Schweenie vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison

Schweenie vs Australian Shepherd - Breed ComparisonAustralian Shepherd is originated from United States but Schweenie is originated from United Kingdom. Australian Shepherd may grow 8 cm / 4 inches higher than Schweenie. Australian Shepherd may weigh 23 kg / 51 pounds more than Schweenie. Both Australian Shepherd and Schweenie has same life span. Australian Shepherd may have more litter size than Schweenie. Australian Shepherd requires Moderate Maintenance. But Schweenie requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Companion dog
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United States
United Kingdom
Height Male:
51 - 58 cm
20 - 23 inches
27 - 50 cm
10 - 20 inches
Height Female:
46 - 56 cm
18 - 23 inches
27 - 50 cm
10 - 20 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 32 kg
55 - 71 pounds
4 - 9 kg
8 - 20 pounds
Weight Female:
16 - 30 kg
35 - 67 pounds
4 - 9 kg
8 - 20 pounds
Life Span:
13 - 15 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 9
2 - 5
Size:
Medium
Small
Other Names:
Aussie
None
Colors Available:
Tri-colour - blue, blue merle, black and red merle, white markings
grey and cream shade, Rusty color to brown, black
Coat:
thick - medium length - straight to wavy
Medium length, wavy or straight
Shedding:
Constant
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

australian shepherdThe Australian Shepherd, known fondly as ‘Aussies’, is actually an American breed, with the first official registry being in the 1950s. Basque Shepherds from Spain settled in Australia at the end of the 19th century, later moving to the United Stated with their dogs in tow. It is from these dogs that the breed originated. In the UK too, this breed of dog has many enthusiastic followers.

For many years, the Australian Shepherd has been recognized for their wonderful abilities as stock- or herding dogs, and today in Australia they continue to work as stock dogs and often take part in herding trials.

More recently, this working dog breed has been selectively bred to develop both Toy- and Miniature Aussies, and the American Stock Dog Registry actually recognizes 3 sizes today.The Australian Shepherd Club of America was also founded in 1957 to promote the breed.

schweenieThe Schweenie is a hybrid dog, with the parent breeds being the Shih Tzu and the Dachshund.

The Schweenie dog has been around for about 4 decades when breeders were looking for a dog that would be free of the health issues of the purebred parent breeds.

Because the Schweenie is a mix breed, it doesn’t qualify to be part of the American Kennel Club. He is however recognized by the Designer Breed Registry and some other clubs.

Description

Coat

australian shepherd puppy - descriptionSimilar in appearance to the Border Collie, the Australian Shepherd is a medium sized dog and has a medium length coat which is straight to wavy with a weather resistant undercoat. The range of coat colours is amazing, and you’ll find blue, blue merle, black and red merle and all of these are with or without tan points. The Australian Shepherd is a drop-eared breed where prick ears are sometimes seen. Some Aussies are born with naturally bobbed tails while most have full, long tails.

Different Eye Colour Combinations

There is variety in the eye colour too, and they are often heterochromatic, which means that they can have two different coloured eyes or the one eye can even be bi-coloured. Most times the eyes are brown, but they can be blue too.

schweenie puppy - descriptionThe Schweenie will be a smallish dog standing at roughly 27cm to 50cm and weighing 4 – 9kg.

Because of the Dachshund parent, he will likely have a long body. The coat is shortish to medium length and can be a variety of colors – from a rusty color to brown, black, grey and even a cream shade. The ears are floppy and the tail medium length.

Temperament:

He is a small dog who is smart and bright and who wants to please his human owners. He loves people and wants to be around them and involved in their activities.

Small and cute though he is, he can be a stubborn dog and become a little big aggressive too if he is feeling a bit moody. He will need to be trained and socialized if you want him to obey your simple commands such as sit, stay, lie down and come.

He is intelligent enough to learn these simple commands with ease.He is both alert and vigilant, and this makes them good watchdogs.

Characteristics

australian shepherd dog - characteristicsThe Australian Shepherd is an intelligent dog, learning quickly. As a herding dog, he also has strong guarding instincts and will make a good watch dog. The dog has a balanced, even disposition, and even though he may show some reserve, he is certainly not a shy dog and isn’t aggressive.

He Craves Human Companionship

Your Aussie is a kind, loving, and devoted pet. He loves his human family and wants to spend lots of time with them. Don’t leave him without human companionship as he craves it and forms strong bonds with his family. Provide him with good care and with lots of fun and games and you’ve got an exceptional friend for life.

schweenie dog - characteristicsThe Schweenie can be somewhat reserved and they need exercise regularly as well. If they don’t get enough exercise, they tend to become jittery and this can make them become a bit snappy. The are more prone to be snappy and aggressive with children who haven’t been taught how to treat animals gently and with respect.

