Meliteo Kinidio vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison

Meliteo Kinidio is originated from Greece but Blue Healer is originated from Australia. Meliteo Kinidio may grow 19 cm / 7 inches shorter than Blue Healer. Meliteo Kinidio may weigh 14 kg / 30 pounds lesser than Blue Healer. Both Meliteo Kinidio and Blue Healer has same life span. Both Meliteo Kinidio and Blue Healer has same litter size. Both Meliteo Kinidio and Blue Healer requires Low maintenance.

History

Originating in Greece, the Melitea Kinidio is also known as the Small Greek Domestic Dog. It is an ancient dog breed. The dog has always been a skillful hunter of small game and birds.

It is believed that the dog breed originated from Malta, explaining its Greek name, Melitaion Kunidion.

There are efforts to recognize the Meliteo Kinidio as a separate and unique Greek dog breed but no formal breed clubs exist so far today. The dog also hasn’t been recognized by any reputable registry. Today these common dogs are found in high numbers throughout most of Greece.  

blue healer - historyIt was in 1802 that George Hall arrived in New South Wales, establishing 2 cattle stations. He had a problem – getting his thousands of cattle to the Sydney markets. He began looking at the prospect of a droving dog and imported a number of dogs of which a blue mottled dog emerged.

The dogs were crossed with dingoes and by 1840 the Halls Heelers were used by the Halls. However with the death of one of the Halls, their cattle stations went to action and the dogs, the Halls Heelers became available.

The dogs attracted attention, and the term ‘Australian Cattle Dog’ was adopted. The name referred to those dogs coming from Thomas Hall's ‘Heelers’. There have been many arguments about the origin of the breed, but the red or blue offspring known as Hall's Heelers were proven cattle drovers, and with further breeding experiments which included the Australian Kelpie, dingoes and the Dalmation, by 1893, the tough, robust working breed known as the Blue Heeler or the Australian Cattle Dog came about.

Basic Information

Group:
Companion dog
Herding dogs
Origin:
Greece
Australia
Height Male:
23 - 32 cm
9 - 13 inches
46 - 51 cm
18 - 21 inches
Height Female:
23 - 32 cm
9 - 13 inches
43 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
Weight Male:
3 - 8 kg
6 - 18 pounds
15 - 22 kg
33 - 49 pounds
Weight Female:
3 - 8 kg
6 - 18 pounds
13 - 22 kg
28 - 49 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 7
1 - 7
Size:
Small dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Small Greek Domestic Dog
ACD, Cattle Dog, Red Heeler, Queensland Heeler
Colors Available:
white or black, Beige, blonde
Blue mottled, Red mottled
Coat:
Long- and short-haired
short and dense
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

The Meliteo Kinidio is a deep chested small sized dog which weighs about 3 to 8kg and stands at about 23 – 32cm in height.

The dog has a bright, fox shaped face, floppy ears and a tail which curls over the back and which is feathery or plumed. The body is longer than being tall.

He is available with two coat types – long- and short-haired, with the long haired one being the more common of the two. People often confuse this dog with the long-haired Dachshund. The coat is dense, weatherproof, silky and wavy.

The coat colors can be beige, blonde, white or black, with there being no standardization with color.

Temperament:

These Greek dogs are no pushover and in fact they are fairly fearless dogs, possessive of the human family, wanting to protect them and therefore being territorial as well. They make excellent pets, being very sensitive to their owners, sensing their different moods.

He has always been a hunting dog so he loves to be busy, making a good dog to have on the farm. They are even tempered and gentle, but have a loud, robust bark for their size.

blue healer puppy - descriptionBlue Heelers are medium-sized, sturdy, compact dogs who are somewhat longer than tall. The female Blue Heeler measures roughly 43–48cm at the withers, while the male measures about 46–51cm. If your Blue Heeler is in tip top condition, he’ll weigh about 15 to 22 kilograms. They are muscular with pointed, erect ears, dark eyes and long tails which are mostly hanging downwards. Their dense coats are blue- or red speckled and sometimes with tan markings.

The Blue Heeler is a ball of energy and he is clever too. You won’t find him sitting around for too long, and if there is sign of a walk or a ball game, he’s in! He is an independent dog, and although he makes a wonderful family pet, he tends to attach himself to that one special person in his life. He is a natural watchdog and protector of his human family.

Characteristics

These feisty Small Greek Domestic Dogs are loving, loyal dogs who enjoy being around their human family but who don’t mind spending some time on their own either.

They’re dogs which are in tune with their owners and they’re intelligent too so they learn easily. You can expect to a have a good friend when you allow this companion dog into your home.

blue healer dog - characteristicsTraining and socializing of your Blue Heeler will ensure that your dog does what you want him to. The Blue Heeler is an intelligent, responsive dog and training can benefit him, turning him into an outstanding family pet, good with children and other pets in the home.

He is a playful, affectionate pet who doesn’t take easily to strangers, and this is what makes him such an excellent guard dog.

Your Blue Heeler is not an apartment dog as he requires a lot of exercise, and cooping him indoors for too long with nothing to do can lead to destructive behavior.

Head-strong, independent and robust, your Blue Heeler will need a firm owner who is boss. Add to the firm owner a lot of love and care, and you’ll have a devoted friend.

Health Problems

This dog breed enjoys good longevity and can live to be about 12 to 15 years of age with good care.

One thing you have to be careful of with a dog like this is that because he is active he loves to running around and jumping. However, with his long back, jumping off a fairly high bed for instance, can lead to injury and should be discouraged rather. Apart from ear infections, other health issues can be dental.

Dental Issues:

Brushing your dog’s teeth 2 or 3 times a week can prevent dental problems. Small dogs are more prone to plaque formation and gum recession. Many small dogs loose their teeth with dental issues. Plaque that is left on the surface of the tooth is detrimental to the dog’s immune system, starting an inflammatory response. Without good oral hygiene, other health issues such as heart disease and diabetes can become a factor.

Ear Infections:

Ear infections in dogs, particularly those with floppy ears, are common and can be painful.

Scratching at the ear with head shaking is a common sign that your dog has an ear infection as well as the presence of redness and swelling. The inside of the ear needs to be gently cleaned with ear cleanser, but many people don’t like to do this, fearing they may damage the ear. Then it becomes important for your vet or professional groomer to do it for you.

blue healer puppies - health problemsAustralian cattle dogs are healthy and can live up to 15 years of age, but even so there are some genetic conditions that you will need to be aware of following

Eye issues which includes progressive retinal atrophy – this disease is an inherited disease of the retina of the eye where the rod cells are destined to die. Fortunately it is not painful for the dog. There are different types of inherited retinal degenerative diseases in dogs but going into detail with them is beyond the scope of this article. For more information you can chat to your vet.

Recessive piebald elleles - the Blue Heeler has recessive piebald alleles which can produce white in the skin and coat and which is linked to congenital hereditary deafness.

Caring The Pet

The Small Greek Domestic Dog is easy to groom and the coat which sheds moderately will simply require brushing twice a week to keep it silky and vibrant.

Diet:

The Small Greek Domestic Dog is sleek lean and muscular and you want to keep him like that at all costs and avoid obesity. To keep him happy and fit feed him two smaller meals as opposed to one. If you buy commercially manufactured food, make sure its the best quality one as the lower quality foods have inferior ingredients devoid of minerals and vitamins. When you have bought the best quality kibble, treat your dog to some home-made food from time to time – nothing exotic – just plain boiled chicken, brown rice and pasta and cooked vegetables such as potato, carrots and spinach. Some raw meat added in occasionaly is also excellent. Feeding your dog a simple but nutritious meal like this will ensure your dog is healthy, content and free of stomach problems. Fresh, cool water must be availabe around the clock.

Provide Plenty of Exercise

blue healer dogs - caringRemember that your Blue Heeler was once a full time cattle dog where he used to become totally and utterly exhausted from herding cattle. This is what he loved – the activity. If you have a Blue Heeler, you will need to provide him with plenty of exercise.

If you live on a farm, your Blue Heeler will be in his element because he can run, walk and swim to his heart’s content. If you keep your Blue Heeler in your back garden, you will need to provide him with ball games, rope games, long walks, running on a leash as you cycle and other activities.

Grooming

Your Blue Heeler has a short, weather-resistant double coat. He’s not a heavy shedder, but he will have his share of seasonal shedding, so it’s a good idea to get into the habit of brushing him at least twice a week. This will get rid of all those loose hairs and keep his skin healthy by getting the blood flowing and distributing his natural oils.

Feeding

Giving the best dog food for your Blue Heeler will come from either your home made food or a top quality commercially manufactured dog food. He is such a high energy dog, that your veterinarian can advise you on a dog food specially designed for high energy breeds.

These foods are well balanced and are enriched with amino acids and vitamins, promoting healthy bones and joints. Remember to include some raw meat into your dog’s diet and to ensure a constant source of cool, fresh water.

General care

Ensure your Blue Heeler’s ongoing health by paying attention to ears, nails and teeth.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. PekePoo vs Meliteo Kinidio - Breed Comparison
  2. Schipperke vs Meliteo Kinidio - Breed Comparison
  3. Schweenie vs Meliteo Kinidio - Breed Comparison
  4. Meliteo Kinidio vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  5. Meliteo Kinidio vs Mal-Shi - Breed Comparison
  6. Meliteo Kinidio vs Alaskan Klee Kai - Breed Comparison
  7. Meliteo Kinidio vs Coton De Tulear - Breed Comparison
  8. Meliteo Kinidio vs Japanese Spitz - Breed Comparison
  9. Meliteo Kinidio vs Malti-Pom - Breed Comparison
  10. Meliteo Kinidio vs Fruggle - Breed Comparison
  11. Meliteo Kinidio vs Lhasapoo - Breed Comparison
  12. Meliteo Kinidio vs Hawaiian Poi Dog - Breed Comparison
  13. Meliteo Kinidio vs Kyi-Leo - Breed Comparison
  14. Prazsky Krysarik vs Meliteo Kinidio - Breed Comparison
  15. Pugalier vs Meliteo Kinidio - Breed Comparison
  16. Tsvetnaya Bolonka vs Meliteo Kinidio - Breed Comparison
  17. Muggin vs Meliteo Kinidio - Breed Comparison
  18. Pomeranian vs Meliteo Kinidio - Breed Comparison
  19. Pug vs Meliteo Kinidio - Breed Comparison
  20. Miniature Schnauzer vs Meliteo Kinidio - Breed Comparison
  21. Papillon vs Meliteo Kinidio - Breed Comparison
  22. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Meliteo Kinidio - Breed Comparison
  23. Miniature English Bulldog vs Meliteo Kinidio - Breed Comparison
  24. Miniature Dachshund vs Meliteo Kinidio - Breed Comparison
  25. Miniature Poodle vs Meliteo Kinidio - Breed Comparison
  26. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  27. Collie vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  28. Dutch Shepherd vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  29. Blue Healer vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  30. Blue Healer vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  31. Blue Healer vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  32. Blue Healer vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  33. Blue Healer vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  34. Blue Healer vs Australian Collie - Breed Comparison
  35. Blue Healer vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  36. Blue Healer vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  37. Blue Healer vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  38. Blue Healer vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) - Breed Comparison
  39. Blue Healer vs Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  40. Blue Healer vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  41. English Shepherd vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  42. Catahoula Cur vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  43. Catalan Sheepdog vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  44. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  45. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  46. Queensland Heeler vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  47. German Coolie vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  48. Bohemian Shepherd vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  49. Croatian Sheepdog vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  50. Red Heeler vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds