Australian Terrier vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison

Australian Terrier vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed ComparisonBoth Australian Red Heeler and Australian Terrier are originated from Australia. Australian Red Heeler may grow 25 cm / 10 inches higher than Australian Terrier. Australian Red Heeler may weigh 8 kg / 18 pounds more than Australian Terrier. Both Australian Red Heeler and Australian Terrier has same life span. Both Australian Red Heeler and Australian Terrier has almost same litter size. Both Australian Red Heeler and Australian Terrier requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Terrier dog
undefined
Australia
Australia
Height Male:
46 - 51 cm
18 - 21 inches
23 - 26 cm
9 - 11 inches
Height Female:
43 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
20 - 26 cm
7 - 11 inches
Weight Male:
15 - 16 kg
33 - 36 pounds
5 - 8 kg
11 - 18 pounds
Weight Female:
14 - 16 kg
30 - 36 pounds
5 - 7 kg
11 - 16 pounds
Life Span:
13 - 15 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 7
2 - 6
Size:
Medium
Small
Other Names:
Australian Cattle dog, Queensland Heelers
Blue and Tan Terrier, the Blue Terrier, the Broken-coated Terrier, the Australian Rough Coated Terrier, Aussie
Colors Available:
Red and blue mostly. Other varieties include chocolate, cream, blue mottled, brindle and some with white markings
blue, tan, sandy and red variations
Coat:
short and dense
rough long coat
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Playful, Protective, Social, Stubborn
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
Yes
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

australian red heelerWhen 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.

australian terrierThe 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.

Description

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.

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.

Characteristics

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.

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.

Health Problems

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.

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.

Caring The Pet

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.

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.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Australian Terrier vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Australian Terrier vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Australian Terrier vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Australian Terrier vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Australian Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Australian Terrier vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Australian Terrier vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Australian Terrier vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Australian Terrier vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Australian Terrier vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Australian Terrier vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Australian Terrier vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Australian Terrier vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Australian Terrier vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Australian Terrier vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Australian Terrier vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Australian Terrier vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Australian Terrier vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Australian Terrier vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Australian Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Australian Terrier vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Australian Terrier vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Australian Terrier vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Australian Terrier vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Australian Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Australian Red Heeler vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Australian Red Heeler vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Australian Red Heeler vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Australian Red Heeler vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Australian Red Heeler vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Australian Red Heeler vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Australian Red Heeler vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Australian Red Heeler vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Australian Red Heeler vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Australian Red Heeler vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Australian Red Heeler vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Australian Red Heeler vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Australian Red Heeler vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Australian Red Heeler vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Australian Red Heeler vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Australian Red Heeler vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Australian Red Heeler vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Australian Red Heeler vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Australian Red Heeler vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Australian Red Heeler vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Australian Red Heeler vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Australian Red Heeler vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Australian Red Heeler vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Australian Red Heeler vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Australian Red Heeler vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison