Bullenbeisser vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison

Australian Shepherd is originated from United States but Bullenbeisser is originated from Germany. Australian Shepherd may grow 6 cm / 2 inches shorter than Bullenbeisser. Both Australian Shepherd and Bullenbeisser are having almost same weight. Australian Shepherd may live 3 years more than Bullenbeisser. Both Australian Shepherd and Bullenbeisser has almost same litter size. Australian Shepherd requires Moderate Maintenance. But Bullenbeisser requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Molosser dogs
undefined
United States
Germany
Height Male:
51 - 58 cm
20 - 23 inches
53 - 64 cm
20 - 26 inches
Height Female:
46 - 56 cm
18 - 23 inches
51 - 62 cm
20 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 32 kg
55 - 71 pounds
25 - 34 kg
55 - 75 pounds
Weight Female:
16 - 30 kg
35 - 67 pounds
23 - 34 kg
50 - 75 pounds
Life Span:
13 - 15 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 9
8 - 11
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Aussie
German Bulldog
Colors Available:
Tri-colour - blue, blue merle, black and red merle, white markings
Fawn or Brownish
Coat:
thick - medium length - straight to wavy
short and dense
Shedding:
Constant
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, 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.

Known also as the German Bulldog, the Bullenbeisser was a strong dog which is now unfortunately extinct. There were two regional types – the Brabanter- and the Danziger Bullenbeisser.This Molosser-type dog was native to Germany and was bred for different hunting purposes.

Nobody is quite sure what dogs are included in Molossers, but they are essentially large dogs bred to hunting and rescue, tending to have a shorter muzzle. The Bullenbeisser is famous for the role the dog has played in the development of the wonderful dog we have today, the Boxer. In fact, some Bullenbeissers were crossed by the Boxer Kennel Club of Germany with Bulldogs from the UK.

Not much is known about the history of the Bullenbeisser, but the breed also has a history in the lands of the Holy Roman Empire. The dog was at first a type of Mastiff, large and with the typical brachycephalic head, and used for hunting because of their power.

To improve their dogs, many Bullenbeisser breeders began crossing their dogs with English Bulldogs, introducing a white coat to the Bullenbeisser. Other breeds were also crossed with the dog such as the Bull Terrier, but by the end of the 19th century, the traditional Bullenbeisser was slowly dying out. It was in the late 1870s that German breeders, Hopner, Konig and Roberth used the dog to bring about a new breed, which today is known as the Boxer.

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.

The Boxers lineage comes from the Bullenbeisser. The Bullenbeisser was a fierce, courageous dog, noted for its hunting abilities. The dog was developed into the Boxer so that its body become more defined and more streamlined.

Described as a medium to large muscular dog, standing roughly 63cm in height, he would have weighed in the region of 32kg. He had a short coat, brown eyes and short to medium ears which were half erect, half floppy.

Brown to fawn in color, he had a long tail which was later docked to give the dog a more distinctive, attractive look. The dog also got its attractive fawn color from the English Bulldog. Loyal, active and loving, the Bullenbeisser was a true family dog with a close affinity to children.

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.

Information on the extinct Bullenbeisser is limited, but because he was used to bring about the Boxer you can be sure that he would have been fearless, courageous and territorial of his property and of his human family.

The Bullenbeisser would have been a good watch-dog and with the right kind of loving care, a most awesome and loving family 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.

In general, medium to large breeds like the Bullenbeisser have a lifespan of 10, 11 or 12 years. The life expectancy of these dogs relied much on the lifestyle they led and their diets.

The Bullenbeisser had a deep chest and this made dogs like this prone to gastric dilatation and bloat which can be life-threatening and which requires immediate veterinary intervention. The dog with this disease has distension of the abdomen and extreme discomfort, wanting to vomit but being unable to do so.

Hip Dysplasia:

Hip Dysplasia is a disease which is more common in larger dogs and is an abnormal formation of the hip socket, resulting in lameness accompanied by painful arthritis.

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.

Grooming:

The Bullenbeisser was a mastiff like breed with a short, easy-to-care for coat. He would have required a good brushing down at least twice a week to remove the coat from loose hairs. As an active, outdoor-type dog, he would have had to have his ears checked for dirt and the possibility of infection.

Exercise:

Although the Bullenbeisser was a hunting dog, he no doubt led an active outdoor lifestyle. Dogs such as the Boxer and the Mastiff, which are descendants of this dog are the kind of dogs which will need to be exercised regularly, taken on walks and given lots of running games with a ball.

Diet:

As a medium to larger breed with lots of energy, the Bullenbeisser would have no doubt had home-made food from his master’s table. This food would have included meat and vegetables. As a hunting dog he would have had the chance to get in some raw meat which is imperative for the health of any domesticated dog today.

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
  4. Australian Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  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
  16. Australian Shepherd vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  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
  21. Australian Shepherd vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Australian Shepherd vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Australian Shepherd vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Australian Shepherd vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Australian Shepherd vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Bullenbeisser vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Bullenbeisser vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Bullenbeisser vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Bullenbeisser vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Bullenbeisser vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Bullenbeisser vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Bullenbeisser vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Bullenbeisser vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Bullenbeisser vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Bullenbeisser vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Bullenbeisser vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Bullenbeisser vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Bullenbeisser vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Bullenbeisser vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Bullenbeisser vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Bullenbeisser vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Bullenbeisser vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Bullenbeisser vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Bullenbeisser vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Bullenbeisser vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Bullenbeisser vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Bullenbeisser vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Bullenbeisser vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Bullenbeisser vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Bullenbeisser vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison