Border Terrier vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison

Border Terrier vs Australian Kelpie - Breed ComparisonAustralian Kelpie is originated from Australia but Border Terrier is originated from United Kingdom. Australian Kelpie may grow 11 cm / 5 inches higher than Border Terrier. Australian Kelpie may weigh 13 kg / 29 pounds more than Border Terrier. Both Australian Kelpie and Border Terrier has same life span. Both Australian Kelpie and Border Terrier has almost same litter size. Both Australian Kelpie and Border Terrier requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Terrier dog
undefined
Australia
United Kingdom
Height Male:
46 - 51 cm
18 - 21 inches
33 - 40 cm
12 - 16 inches
Height Female:
43 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
28 - 36 cm
11 - 15 inches
Weight Male:
14 - 20 kg
30 - 45 pounds
5 - 7 kg
11 - 16 pounds
Weight Female:
12 - 20 kg
26 - 45 pounds
5 - 7 kg
11 - 16 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 7
2 - 8
Size:
Medium
Small
Other Names:
Kelpie, Barb
Russian Bear Schnauzer, Munich Schnauzer, Munchener, Riesenschnauzer
Colors Available:
Many Colours, from solids to bi-colours - tan, fawn, blue, red, black, chocolate
Tan and black, red or dark grey. Sometimes Grizzle - dark tipped hairs and overlay of color
Coat:
short and dense
Short, dense and springy
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
Yes
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

australian kelpieThe energetic Kelpie came into being around 1870, with this working dog breed having a role to play with the herding of sheep in the harsh Australian outback.The sheep and wool industry in Australia has always been big business, and Australian ranchers were looking for a tough dog that could cope with sheep but also cope with the harsh environment.

These are adaptable dogs too and their ancestors include the Coley or Collie, a British herding-type dog, the English- and the Australian Shepherd and the Dingo. In fact it is believed that up to 4% of their genes comes from the Dingo. These adaptable dogs were also brought to North America where they quickly adapted to the different climate and different livestock.

The Australian Kelpie isn’t your regular pet as they are essentially an outdoor, working dog. They are recognized today by the United Kennel Club and registered by the North American Australian Kelpie Registry.

border terrierAs a working dog, the Border Terrier comes from the border country between England and Scotland. To be more specific, the dog originates from the rough hill country in the areas on both sides of the border between England and Scotland – an area known as 'The Border Country'. The breed was developed by the farmers, using the Terriers to help contain the fox population.

It is believed that they are related to other kinds of terriers which also came from this region such as the Bedlington- and Dandie Dinmont Terriers. The first Border Terrier was registered in 1913 with the British Kennel Club. Later, the Border Terrier Club was also formed. A club for these dogs was also registered in the United States in 1930.

Description

The Coat

australian kelpie puppy - descriptionThe Kelpie is a medium-sized dog with a coat that comes in a number of colours – black, chocolate, fawn, red, blue, tan, white and gold. . The nose colour blends in with the dog’s coat colour and can be black, brownish and even pinkish.

A Sharp, Intelligent Look

The Kelpie has a medium-length tail which is low-set. The ears are pricked, giving the dog an intelligent, alert appearance. The dog’s head is also narrow and long, and his eyes are bright and inquisitive.

Lithe and Athletic

The Australian Kelpie has an athletic appearance, with a body which is longer than their height, similar to that of a German Shepherd. Because the Australian Kelpie is such an energetic, active breed, he’ll need plenty of ‘jobs to do’, lots of ball games and other exercise to keep him free from boredom and to ensure he maintains his lithe, lean, muscular limbs.

border terrier puppy - descriptionThe Border Terrier is a small to medium sized dog, weighing roughly between 5- and 7kg and standing at anything between 28 and 40cm in height. With his dark brown eyes and keen, alert expression, and with ears dropping forward, people describe the head as being like that of an otter. He is a courageous worker and a loyal companion but some people may not take kindly to him wanting to dig under-, or climb over barriers to get out to follow a scent or to go exploring.

The Border Terrier is a rough coated dogs of medium size with narrow build. The dog’s height is slightly greater than the dog’s length. The coat can be tan and black or dark grey. Sometimes the coat is described as grizzle - dark tipped hairs which give an overlay of color to the tan or red coat. You can also possibly find some white on the muzzle or chest. He has a double coat, with the outer coat being short, dense and wiry. The tail is of medium length and the ears drop forward toward their cheeks.

Characteristics

Friend of Children

australian kelpie dog - characteristicsThe Australian Kelpie is an active, busy, intelligent, loving breed who is highly protective of his human family. He gets on well with children and other pets in the home but you’ll want him trained if you want him to be gentle around children and smaller pets. He does tend to gravitate towards one particular family member as his ‘favourite’ though.

He Must be Busy

Your Kelpie won't do well in an apartment as he is a working dog who wants plenty of place to run and play. If he is bored, it manifests itself with constant barking. Make sure to provide a stimulating, active lifestyle for your Australian Kelpie, provide him with everything a dog needs and you’ll be rewarded with a devoted and loyal companion.

border terrier dog - characteristicsA Border Terrier is a dog that has to be part of the family. You can’t just stick him in your back yard as he will just pine away with unhappiness. Boredom and loneliness will cause him to bark and he has a loud bark. He’ll become destructive – characteristics that aren’t his fault because he didn’t ask to be bought and just stuck away.

Train and socialize your Border Terrier so that he becomes the great dog he is intended to be. He gets on well will children who have been taught to be kind to animals and he will get along with other pets in the home. The Border Terrier is an affectionate, sensitive dog and once trained he is willing to obey your commands.

The Border Terrier isn’t the greatest guard dog but is best known for his loving, devoted and loyal nature. He loves his food, and if you feed him well, provide him with a warm, dry place to sleep and provide him with lots of attention and exercise, you’ll have the most devoted and loving friend for life.

Health Problems

A Healthy Breed

australian kelpie puppies - health problemsYour Australian Kelpie is a hardy breed and you won’t find many health problems with him. Yes, every dog is susceptible to illnesses which are common with all dog breeds, and these are illnesses such as hip dysplasia and cryptorchidism.

You will need to check your Kelpie out for eye disease such as PRA or Progressive Retinal Atrophy, a group of genetic diseases which are found in some breeds of dogs. This can lead to cataracts and blindness.

Lifestyle and Environment Impact Health

Health problems in your Australian Kelpie can certainly be partially prevented by the way you feed your dog and by the environment you provide him with. Every dog has the potential to develop genetic health problems, but as we’ve said, the Kelpie is a generally healthy breed.

Always find a reputable breeder whose focus is on breeding healthy dogs and who can provide certification that the parents of the dog are clear of defects and are in tip-top condition for breeding.

Puppy Vaccinations

Along with quality food and fresh water, getting your puppy vaccinated is hugely important. Australian Kelpie puppy shots will protect your new 4-legged family member from the likes of distemper, parvovirus and hepatitis. Your puppy will also need additional booster vaccinations after his first shots which start at around 8 weeks of age.

border terrier puppies - health problemsBorder Terriers are a healthy breed and with good food and plenty of love and attention, they can reach 14 years of age. It is to be noted with this dog breed that he doesn’t show signs of pain or sickness easily so you want to watch him closely.

Canine Epileptoid Cramping Syndrome - This is a disease which can be evident from 7 months of age already. The disease was once known as Spike's Disease, and its an hereditary disease of Border Terrier dogs. The cause of the disease is unknown but it is similar to canine epilepsy. It is thought that a contributing factor can be gluten, so a gluten-free diet will be recommended.

Heart defects can also affect Border Terriers, one of which is pulmonic stenosis. This is a narrowing of the valve which separates the right chamber of the heart from the lungs. It can ultimately lead to arrhythmia to congestive heart failure. He’ll have difficulty with breathing, suffer from abdominal distension and won’t be able to exercise properly.

Caring The Pet

Grooming

australian kelpie dogs - caringAustralian Kelpies are low maintenance and their coat is easy to groom and maintain. You want to give him a good brush twice a week to get rid of loose hair. Australian Kelpies are moderate shedders.

Feeding your Kelpie

It is important to get your puppy off on the right foot to avoid health problems later on. Homemade dog food which includes chicken, rice and vegetables is always the best food for your dog. If you can't prepared your own meals for your Kelpie, top grade commercial dog food brands are recommended.

When looking at dog foods, remember that your Kelpie is a working dog – a naturally active breed and you’ll need to look at dog food which has been specially formulated for active dogs. Every dog will need raw meat in their diet if you want to avoid a dog with an itchy, flaky skin, a dog with poor energy levels and a dog that has no resistance to infection.

Training

Every owner who cares for their dog will provide him with socialization and training. The Australian Kelpie is an intelligent breed who responds well to training.

Grooming

border terrier dogs - caringBecause the topcoat of the Border Terrier is dense and harsh with a thick undercoat, he will require moderate grooming. He doesn’t shed too much. Brush your Border Terrier twice a week to remove dead hair and keep your dog’s coat healthy. As part of his grooming, keep his nails clipped as well as his teeth checked and brushed at least twice a week. Make use of specialized dog toothpaste and brush.

Diet

The Border Terrier can quickly put on weight so it is important to feed him according to the instructions on the packaging if you’re going to be feeding him with commercially manufactured dog food. Make sure its a quality brand and one which caters for his energy requirements.Dogs are individuals, and they don’t all eat the same amount. As a responsible dog owner, it is up to you to monitor your pet and understand his unique requirements.

Comparison with other breeds

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