Dutch Shepherd vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison

Dutch Shepherd vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed ComparisonDutch Shepherd is originated from Netherlands but Austrailian Blue Heeler is originated from Australia. Dutch Shepherd may grow 12 cm / 5 inches higher than Austrailian Blue Heeler. Dutch Shepherd may weigh 16 kg / 36 pounds more than Austrailian Blue Heeler. Both Dutch Shepherd and Austrailian Blue Heeler has almost same life span. Dutch Shepherd may have more litter size than Austrailian Blue Heeler. Dutch Shepherd requires Moderate maintenance. But Austrailian Blue Heeler requires High maintenance

History

dutch shepherd - historyThe Dutch Shepherd is of Dutch origin, hailing from the Netherlands. They were originally used as herding dogs on the farms, where they became a jack-of-all-trades type of dog.

The Dutch Shepherd in those days, 100 odd years ago, were also known as Hollandse Herders.

These dogs are more rare in modern days, but when you do find them, they are being used as police or security dogs, as guides for the blind, or simply as family friends.

austrailian blue heeler - historyIn 1840, George Elliott made a match with Australian Dingo and Collie and got a clever and very active dog breed – Australian Blue Heeler. Soon, he showed his good herding instincts and protective nature and got really popular among the cattlemen and ranchers. Soon, as the USA soldiers arrived in Australia, they decided that it will be a great dog to bring home.

Australian Blue Heeler has short, double coat. The coat is water resistant and helps them when the temperature is too high as well. Their coat is rough to the touch, naturally. They can be found in blue or red coat colour mix. The Blue Heeler isn’t actually blue, but their black coat has a bluish tint. Red Heelers have red fur instead of black. They have long tails, strong legs, Dingo-like heads with pointy ears and muscular necks and balanced and athletic bodies.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Herding dogs
Origin:
Netherlands
Australia
Height Male:
55 - 62 cm
21 - 25 inches
45 - 50 cm
17 - 20 inches
Height Female:
55 - 62 cm
21 - 25 inches
43 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
Weight Male:
20 - 32 kg
44 - 71 pounds
14 - 16 kg
30 - 36 pounds
Weight Female:
20 - 32 kg
44 - 71 pounds
12 - 14 kg
26 - 31 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
12 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 10
1 - 7
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Hollandse Herder
Queensland Heeler
Colors Available:
brindle, red, Gold or silver
blue, red
Coat:
Short and dense but also long or wiry
blue speckled or red speckled with dark or cream marks
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Constant
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Alert, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
High maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Description

dutch shepherd puppy - descriptionThe Dutch Shepherd dog is very similar in appearance to the popular German Shepherds, being a medium to large sized dog.

The males are slightly heavier than females, but both males and females can stand between 55 and 62cm and weigh between 20 and 32kg.

There are actually 3 varieties found in the Dutch Shepherd dogs - short-haired, long-haired, and wiry or rough-haired. The dog has a double coat, consisting of a woolly undercoat and a top coat. The basic color of the coat is gold or silver through to red, giving rise to the brindle variations. Too much black or white seen in the fur is considered a fault.

In 1914 it was decided that brindle coats would distinguish them from the others.

The eyes of the Dutch Shepherd are dark, almond shaped and slightly slanting, while the medium sized ears are erect and high on the head and the thick tail is slightly curved. The dog has an unusually long tongue which is often found hanging out.

Temperament:

Early training and socializing for this dog is important so that he can learn to stay calm around new people, or visitors to the property.

The beautiful Dutch Shepherd doesn’t like being left alone for too long, loving rather to be involved with all that the family is involved in. They get on well with other pets in the home as well as being child-friendly.

They are happy dogs, who can also be smart and cunning, therefore highly trainable. They soak up new commands easily. Dutch Shepherds are also good watchdogs as they are fiercely loyal, and do not take kindly to strangers.

austrailian blue heeler puppy - descriptionThis breed is somehow designed for an outdoor life and outdoor activity. This implies that Blue Heelers have nature made of the high dose of energy. They are always ready to go anywhere you go, and they will be a loyal friend. They are actually very clever, intelligent and ready to help.

If you are a type of the person who prefers being indoors and having minimal physical activity, Blue heelers are not the type of a furry companion for you. They have a high daily need for the activity, and they love having lots of space to run and explore. Sometimes, you will realize that having a leash is a must because they will get so playful that they will forget about you!

If you start teaching them to be friendly with other dogs while they are still pups, they will accept that kind of lifestyle. But, if your Blue Heeler is raised as the only dog on the ranch, note that they won’t be very friendly toward other dogs.

Since most of the herd dogs usually respond to only one person, most of the Blue Heelers can follow this old instinct. They can be very independent, as well, and they are usually not the type of the dog that will always be around your leg waiting for a cuddle or ear scratch. But, they build the respect towards humans depending on how they treat him so they can be very lovable and friendly pets.

If you are still confused about their name, you must know that the Blue Heelers can actually lightly nip your heel for attention. They are not aggressive, but they tend to be very protective of the family, humans around them and their property.

Characteristics

dutch shepherd dog - characteristicsYour alert, intelligent and somewhat rare Dutch Shepherd is a loyal, protective dog, and while he can be aggressive around intruders and be a great guard dog, he can also be a gentle, loving animal around his human family members.

Though his tongue is long and often hangs out, you won’t have to contend with drooling. He is a wonderfully active dog and doesn’t easily gain weight. He isn’t a barker or howler, and his exceptional intelligence makes him highly trainable.

Whether there are children or other animals in the house, you can rely on your Dutch Shepherd to get on well with them, making him a wonderful family pet and canine friend.

Children friendliness

austrailian blue heeler dog - characteristicsThey are generally good with children, but you must be aware of their inherent desire to herd. Always supervise when your Blue Heeler is around small children.

Special Talents

Ball tricks, frisbee fun, running companion, herding cattle.

Adaptability

It is best to buy a puppy. These dogs get attached to one human and to the territory.

Learning ability

They are generally quick learners. If you teach them to be playful, friendly and loving, they will learn it in no time. So be aware of the decisions that can cost you when the dog grows up.

Health Problems

dutch shepherd puppies - health problemsThe Dutch Shepherd dogs are the healthiest of the Shepherd breeds. They have relatively few health problems.

However, like the German Shepherds they may develop hip dysplasia, but this is in fact fairly rare. Get your pet to the vet if you suspect this in your dog because it can lead to lameness.

In 2018 the University of Minnesota identified a disease in Dutch Shepherds called Miositis. This is an inflammatory myopathy causing painful inflammation of the skeletal muscle tissue.

Eye problems

austrailian blue heeler puppies - health problemsProgressive Retinal Atrophy usually causes slow and painless loss of sight. This process takes years, but there are cases where this disease took only months before the dog ended up completely blind. It is advisable to take your Blue Heeler to the vet for a test that can tell you if your dog is carrying the gene for this disease.

Lens luxation is a disease where the lens of dog’s eye separates partially or completely. Good news is that this disease can be treated.

Joint diseases

Most common is the hip or elbow dysplasia. This is the disease where hip joints do not develop properly and begin to grind. This condition can sometimes be treated with physiotherapy, but there is a chance that your Blue Heeler will need a surgery. If you have a habit of regular vet checks and keeping your dog slim and fed with quality food, you can a make a big difference.

Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD) causes the dog to have excess cartilage and deficient bone, where cartilage does not get replaced by bone during fetal development. This disease usually requires surgery and prescribed medicines.

Deafness

Congenital hereditary sensorineural deafness – CHSD is a common form of deafness.

Bilateral deafness can be identified when the dog is still a puppy, more-less at six weeks of age. A puppy with deafness in only one ear is harder to identify, but it can happen.

Portosystemic shunt means that the blood flow is getting back into the bloodstream instead of passing through the liver. That means that liver can’t clear out the toxins, and the organ itself fails to grow properly. This inherited type of shunt can be treated with surgery if the diagnose is set on time.

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

dutch shepherd dogs - caringUnfortunately Dutch Shepherds shed quite a bit of hair during their shedding period in spring and autumn. This makes regular brushing important during these seasons so as to remove the dead hairs, especially from the undercoat.

The wire- or rough-haired variety shouldn’t be brushed but should rather be groomed by a professional groomer every 6 months or so.

Their nails need to be trimmed when necessary, to avoid cracking, splitting, or an injury.

Their ears can be cleaned weekly to get rid of any debris or wax build-up. This, if left, can lead to infection. Brush his teeth 2 or 3 times a week to avoid dental disease which brings on a host of illnesses.

Exercise:

These dogs do need regular exercising, and at the same time need to be physically and mentally stimulated. He is the kind of dog that has been used for herding purpose on the farm and he just craves activity. Take him with you on your walks and include him in ball games, hikes, jogging, swimming or when you go cycling – he is game for all kinds of activities.

Diet:

The formula for their diet would be that of a medium to large dog with high energy levels. The top commercially manufactured foods have been developed to include all the important vitamins and minerals. Fish oil can also be added to their food to keep the coat shiny.

Add in cooked rice, cooked vegetables and chicken from time to time and be sure to add in some raw meat occasionally to prevent problems with the skin. Always ensure that your pet has fresh, cool water to drink.

Feeding the puppy

austrailian blue heeler dogs - caringChoose a dog food that will provide nutrients that will help in the bone developing. Since they are more likely to suffer from joint diseases, you must take this advice seriously. It would be great if you speak about this with your vet before you choose food on your own.

Feeding the adult

The best food for Blue Heeler is a high-quality food which supplies them with premium nutrition to fuel their activity.

They also drink a lot of water, so be sure that they always have a fresh water available.

Points for Good Health

Lots and lots of the outdoor activity and a quality food. You must be very cautious because this kind of dogs gets overweight easily because they just love the treats and extra food portion.

Games and Exercises

Any outdoor activity that is mentally challenging and interesting enough to keep them from running in the field trying to catch anything that moves.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Dutch Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  2. Dutch Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Dutch Shepherd vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  4. Dutch Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  5. Dutch Shepherd vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  6. Dutch Shepherd vs Collie - Breed Comparison
  7. Dutch Shepherd vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  8. Dutch Shepherd vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  9. Dutch Shepherd vs Australian Collie - Breed Comparison
  10. Dutch Shepherd vs Catahoula Cur - Breed Comparison
  11. Dutch Shepherd vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  12. Dutch Shepherd vs Catalan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  13. Dutch Shepherd vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  14. Dutch Shepherd vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  15. Dutch Shepherd vs Appenzell Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  16. Dutch Shepherd vs Bohemian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  17. Dutch Shepherd vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  18. Dutch Shepherd vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) - Breed Comparison
  19. Dutch Shepherd vs Blue Lacy - Breed Comparison
  20. Dutch Shepherd vs Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  21. Dutch Shepherd vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  22. Dutch Shepherd vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  23. Dutch Shepherd vs Cao da Serra de Aires - Breed Comparison
  24. English Shepherd vs Dutch Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  25. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Dutch Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  26. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  27. Australian Shepherd vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  28. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  29. Australian Cattle Dog vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  30. Bearded Collie vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  31. Collie vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  32. Blue Healer vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  33. English Shepherd vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  34. Australian Collie vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  35. Catahoula Cur vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  36. Australian Red Heeler vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  37. Catalan Sheepdog vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  38. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  39. Bergamasco vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  40. Berger Picard vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  41. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  42. Queensland Heeler vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  43. German Coolie vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  44. Bohemian Shepherd vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  45. Croatian Sheepdog vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  46. Red Heeler vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  47. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  48. Blue Lacy vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  49. New Zealand Huntaway vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds