asia and Tibet, and the shepherds of the Balkans, Turkey and Caucasus. Among the oldest and most valued of the working dogs of Europe, the Bulgarian Shepherd breed was created by mixing the Balkan breeds with the dogs from Central Asia by the proto-Bulgarians around the 7th century. The Karakachanskoto Kuche was introduced to Bulgaria and accepted by the sheep herders. Mixing this breed in with the Balkan and Central Asian mix developed the Bulgarian Shepherd we know today. In the long run the original Karakachanskoto Kuche became extinct, replaced entirely by the Bulgarian Shepherd even in places where the new breed is still called by the Kuche name. Although the breeds are not the same, most of the dog world does not know the difference.

In Bulgaria however the Karakachan is a national treasure and the history of the breed runs deep. One Kuche could run up to 1200 animals and hundreds were used by the herdsmen in the mountains of Bulgaria. There were many regional types of Bulgarian Shepherds with very little difference between those types. These dogs were so prized by the shepherds that the dogs ate first before the people. The dogs however ate a vegetarian diet of milk, wheat, water and oats. The Bulgarian Shepherd lives a long life of often over 20 years. The Bulgarian Army made good use of these dogs early in the 20th century.

Following World War II, the wolves were close to extinction and property in Bulgaria was nationalized. There was no longer a need for a large force of working dogs. The Communist government exterminated large numbers of sheep dogs including the Bulgarian Shepherd. Only those species on government owned farms and in remote regions survived. When the government farms were disbanded in the early 20th century, these dogs were exterminated as well. Only those in the mountains survived. Commercial breeding of the Bulgarian Shepherd in the end of the century has resulted in controversy as other breeds came into the breeding program.

Use of breeds such as Sarplaninacs, Caucasian Ovcharkas, St. Bernards, Central Asian Ovcharkas and Bosnian Tornjaks in these programs resulted in Bulgarian Shepherd or Karakachans that were a lot different from the original breed. There is therefore some concern about the future of the breed in Bulgaria, yet they received official Bulgarian national recognition in 2000. Today’s Bulgarian Shepherd is a guard dog for both property and livestock.

The official standard for the breed came about in 1991 and in 2005 it was recognized by the Bulgarian State Commission for Animal Breeds. Only those dogs that meet this standard are considered “true” Karakachans. The Bulgarian Shepherds are willing to fight bears and wolves in defense of its family and flock. The dog is brave and loyal, dignified and powerful. They are recognized by both the Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA) and the Bulgarian Republican Federation of Cynology (BRFC) a member of the FCI.

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Working dog
Origin:
United Kingdom
Bulgaria
Height Male:
23 - 26 cm
9 - 11 inches
65 - 75 cm
25 - 30 inches
Height Female:
23 - 26 cm
9 - 11 inches
63 - 72 cm
24 - 29 inches
Weight Male:
4 - 6 kg
8 - 14 pounds
45 - 57 kg
99 - 126 pounds
Weight Female:
4 - 6 kg
8 - 14 pounds
40 - 52 kg
88 - 115 pounds
Life Span:
13 - 15 Years
45 - 57 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 5
5 - 10
Size:
Small dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Norfolk
Karakachan Shepherd Dog, Karakachan
Colors Available:
black and grey or grizzle, Wheaten, red
BlackWhiteTricolor
Coat:
Wire-haired coat, straight and dense
Single
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Alert, Courageous, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Protective, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

norfolk terrier puppy - descriptionThe 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.

bulgarian shepherd puppy - descriptionA massive, powerful and muscular Molosser, the Bulgarian Shepherd is strong, agile, powerful and fast. They are intelligent and reliable. They have a long, thick, harsh coat in white with patches of black. Their skull is massive and broad with a furrowed forehead. The muzzle is massive as well while the nose has wide nostrils and is fairly large. It has close fitting, thick lips with strong, scissor bite jaws. The Bulgarian Shepherd’s eyes are deep, oblique and small. They are either hazel or dark. They have an intelligent and confident, yet firm almost grim expression.

