Austrailian Blue Heeler vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison

Austrailian Blue Heeler vs Akbash Dog - Breed ComparisonAustrailian Blue Heeler is originated from Australia but Akbash Dog is originated from Turkey. Austrailian Blue Heeler may grow 34 cm / 13 inches shorter than Akbash Dog. Austrailian Blue Heeler may weigh 49 kg / 108 pounds lesser than Akbash Dog. Austrailian Blue Heeler may live 5 years more than Akbash Dog. Both Austrailian Blue Heeler and Akbash Dog has almost same litter size. Austrailian Blue Heeler requires High maintenance. But Akbash Dog requires Moderate maintenance

History

austrailian blue heeler - historyIn 1840, George Elliott made a match with Australian Dingo and Collie and got a clever and very active dog breed – Australian Blue Heeler. Soon, he showed his good herding instincts and protective nature and got really popular among the cattlemen and ranchers. Soon, as the USA soldiers arrived in Australia, they decided that it will be a great dog to bring home.

Australian Blue Heeler has short, double coat. The coat is water resistant and helps them when the temperature is too high as well. Their coat is rough to the touch, naturally. They can be found in blue or red coat colour mix. The Blue Heeler isn’t actually blue, but their black coat has a bluish tint. Red Heelers have red fur instead of black. They have long tails, strong legs, Dingo-like heads with pointy ears and muscular necks and balanced and athletic bodies.

akbash dog - historyAkbash breed became popular in the 1970s. Around that period, Akbash was introduced to North America. There is archeological evidence that this breed was popular even in the 750-300 BC. Of course, it wasn’t the exact dog as we know it today, but there are many similarities between Akbash and dog from the ancient period. This breed was developed in Turkey to be a guardian dog. They were perfect flock guardians.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Herding dogs
Origin:
Australia
Turkey
Height Male:
45 - 50 cm
17 - 20 inches
74 - 84 cm
29 - 34 inches
Height Female:
43 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
71 - 79 cm
27 - 32 inches
Weight Male:
14 - 16 kg
30 - 36 pounds
50 - 65 kg
110 - 144 pounds
Weight Female:
12 - 14 kg
26 - 31 pounds
40 - 55 kg
88 - 122 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 16 Years
10 - 11 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 7
8 - 9
Size:
Medium dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Queensland Heeler
Colors Available:
blue, red
Brindle, White, Red Fawn, Liver, White & Biscuit and Blue Fawn
Coat:
blue speckled or red speckled with dark or cream marks
Dense, Medium and Short, Harsh and Rough
Shedding:
Constant
Moderate
Temperament:
Alert, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal
Grooming:
High maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
No

Description

austrailian blue heeler puppy - descriptionThis breed is somehow designed for an outdoor life and outdoor activity. This implies that Blue Heelers have nature made of the high dose of energy. They are always ready to go anywhere you go, and they will be a loyal friend. They are actually very clever, intelligent and ready to help.

If you are a type of the person who prefers being indoors and having minimal physical activity, Blue heelers are not the type of a furry companion for you. They have a high daily need for the activity, and they love having lots of space to run and explore. Sometimes, you will realize that having a leash is a must because they will get so playful that they will forget about you!

If you start teaching them to be friendly with other dogs while they are still pups, they will accept that kind of lifestyle. But, if your Blue Heeler is raised as the only dog on the ranch, note that they won’t be very friendly toward other dogs.

Since most of the herd dogs usually respond to only one person, most of the Blue Heelers can follow this old instinct. They can be very independent, as well, and they are usually not the type of the dog that will always be around your leg waiting for a cuddle or ear scratch. But, they build the respect towards humans depending on how they treat him so they can be very lovable and friendly pets.

If you are still confused about their name, you must know that the Blue Heelers can actually lightly nip your heel for attention. They are not aggressive, but they tend to be very protective of the family, humans around them and their property.

akbash dog puppy - descriptionWeight of the Akbash dog variates from 41-64kg, while their height is 71-78cm. Female Akbash is smaller than a male Akbash, but not for much. A lifespan of an average Akbash dog is 10-11 years, but if they have cared properly, they tend to live longer. Litter Size of Akbash is 8-9 puppies. Another Name for Akbash is Akbas Coban Kopegi, Coban Kopegi.

Characteristics

Children friendliness

austrailian blue heeler dog - characteristicsThey are generally good with children, but you must be aware of their inherent desire to herd. Always supervise when your Blue Heeler is around small children.

Special Talents

Ball tricks, frisbee fun, running companion, herding cattle.

Adaptability

It is best to buy a puppy. These dogs get attached to one human and to the territory.

Learning ability

They are generally quick learners. If you teach them to be playful, friendly and loving, they will learn it in no time. So be aware of the decisions that can cost you when the dog grows up.

akbash dog dog - characteristicsHave in mind that Akbash is a large and powerful dog. They are bred through generations to be guardians and suspicious. They are very independent because they tend to make their own decisions while guarding flocks. They will require adequate socialization, but overall, they are very intelligent and they tend to learn quickly. It requires time and patience, but are great pets for right owners. Akbash has a white to biscuit color coat. They also have a dark pigment around nose, eyes, and mouth. Akbash is very quick and agile dog, which might be surprised because of its size.

It is important to train them since the puppyhood. They are working dogs and they will be happy when they have tasks during training. Due to their independence, consistent and steady training is important. An old-fashioned way of training that includes punishment is not recommendable. Positive training with awards is the best way to train your Akbash dog. They do not require a lot of daily exercises. Daily walks would do more than enough. Younger dogs need more exercise than more mature ones. They can be very good for other animals, but they have to be socialized with them. It is the best way to socialize your dog when it is still a puppy.

Health Problems

Eye problems

austrailian blue heeler puppies - health problemsProgressive Retinal Atrophy usually causes slow and painless loss of sight. This process takes years, but there are cases where this disease took only months before the dog ended up completely blind. It is advisable to take your Blue Heeler to the vet for a test that can tell you if your dog is carrying the gene for this disease.

Lens luxation is a disease where the lens of dog’s eye separates partially or completely. Good news is that this disease can be treated.

Joint diseases

Most common is the hip or elbow dysplasia. This is the disease where hip joints do not develop properly and begin to grind. This condition can sometimes be treated with physiotherapy, but there is a chance that your Blue Heeler will need a surgery. If you have a habit of regular vet checks and keeping your dog slim and fed with quality food, you can a make a big difference.

Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD) causes the dog to have excess cartilage and deficient bone, where cartilage does not get replaced by bone during fetal development. This disease usually requires surgery and prescribed medicines.

Deafness

Congenital hereditary sensorineural deafness – CHSD is a common form of deafness.

Bilateral deafness can be identified when the dog is still a puppy, more-less at six weeks of age. A puppy with deafness in only one ear is harder to identify, but it can happen.

Portosystemic shunt means that the blood flow is getting back into the bloodstream instead of passing through the liver. That means that liver can’t clear out the toxins, and the organ itself fails to grow properly. This inherited type of shunt can be treated with surgery if the diagnose is set on time.

akbash dog puppies - health problemsGenerally, Akbash is a very healthy breed. They do not have any major health issues. As many large breeds, they can develop hip dysplasia and OCD. But with proper care, regular vet checks, and choosing the right puppy, you won’t be having any problems.

Caring The Pet

Feeding the puppy

austrailian blue heeler dogs - caringChoose a dog food that will provide nutrients that will help in the bone developing. Since they are more likely to suffer from joint diseases, you must take this advice seriously. It would be great if you speak about this with your vet before you choose food on your own.

Feeding the adult

The best food for Blue Heeler is a high-quality food which supplies them with premium nutrition to fuel their activity.

They also drink a lot of water, so be sure that they always have a fresh water available.

Points for Good Health

Lots and lots of the outdoor activity and a quality food. You must be very cautious because this kind of dogs gets overweight easily because they just love the treats and extra food portion.

Games and Exercises

Any outdoor activity that is mentally challenging and interesting enough to keep them from running in the field trying to catch anything that moves.

Feeding the Akbash

akbash dog dogs - caringAkbash dog is very easy to care. They can stay fit on a minimum amount of food. 2-2.5 cups divided into two meals would be ideal for your dog. They require meat, so giving them dry industrial food can be a solid substitute. Vegetables and oil can also be included in meals. It will keep your dog healthy and happy.

Feeding the Akbash

Puppies have to eat more meals per day. It is the best to give your puppy Akbash 3-5 meals per day. Those meals should be divided into smaller portions. It is recommended to give your puppy all necessary vitamins and minerals that include calcium for stronger bones. It will improve the overall health of your dog, and it will help it develop into a healthy adult dog.

Grooming the Akbash

Akbash will request some grooming, but they are not very difficult to groom. They require regular grooming. Every few days will be enough, except when they are shedding. Akbash will need daily grooming when shed. You can bath your pet occasionally, but not very often. Bathing, if necessary, should be done only 5-6 times a year. There is no need for more.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  2. Australian Shepherd vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  3. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  4. Australian Cattle Dog vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  5. Bearded Collie vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  6. Collie vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  7. Dutch Shepherd vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  8. Blue Healer vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  9. English Shepherd vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  10. Australian Collie vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  11. Catahoula Cur vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  12. Australian Red Heeler vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  13. Catalan Sheepdog vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  14. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  15. Bergamasco vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  16. Berger Picard vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  17. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  18. Queensland Heeler vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  19. German Coolie vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  20. Bohemian Shepherd vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  21. Croatian Sheepdog vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  22. Red Heeler vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  23. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  24. Blue Lacy vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  25. New Zealand Huntaway vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  26. Old English Sheepdog vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  27. Akbash Dog vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Akbash Dog vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  29. Briard vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  30. Rough Collie vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  31. Bouvier des Flandres vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  32. East German Shepherd vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  33. Saarlooswolfhond vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  34. Estrela Mountain Dog vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  35. Huntaway vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  36. Czechoslovakian Wolfdog vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  37. Perro de Pastor Mallorquin vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  38. South Russian Ovcharka vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  39. Mioritic Sheepdog vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  40. Akita vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  41. Samoyed vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  42. Labradoodle vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  43. Cane Corso vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  44. Alaskan Malamute vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  45. Mixed vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  46. Bullmastiff vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Dogue De Bordeaux vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  48. German Shorthaired Pointer vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  49. Bloodhound vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  50. Great Pyrenees vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds