White Shepherd vs Norfolk Terrier - Breed Comparison

White Shepherd vs Norfolk Terrier - Breed ComparisonWhite Shepherd is originated from United States but Norfolk Terrier is originated from United Kingdom. White Shepherd may grow 39 cm / 16 inches higher than Norfolk Terrier. White Shepherd may weigh 34 kg / 75 pounds more than Norfolk Terrier. Both White Shepherd and Norfolk Terrier has almost same life span. White Shepherd may have more litter size than Norfolk Terrier. Both White Shepherd and Norfolk Terrier requires Moderate maintenance.

History

white shepherd - historyThe German Shepherd and the white German Shepherd are the same dog - the only thing is that their coat colors vary.

The White Shepherd evolved because people were looking for a working companion dog with a high degree of intelligence and a white coat.

The development of the White Shepherd began at the time of the 19th and 20th centuries. A breeding program was started but in 1933, the white coat color was made a disqualification in the German Shepherd Dog breed standard.

Not to be deterred, it was in 1969 that the U.S. and Canada formed White German Shepherd breed clubs and the breed was actually recognized by the UKC in 1999.

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.

Description

white shepherd puppy - descriptionThe White Shepherd is a true beauty and is a medium to large-sized dog that is muscular and strong. He stands at between 55 and 65cm in height and weighs between 35 and 40kg.

He is somewhat longer than tall. The double coat is medium length, dense, straight and white. He is a fairly heavy shedder. He has an intelligent face, a long muzzle and erect ears. The long tail is low-set.

Temperament:

This beautiful dog’s face tells you that he is highly intelligent. He can be easily trained. The bright eyes are eager and alert and he is ready to be an excellent guard dog and take his role as protector and guardian seriously.

The White Shepherd loves his human family and isn't overly enthusiastic around strangers. They’re playful dogs and will make great playmates for children. They also aren’t aggressive with other dogs and will get on well with other pets in the house.

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.

Characteristics

white shepherd dog - characteristicsThe White Shepherd is such a beautiful dog and he has some great characteristics to match his good looks.

He is friendly and amicable with his human family and is a great protector as well. He isn’t aggressive yet he makes a great watchdog.

He is loving and loyal and forms strong bonds with his human family. Bringing him into your home and heart is guaranteed to confirm the opinion held that dogs are man's best friend.

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.

Health Problems

white shepherd puppies - health problemsThe White Shepherd shares health problems much the same as the German Shepherd, and one of these is hip dysplasia.

These dogs are at risk of getting hip dysplasia. It’s a congenital disorder with dogs inheriting the disease from their parents. Some young dogs can get the disease too. Because they are such active dogs, the White Shepherd is at risk of dysplasia. There are a number of signs you can look for in your dog and some of these are -

trouble standing up

limping

favoring the use of one particular leg

reduced activity

weight gain

Your vet may want x-rays to examine your dog's hips. Your vet will want to slow the development of the disease and also ease the pain in your pet. There are other steps the vet will suggest to you that can make it as comfortable as possible for your pet.

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.

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

white shepherd dogs - caringThe White Shepherd's weather-resistant double coat will need to be brushed regularly as he is quite a heavy shedder. When brushing him, check for ticks and fleas as well as any unusual lumps.

Exercise:

This beautiful dog was developed from a herding breed so he is very active. He will love a walk every day but that won’t be sufficient. He just loves ball games, and if you take him to the park, he’ll love you throwing sticks for him or the frisbee.

Because of his intelligence, he will require mental and physical stimulation. You get some toys for dogs where you can put some kibble in the toy and he has to figure out a way to get the food out.

Diet:

The White Shepherd is an active dog, so to keep him that way, ensure he gets good food which has the right balance of vitamins.

There are good commercially manufactured dog foods on the market, but the idea is to know how to choose the high-quality ones and to avoid the ones that can actually jeopardize your dog’s health.

Always read the write-up on the packaging and choose according to your pet’s age and his activity levels.

It is always a good idea to give such a dog some home-made food too. Not any kind of home-made food either because you have to be careful with dogs to avoid them suffering from abdominal pain. They like their food plain and simple – boiled chicken, brown rice and vegetables.

Some raw meat occasionally is also good. Don’t forget to ensure a constant supply of cool, fresh water.

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. 

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Terrier dog
Origin:
United States
United Kingdom
Height Male:
55 - 65 cm
21 - 26 inches
23 - 26 cm
9 - 11 inches
Height Female:
55 - 65 cm
21 - 26 inches
23 - 26 cm
9 - 11 inches
Weight Male:
35 - 40 kg
77 - 89 pounds
4 - 6 kg
8 - 14 pounds
Weight Female:
35 - 40 kg
77 - 89 pounds
4 - 6 kg
8 - 14 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
13 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 10
1 - 5
Size:
Medium dog
Small dog
Other Names:
American White Shepherd
Norfolk
Colors Available:
White
black and grey or grizzle, Wheaten, red
Coat:
Medium length, dense, straight
Wire-haired coat, straight and dense
Shedding:
Constant
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
Yes
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

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