Spanish Mastiff vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison

Spanish Mastiff vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed ComparisonSpanish Mastiff is originated from Spain but Austrailian Blue Heeler is originated from Australia. Spanish Mastiff may grow 38 cm / 15 inches higher than Austrailian Blue Heeler. Spanish Mastiff may weigh 84 kg / 186 pounds more than Austrailian Blue Heeler. Spanish Mastiff may live 4 years less than Austrailian Blue Heeler. Spanish Mastiff may have more litter size than Austrailian Blue Heeler. Spanish Mastiff requires Low maintenance. But Austrailian Blue Heeler requires High maintenance

History

spanish mastiff - historyThe Spanish Mastiff is a giant breed that comes from Spain. He has always been a guardian dog.

He is an ancient dog breed, in fact dating back to medieval times. He has always been a guardian of livestock, protecting them from attacks from wolves and other predators.

The first breed standard of this pure breed dog was made by the FCI in 1946. A breeding program was also formed for this dog In 1981.

The dog was recognized by the United Kennel Club in July 2006.

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.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Herding dogs
Origin:
Spain
Australia
Height Male:
72 - 88 cm
28 - 35 inches
45 - 50 cm
17 - 20 inches
Height Female:
72 - 88 cm
28 - 35 inches
43 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
Weight Male:
52 - 100 kg
114 - 221 pounds
14 - 16 kg
30 - 36 pounds
Weight Female:
52 - 100 kg
114 - 221 pounds
12 - 14 kg
26 - 31 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
12 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 10
1 - 7
Size:
Giant dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Mastín Español
Queensland Heeler
Colors Available:
brindle., Fawn, grey, reddish and yellow, black
blue, red
Coat:
Shortish and dense
blue speckled or red speckled with dark or cream marks
Shedding:
Moderate
Constant
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Alert, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
High maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Description

spanish mastiff puppy - descriptionThe Spanish Mastiff weighs between 52 and 100kg and the dog’s height is between 72 and 88cm. He has a thick, heavy coat with rustic colors of fawn, black, grey, reddish and yellow as well as brindle.

He is powerful and muscular with a huge head. The ears are medium length and floppy and the tail is long. If you were looking for a puppy, the American Kennel Club is the only site which has 100% puppies from AKC-Registered litters.

Temperament:

Large, kind, gentle and intelligent, the Spanish Mastiff is well balanced. When you see him you won’t find a dog that is light on his feet and who jumps around excitedly. He is a dignified, intelligent dog, quiet and calm.

Even though he is so calm, it is still a good idea to have him trained and socialized as his very size could be a problem. When you tell him to lie down, you want him to listen to you. This big, gentle giant is devoted to his human family ad takes the role of guardian and protector seriously.

He isn’t suited to life in the city but is better suited to a large property, also because he has a loud bark.

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.

Characteristics

spanish mastiff dog - characteristicsKind, gentle, quietly confident and intelligent are just some of the wonderful characteristics of the Spanish Mastiff.

You can add loyalty and devotion to these characteristics too and the fact that he wants to protect you.

Your gentle giant is guaranteed to make you the most wonderful companion and he deserves the very best treatment there is.

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.

Health Problems

spanish mastiff puppies - health problemsIt is good to be wise about some of the common dog problems there are that could plague your Spanish Mastiff. Vets are very familiar with these dog illnesses and they tailor their treatment to suit the needs of your dog.

Remember to get your pet vaccinated against the terrible diseases you get that can kill a dog – rabies, parvo and distemper.

Obesity:

People often think that obesity is something that isn’t dangerous, when in fact it is a serious disease that can cause joint problems, digestive disorders, heart disease, back pain and hip dysplasia.

Dehydration:

Dogs rely on water just like what humans do to keep them healthy and functioning properly.

Water is critically important to every organ and also assists with digestion. Your dog is panting and urinating throughout the day and needs to replace the liquid he loses.

Dehydration in dogs results in loss of electrolytes, such as sodium, chloride, and potassium.This is bad as these minerals have important functions.

A dog that is dehydrated has loss of appetite, loss of skin elasticity, is lethargic, has sunken eyes, wants to vomit, has a dry nose and thick saliva. No dog should ever be left without a constant supply of fresh, cool water day and night.

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.

Caring The Pet

Diet:

spanish mastiff dogs - caringThese are giant breed dogs, so you have to be careful with the way you feed them. Large dogs like these are prone to hip dysplasia so you need to choose a food which has ingredients that work to prevent this disease.

You have to be very careful that you don’t overfeed your dog so that the extra weight puts strain on the joints.

This dog will do well with some raw meat added into his diet. Also, include home-made food too. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta, sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach chopped up and added to his dry kibble for giant breeds. Added in twice a week can do him the world of good.

Remember to never leave your dog without a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Grooming:

A good bush of the thick coat twice a week will keep the Spanish Mastiff looking his best.

The nails will also need to be trimmed regularly to avoid overgrowth and to avoid the nails catching onto things. The ears too should be checked regularly to avoid dampness inside the ear which can cause bacteria.

Exercise:

As a fully grown adult, the Spanish Mastiff isn’t a frisky, frolicking dog but he will still require daily exercise. Options for exercise include long walks, hikes, swimming and ball games.

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.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Spanish Mastiff vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  2. Spanish Mastiff vs Newfoundland Dog - Breed Comparison
  3. Spanish Mastiff vs Anatolian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  4. Spanish Mastiff vs Leonberger - Breed Comparison
  5. Spanish Mastiff vs Alaunt - Breed Comparison
  6. Spanish Mastiff vs Alangu Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  7. Spanish Mastiff vs Pyrenean Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  8. Spanish Mastiff vs Bisben - Breed Comparison
  9. Spanish Mastiff vs Moscow Watchdog - Breed Comparison
  10. Spanish Mastiff vs Kars Dog - Breed Comparison
  11. Spanish Mastiff vs Moscow Water Dog - Breed Comparison
  12. Spanish Mastiff vs Ciobanesc de Bucovina - Breed Comparison
  13. St. Bernard vs Spanish Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  14. Spanish Mastiff vs Great Dane - Breed Comparison
  15. Spanish Mastiff vs English Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  16. Spanish Mastiff vs Neapolitan Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  17. Spanish Mastiff vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  18. Spanish Mastiff vs Bully Kutta - Breed Comparison
  19. Spanish Mastiff vs Irish Wolfhound - Breed Comparison
  20. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  21. Australian Shepherd vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  22. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  23. Australian Cattle Dog vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  24. Bearded Collie vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  25. Collie vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  26. Dutch Shepherd vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  27. Blue Healer vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  28. English Shepherd vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  29. Australian Collie vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  30. Catahoula Cur vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  31. Australian Red Heeler vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  32. Catalan Sheepdog vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  33. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  34. Bergamasco vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  35. Berger Picard vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  36. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  37. Queensland Heeler vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  38. German Coolie vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  39. Bohemian Shepherd vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  40. Croatian Sheepdog vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  41. Red Heeler vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  42. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  43. Blue Lacy vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  44. New Zealand Huntaway vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds