English White Terrier vs Dorkie - Breed Comparison

English White Terrier is originated from United Kingdom but Dorkie is originated from United States. English White Terrier may grow 23 cm / 10 inches higher than Dorkie. Both English White Terrier and Dorkie are having almost same weight. English White Terrier may live 5 years less than Dorkie. English White Terrier may have more litter size than Dorkie. English White Terrier requires Moderate maintenance. But Dorkie requires Low maintenance

History

The English White Terrier was developed in the 1860’s by a group of breeders from the Sealyham terriers, the Jack Russell terrier, and the Fox Terrier. These breeders were looking for a white terrier that could be more successful in the show ring than the current prick-eared English terrier. They named their new breed, the English White Terrier or the Old English terrier. In later years in the United States, the English White Terrier was mixed again with the Rat Terrier and the Old English Bulldog to create both the Boston terrier and the Bull terrier.

Although the breed did not last long it did have a prestigious ancestry that could be traced back centuries in England among ancient terriers. The word terrier was in use in England in 1440, showing that the dogs were well known at that time. Most historians agree that the dogs were even older than the 1400’s. It is believed that terriers who “went to ground” after prey, existed as far back as the time of Christ in England.

Most of these ancestors of the English White Terrier were not white. White terriers came onto the scene around the 1700’s.The first picture of white terriers appeared in 1790 when Sawre Gilpin, a British artist, painted “A Huntsman with Hounds Foxhunting” and the terriers in the painting were white with brown marks. Others began to show the same kind of terriers in their artwork – white coated. Before this it is believed that breeders killed the white terriers at birth because they were often deaf and inferior to the other terriers. In the early part of the 19th century, the white terrier began to be completely white with no markings. The Kennel Club recognized them in 1874 as the White English Terrier.

The breed faced many genetic issues, deafness and the Kennel Clubs felt there was no difference between the current White English terrier and the English White terrier despite the difference in their ears. The new English White Terrier had dropped ears instead of Prick-ears. They considered them to be the same breed and not even different types. They were the smallest of all terriers and considered to be a good pet but not a show dog or a working dog. Because of this it was not very popular, and it actually had been bred to be a show dog and not a working dog. The English White Terrier was not recognized by any Kennel Club and within 30 years it was extinct.

dorkie - historyDorkie Terriers originate from the United States of America. The small Dorkie, a cross between the Dachshund and the Yorkshire Terrier has a short history, unlike the two dog breeds that were bred to bring him about.

These dog breeds were both used for hunting small animals but the Dorkie today is essentially a companion dog. The International Designer Canine Association started recording registration of the Dorkie from 2009.

Description

The English White Terrier had a pure white coat with no markings of any kind. His coat was short, hard, and glossy and his body was firm, muscular and hard. The breed was small – almost a toy. They had a body like the Manchester Terrier. They had long legs and large feet. The tail was medium size and straight out from the body.

The English White Terrier had a very refined head with a fairly long muzzle. Their bite was even, and their eyes were brown, amber or black. Their ears dropped – unlike the pricked ears of the White English Terrier.

dorkie puppy - descriptionThe Dorkie is a small hybrid breed standing at 13 – 23cm in height and weighing 2 – 6kg. The Dorkie mostly comes with long, straight hair but there are however Dorkies who have the short hair of the Dachshund.

The Dorkie is hypoallergenic, making them the ideal pet for allergy sufferers. They have floppy ears, a long body and short legs. The tail is long and furry. Most times they come in the Yorkshire Terrier colors of black and tan, but this can also vary.

Temperament:

The Dorkie is a loving, loyal, happy little dog who makes an excellent family dog. Although he isn’t looked upon as your typical lap dog, it is what he is really, as he loves nothing more than to be curling up on your lap or as close to you as he can get.

He loves spending time with his human family and is a social, extrovert kind of dog. Because he is also alert, he will do a good job of alerting his family to danger. He is good with children, but because of his smallness, rough children will need to be careful in rough and tumble games as he could get injured.

Even with a small dog like this, he will need training and socialization otherwise he can become a yapper, which comes from the Dachshund side. Training makes him obedient and relaxed around visitors in the home, and because he is an intelligent breed, he is easy to train and is a great dog for first time dog owners.

Characteristics

The English White Terrier was affectionate and devoted to his family. It was the softest tempered of all terriers and made an excellent pet. Some of the English White Terriers were animal aggressive while others were not. Training was difficult because of the wide-spread deafness in the breed. IT loved to be cuddled and held. They were also tenacious and game for any type of fight or hunt despite their size and deficiencies.

dorkie dog - characteristicsDorkies are easy going little dogs and adapt easily to life in the city or in the country.

Ideally they are inside dogs, feeling happy and content around their human family. They love adults and children and will get on well with other pets in the home too.

They are quite active little dogs and will thrive on games inside the home or outside in the garden. He may be small, but you can put him on a leash and take him for walks.

They make excellent pets and are only too happy to become a devoted and loyal family member of yours.

Health Problems

The breed was considered to be unhealthy for the most part and became extinct because of this. Many complained that the breed was inbred and had a weak constitution because of it. Deafness was prevalent throughout the breed. This deafness occurs in many white animals, but the English White Terrier had the highest rates among all white dogs.

dorkie puppies - health problemsThe Dorkie, being a cross-breed, is a healthy dog and with good care can live t be 10 – 13 years of age. Nonetheless he is still prone to genetic problems and he can inherit traits from both parents.

Diet and Obesity:

A healthy diet will be needed to maintain the Dorkie’s health. You don’t want to overfeed your Dorkie, more so because he is a small dog.

The way you feed a dog can have a massive impact on his health and longevity. Just remember that a dog that is obese will battle to exercise, but also obesity can result in serious health problems, putting strain on the bones and joints too.

You don’t want to feed your dog day after day with kibble, and adding in some cooked rice, vegetables and chicken can just give him a more varied diet. Raw meat can also be included from time to time. Always ensure that there is fresh, cool water available to him.

Skin Allergies:

The most common symptoms of an allergy is skin irritation – your pet will be constantly scratching and licking. Some skin conditions with your Dorkie can be cleared up quickly while some might be so severe as to require lifelong treatment.

Caring The Pet

Feeding

It was best to feed the English White Terrier 1-2 cups of dry meal per day served in 2 meals.

Health issues

As mention previously, the English White Terrier was congenitally deaf and had a weak constitution.

Exercise and games

This little dog with all its problems was still a very energetic dog and needed considerable exercise. Owners had to develop exercises and games to keep the English White Terrier occupied as with any terrier. If they didn’t have a job or something to occupy their minds and bodies, they were destructive.

Diet:

dorkie dogs - caringWhat you feed your pet can play an important role in managing health and skin conditions. Speak to your vet about special quality dog foods that can help reduce skin conditions and other nasty reactions to common, unhealthy food ingredients.

Grooming:

Dorkies are very low maintenance dogs, and they will require a brushing every 2 weeks. Those with longer coats may require some professional grooming. Check their teeth regularly and brush them 2 or 3 times a week. The occasional nail clipping may also be required.

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Toy dog
Origin:
United Kingdom
United States
Height Male:
44 - 46 cm
17 - 19 inches
13 - 23 cm
5 - 10 inches
Height Female:
42 - 44 cm
16 - 18 inches
13 - 23 cm
5 - 10 inches
Weight Male:
6 - 9 kg
13 - 20 pounds
2 - 6 kg
4 - 14 pounds
Weight Female:
5 - 8 kg
11 - 18 pounds
2 - 6 kg
4 - 14 pounds
Life Span:
5 - 8 Years
10 - 13 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 9
2 - 5
Size:
Small dog
Small dog
Other Names:
Old White English Terrier, White English Terrier Old English Terrier British White Terrier. Old White Terrier
Dorkie Terrier
Colors Available:
brown, white with brindle, black or other markings
Black and tan
Coat:
Close, hard, short, and glossy
Short to long hair
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Docile, Friendly, Gentle, Lively, Loving
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
Yes
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Jack Russell Terrier vs English White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  2. Miniature Schnauzer vs English White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  3. Rat Terrier vs English White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  4. Scottish Terrier vs English White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  5. Patterdale Terrier vs English White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Norwich Terrier vs English White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  7. Norfolk Terrier vs English White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  8. English White Terrier vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. English White Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  10. English White Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  11. English White Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  12. English White Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  13. English White Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  14. English White Terrier vs Bull Terrier Miniature - Breed Comparison
  15. English White Terrier vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier - Breed Comparison
  16. English White Terrier vs Cesky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  17. English White Terrier vs Chilean Fox Terrier - Breed Comparison
  18. English White Terrier vs Black and Tan Terrier - Breed Comparison
  19. English White Terrier vs Cairland Terrier - Breed Comparison
  20. Parson Russell Terrier vs English White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Russell Terrier vs English White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  22. Feist vs English White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  23. Manchester Terrier vs English White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  24. Miniature Fox Terrier vs English White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  25. Glen of Imaal Terrier vs English White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Pomeranian vs Dorkie - Breed Comparison
  27. Maltese vs Dorkie - Breed Comparison
  28. Pug vs Dorkie - Breed Comparison
  29. Maltipoo vs Dorkie - Breed Comparison
  30. Papillon vs Dorkie - Breed Comparison
  31. Japanese Chin vs Dorkie - Breed Comparison
  32. Miniature English Bulldog vs Dorkie - Breed Comparison
  33. Italian Greyhound vs Dorkie - Breed Comparison
  34. Jug vs Dorkie - Breed Comparison
  35. Miniature Pinscher vs Dorkie - Breed Comparison
  36. Dorkie vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  37. Dorkie vs Cockapoo - Breed Comparison
  38. Dorkie vs Cavapoo - Breed Comparison
  39. Dorkie vs Cavachon - Breed Comparison
  40. Dorkie vs Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  41. Dorkie vs Australian Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  42. Dorkie vs Dorgi - Breed Comparison
  43. Dorkie vs Belgian Griffon - Breed Comparison
  44. Dorkie vs Carlin Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  45. Dorkie vs Bospin - Breed Comparison
  46. Dorkie vs Bantam Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  47. Dorkie vs Damchi - Breed Comparison
  48. Dorkie vs Cyprus Poodle - Breed Comparison
  49. German Spitz (Klein) vs Dorkie - Breed Comparison
  50. Doxiepoo vs Dorkie - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds