Australian Terrier vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison

Both Australian Terrier and Australian Cattle Dog are originated from Australia. Australian Terrier may grow 24 cm / 9 inches shorter than Australian Cattle Dog. Australian Terrier may weigh 8 kg / 17 pounds lesser than Australian Cattle Dog. Both Australian Terrier and Australian Cattle Dog has same life span. Both Australian Terrier and Australian Cattle Dog has almost same litter size. Australian Terrier requires Moderate maintenance. But Australian Cattle Dog requires Low maintenance

History

australian terrier - historyThe Australian terrier, the little terrier, is a breed developed to control vermin. The nature of this dog is very spirited. They are alert, courageous and self-confident but still very human-friendly.

Australian terriers were breed by the mix of the Terrier with the rough coat and Scotch Dog of Great Britain. These breeds were mixed until they produced the muscular and fearless dog for the Australian settlers. Their primary job was to control the number of rodents and snakes. They were taught to tend flocks, be an excellent guard dogs but remain friendly. This breed is still very popular as a working dog, loyal companion and dogs for show, city, home or a farm.

During the 19th century, in the New South Wales, lived a cattle farmer Thomas Hall. He wanted to have a perfect cattle dog so he mixed two breeds: dogs used by stockman with the dingo. The new breed was given an interesting name - Halls Heelers. Heelers was a part of the dog breed because this new breed of the dog inherited the nipping instinct. As time passed, one breed was developing in two breeds: the Australian Cattle Dog and the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog.

The Australian Cattle dog can be found in two available colours: red and blue. This is how they got their nicknames: Red Heeler and Blue Heeler.

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Herding dogs
Origin:
Australia
Australia
Height Male:
23 - 26 cm
9 - 11 inches
45 - 50 cm
17 - 20 inches
Height Female:
20 - 26 cm
7 - 11 inches
43 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
Weight Male:
5 - 8 kg
11 - 18 pounds
14 - 16 kg
30 - 36 pounds
Weight Female:
5 - 7 kg
11 - 16 pounds
13 - 15 kg
28 - 34 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
13 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 6
1 - 7
Size:
Small dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Blue and Tan Terrier, the Blue Terrier, the Broken-coated Terrier, the Australian Rough Coated Terrier, Aussie
ACD, Cattle Dog, Blue Heeler, Red Heeler, Queensland Heeler
Colors Available:
blue, tan, sandy and red variations
blue (mottled or speckled), red (mottled or speckled)
Coat:
rough long coat
short double coat
Shedding:
Minimal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Playful, Protective, Social, Stubborn
Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Description

australian terrier puppy - descriptionThe Australian terrier has body longer than they are tall. They are small dogs with the long and thick coat with silky undercoat and short little legs. This smart-eyes breed is perfect for persons who live indoors. But, you must know that they really like to bark and communicate that way with everybody. They also have a high need for activity so it will be necessary to take him out so he can run, play and be social with other dogs. They are very intelligent, but not very responsive. They will quickly learn how to fetch, but they will have days when they just feel like fetching.

The Australian Cattle Dog originally mixed with Australian herding dog that was kept near the cattle to guide them. Medium-sized, with the short coat, this dog is generally easy to groom and maintain. It does require more brushing during the shedding period, but it is still not an everyday need. He is easy to train because he likes challenging games and activities which are. It gets very attached to its owner, and he is always protective of them and their possessions. The most common health problems happen with their ears and eyes, but they are usually very healthy and they have a long life – up to 15 years.

Characteristics

Around children

australian terrier dog - characteristicsThe Australian terrier is very good breed to choose if you have children. They are active and always ready to play, and they will protect the children since they have watchdog gene.

Special talents

Excellent watch dog. This breed will keep your garden and home vermin free.

Adaptability

They are generally very polite towards strangers and highly adaptable among other dogs, but their adaptability in social life is totally up to the human and the training. They can grow to be adaptable dogs that fit well into almost any environment; city or country, house or apartment.

Learning ability

Since they are an intelligent breed, the Australian terrier may surprise you with their ability to learn new tricks and shock you with their ability to be very strong willed about doing what is told. It’s not that they are not the type to obey and be “a good dog”, they are so playful and silly that they will often forget that they are the god and not the human. You must start training them while they are still pups.

Around children

Children and Australian Cattle Dogs can grow up together in harmony. They will have a loyal and protective companion. After you properly train your dog and teach your child how to play with the dog, you will bring the friendship on the safe side. Some of them will have the instinct to nip at heels, so you should pay attention to this while training your pet.

Special talents: cattle dog, service dog, therapy dog, police dogs, drug detection dogs.

Adaptability

Australian Cattle Dogs can survive cool, hot and temperate conditions. They can live in a shelter outdoors, and they do well living indoors. But, be aware – without enough physical activity, this dog will end up being frustrated and unhappy.

Learning ability

They will absorb every new trick so quick that you will be amazed. They love to learn, and if you start with some good trick you will raise a great friend and maybe a great competitor in fetch, swim, bring-a-stick, or run-the-show dog sports.

Health Problems

Legg-Calvé-Perthes (LCPD)

australian terrier puppies - health problemsA bone disorder, where the hip joint starts to rot caused by decaying of the femur bone which is located in the dog’s hind limb.

Luxating patella is a knee disease where one or both kneecaps can slip out of place.

Cruciate ligament rupture

Rupture of an important ligament in the knee (stifle) joints.

Epilepsy

The brain disorder that is characterized by seizures. There are several different types of epilepsy that can affect dogs.

Diabetes

A chronic disease of the metabolism which is characterised as high glucose amount in the blood. This happens when hormone insulin drops below the normal values. This condition results in malfunction of vital organs.

Health Problems: are mostly inherited. You can avoid this by searching for a good breeder that can clear out the hereditary diseases.

Eyes

The Australian Cattle Dog is one of the breeds that can be born with progressive retinal atrophy. Progressive rod-cone degeneration is a disease that causes the rods and cones in the retina of the eye to degenerate. It might lead to blindness.

Ears

The Australian Cattle Dog is one of the rare breeds with recessive piebald alleles. This gene is the reason why they have white colour on their coat. But, unfortunately, this gene can be the reason why congenital hereditary deafness develops.

Caring The Pet

Feeding the puppy and adult

australian terrier dogs - caringRecommended daily amount is usually found on the type of the food you choose. They like dry food, and if you are not quite sure what brand of the dry food you should choose, seek a vet’s advice. The Australian terrier has a healthy appetite, but he almost never overeats. How much your Australian terrier eats depends on his size, age, metabolism, and activity level.

Grooming

Their coat requires moderate maintenance. That means that you don’t have to groom your Australian terrier every single day, but being aware of the importance of grooming him at least twice a week is a key because lack of adequate care may lead to skin diseases. Make sure not to bathe them too much, but you can be free with their haircut. They can grow very sharp toenails, so they should be clipped regularly. Ear and teeth must be kept clean.

Points for Good Health

Lots of outdoor activity. They are lovable kind, so don’t be reserved towards them. It’s important to begin training and socializing your pup as soon as possible. Training sessions need to be consistent, firm, short and clear. Grooming is a must since you will want to prevent the tangles and mats.

The best type of activity

Find a place for them where you can take of the leash and let them run free. They love chasing birds, butterflies and anything that flies above. They will chase small rodents, other dogs and cats. After you thought you Australian terrier how to play with other dogs and cats, they will be the most wanted guest in the whole neighbourhood. Find a place where they can dig holes – and they will be so happy that they probably won’t hear you calling them home.

Feeding the puppy and adult

Herding dog have a history of the joint diseases. That’s why some of the pet suggest feeding a herding dog with meat like chicken, turkey, beef, lamb and fish. Dry dog food, even premium quality, may not be enough for this energetic dogs and their bone structure. But it depends on the dog. The best advice is to always take an advice from your breeder or your wet.

Grooming

You won’t be very busy with grooming your Australian cattle dog. You don’t have to take everyday care of it. Occasional brushing will be more than enough. Bath the dog only when you notice odour problem.

Points for Good Health

The Australian Cattle Dog needs a high level of activity. Like many other herding dog breeds, they love walks, spending time with people, running or doing any athletic sports with them, teaching them tricks since they have above average intelligence. Fetching will be super fun for everyone, agility, competitions or any other challenging activity. They love water and they swim very well so you can take the dog with you to the nearest pool and have a great time.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Boston Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  2. Jack Russell Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  3. Miniature Schnauzer vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  4. Cairn Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  5. Border Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Rat Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  7. Scottish Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  8. Australian Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Patterdale Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  10. American Hairless Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  11. Bull Terrier Miniature vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  12. Norwich Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  13. Norfolk Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  14. English White Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  15. Parson Russell Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  16. Russell Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  17. Feist vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  18. Manchester Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  19. Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  20. Miniature Fox Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Cesky Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  22. Glen of Imaal Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  23. Schnorkie vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  24. Sealyham Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  25. Chilean Fox Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  27. Australian Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  28. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  29. Australian Cattle Dog vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  30. Australian Cattle Dog vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  31. Bearded Collie vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  32. Collie vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  33. Dutch Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  34. Blue Healer vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  35. English Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  36. Australian Collie vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  37. Catahoula Cur vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  38. Catalan Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  39. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  40. Bergamasco vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  41. Berger Picard vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  42. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  43. Queensland Heeler vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  44. German Coolie vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  45. Bohemian Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  46. Croatian Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Red Heeler vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  48. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  49. Blue Lacy vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  50. New Zealand Huntaway vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds