Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Queensland Heeler - Breed Comparison

Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Queensland Heeler - Breed ComparisonQueensland Heeler is originated from Australia but Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is originated from United Kingdom. Both Queensland Heeler and Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier are having almost same height. Both Queensland Heeler and Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier are having almost same weight. Both Queensland Heeler and Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier has same life span. Queensland Heeler may have less litter size than Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier. Queensland Heeler requires Low Maintenance. But Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Terrier dog
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Australia
United Kingdom
Height Male:
43 - 51 cm
16 - 21 inches
43 - 50 cm
16 - 20 inches
Height Female:
43 - 51 cm
16 - 21 inches
43 - 50 cm
16 - 20 inches
Weight Male:
15 - 22 kg
33 - 49 pounds
13 - 20 kg
28 - 45 pounds
Weight Female:
15 - 22 kg
33 - 49 pounds
13 - 20 kg
28 - 45 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
10 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 5
2 - 8
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Australian Cattle Dog, Blue Heeler
Wheaten, Wheatie
Colors Available:
mottled blue, Red speckled. Black and tan coloring , Blue
tan, gingerish, Fawn, wheaten
Coat:
Short, double coat
Soft, silky, wavy to curly
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

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.

soft coated wheaten terrierThis wheaten colored terrier hails from Ireland. Although the Wheaten has been around for a long time, it was in 1937 that he was recognized as a breed in Ireland.

The British Kennel Club also recognized the Wheaten and the dog was also exported to the United States. Serious interest started being shown for the Terrier in the 1970s. It was in 1973 that they were recognised by the American Kennel Club.

Description

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.

soft coated wheaten terrier puppy - descriptionThe Wheaten is a medium sized dog standing at between 43 and 50cm and weighing between 13 and 20kg both male and female. The coat of the dog is soft, silky and wavy to even curly and is a wheaten to ginger color.

The coat of the puppy is dark but as he grows up it changes into the wheaten color although the ears may be a dark brown color. Pet owners like that the Wheaten is a very low shedding dog.

Temperament:

Playful, social and friendly, the Wheaten has always been put to good use on the farm. These days he is pet and companion. He is energetic and playful so children love having him around.

He is slightly more hyper and energetic than other Terrier breeds so will require a good dose of exercise.

He is smart and strong willed, and training and socialization turns him into an amicable pet to have around, so much so that he is sought after as a therapy-dog.

They’re easy-going dogs with no aggression issues but they still make great watch dogs and want to do whatever it takes to look after- and protect their human family.

Characteristics

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.

soft coated wheaten terrier dog - characteristicsThe Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has always made an excellent farm dog, but today he is more suited as pet and companion.

He adapts easily to life in the city or the countryside. Wherever he is, he will need his exercise. He also longs to be an active part of his human family, and then he’s happy, lively, social and friendly and is a great playmate for children.

He also gets on well with other dogs and will make you a fantastic family pet.

Health Problems

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.

soft coated wheaten terrier puppies - health problemsWhen you bring a Wheaten Terrier into your home, you’re not likely to have too many vet fees as he tends to be a healthy dog breed, being able to reach 13, 14 or 15 years of age with good care.

Look out for a dog ailment known as Protein-losing enteropathy (PLE). This is a condition where the dog isn’t able to properly absorb protein in the digestive tract, so that it is passed in their stools.

It can be fatal, but if caught early, some dietary changes can keep it under control.

Also, look out for inflammatory bowel disease. This disease occurs when the stomach of the dog has a large number of inflammatory cells which can change the lining of the digestive tract, preventing the normal absorption of food.

Caring The Pet

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.

Grooming:

soft coated wheaten terrier dogs - caringBrush your pet’s silky coat twice a week. Such a silky coat can get all tangled and matted. If you prefer, many people opt to rather have the Wheaten’s coat professionally clipped as then it is easier to handle. They like to have the hair clipped that hangs over the dog’s eyes.

Other grooming tasks require you to check inside his ears for redness which could indicate an infection. Trim his nails and check him over for ticks and fleas.

Training:

Have your Wheatie trained and socialized as he is a stubborn dog breed and you want him to be well mannered and obedient.

Exercise:

Terriers like this are energetic dogs and he is going to need exercise every day. A walk for a dog is always a welcome experience as it gives him the opportunity to sniff around and pick up new smells. Play ball- or frisbee games with him as this can tire him out a bit.

Veterinary Care:

If your dog shows signs of illness, get him to the vet. He is such a feisty dog that it can be unbearable to see him out of sorts.

Diet:

Terriers are energetic dogs so if you feed your dog one of the commercial dog foods, make sure the label indicates what food it is. This is because the foods are manufactured according to the type of dog it is, its age, size and energy levels.

Always try and go for the high quality foods which don’t have all those unhealthy ingredients in them. Try to include some home-made food – nothing exotic and spicy – just plain, wholesome food that won’t upset his stomach.

Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots is super tasty and nutritious. You can chop it up and add it to your pet’s kibble twice a week.

Try and include a little bit of raw meat to his diet occasionally as this can go towards ensuring he doesn’t get skin diseases. Always ensure he has a constant supply of fresh, cool water available.

Comparison with other breeds

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