Their ears are low set, small and v-shaped. They sit close to the head which sits on a powerful but short neck. They have a broad back, well-muscled body with a deep chest and long, rough tail. Their gait is a trot with a spring in their step. There are two types of coats – longhaired and shorthaired with no undercoats.

Characteristics

norfolk terrier dog - characteristicsFearless 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.

bulgarian shepherd dog - characteristicsThis is a working dog, intelligent and independent guard dog. Reserved around strangers but loyal and devoted with his family. Tolerant of children in their family if they were raised with them. Not only will she defend human family members, she will guard and defend household pets as well. He is quite capable of making her own independent decisions. These are very intense guard dogs that will respond aggressively if they think their people are being attacked.

Health Problems

norfolk terrier puppies - health problemsThe 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.

bulgarian shepherd puppies - health problemsThe breed itself is known to be healthy but they do face some of the usual health issues of the massive, giant breeds. This includes knee and elbow dislocation; hip dysplasia; bloat; entropion and osteosarcoma. All of these conditions require medical intervention, but bloat and osteosarcoma are the deadliest. Bloat needs immediate attention and osteosarcoma is a deadly bone cancer.

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

norfolk terrier dogs - caringThe 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. 

Feeding

bulgarian shepherd dogs - caringThese are large dogs with large appetites, but you want to keep them lean and active. Feed them at least twice a day with a high quality large or giant dog dry food. Four to five cups of food per day is the maximum.

Health issues

Patellar Luxation – a floating kneecap or dislocated knee. Will cause lameness.

Bloat - distended or twisted stomach. Can cause death.

Osteosarcoma – bone cancer must be treated immediately as it is potentially fatal.

Entropion – eye issues when the eyelid turns inward and damages the eye.

Hip Dysplasia – May cause lameness and arthritis.

Exercise and games

The Bulgarian Shepherd needs a good amount of exercise every day. Remember this is a working breed and they need a job. Long walks every day are essential for his well-being.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Rat Terrier vs Norfolk Terrier - Breed Comparison
  2. Scottish Terrier vs Norfolk Terrier - Breed Comparison
  3. Patterdale Terrier vs Norfolk Terrier - Breed Comparison
  4. Norwich Terrier vs Norfolk Terrier - Breed Comparison
  5. Norfolk Terrier vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Norfolk Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  7. Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  8. Norfolk Terrier vs Miniature Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  9. Norfolk Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  10. Norfolk Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  11. Norfolk Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  12. Norfolk Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  13. Norfolk Terrier vs Bull Terrier Miniature - Breed Comparison
  14. Norfolk Terrier vs English White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  15. Norfolk Terrier vs Feist - Breed Comparison
  16. Norfolk Terrier vs Manchester Terrier - Breed Comparison
  17. Norfolk Terrier vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier - Breed Comparison
  18. Norfolk Terrier vs Miniature Fox Terrier - Breed Comparison
  19. Norfolk Terrier vs Cesky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  20. Norfolk Terrier vs Glen of Imaal Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Norfolk Terrier vs Chilean Fox Terrier - Breed Comparison
  22. Norfolk Terrier vs Black and Tan Terrier - Breed Comparison
  23. Norfolk Terrier vs Cairland Terrier - Breed Comparison
  24. Norfolk Terrier vs Fell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  25. Norfolk Terrier vs Lucas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Samoyed vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  27. Great Pyrenees vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Presa Canario vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  29. Labrador Husky vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  30. Argentine Dogo vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  31. Giant Schnauzer vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  32. Goldador vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  33. Dogo Cubano vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  34. Dogo Sardesco vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  35. Central Asian Shepherd vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  36. Mackenzie River Husky vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  37. German Longhaired Pointer vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  38. Pyredoodle vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  39. Entlebucher Mountain Dog vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  40. Lurcher vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  41. Maremma Sheepdog vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  42. Sarplaninac vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  43. Himalayan Mastiff vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  44. Mountain View Cur vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  45. Central Anatolian Shepherd vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  46. Native American Indian Dog vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  47. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  48. Greenland Dog vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  49. Komondor vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  50. Bulgarian Shepherd vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds