Toy Australian Shepherd vs Fox Terrier - Breed Comparison

Toy Australian Shepherd vs Fox Terrier - Breed ComparisonFox Terrier is originated from United Kingdom but Toy Australian Shepherd is originated from United States. Both Fox Terrier and Toy Australian Shepherd are having almost same height. Both Fox Terrier and Toy Australian Shepherd are of same weight. Both Fox Terrier and Toy Australian Shepherd has almost same life span. Both Fox Terrier and Toy Australian Shepherd has same litter size. Fox Terrier requires Low Maintenance. But Toy Australian Shepherd requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Herding dogs
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United Kingdom
United States
Height Male:
35 - 39 cm
13 - 16 inches
26 - 36 cm
10 - 15 inches
Height Female:
32 - 36 cm
12 - 15 inches
26 - 36 cm
10 - 15 inches
Weight Male:
8 - 9 kg
17 - 20 pounds
3 - 9 kg
6 - 20 pounds
Weight Female:
7 - 8 kg
15 - 18 pounds
3 - 9 kg
6 - 20 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
12 - 13 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
2 - 6
Size:
Medium
Small
Other Names:
Wire hair fox terrier Wirehaired terrier Fox terrier Wire
Aussie, Mini Australian Shepherd
Colors Available:
predominant white base with brown markings of the face and ears, and usually a black saddle or large splotch of color; there may be other black or brown markings on the body.
White with tan, red or blue merle, black
Coat:
rough, Broken
Medium length, weather resistant coat
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Alert, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal, Playful, Stubborn
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Hard
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
No
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

fox terrierThe Wirehaired Fox Terrier and the Smooth Fox Terrier were for over 100 years the same breed of dog. Now it is believed that they are two separate breeds with two separate ancestry. It is an English creation with Dachshunds, Fox Hound, English Hounds, and Beagle in their background. It is also believed that the Wales, Durham and Derbyshire extinct rough-coated black and tan working terrier. The white terrier breeds that exist today are related to the Fox Terrier. In addition, it is recognized that terrier breeds of today such as the Jack Russel, the Rat Terrier, and the Miniature Fox Terrier are descendants of the Fox Terrier.

They are one of the oldest of the terrier breeds dating back to the 17tth century in the British Isles. They were primarily farm dogs guarding against the fox and vermin. Like any terrier they go to ground – digging, growling, barking and lunging at the den until the animal comes out and the farmer killed it. The breed was made popular in England through their living with royalty. The Nots Kennel had a lot to do with this as well. King Edward VII’ Wire Fox Terrier came from the Notts Kennel. The Best Champion of Crufts in 1911 was a Wire Fox Terrier, and Queen Victoria had one as well. The Wire Fox Terrier finally became a family dog in the 1930’s. During this time there were feature movies and comic strips that feature a Wire Fox Terrier, such as The Thin Man and The Adventures of Tintin.

The late 1900’s saw the population moving off the farms, out of the country and into the cities. This caused a decline in the popularity of the breed. Keeping terriers born to hunt in the city proved a challenge in the beginning. Their popularity is influenced as well by the breeds success in the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York – second only to the Crufts Dog Show in England. Adding to their early success at Crufts, the Wirehaired Fox Terrier breed has won more Westminster Best in Show than any other with 14. Only five dogs have won at Westminster more than once and one of those is a Wirehaired Fox Terrier. A Smooth Fox Terrier won it three times.

toy australian shepherdThese beautiful little dogs interestingly don’t originate in Australia. They were originally bred in the western U.S. as herding dogs.

Today they are mainly companion dogs. Their lineage goes back to a pair of sibling dogs - the Wildhagen Dutchman and Fieldmaster of Flintridge and these two dogs began the lineage to which the Miniature Australian Shepherd belongs.

Known also as ‘Aussie’, there are different stories to its exact origins. It is thought that some Basque farmers brought dogs with them when they came to Australia, taking them to the United States during the 1849 California gold rush.

The dog has been crossed with a number of breeds to bring about a dog that could cope with harsh temperatures.

Description

fox terrier puppy - descriptionThe Wirehaired Fox terrier is a sturdy dog with features quite similar to the Smooth Fox Terrier. It is symmetrical with a short back, round, dark eyes, a body that is shorter and ears that are v-shaped. He is medium sized with a flat skull that narrows as it approaches the nose. The nose is black, and the muzzle also tapers to it. The breed has a high, docked tail outside the United Kingdom. The tail is natural in the United Kingdom. They don’t have a broad or narrow chest, but it is deep. Laid back shoulders and a short back are signs of good breeding. Their legs are strong, and their feet have tough, cushioned pads.

toy australian shepherd puppy - descriptionThe Toy Australian Shepherd, also referred to as the Mini- or Miniature Australian Shepherd is a small dog standing at between 26 - 36 cm in height and weighing between 3 to 9kg.

He looks very similar to the standard Australian Shepherd.

He has a medium-length, weather-resistant coat which is white with tan, black, red or blue merle. The coat is long, and slightly wavy with feathering around the legs and neck.

They eyes can be blue or brown or he can have two differently colored eyes.The tail of these dogs can be a natural bobtail or it is docked. They do shed but they don’t require that much grooming.

Temperament:

These playful little dogs may be small, but they are brave and full of courage. They’re also easy going, and love nothing more than to be around their human family.

They love the games that children play and are always ready to join in, making excellent playmates for children. Lively and alert, they also make good watchdogs and because they are so intelligent, they are easy to train and socialize.

Their intelligence means they need to be physically and mentally stimulated otherwise they can become destructive from sheer boredom. They’re full of energy and will require regular exercise every day.

Characteristics

Children friendliness

fox terrier dog - characteristicsThe Wirehaired Fox Terrier is good with children but if teased and frustrated he could bite. Children should know how to play with them and not to tease them.

Special talents

He is great at performing tricks, tracking, agility, watch dog, competitive hunting or field trials.

Adaptability

The Wirehaired Fox Terrier is quite adaptable and can live anywhere. He is not a big dog but remember he is very high energy.

Learning ability

The breed is very smart but being independent thinkers, they can be difficult to train at times. Consistency and patience are needed when training the Wirehaired Fox Terrier. They get bored easily and if training sessions are not fun you will lose them. This is a breed that loves people but need constant supervision and companionship.

toy australian shepherd dog - characteristicsThe Toy Australian Shepherd is such a clever little dog and eager to learn too. You won’t have trouble getting him trained and socialized as he is eager to learn.

He bonds closely with his human family, becoming a loyal, devoted pet. They are also great playmates for children. They’re the kind of dogs that will require mental and physical stimulation if they are to to be prevented from becoming bored and frustrated.

They need social interaction with their human family and will be devastated if they were to be stuck in the backyard and all but forgotten.

They have a lifespan of 12 – 14 years and you want to make sure they’re happy, contented years, because he is wiling to play his part and make you a wonderful pet and companion.

Health Problems

fox terrier puppies - health problemsThis is basically a healthy breed, but there are some potential issues that could arise:

  1. Cataracts
  2. Causes a cloudiness and can cause blindness
  3. Luxating Patellas
  4. “Floating Kneecaps” – dislocated kneecaps. Causes lameness and arthritis
  5. Legg-Calve-Perthes Syndrome
  6. Causes a very serious muscle loss in the dog’s legs
  7. Elbow and Hip Dysplasia
  8. Causes lameness and arthritis
  9. Epilepsy
  10. Causes seizures
  11. Shoulder Dislocation
  12. Causes pain and arthritis
  13. Mast Cell Tumors
  14. Cancer – could be fatal
  15. Post Nasal Drip
  16. Just annoying
  17. Deafness

This is possible in white terriers

toy australian shepherd puppies - health problemsMake sure your Toy Australian Shepherd sees the vet as a puppy to be dewormed and to get his first puppy injections.

Dental Disease:

Dental disease is far more serious than you think. It can affect other areas of your dog’s body. Plaque and inflamed gums lead to bone- and tooth loss.

Bad breath is a sign of periodontal disease. Find out from your vet what to do to guard against periodontitis. It’s important because ignoring bad teeth can lead to heart disease, with bacteria constantly entering the blood stream.

Parasites:

Fleas and ticks are your pet’s enemy as well as heartworm. Dogs can die from heartworm infestations. Heartworm is linked to mosquito bites, so if you live in warm areas, check with your vet for preventative measures.

Hip Dysplasia:

This is another common dog illness to watch out for. This is a painful condition where the hip joint isn’t formed properly and it can lead to terrible pain and lameness.

Skin Allergies:

Just like people endure endless misery with eczema, dogs too can develop skin allergies. They can create endless frustration and misery for any pet because of the terrible itch and pain. All the licking and scratching can lead to secondary bacterial infections too.

Caring The Pet

Feeding the puppy

fox terrier dogs - caringGive them two meals maybe three per day. Total food per day divided into the number of meals is 1/8-1/4 cup day.

Feeding the adult

Once again feed one-two meals per day and don’t overfeed. Total of ½ cup day

Games and Exercises

Being a terrier, the Wirehaired Fox Terrier needs a lot of exercise. He is energetic and playful. He loves to play ball, take interesting walks, and play in fenced areas. He needs to be in either a fenced area or on a leash as he will chase any small animal that he sees moving. But if you leave him unsupervised in a fenced area, don’t forget he is a terrier. He is likely to dig under or climb over a fence that isn’t entirely secure.

He loves earth dog trials, agility, tracking, hunting, flyball, and running. He hardly ever walks. He can play ball chasing for hours if you let him. Exercise is bonding for you and your Wirehaired Fox Terrier.

Diet:

toy australian shepherd dogs - caringYour puppy will need 4 small bowls of food a day. If you’re wondering just how much, either speak to your vet or follow the portion-guide on the packaging of the puppy dog food.

As your puppy grows older, you feed less frequently so that he is getting two meals a day as an adult. For feeding an adult, there are excellent commercial dog foods available - remember to choose a good brand for your dogs age, size and energy levels.

Try and give him some tasty home-made food too from time to time – nothing exotic and spicy – just plain foods such as boiled chicken, brown rice, spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots. Dogs thrive on simple, healthy food like this. Make sure he always has a bowl of cool, fresh water to drink.

Exercise:

These energetic little bundles of fur will need regular exercise – every day in fact. He’s a smart little dog too, so you need to provide him with stimulating games that will keep his mind and his body physically fit.

Grooming:

Reduce shedding and loose hair by brushing the long hair a least twice a week. This will also help to get rid of matting. Trim nails and check for fleas and ticks.

General:

Provide your Toy Australian with a warm, dry, peaceful place to sleep. If he is outside often, make sure he has both sun and shade to lie in as well as a sheltered spot for when it rains.

Comparison with other breeds

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