Welsh Sheepdog vs Queensland Heeler - Breed Comparison

Welsh Sheepdog vs Queensland Heeler - Breed ComparisonWelsh Sheepdog is originated from United Kingdom but Queensland Heeler is originated from Australia. Both Welsh Sheepdog and Queensland Heeler are having almost same height. Both Welsh Sheepdog and Queensland Heeler are having almost same weight. Both Welsh Sheepdog and Queensland Heeler has same life span. Welsh Sheepdog may have more litter size than Queensland Heeler. Both Welsh Sheepdog and Queensland Heeler requires Low maintenance.

History

welsh sheepdog - historyThe Welsh Sheepdog is sometimes referred to as the Welsh Collie, but it is not a collie in anyway. It is the cross between the Border Collie and Welsh Sheepdog that is actually the Welsh Collie. The sheepdog was bred for herding not appearance and they are not all consistent in looks and size. They are a collie type but do not have recent collie ancestors. In fact the Border Collie has basically replaced the Welsh Sheepdog in herding sheep in Wales. The Welsh Sheepdog is still being bred as an indigenous breed. They are still prized for their ability to work independently and herding cattle, pigs, horses and goats as well as sheep. They were originally drovers.

In the 18th century there were many different Welsh herding dogs and one drover might have 4-6 different types of sheepdogs as guard dogs, herders and hunters. Most of these breeds were taller than the Welsh Sheepdog. By 1940 there aere only a couple of breeds doing these jobs in Wales. The purebred Welsh Hillman and Black and Tan Sheepdog were on the verge of extinction at that point.

At that time the most common dogs were descendants of the Black and Tan Sheepdog and the Border Collie. The Welsh Sheepdog was still working in central Wales and in the north country. They were purely a working breed and not a show breed in any way. They remain that today.

They are a landrace and very rare today. They have been around for more than 800 years with no effort at standardization for this working dog. They are only registered with the WSS or Welsh Sheepdog Society and the DRA Dog Registry of America.

queensland heeler - historyAnother 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.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Herding dogs
Origin:
United Kingdom
Australia
Height Male:
51 - 56 cm
20 - 23 inches
43 - 51 cm
16 - 21 inches
Height Female:
48 - 54 cm
18 - 22 inches
43 - 51 cm
16 - 21 inches
Weight Male:
16 - 25 kg
35 - 56 pounds
15 - 22 kg
33 - 49 pounds
Weight Female:
14 - 22 kg
30 - 49 pounds
15 - 22 kg
33 - 49 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 10
1 - 5
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
welsh collie
Australian Cattle Dog, Blue Heeler
Colors Available:
blue merle and tricolored Black and white • Red and white
mottled blue, Red speckled. Black and tan coloring , Blue
Coat:
soft undercoat short to moderately long, and it can be coarse or soft.
Short, double coat
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Alert, Courageous, Independent, Intelligent, Protective, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Hard
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
No
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

Description

welsh sheepdog puppy - descriptionBred for their herding abilities not their appearance, the Welsh Sheepdog can vary in color, build and size. They have long legs, broad chests and wide muzzles. They are all around bigger than the Border Collie. They come in black and white, tricolor, red and white and merle. The coat can be short or long and the ears pricked and folded at the top.

They look most like the Border Collie with a taller, broader, more solid build. They typically are stronger than the Border. Their head is distinctly collie shaped, flat and broad with the wide muzzle. The nose is black and the eyes are oval and brown. The merles can have striking blue eyes.

This is an athletic dog and you can tell by looking at her. Well muscled, broad back and neck with a long upward tail. Their tough paws are perfect for the rough terrain and Wales mountainsides.

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

Characteristics

welsh sheepdog dog - characteristics1Children friendliness not really – aloof and concerned with job- all this dog wants to do is work.

2.Special talents -independent worker

3.Adaptability – Not an inside dog in any way. They need several hours of exercise per day.

4.Learning ability Highly intelligent but stubborn, independent

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

welsh sheepdog puppies - health problemsUsually an indigenous rare breed does not have a lot of genetic or hereditary health concerns. This is a little different with the Welsh Sheepdog can suffer from any of these conditions.

• Epilepsy – Most respond well to medication and others might not even need medication.

• Collie Eye Anomaly – This is common in collie breeds like the rough coated collie. The development of the Choroid is impaired resulting in harm to the circulation of blood to the eye.

  • Hip Dysplasia – Can lead to lameness or arthritis.

• Atopic Dermatitis – Allergic skin disorder irritating paws, ears, and perineum.

• PRA Progressive Retinal Atrophy - deterioration of the retina can lead to blindness. Inherited.

  • Diabetes Mellitus – Damages pancreas, high blood sugar. Can be treated.

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

Caring for Dog

welsh sheepdog dogs - caring1Feeding the puppy active dog feed high quality high protein food. 3-4 x day 1-2 cups

2.Feeding the adult Active dog feed high quality high protein 2x day 2 cups a day.

3.Points for Good Health stamina and intelligence

4. Games and Exercises This is an extremely active breed that needs a job. They are not the best pets they are working dogs. They need a lot of exercise. They are not good at living indoors. At least 2 hours of exercise daily is a must.

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

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  3. Welsh Sheepdog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  4. Welsh Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
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  6. Welsh Sheepdog vs Collie - Breed Comparison
  7. Welsh Sheepdog vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  8. Welsh Sheepdog vs Dutch Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  9. Welsh Sheepdog vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
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  32. Queensland Heeler vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  33. Queensland Heeler vs Dutch Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  34. Queensland Heeler vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  35. Queensland Heeler vs English Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  36. Queensland Heeler vs Australian Collie - Breed Comparison
  37. Queensland Heeler vs Catahoula Cur - Breed Comparison
  38. Queensland Heeler vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  39. Queensland Heeler vs Catalan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  40. Queensland Heeler vs Pyrenean Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  41. Queensland Heeler vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  42. Queensland Heeler vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  43. Queensland Heeler vs Appenzell Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  44. Queensland Heeler vs German Coolie - Breed Comparison
  45. Queensland Heeler vs Bohemian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  46. Queensland Heeler vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  47. Queensland Heeler vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) - Breed Comparison
  48. Queensland Heeler vs Blue Lacy - Breed Comparison
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