East German Shepherd vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison

East German Shepherd vs Australian Terrier - Breed ComparisonAustralian Terrier is originated from Australia but East German Shepherd is originated from Germany. Australian Terrier may grow 39 cm / 15 inches shorter than East German Shepherd. Australian Terrier may weigh 32 kg / 70 pounds lesser than East German Shepherd. Both Australian Terrier and East German Shepherd has almost same life span. Australian Terrier may have less litter size than East German Shepherd. Australian Terrier requires Moderate Maintenance. But East German Shepherd requires High Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Herding dogs
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Australia
Germany
Height Male:
23 - 26 cm
9 - 11 inches
60 - 65 cm
23 - 26 inches
Height Female:
20 - 26 cm
7 - 11 inches
55 - 60 cm
21 - 24 inches
Weight Male:
5 - 8 kg
11 - 18 pounds
29 - 40 kg
63 - 89 pounds
Weight Female:
5 - 7 kg
11 - 16 pounds
23 - 33 kg
50 - 73 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
10 - 13 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 6
4 - 9
Size:
Small
Large
Other Names:
Blue and Tan Terrier, the Blue Terrier, the Broken-coated Terrier, the Australian Rough Coated Terrier, Aussie
East German Shepherd Dog, DDR, EGSD
Colors Available:
blue, tan, sandy and red variations
grey with darker shading, brown and yellow to light grey markings; single-coloured black, are black with reddish-brown, black saddle and mask
Coat:
rough long coat
double, dense
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Playful, Protective, Social, Stubborn
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Independent, Loving, Protective, Social
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
High Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

History

australian terrierThe Australian terrier, the little terrier, is a breed developed to control vermin. The nature of this dog is very spirited. They are alert, courageous and self-confident but still very human-friendly.

Australian terriers were breed by the mix of the Terrier with the rough coat and Scotch Dog of Great Britain. These breeds were mixed until they produced the muscular and fearless dog for the Australian settlers. Their primary job was to control the number of rodents and snakes. They were taught to tend flocks, be an excellent guard dogs but remain friendly. This breed is still very popular as a working dog, loyal companion and dogs for show, city, home or a farm.

east german shepherdThe East German Shepherd is a line of the German Shepherd Dog breed. The German Shepherd Dog came about when the three types of “continental shepherd dogs” separated into the Dutch Shephers, German Shepherd and Belgian Shepherd. In the 1800’s it was local shepherds who bred their dogs and selected the traits they needed in their geography. The result was dogs in various local areas who all could herd and guard flocks; who were intelligent, strong, fast and had a good sense of smell, but their appearance and skills varied from town to town. The changes in Germany from agriculture and sheep to industrial cities rendered the German Sheep Dog obsolete. But was it really? Many felt the dog could be a good working dog in the cities as well but needed some refinement in the breed according to Max von Stephanite. At a dog show in 1899, he found what he wanted – the perfect working dog.Stephanitz bought the dog and founded the Society for the German Shepherd. (Verein fur Deutsch Schaferhunde) Stephanitz is considered the developer of the German Shepherd Dog.

The East German Shepherd is a line of the same breed. There are several different lines of the German Shepherd Dog, with slight difference for the reason they were bred. For instance, the German Shepherd Dog is bred for looks while the East German Shepherd is bred to be a working dog. Often called a DDR German Shepherd, they came about from the Deutsche Democratic Republic or the Republic of East Germany. For about 40 years in East Germany these dogs were bred only within the DDR bloodline.

The East German Shepherd is stronger, heavier boned, leaner, more muscular and solid. During the time of the Berlin Wall, from 1961-1989, there were few German Shepherds for breeding stock on either side of the wall, but especially in the East. There the government controlled the development of the breed. They developed a separate registry for the DDR – East German Shepherd. With such strict standards for a perfect working dog and such little breeding stock, the only dogs allowed to reproduce were the ones that passed a rigorous test and were deemed perfect working dogs.

In West Germany they continued to breed for appearance. The West German Shepherd are the most popular ones and are usually simply called German Shepherds. The show dogs of today and the American line came from the West.

Preserving the East German Shepherd today is important and difficult. It means preserving not improving. The Strength of the East German Shepherd is their body line and style, Today’s breeder must maintain this while making sure there is enough diversity in the gene pool to keep the line healthy without losing its body style and working temperament. It is important that the East German Shepherd have a straight back rather than the sloping one of the German Shepherd Dog or the American lines of the GSD. The working dog is also more aggressive and has a much higher work drive than any of the other German Shepherd Dogs lines.

Description

australian terrier puppy - descriptionThe Australian terrier has body longer than they are tall. They are small dogs with the long and thick coat with silky undercoat and short little legs. This smart-eyes breed is perfect for persons who live indoors. But, you must know that they really like to bark and communicate that way with everybody. They also have a high need for activity so it will be necessary to take him out so he can run, play and be social with other dogs. They are very intelligent, but not very responsive. They will quickly learn how to fetch, but they will have days when they just feel like fetching.

east german shepherd puppy - descriptionWhat are the differences between the German Shepherd Dog (GSD) and the East German Shepherd? The East German Shepherd has a straight back and a larger bone structure. He has a very large and block shaped head with a lean, athletic build. His lips are taunt and dark, and his nose must be black. He has a scissor bite and strong teeth. His eyes are medium sized almonds that are slanted slightly. The eyes are also very dark. His ears are erect and not too big. His legs, haunches and feet must all be coordinated so that he trots rather than runs.

Characteristics

Around children

australian terrier dog - characteristicsThe Australian terrier is very good breed to choose if you have children. They are active and always ready to play, and they will protect the children since they have watchdog gene.

Special talents

Excellent watch dog. This breed will keep your garden and home vermin free.

Adaptability

They are generally very polite towards strangers and highly adaptable among other dogs, but their adaptability in social life is totally up to the human and the training. They can grow to be adaptable dogs that fit well into almost any environment; city or country, house or apartment.

Learning ability

Since they are an intelligent breed, the Australian terrier may surprise you with their ability to learn new tricks and shock you with their ability to be very strong willed about doing what is told. It’s not that they are not the type to obey and be “a good dog”, they are so playful and silly that they will often forget that they are the god and not the human. You must start training them while they are still pups.

east german shepherd dog - characteristicsThe East German Shepherd is a well- balanced dog. He is sure of himself, friendly, loyal and wants to please his owner. He is intelligent, resilient and attentive. He will make a great family pet. He is aggressive with a high prey drive but that can be tempered with good socialization and training. He is easy to train.

Health Problems

Legg-Calvé-Perthes (LCPD)

australian terrier puppies - health problemsA bone disorder, where the hip joint starts to rot caused by decaying of the femur bone which is located in the dog’s hind limb.

Luxating patella is a knee disease where one or both kneecaps can slip out of place.

Cruciate ligament rupture

Rupture of an important ligament in the knee (stifle) joints.

Epilepsy

The brain disorder that is characterized by seizures. There are several different types of epilepsy that can affect dogs.

Diabetes

A chronic disease of the metabolism which is characterised as high glucose amount in the blood. This happens when hormone insulin drops below the normal values. This condition results in malfunction of vital organs.

east german shepherd puppies - health problemsBecause the East German Shepherd line has been isolated behind the Berlin Wall, there are not many genetic health issues in the line. Most importantly the East German Shepherd shows no hip dysplasia which plagues most GSD. There are a couple of situations to look out for. They are:

  • Bloat

A life threatening issue that must be addressed immediately for fear of death. Bloat is caused when a larger dog with a deep chest eats too large a meal before or after strenuous exercise, eats too fast, or drinks too much water. The stomach distends with air or gas and twists. Sometimes it is completely inverted. Get help fast or your dog will die.

Caring The Pet

Feeding the puppy and adult

australian terrier dogs - caringRecommended daily amount is usually found on the type of the food you choose. They like dry food, and if you are not quite sure what brand of the dry food you should choose, seek a vet’s advice. The Australian terrier has a healthy appetite, but he almost never overeats. How much your Australian terrier eats depends on his size, age, metabolism, and activity level.

Grooming

Their coat requires moderate maintenance. That means that you don’t have to groom your Australian terrier every single day, but being aware of the importance of grooming him at least twice a week is a key because lack of adequate care may lead to skin diseases. Make sure not to bathe them too much, but you can be free with their haircut. They can grow very sharp toenails, so they should be clipped regularly. Ear and teeth must be kept clean.

Points for Good Health

Lots of outdoor activity. They are lovable kind, so don’t be reserved towards them. It’s important to begin training and socializing your pup as soon as possible. Training sessions need to be consistent, firm, short and clear. Grooming is a must since you will want to prevent the tangles and mats.

The best type of activity

Find a place for them where you can take of the leash and let them run free. They love chasing birds, butterflies and anything that flies above. They will chase small rodents, other dogs and cats. After you thought you Australian terrier how to play with other dogs and cats, they will be the most wanted guest in the whole neighbourhood. Find a place where they can dig holes – and they will be so happy that they probably won’t hear you calling them home.

Feeding

east german shepherd dogs - caringBecause these dogs were bred to work you need to feed them a high quality dry food, made for working dogs. It needs to have a good amount of calcium and glucosamine. Feed about 3-4 cups per day divided into 2 feeding times.

Health issues

In addition to bloat as mentioned above, the East German Shepherd can also have both air born, and food born allergies. These are easily treated by your veterinarian.

Exercise and games

The East German Shepherd is a high energy, high activity dog so you have some for him. He is agile and athletic. He needs serious exercise and a job is essential. If you can’t give an East German Shepherd a job, then don’t get this dog. He loves tracking and has a high prey drive. Keep him trained, challenged and working. Try tracking and herding trials, obedience, agility, fly ball and bar hunt.

Comparison with other breeds

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