Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison

Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs Australian Kelpie - Breed ComparisonAustralian Kelpie is originated from Australia but Dandie Dinmont Terrier is originated from United Kingdom. Australian Kelpie may grow 23 cm / 10 inches higher than Dandie Dinmont Terrier. Australian Kelpie may weigh 9 kg / 20 pounds more than Dandie Dinmont Terrier. Both Australian Kelpie and Dandie Dinmont Terrier has same life span. Both Australian Kelpie and Dandie Dinmont Terrier has almost same litter size. Both Australian Kelpie and Dandie Dinmont Terrier requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Terrier dog
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Australia
United Kingdom
Height Male:
46 - 51 cm
18 - 21 inches
20 - 28 cm
7 - 12 inches
Height Female:
43 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
20 - 28 cm
7 - 12 inches
Weight Male:
14 - 20 kg
30 - 45 pounds
8 - 11 kg
17 - 25 pounds
Weight Female:
12 - 20 kg
26 - 45 pounds
8 - 11 kg
17 - 25 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 7
3 - 6
Size:
Medium
Small
Other Names:
Kelpie, Barb
Mustard and Pepper Terrier, Dandie, Charlie’s Hope Terrier
Colors Available:
Many Colours, from solids to bi-colours - tan, fawn, blue, red, black, chocolate
reddish, Fawn, brown
Coat:
short and dense
Short to long
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, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Social, Sweet, 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.

dandie dinmont terrierThe rough coated Dandie Dinmont Terrier originates from Scotland. They were used centuries ago for hunting otters and badgers.

There are theories that exist that the dog is a cross between Scottish- and Skye Terriers while others believe there must be some Dachshund in the mix because of the long body of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier.

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier was first recorded as a distinct breed in the late 1600s. The British Dandie Dinmont Terrier Club was formed in 1875 while the American Kennel Club recognized the Dandie in 1886.

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.

dandie dinmont terrier puppy - descriptionThe Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a small dog who stands between 20 – 28cm at the withers and weighs between 8 and 11kg. He is recognizable by his fluffy head of hair.

He actually has quite a unique look with his long body and slightly over-sized head. He has floppy ears and a long tail. His coat is quite unusual too in that it can be silky and long around the face, legs and belly, while the topcoat is fairly shortish and crisp. His coat color is fawn to brown or reddish. He isn’t a heavy shedder.

Temperament:

Known also as the Dandie, Charlie’s Hope Terrier, the Mustard and Pepper Terrier, the Dandie Dinmont makes an excellent family pet with his calm demeanor, being somewhat reserved around strangers.

He is an alert, intelligent little dog and will warn you of strangers coming into your space. He therefore makes a good watchdog. He is loving and loyal to his human family and will readily fit into life in the city or in the countryside.

They are good with children and pets but with his independent streak, he will require training and socialization if you want him to behave and be obedient.

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.

dandie dinmont terrier dog - characteristicsYour Dandie Dinmont is capable of being a wonderful companion. He loves spending time with his human family and is affectionate and loyal.

The small Dandie is able to fit into life in the city or country, just so long as he has his human family with him. Because he comes from Terrier dogs, he is no push-over though and he has an independent streak which will benefit from training and socialization.

Make sure you give this small dog of yours plenty of love and good care and you will find that you have a loyal, devoted friend in him.

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.

dandie dinmont terrier puppies - health problemsYour pet Dandie Dinmont is a robust little dog who, with good care, can live to be anything between 12 to 15 years of age.

With every dog breed there will be health concerns, and these can include illnesses such as epilepsy as well as hypochondroplasia. All dogs have the potential to fall prey to health problems, and getting your pet from a reputable breeder can help to ensure you eliminate some of these diseases.

This small dog has a long body which means he can be affected by spinal problems. Genetics and body shape play a large role. Intervertebral disc disease is a condition where the cushioning discs between the vertebrae of the spinal column herniate into the spinal cord space. The discs press on the nerves and pain and paralysis can follow.

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.

Exercise:

dandie dinmont terrier dogs - caringThe Dandie doesn’t require as much exercise as some other dog breeds but you want to make sure he goes with you on your walks, or you play ball with him in the garden. You don’t want to see a small dog like this becoming obese as it can herald in a host of health problems.

Grooming:

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier doesn’t shed a hang of a lot but still, you will need to brush him twice a week to get rid of those loose hairs. Also, the coat will require stripping twice a year. Some dog owners who prefer a low maintenance breed might not like knowing this, but it is a necessary part of his grooming. There are some dog owners who cut the hair rather, but then the texture of the coat will change. This is only important to know if you want to show your Dandie. Other Dandie owners take their pets to a professional groomer for clipping.

Check the Ears and Teeth:

Because the Dandie has floppy ears and a lot of hair around the face and ears, you will need to check his ears for dirt and wax build-up as these can cause an ear infection. If you’re nervous to be going inside your dog’s ears, the vet or the dog groomer can show you how.

Also, little dogs like this are prone to tooth decay, and you will need to brush his teeth 2 or 3 times a week. This is because plaque and tartar buildup can cause mouth infections which contribute to other diseases within the body.

Comparison with other breeds

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