Scotch Collie vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Scotch Collie vs Blue Healer - Breed ComparisonBlue Healer is originated from Australia but Scotch Collie is originated from United Kingdom. Blue Healer may grow 10 cm / 3 inches shorter than Scotch Collie. Blue Healer may weigh 10 kg / 22 pounds lesser than Scotch Collie. Both Blue Healer and Scotch Collie has almost same life span. Both Blue Healer and Scotch Collie has almost same litter size. Blue Healer requires Low Maintenance. But Scotch Collie requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Herding dogs
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Australia
United Kingdom
Height Male:
46 - 51 cm
18 - 21 inches
53 - 61 cm
20 - 25 inches
Height Female:
43 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
47 - 56 cm
18 - 23 inches
Weight Male:
15 - 22 kg
33 - 49 pounds
21 - 32 kg
46 - 71 pounds
Weight Female:
13 - 22 kg
28 - 49 pounds
18 - 27 kg
39 - 60 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
12 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 7
2 - 8
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
ACD, Cattle Dog, Red Heeler, Queensland Heeler
Farm Collie • Old Farm Collie
Colors Available:
Blue mottled, Red mottled
All colors and markings traditionally found on collies
Coat:
short and dense
double top harsh under soft
Shedding:
Minimal, Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Responsive
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

blue healerIt was in 1802 that George Hall arrived in New South Wales, establishing 2 cattle stations. He had a problem – getting his thousands of cattle to the Sydney markets. He began looking at the prospect of a droving dog and imported a number of dogs of which a blue mottled dog emerged.

The dogs were crossed with dingoes and by 1840 the Halls Heelers were used by the Halls. However with the death of one of the Halls, their cattle stations went to action and the dogs, the Halls Heelers became available.

The dogs attracted attention, and the term ‘Australian Cattle Dog’ was adopted. The name referred to those dogs coming from Thomas Hall's ‘Heelers’. There have been many arguments about the origin of the breed, but the red or blue offspring known as Hall's Heelers were proven cattle drovers, and with further breeding experiments which included the Australian Kelpie, dingoes and the Dalmation, by 1893, the tough, robust working breed known as the Blue Heeler or the Australian Cattle Dog came about.

scotch collieThe landrace breed, which started in the highlands of Scotland is known as the Scotch Collie. There were at the time two types of collies – the Rough or long haired collie and the smooth or short haired collie. The Scotch Collie is considered to be from a line of very ancient herding dogs. It might have existed in the days of the Roman Empire, these herding dogs might have included the Native Celtic Dogs, Roman Cattle Dogs, Gordon Setter, Viking Herding Spitzes and Irish Setters.

In its native land the Scotch Collie is often called the colley dogs, coaly and cooley. Collie comes from the Scottish words for black coal – or the Coaley Sheep they herded. In addition to herding, the Scotch Collie also acted as a hunter and guard dog for its family. A large group of these collies were exported to America to work on family farms. Soon they were so popular they became family pets. They were first shown in both England and America in in the mid to late 1800’s.

The Scotch Collie Club was formed in 1885 and the breed accepted into the AKC the same year. The Collie Club of America started the following year. The AKC eventually dropped the moniker Scotch in favor or Rough and Smooth Collie. This move also separated the show dogs from the still working/herding Scotch Collies.

Aa time went on and the collie became more prominent in conformation competitions, some breeders mixed in the Greyhound and perhaps the Borzoi to get the collie we see today. The Scotch Collie itself eventually lost its independent recognition in the UKC and the NKC. It was mixed in with the English Shepard, but it was an important element in the development of the Australian Shepard, Shetland Sheepdogs and Border Collies.

The breed had a revival of sorts in the early 2000’s as the Old Time Scotch Collie. Any type of farm collie in America and Canada can be registered in the OTSCA. They are more often referred to as Old Time Farm Shepherds to avoid confusion them with the very popular collies. In 2017 there were 174 of these OTSCA dogs. Collies today have less working instincts, and the heeling instinct seems to be gone.

Today the show version of the Scotch Collie is recognized by both the AKC and UKC in the herding group.

It has been said of the Scotch Collie that they have “the majesty of a lion, the pride of a great thoroughbred stallion, the confidence of a Winston Churchill.”

Description

blue healer puppy - descriptionBlue Heelers are medium-sized, sturdy, compact dogs who are somewhat longer than tall. The female Blue Heeler measures roughly 43–48cm at the withers, while the male measures about 46–51cm. If your Blue Heeler is in tip top condition, he’ll weigh about 15 to 22 kilograms. They are muscular with pointed, erect ears, dark eyes and long tails which are mostly hanging downwards. Their dense coats are blue- or red speckled and sometimes with tan markings.

The Blue Heeler is a ball of energy and he is clever too. You won’t find him sitting around for too long, and if there is sign of a walk or a ball game, he’s in! He is an independent dog, and although he makes a wonderful family pet, he tends to attach himself to that one special person in his life. He is a natural watchdog and protector of his human family.

scotch collie puppy - descriptionThis Scotch Collie is an athletic, intelligent, well-balanced and alert dog. This collie has no exaggerated features like the long nose/muzzle of the current collies. This Scotch Collie is sound in mind and body, a hard working dog. He is hearty and versatile. They are longer than they are tall. Their heads are moderate and the stoop is well defined. They have a wide, flat skull. Their lips are tight and they are fitted well.

Their ears are also moderate in size and pointed or partially erect. They should not have long or droopy ears. They have eyes that might be oblique, almond, and round. The eyes are usually brown and merles may have blue eyes. The breed has a deep chest, broad shoulders and a long tail. There are also some bobtails that occur naturally.

Characteristics

blue healer dog - characteristicsTraining and socializing of your Blue Heeler will ensure that your dog does what you want him to. The Blue Heeler is an intelligent, responsive dog and training can benefit him, turning him into an outstanding family pet, good with children and other pets in the home.

He is a playful, affectionate pet who doesn’t take easily to strangers, and this is what makes him such an excellent guard dog.

Your Blue Heeler is not an apartment dog as he requires a lot of exercise, and cooping him indoors for too long with nothing to do can lead to destructive behavior.

Head-strong, independent and robust, your Blue Heeler will need a firm owner who is boss. Add to the firm owner a lot of love and care, and you’ll have a devoted friend.

1.Children friendliness - they are great with children.

2.Special talents agility and speed.

scotch collie dog - characteristics3.Adaptability - Scotch Collies are versatile and adaptable. There is no need to crate them as they are not destructive. If you have a large run or kennel, they can live anywhere. However they are happiest on farms and open lands.

4.Learning ability - They are very intelligent and open to learning.

Health Problems

blue healer puppies - health problemsAustralian cattle dogs are healthy and can live up to 15 years of age, but even so there are some genetic conditions that you will need to be aware of following

Eye issues which includes progressive retinal atrophy – this disease is an inherited disease of the retina of the eye where the rod cells are destined to die. Fortunately it is not painful for the dog. There are different types of inherited retinal degenerative diseases in dogs but going into detail with them is beyond the scope of this article. For more information you can chat to your vet.

Recessive piebald elleles - the Blue Heeler has recessive piebald alleles which can produce white in the skin and coat and which is linked to congenital hereditary deafness.

scotch collie puppies - health problemsThe old line breed was hearty with few health issues. The ones they did have included:

  • Musculoskeletal problems - can cause weakness or even some lameness.

• Skin problems - can have skin diseases like mange that may or may not be acute, may have allergies or sensitivities.

  • Bloat – can cause death if not treated quickly.

Caring The Pet

Provide Plenty of Exercise

blue healer dogs - caringRemember that your Blue Heeler was once a full time cattle dog where he used to become totally and utterly exhausted from herding cattle. This is what he loved – the activity. If you have a Blue Heeler, you will need to provide him with plenty of exercise.

If you live on a farm, your Blue Heeler will be in his element because he can run, walk and swim to his heart’s content. If you keep your Blue Heeler in your back garden, you will need to provide him with ball games, rope games, long walks, running on a leash as you cycle and other activities.

Grooming

Your Blue Heeler has a short, weather-resistant double coat. He’s not a heavy shedder, but he will have his share of seasonal shedding, so it’s a good idea to get into the habit of brushing him at least twice a week. This will get rid of all those loose hairs and keep his skin healthy by getting the blood flowing and distributing his natural oils.

Feeding

Giving the best dog food for your Blue Heeler will come from either your home made food or a top quality commercially manufactured dog food. He is such a high energy dog, that your veterinarian can advise you on a dog food specially designed for high energy breeds.

These foods are well balanced and are enriched with amino acids and vitamins, promoting healthy bones and joints. Remember to include some raw meat into your dog’s diet and to ensure a constant source of cool, fresh water.

General care

Ensure your Blue Heeler’s ongoing health by paying attention to ears, nails and teeth.

scotch collie dogs - caring1Feeding the puppy - The Scotch Collie is not a medium dog nor is it a large dog. It is somewhere in-between. Because of this there is some discretion in not only how much you feed your puppy, but also what you feed. Normally we would feed according to breed size but here you need a high quality formula that is made for working breeds. The puppy will need enough calories to meet their high energy needs. Feed at least 3-4 times a day.

2.Feeding the adult - you need a high quality formula that is made for working breeds. The adult will need enough calories to meet their high energy needs. Feed at least 2 times a day.

3.Points for Good Health - stamina and athleticism.

4. Games and Exercises

There is a high need for exercise starting with walks or jog but that is not going to be enough. The Scotch Collie is not a Border Collie or a Corgi in terms of energy, but they are not couch potaoes. They need more than access to a yard. They need a job or they need defined exercise and play. The daily walk or jog will do it but intense play is better.

Comparison with other breeds

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