Boston Terrier vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison

Boston Terrier vs Australian Shepherd - Breed ComparisonBoth Australian Shepherd and Boston Terrier are originated from United States. Australian Shepherd may grow 15 cm / 6 inches higher than Boston Terrier. Australian Shepherd may weigh 21 kg / 47 pounds more than Boston Terrier. Both Australian Shepherd and Boston Terrier has almost same life span. Australian Shepherd may have more litter size than Boston Terrier. Australian Shepherd requires Moderate Maintenance. But Boston Terrier requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Terrier dog
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United States
United States
Height Male:
51 - 58 cm
20 - 23 inches
38 - 43 cm
14 - 17 inches
Height Female:
46 - 56 cm
18 - 23 inches
36 - 41 cm
14 - 17 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 32 kg
55 - 71 pounds
7 - 11 kg
15 - 25 pounds
Weight Female:
16 - 30 kg
35 - 67 pounds
5 - 11 kg
11 - 25 pounds
Life Span:
13 - 15 Years
11 - 13 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 9
1 - 6
Size:
Medium
Small
Other Names:
Aussie
Boston Bull, Boston Bull Terrier, American Gentlemen
Colors Available:
Tri-colour - blue, blue merle, black and red merle, white markings
Brindle with white markings, Brown and white or black and white.
Coat:
thick - medium length - straight to wavy
Short and smooth
Shedding:
Constant
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet
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.

boston terrierNicknamed the American Gentleman, the Boston Terrier is the result of crossing the British Bulldog with the white English Terrier. At first the Boston Terrier was bred to be a fighting dog, but since then, undesirable characteristics have been bred out and today the Boston Terrier is regarded as an indoor dog that doesn’t tolerate extreme weather conditions.

The breed emerged in the 1870s when Robert Hooper from Boston bought a dog thought to be a mix of a Terrier and Bull type lineage. A specialist breed club was formed in 1891 and in 1979 the commonwealth of Massachusetts named the Boston Terrier the Official State Dog. By the 20th century, the breed’s color and patterns were standard and an essential feature.

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.

boston terrier puppy - descriptionThe Boston Terrier is a lively, strong-willed breed with an alert expression and fairly large, erect ears. He is a small to medium sized dog and his square muzzle puts him among the Bull breeds. The dog is compact in build and varies quite significantly in size. Weight with the dog is actually divided into 3 categories – lightweight (under 6.8kg), middleweight (up to 9kg) and the heavyweights being between 9.1kg and up to 11.4kg. The Boston has a short head and a naturally short, low-set tail. The coat is short and smooth, and the colour can be brindle with white markings, brown and white or black and white.

It’s the energetic liveliness of the Boston Terrier that makes him such a lovable and popular pet. He has an affectionate, gentle nature that makes him a fantastic family pet and he gets on well with children and pets in the home. He can adapt to city or country life. One or two interesting facts of this breed are -

with his short nose, he is prone to drool and snore

he is prone to corneal ulcers because of his large, somewhat protruding eyes

with a small pelvis, the females often battle with the birthing process and may require a caesarean section.

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.

boston terrier dog - characteristicsThe Boston Terrier is such a sweet little dog, but you can’t really say what your puppy’s personality will be as personality varies quite a bit between individual Boston’s. Remember that just like with a human child, your puppy will turn out with characteristics that can be attributed to the way he was raised. The Boston just loves his human family and he wants to be part of all your activities, even though he may gravitate towards one favorite family member.

Your Boston can be your Best Friend

Your Boston is a Terrier and that means he is full of life and will require being exercised by you. He can’t just be left outdoors day after day because this is one particular breed that can’t adapt to changing weather conditions. He likes being inside where the temperature is more even. Look after your Boston, because if you do, you’ll be rewarded by having one of the best friends you’ve ever had.

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.

boston terrier puppies - health problemsBoston Terriers are generally healthy, feisty little dogs but it is always wise to know that you may well come across some health conditions that can affect your pet.

Eye Problems

Your Boston may well have to contend with cataracts, and in the dog world, this isn’t only an ailment for old dogs. Juvenile cataracts can develop in young puppies already. Cherry Eye is another eye problem with a prolapse of the gland of the third eyelid. It is also an eye disease than can be found in young dog of less than a year old.

Deafness

Boston Terriers actually have a fairly high incidence of deafness in one or both ears. White Bostons tend to produce more puppies with deafness.

Brachycephalic Syndrome

The Boston Terrier is a brachycephalic dog and therefore more predisposed to Brachyphalic Syndrome where the dog battles to breathe because of too much soft tissue which forms in the airways.

To avoid many dog diseases with your Boston, buy your puppy from a reputable dog breeder who screens dogs used in a breeding program as this prevents puppies inheriting genetic disorders.

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.

Exercise

boston terrier dogs - caringThe Boston Terrier is a lively dog, and even though he doesn't have any extreme exercise requirements, he will still require you exercising him by taking him on walks, or having ball games with him. As an essentially indoor dog, he can even enjoy some quieter indoor games.

Feeding

You’ll be able to gauge how much your pet requires in terms of high quality food, but by the time he is an adult, he usually has one or two bowls of food a day. Size and age play an important role in determining his eating habits. Home made foods made up of rice, meat and vegetables are always welcome for your pet and these can be added into his top quality commercially produced dog food. For a healthy dog who is free of skin problems include some raw meat in the diet from time to time. Always make sure that there is a bowl of fresh, cool water which is available 24/7.

Grooming

With his short coat, the Boston Terrier isn’t a heavy shedder and is low maintenance in terms of keeping his coat groomed. Brush him at least twice a week to remove loose hairs and to also prevent flea and tick infestations. Brush his teeth 2 or 3 times a week to ensure no plaque build-up which can damage the teeth. Never use human toothpaste, but invest in special toothpaste and -brush for dogs. If he is essentially an indoor dog, you may have to get the vet to trim his nails too.

Comparison with other breeds

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