Harrier vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison

Harrier vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed ComparisonAustrailian Blue Heeler is originated from Australia but Harrier is originated from United Kingdom. Both Austrailian Blue Heeler and Harrier are of same height. Austrailian Blue Heeler may weigh 11 kg / 24 pounds lesser than Harrier. Both Austrailian Blue Heeler and Harrier has same life span. Austrailian Blue Heeler may have more litter size than Harrier. Austrailian Blue Heeler requires High Maintenance. But Harrier requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Hound dog
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Australia
United Kingdom
Height Male:
45 - 50 cm
17 - 20 inches
48 - 50 cm
18 - 20 inches
Height Female:
43 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
45 - 48 cm
17 - 19 inches
Weight Male:
14 - 16 kg
30 - 36 pounds
18 - 27 kg
39 - 60 pounds
Weight Female:
12 - 14 kg
26 - 31 pounds
16 - 25 kg
35 - 56 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 16 Years
12 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 7
2 - 4
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Queensland Heeler
Harehound
Colors Available:
blue, red
black, but a few come in an unusual mottled blue pattern. , white and tan
Coat:
blue speckled or red speckled with dark or cream marks
short, glossy coat
Shedding:
Constant
Moderate
Temperament:
Alert, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Lively, Loving, Stubborn
Grooming:
High Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

austrailian blue heelerIn 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.

harrierDeveloped in Great Britain, the Harrier is another hunting dog – a hound that primarily hunts hares and small prey. The breed itself is medium sized - smaller than an English Foxhound and larger than a Beagle. Although the definitive origins of the Harrier are not set, it is believed that he is a cross of the Basset Hound, Talbot Hound and Bloodhound. Others believe the breed is a cross of the Greyhound and the English Foxhound. The Harrier looks like a smaller version of the English Foxhound.

The Harrier is a pack dog and in 1260, Sir Elias de Midhope established the first pack in England. From there the breed spread to Wales and Western England, most used in Ireland where they hunt fox as well as hares. However, hunting hares is the specialty of the breed and even gave the breed its name. In 1885 they were recognized by the American Kennel Club in the Hound Group. Yet despite this and despite the number of Harriers working in England, they are not recognized by the UKC.

Description

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.

harrier puppy - descriptionThe Harrier is a typical hound dog much like the English Foxhound. The breed is a little smaller than the Foxhound but is muscular and large boned like his cousin. They have short hard hair that sheds and ears that hang. The Harrier is a large boned breed built for strength and stamina in the race with hares. They have broad skulls, strong muzzles, with hazel or brown eyes. They also have a black, wide nose and a high, medium length tail.

They say he has a ‘courtly grin’ on an expressive face. Being pack dogs, they must be sturdy, able to cover any type of terrain, for as long as the hare runs. It is critical that their scenting and running tools are exceptional. He is blue or yellow-pied. His feet are cat like and the chest is dropped low. He is an extremely well-proportioned dog

Characteristics

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.

Children friendliness

harrier dog - characteristicsYes, they are good with children but are very rambunctious and should be supervised with young children.

Special talents

Scenting ability and wonderful personality

Adaptability

This breed is very adaptable as long as it gets enough exercise. He can live in the country or she can live in the city with an outlet for exercise.

Learning ability

Smart but stubborn at times. Therefore, his learning ability is moderate.

Health Problems

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.

Health Problems

harrier puppies - health problemsIt seems the only real health issue other than hunting accidents or foot and toe incidents due to hunting.is:

Hip Dysplasia

This abnormality in the hip socket can cause arthritis and lameness that is very painful. This is the most severe form. The Harrier can have a milder form that does not progress to this level. Hip dysplasia has a genetic component, but the environment plays a role as well and active hunting dogs are especially prone to this.

Ear Infections

Floppy ears that hang down are always susceptible to ear infections. Check them often and clean them at least weekly.

Caring The Pet

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.

Feeding the puppy

harrier dogs - caringFeed a high nutrition puppy food dry food made for an energetic breed. Feed 3 times a day ½-3/4 cup each time.

Feeding the adult

Again feed a high nutrition adult food for an active breed. Feed twice a day 1-11/2 cups each time.

Points for Good Health

Outstanding health unless in a hunting accident.

Games and Exercises

The Harrier is an energetic, hunting breed that needs a lot of exercise on a daily basis. Long walks and jogging or running is good for the Harrier. If they are not working, hunting dogs they need more exercise. A fenced yard for playing is good. If this intense breed does not get enough exercise and mental stimulation, he needs there could be issues with destructive behavior and obesity. Flyball, tracking, agility, coursing, rally and hunting are great activities for this breed of dog. In addition, they are pack animals and do better in a family that has more than one dog.

Comparison with other breeds

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