They’re small enough to adjust to life in the city or countryside but will still need to be exercised.

The little Schweenie, with the right kind of owner can become a great little pet and companion.

Health Problems

australian shepherd puppies - health problemsAussies are a healthy breed and won’t cost you a fortune at the vet. However, like every other breed, they are also prone to certain health conditions such as cancer. When choosing a puppy, always look for a good, reputable breeder who can show you health clearances.

We look at some common health ailments to be alert about

Hip Dysplasia

This is a dog ailment that can be inherited. It is where the femur doesn't fit properly into the pelvic socket of the hip joint. Also, as the dog ages, arthritis can develop.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy an hereditary disorder where the seizures your dog gets can be treated and controlled.

Osteochondrosis Dissecans, commonly known as OCD is an orthopedic condition which comes about because of improper growth of cartilage in the joints. It can cause painful stiffening of the elbow joint for instance.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy or PRA is a degenerative eye disorder that can finally lead to blindness. Reputable Aussie dog breeders have their dogs' eyes certified regularly by a veterinary ophthalmologist.

Your Aussie Puppy Needs Vaccinations

Your newborn Australian Shepherd may well be strong and healthy, but he isn’t immune from life-threatening illnesses. Vaccinations are imperative for your Aussie puppy, with vets usually recommending that puppies be vaccinated for the first time from 6 to 8 weeks of age.

These vaccinations will include the 5-in-one and includes Parvovirus, Distemper, Hepatitis and Parainfluenza. Later on the puppy will get his first rabies shot and he will also require booster vaccinations.

schweenie puppies - health problemsWith good care, your Schweenie can live to be 12 to 15 years of age. Every dog, no matter how healthy, can get some of the health problems that plague many dogs.

Intervertebral Disk Disease:

This is where the cushions between each vertebra come into contact with the spinal cord. It can result in nerve damage and sometimes even paralysis. Because the Shih Tzu is one of the parent breeds, you will need to be aware of this ailment as these dogs are more susceptible to this disease.

Hypoglycemia:

Hypoglycemia is fairly common in small dogs and it is where there is a drop in blood sugar. It can be brought on by stress. It can also be referred to as low blood sugar and it can be deadly. If your pet is hypoglycemic, you will notice a loss in appetite, extreme lethargy, trembling and unusual behavior. You will need to get your Schweenie to the vet immediately for tests and treatment.

Caring The Pet

General Grooming

australian shepherd dogs - caringWith his medium length coat, the Australian Shepherd sheds. In fact this particular breed sheds his hair the entire year round, but you’ll notice that with the arrival of Spring, he sheds more as this is when he is losing his Winter coat. You will most certainly need to brush his coat at least 2x a week to get rid of all those tufts of hair and to also prevent matting.

Feeding

A puppy will need 4 bowls of vet-recommended food a day. How much your adult Australian Shepherd gets will depend on his age, size and activity levels.The quality of food you buy will make a difference as it will keep your Aussie in good shape. Remember to include raw or cooked meat into his diet once a week or so. For more on feeding your Aussie, speak to your vet. Always ensure a constant source of fresh, cool water.

Training and Socialization

The Australian Shepherd is a strong willed dog, used to playing the dominant role with the herding of livestock. He’ll need firm training and socialization if you want to make him an amicable family pet.

Like many herding dogs, Australian Shepherds are loyal to their family and don’t easily take to strangers. Aussies make awesome companions for families with kids who have been taught how to treat dogs and other pets with kindness and gentleness. Just like a dog needs socialization, a child needs to respect a sleeping, feeding dog and to leave him in peace.

schweenie dogs - caringYour Schweenie will need to be brushed at least twice a week to rid him of loose hairs. Because of his floppy ears, you will need to clean them and check for redness. If you don’t like the idea of probing inside the ear, professional groomers or the vet will do it for you.

Trim his nails if they don’t wear down on their own.

Provide him with a nice dry, warm spot to sleep.

Provide him with nice chewy toys that will keep him occupied.

Exercise him every day. Taking him on walks and playing ball games with him will keep him fit and trim but also help with staving off boredom.

Ensure his vaccines against deadly diseases are up to date. See that he gets to the vet when he appears to be under the weather.

He is a small dog so you have to be careful about how you feed him. You need to feed him a nutrient-rich dry kibble. Read the packaging and buy dog food according to his size, age and activity levels.

Try and include some home-made food into your dogs diet. A little bit of boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta, sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach all chopped up will do him good and can be added into the dry kibble twice a week. Some raw meat should also occasionally be added in as this can help to prevent some skin problems. Be sure that cool, fresh water is available for your pet at all times.

Comparison with other breeds

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