Queensland Heeler vs Brittany - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Queensland Heeler vs Brittany - Breed ComparisonBrittany is originated from France but Queensland Heeler is originated from Australia. Both Brittany and Queensland Heeler are having almost same height. Both Brittany and Queensland Heeler are having almost same weight. Both Brittany and Queensland Heeler has almost same life span. Brittany may have more litter size than Queensland Heeler. Both Brittany and Queensland Heeler requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Gun dog
Herding dogs
undefined
France
Australia
Height Male:
43 - 52 cm
16 - 21 inches
43 - 51 cm
16 - 21 inches
Height Female:
40 - 50 cm
15 - 20 inches
43 - 51 cm
16 - 21 inches
Weight Male:
14 - 20 kg
30 - 45 pounds
15 - 22 kg
33 - 49 pounds
Weight Female:
12 - 18 kg
26 - 40 pounds
15 - 22 kg
33 - 49 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 13 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 12
1 - 5
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Brittany Spaniel Brittany Wiegref Epagneul Breton French Brittany
Australian Cattle Dog, Blue Heeler
Colors Available:
tricolor, orange roan, liver roan, black roan
mottled blue, Red speckled. Black and tan coloring , Blue
Coat:
Flowing Medium length
Short, double coat
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Loyal, Playful, Sweet
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

brittanyOne of the most intense bird dog breeds in existence is the Brittany, bred for hunt. The breed used to be called the Brittany Spaniel, but since the breed is closer to a setter or pointer, that moniker has been dropped. The Brittany is named for the French Province in which they were originally developed. Sometime from the 17th to the 19th centuries, the breed was developed. Images of a very similar dog can be found on 17th century paintings and tapestries. However, the first written description comes from 1850 by a Reverend Davies, describing a hunting episode. The breed was recognized officially in the early part of the 20th century and made a splash at the 1900 Paris Dog Show.

The first official standards were written in about 1907 and the breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1934.The Brittany is expected to point to and then retrieve birds and other small ground game. Because the Brittany both points and retrieves they are known in the U.K. as a Hunt, Point and Retrieve breed or an HPR, and they have more Dual Champions than the rest of the AKC Sporting group.

There are actually two types of Brittanys in the minds of many breeders. There is the “French” Brittany and the “American” Brittany. When the breed arrived in the United States in 1931 they became immensely popular in a short period of time. In 1942 American Breeders began the American Brittany Club, rewriting the French standard to fit the dog they knew. Today there are definitely difference between the two sub-sets that can easily be seen. The French dog is smaller than the American dog. The American dog is a runner pacing ahead of the hunter while the French dog works more closely with their human companions. Another visible difference is that the French accept black spotted Brittanys, while in the United States a black spotted coat is considered a fault. Both sub-sets are known for their willingness to follow human directions, their eagerness for the hunt, and their agility and speed.

Unfortunately, the European wars took their toll on this breed as they did on many others. Following the second World War, their numbers in Europe were drastically reduced. The French had stop breeding them altogether during the war. It was in this depleted gene pool that the French agreed to accept the black spotted Brittany. Along with the U.S., Canada also does not recognize the black spotted Brittany.

queensland heelerAnother name for Queensland Heeler is Australian Cattle Dog or Blue Heeler.

These dogs have always been known for herding cattle. The term ‘Heeler’ comes from the dog’s working style – nipping and biting at the cattle’s hooves.

He was was an Australian cattle dog for Australian settlers in the 1800s. It is believed that Thomas Hall created one of the foundations of the Australian Cattle Dog breed by crossing crossing sheepdogs with Dingos.

The Blue-colored dogs have been the most popular, being known as the Blue Heeler.

Description

brittany puppy - descriptionThe Brittany is much like other hunting dogs – pointers and retrievers – in size and stature. He is solid and strong but not heavy. He is compact with an average size head and floppy ears, docked tails or short natural tails, and expressively intelligent looking eyes. He is athletic, energetic, and alert. He has a long, elastic and free gait. The French dog is smaller and the dog with black spots is accepted. The American Brittany is larger and only a tri-color of orange, liver and white is acceptable.

queensland heeler puppy - descriptionThe Queensland Heeler is a medium sized dog that stands between 43 and 51cm in height, both male and female. The dog weighs in the region of 15 to 22kg.

He has a short double coat with colors being blue, mottled blue and also red speckled. You’ll also find black and tan coloring on this active dog.

He is strong, lean and muscular with medium sized ears that are erect. The eyes are dark and alert, the legs straight and strong. The tail can be docked or left long.

Temperament:

The Australian Cattle Dog is a high-energy working dog that you won’t easily find lying around. The alert eyes are consistently looking around for action and he can’t be bored otherwise he could resort to digging or other destructive behavior.

He is loving to his entire human family, but being particularly attached to just one family member. He is also protective, taking his guarding role of his family seriously.

He gets on well with children and other pets but you’ve just got to keep your eyes on him around children as when excited he can give a nip or two.

Training and socialization will be important for this dog, particularly because he can be strong-headed, willful and stubborn.

Characteristics

brittany dog - characteristicsThe Brittany is particularly trainable and friendly. They love to play and are sweet-natured. They don’t due well with harsh correction though and a stern look will cause them to wither. Socialize them young or they can become shy around strangers. They are loyal and family oriented. They can easily become attached to their humans.

queensland heeler dog - characteristicsActive, intelligent, feisty, brave, playful, loving – these are just some of the wonderful characteristics you get when you bring a Queensland Heeler into your home.

True, he is independent, self-willed and stubborn, but training and socialization can take away all the rough edges.

He forms a strong bond with his human owner, and once you’ve had one of these amazing dogs in your life, you’ll be convinced that dogs are truly man’s best friend.

Health Problems

brittany puppies - health problemsThe breed is a hardy one and Brittanys are mostly healthy dogs. In Europe 1 in 5 dogs dies of old age and that age is usually 14 or 15 years. They do have a few issues that they may be susceptible to. These would include:

Ears – prone to infections

Hip Dysplasia – bones don’t fit well into joints

Epilepsy – mild or serious seizures are possible.

Hypothyroidism – Low levels of thyroid hormone

Canine Discoid Lupus Erythematosus – autoimmune disease

queensland heeler puppies - health problemsAustralian Cattle Dogs are healthy. Every dog, even the most healthiest breeds, can succumb to some of the common dog illnesses there are.

Deafness:

This is an inherited condition, so if you’re looking for a puppy, be careful about the breeder you buy from.

Hip Dysplasia:

This is another inherited condition where the thighbone of the dog doesn't fit properly into the hip joint. Your dog is usually so active but with this problem he may well be in pain and actually be lame. Your pet can even develop arthritis . The idea is to get your pet to the vet because it can be unbearable to see him in pain and unable to get around.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy:

This eye disease can mean deterioration of the retina. You'll recognize the signs when you see your dog unable to navigate around your home during the night. He is night blind but later on he can’t see during the day either.

Caring The Pet

Feeding

brittany dogs - caringDon’t overfeed your Brittany. Keep him at hunting weight by feeding a half a cup up to 2 cups per day depending on the size of your dog and activity levels. Serve this in two meals not one.

Health issues

Ears – prone to infections – make sure that you check them and wipe them out routinely to prevent infections.

Hip Dysplasia – bones don’t fit well into joints – this can be genetic or otherwise, causing lameness and arthritis. If severe it can require surgery to correct.

Epilepsy – mild or serious seizures are possible. This can be genetic/hereditary but is set off by an infectious disease of the brain, head injury, poison, tumor, or metabolic disorder. There is no cure, but medication can be very effective.

Hypothyroidism – Low levels of thyroid hormone – can cause drooping eyelids, obesity, lethargy, mental difficulties or irregular heat cycles or all of this. Medication is available as it is for humans but must be taken daily for the rest of the dog’s life

Canine Discoid Lupus Erythematosus – autoimmune disease that is rare in dogs. Cats and humans can also have it. It is a skin disease and does not become the more serious and deadly Systemic Lupus. The Discoid version of this disease causes loss of pigmentation and a scaling on the nose which can then progress to the skin around the ears, eyes and genitals. There could be ulcerated lesions and tissue death in more severe cases. Sun exposure can make the condition worse.

Exercise and games

The Brittany is a hunting dog that acts like a pointer but will retrieve fowl and birds in the water or on land. If you don’t hunt, the Brittany can still be your family dog. They need lots of exercise and mental stimulation. They need a job if they are not going to hunt and expect them to be distracted by every bird they see. Try flyball, agility, FAST CAT, field trials and dock diving. They are very task oriented and have boundless energy. They excel at obedience and confirmation as well.

queensland heeler dogs - caringTo cope with his life on the Australian Outback, the Queensland Heeler is known to be a low maintenance dog.

The thick coat does shed and it can get dusty so a good brush twice a week is all that is basically required for this dog. If his nails don’t wear down naturally, you will need to have them trimmed. As with every dog, you will need to give attention to his ears and teeth.

Exercise:

This is an extremely active dog. He is going to be needing both mental and physical stimulation to avoid boredom, after all he is used to an active lifestyle herding cattle. Hikes, swimming, running – you name it – he’ll join you with all your activities.

Diet:

Your Queensland Heeler is such a vibrant dog, full of the joys of living, and you want to ensure he has good food to eat to ensure he stays like that.

For convenience you get some excellent commercially manufactured dog foods. Your Blue Heeler is such a wonderful companion dog that you want to spoil him a bit and give him some delicious home-made food too. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots are a healthy choice for your pet – plain and simple just like dogs love it. Chop it up and add it into the high quality dry kibble a couple of times a week.

Some raw meat added in from time to time will help his skin and coat remain healthy. Never leave him without a constant source of fresh, cool water.

Comparison with other breeds

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