East European Shepherd vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison

East European Shepherd vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed ComparisonEast European Shepherd is originated from Russia but Australian Red Heeler is originated from Australia. East European Shepherd may grow 25 cm / 10 inches higher than Australian Red Heeler. East European Shepherd may weigh 34 kg / 75 pounds more than Australian Red Heeler. East European Shepherd may live 3 years less than Australian Red Heeler. East European Shepherd may have more litter size than Australian Red Heeler. Both East European Shepherd and Australian Red Heeler requires Moderate maintenance.

History

east european shepherd - historyThe East European Shepherd is a dog which hails from Russia. The dog was developed in the 1930-1950s as there was a need for a bigger, more robust, weather-resistant type of dog who would perform all kinds of guard duties in the Soviet Union.

This is a rare dog breed, created by mixing Russian breeds such as the Laika, Central Asian Shepherd and Caucasian Shepherd to create a strong working dog that could cope well with the sub-freezing conditions.

The standard breed type was established in 1964. The only major kennel club to grant full recognition to the East-European Shepherd is the Russian Kennel Club. In the United States, the dog is recognized by a number of rare breed registries.

australian red heeler - historyWhen George Hall arrived in the New South Wales Colony in 1802 he set about ‘creating’ a tough working- or herding dog. By crossing Australia’s native Dingoes with Collies as well as with other herding dogs, the robust Red Heeler, also known as the Australian Cattle Dog came into being. Today he is a thick-set dog, ideally suited to working livestock.

Ranchers, particularly, were impressed with the breed’s toughness and they were sought after on cattle stations. The name actually comes from them when the dogs are herding animals, they nip at their heels to get them moving.

The Blue Heeler and the Red Heeler breed are the exact same dog, but just different colors. These Australian cattle dogs originated in Australia in the mid-1800s and adapted well to the harsh desert environment of the outback.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Herding dogs
Origin:
Russia
Australia
Height Male:
66 - 76 cm
25 - 30 inches
46 - 51 cm
18 - 21 inches
Height Female:
66 - 76 cm
25 - 30 inches
43 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
Weight Male:
30 - 50 kg
66 - 111 pounds
15 - 16 kg
33 - 36 pounds
Weight Female:
30 - 50 kg
66 - 111 pounds
14 - 16 kg
30 - 36 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
13 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 10
3 - 7
Size:
Large dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Belarusian Shepherd, Eastern European Shepherd, Byelorussian Shepherd
Australian Cattle dog, Queensland Heelers
Colors Available:
Solid colored or fawn or tan with black saddle
Red and blue mostly. Other varieties include chocolate, cream, blue mottled, brindle and some with white markings
Coat:
Medium length and dense
short and dense
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
No
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
No

Description

east european shepherd puppy - descriptionThe East European Shepherd is larger than a German Shepherd. He is described as a large dog with males and females standing roughly at 66-76 centimeters at the withers and weighing anything between 30–50kg.

The coat with undercoat is medium in length with the standard color being black-and-tan or black-and-red. The dog is solid colored or is light fawn or tan in color with black saddle.

The face of the dog is black and he looks a lot like a wolf in appearance. The ears of the East European Shepherd are medium sized and always erect.The tail is long and hangs low.

Temperament:

The East European Shepherd is an intelligent and confident dog and can be aggressive when aggravated. He is a working dog and to get along with other pets in the home as well as children, the East European Shepherd will need to be trained and socialized, becoming obedient and loyal with his owner.

He is an intelligent dog and training him poses no problem. Loyal and devoted, this dog mostly becomes particularly attached to one member of the family.

There are a number of dog experts who don’t recommend the dog as a family pet as it is a dog reluctant to form a close bond with a child, being irritated by them, especially ill disciplined children.

It is a strong-willed dog too and shouldn’t be the first dog choice for a novice dog owner. They make excellent guard dogs and take their role as protector of the family seriously.

The Muscular Body

australian red heeler puppy - descriptionThe Red Heeler or Australian Cattle Dog is a sturdy, muscular dog with ears that are pricked and with dark, alert eyes. The tail is long. The neck, shoulders and legs of the Red Heeler are strong and muscular. The dog is longer than tall – the length of the body is greater than the height at the withers. A well fed, well exercised, well cared for Red Heeler will weight roughly 15–22 kilograms.

The Coat

There are 2 coat colours of the Reeler – red and blue, but there are are lesser varieties such as chocolate, cream, blue mottled, brindle and some with white markings. It is interesting to note that with both the Red- and the Blue Heeler, puppies are generally born white, with the coat turning to red as they mature.

These Australian Cattle Dogs display patches of solid colour, and you might well find masks over one or both eyes and a white tip to the tail. Both the Red and Blue Heeler can have a white star on the forehead which is referred to as the Bentley Mark. The Heelers have a double coat - short, straight outer hairs while the undercoat is short, fine and dense. Despite their short coat, they shed a lot.

Characteristics

east european shepherd dog - characteristicsThe East-European Shepherd dogs are balanced, confident, intelligent, loving and playful while also being tough and protective of their owners.

They make fantastic guard dogs, becoming aggressive around strangers whom they don’t trust. When you bring a dog like this into the home, it is essential to have him trained and socialized and to also have a firm owner who can deal with such a strong-willed animal.

He is an active, alert dog who will require regular exercise and will slot into life in the city or in the country so long as his exercise needs are met.

When you look after your East European Shepherd you’ll find in him a devoted, loyal friend who will protect you with his life.

australian red heeler dog - characteristicsYour Australian Red Heeler needs plenty of exercise but also plenty of companionship too from his human family. He is an affectionate, playful pet but is reserved with people he doesn’t know. When socialized he is patient with children in the home but he does still have the tendency to herd them and nip at their heels. The dog builds up a strong bond with his human family, and is protective toward them, being happy to be close to his owner’s side.

Take Time out to Play

Red Heelers need activities and lots of room to play, and they therefore won’t adapt to apartment living. If you don’t live on a farm, don’t neglect your working dog as he will need lots of rough and tumble games and activities to keep him from boredom. Treat your Australian Red Heeler with the love, patience and kindness and you’ll bring out the very best from this active, loyal fur-friend of yours.

Health Problems

east european shepherd puppies - health problemsRegarded as a tough dog who can reach 10 – 12 years of age, the East European Shepherd is prone to hip or elbow dysplasia. This is a a disease that is more prevalent with German Shepherd type dogs.

Dysplasia is a genetic condition which can lead to inflammation and arthritis and even lameness. Unfortunately it can happen with young dogs too, and the vet will suggest different types of treatment which can include surgery.

Degenerative myelopathy is another degenerative disease which can be found with the East European Shepherd. It is a fatal, progressive degenerative disease of the spinal cord. Unfortunately there isn’t treatment for the disease, leading to paralysis of the limbs.

Eye Problems

australian red heeler puppies - health problemsThe Australian Cattle Dog is quite often affected by progressive retinal atrophy, an eye condition where the rods and cones in the retina of the eye deteriorate later in life, and it could lead to blindness. This eye illness is an autosomal recessive trait, and even if the dog doesn’t develop the condition himself, he can be a carrier of the affected gene.

Fractures

The Heeler is just bursting with personality and energy and a study of dogs diagnosed at veterinary colleges described fractures and ligament tears as one of the most common conditions treated with the Australian Red Heeler.

General Health

You love your Australian Red Heeler and you want to take good care of him. Check with your vet because at 8 weeks he should be starting with his first puppy vaccinations.

To keep your best friend healthy and happy, watch his diet, ensure he gets plenty of exercise, brush his teeth regularly to remove plaque build-up, and always call your veterinarian when you see he is ill and isn’t his usual boisterous self.

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

east european shepherd dogs - caringThe coat of the East European Shepherd is thick, and while he won’t require any professional grooming, he will require being brushed at least twice a week. This is because he sheds heavily at certain times.

His nails will need to be clipped if they don’t wear down naturally, and his teeth will require regular brushing at least 2 or 3 times a week. Fortunately, because his ears are large and open, he doesn’t easily get an ear infection.

Exercise:

The East European Shepherd is a dog which has always been worked. It is a highly energetic dog and its role as a guard- and herding dog has made it that the dog will require a good dose of exercise.

A long walk may not be enough for this active dog, and he will require intense ball throwing with a tennis racquet to get the ball far away so that he can run far to fetch the ball. Without enough exercise, the East-European Shepherd will develop behavioral problems which will include aggression.

Grooming

australian red heeler dogs - caringThe Australian Red Heeler is a low maintenance dog. He does shed quite a bit so you’ll need to brush his coat at least twice a week to remove loose hairs and to keep his coat lustrous. When your dog has been in a particularly dusty area, you you wipe his coat down with a damp cloth. As with all dogs, you’ll want to check his teeth, ears, eyes and nails regularly to avoid health problems.

Training

If you care for your working- and herding dog you’ll train him to that he becomes a good family dog and companion. The Red Heeler has plenty of energy and stamina and if he grows up untrained and un-socialized, you could see him becoming aggressive towards other animals and even your own children. He certainly becomes over-protective of his territory if not socialized. Train him as he is an intelligent breed and responds well to training.

Diet

Any vet will tell you of the critical importance of a proper diet and exercise routine for your dog. He’s an active, smart dog with loads of energy and you want to keep his diet consistent with this energy. Speak to your vet about what food would suit your pet best, because a high quality diet appropriate to his age, his body size and his energy levels will be important. Along with high quality foods which include a good intake of raw meat, your dog must always have access to a bowl of fresh, cool water.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Samoyed vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  2. Great Pyrenees vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Presa Canario vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  4. Labrador Husky vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  5. Giant Schnauzer vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  6. Goldador vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  7. Mackenzie River Husky vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  8. German Longhaired Pointer vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  9. Pyredoodle vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  10. Entlebucher Mountain Dog vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  11. Lurcher vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  12. Maremma Sheepdog vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  13. Sarplaninac vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  14. Himalayan Mastiff vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  15. Mountain View Cur vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  16. Native American Indian Dog vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  17. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  18. Greenland Dog vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  19. Komondor vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  20. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  21. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  22. Fila Brasileiro vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  23. Greek Sheepdog vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  24. Kangal Dog vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  25. Himalayan Sheepdog vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  26. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  27. Australian Shepherd vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  28. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  29. Australian Cattle Dog vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  30. Bearded Collie vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  31. Collie vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  32. Dutch Shepherd vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  33. Blue Healer vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  34. English Shepherd vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  35. Australian Collie vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  36. Catahoula Cur vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  37. Australian Red Heeler vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  38. Catalan Sheepdog vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  39. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  40. Bergamasco vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  41. Berger Picard vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  42. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  43. Queensland Heeler vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  44. German Coolie vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  45. Bohemian Shepherd vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  46. Croatian Sheepdog vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  47. Red Heeler vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  48. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  49. Blue Lacy vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  50. New Zealand Huntaway vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds