Wetterhoun vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison

Wetterhoun vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed ComparisonAustralian Red Heeler is originated from Australia but Wetterhoun is originated from Netherlands. Australian Red Heeler may grow 8 cm / 3 inches shorter than Wetterhoun. Australian Red Heeler may weigh 19 kg / 41 pounds lesser than Wetterhoun. Both Australian Red Heeler and Wetterhoun has almost same life span. Both Australian Red Heeler and Wetterhoun has almost same litter size. Both Australian Red Heeler and Wetterhoun requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Sporting dog
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Australia
Netherlands
Height Male:
46 - 51 cm
18 - 21 inches
55 - 59 cm
21 - 24 inches
Height Female:
43 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
53 - 57 cm
20 - 23 inches
Weight Male:
15 - 16 kg
33 - 36 pounds
25 - 35 kg
55 - 78 pounds
Weight Female:
14 - 16 kg
30 - 36 pounds
23 - 33 kg
50 - 73 pounds
Life Span:
13 - 15 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 7
6 - 8
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Australian Cattle dog, Queensland Heelers
Frisian Water Dog , Dutch Spaniel, Otterhoun
Colors Available:
Red and blue mostly. Other varieties include chocolate, cream, blue mottled, brindle and some with white markings
black or black & white, Liver & white, Liver
Coat:
short and dense
Oily, Thick, Tight curls all over except smooth head, legs and ears. Coat must not be woolly. waterproof
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn
Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Stubborn
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

australian red heelerWhen George Hall arrived in the New South Wales Colony in 1802 he set about ‘creating’ a tough working- or herding dog. By crossing Australia’s native Dingoes with Collies as well as with other herding dogs, the robust Red Heeler, also known as the Australian Cattle Dog came into being. Today he is a thick-set dog, ideally suited to working livestock.

Ranchers, particularly, were impressed with the breed’s toughness and they were sought after on cattle stations. The name actually comes from them when the dogs are herding animals, they nip at their heels to get them moving.

The Blue Heeler and the Red Heeler breed are the exact same dog, but just different colors. These Australian cattle dogs originated in Australia in the mid-1800s and adapted well to the harsh desert environment of the outback.

wetterhounThe Wetterhoun is a water dog developed in the 1500 or 1600s to hunt otters. The breed was developed by the Frisians in the Netherlands near the Northwest corner. In addition to catching otters in the lakes near by, they were also used as gundogs to hunt game. They are a fearless, tough and loyal working dog. They love the water and they are build for it with a waterproof coat and tight tail that is spiraled. They will swim happily in freezing cold weather as well.

The Wetterhoun is rare and not seen outside of the Netherlands. Descendent of the Water Dog, that is now extinct, he is probably a relative of many spaniel types that also call the Water Dog their ancestor. Yet the Wetterhoun is not a spaniel or spaniel type.

The breed almost disappeared during World War II, like many others, they brought back and are now becoming more and more popular. The breed is only recognized by the Federation Cynologique Internationale and the United Kennel Club. AKC does not recognize them, but there are many hunting clubs and other registries that do. They are often promoted as one of the rare breeds.

Description

The Muscular Body

australian red heeler puppy - descriptionThe Red Heeler or Australian Cattle Dog is a sturdy, muscular dog with ears that are pricked and with dark, alert eyes. The tail is long. The neck, shoulders and legs of the Red Heeler are strong and muscular. The dog is longer than tall – the length of the body is greater than the height at the withers. A well fed, well exercised, well cared for Red Heeler will weight roughly 15–22 kilograms.

The Coat

There are 2 coat colours of the Reeler – red and blue, but there are are lesser varieties such as chocolate, cream, blue mottled, brindle and some with white markings. It is interesting to note that with both the Red- and the Blue Heeler, puppies are generally born white, with the coat turning to red as they mature.

These Australian Cattle Dogs display patches of solid colour, and you might well find masks over one or both eyes and a white tip to the tail. Both the Red and Blue Heeler can have a white star on the forehead which is referred to as the Bentley Mark. The Heelers have a double coat - short, straight outer hairs while the undercoat is short, fine and dense. Despite their short coat, they shed a lot.

wetterhoun puppy - descriptionThe Wetterhoun is a compact, medium sized breed weighing about 55 to 77 pounds. Great water dogs they are athletically built with low set ears hanging next to their heads, a waterproof coat, distinctive eyes with a very serious expression and a tightly curled tail held aloft over the back. Their coat is waterproof, somewhat oily, curly and thick. The fur is of a smoother texture on the ears, head, and legs. They can be solid black, solid brown, brown with white, or black with white.

Characteristics

australian red heeler dog - characteristicsYour Australian Red Heeler needs plenty of exercise but also plenty of companionship too from his human family. He is an affectionate, playful pet but is reserved with people he doesn’t know. When socialized he is patient with children in the home but he does still have the tendency to herd them and nip at their heels. The dog builds up a strong bond with his human family, and is protective toward them, being happy to be close to his owner’s side.

Take Time out to Play

Red Heelers need activities and lots of room to play, and they therefore won’t adapt to apartment living. If you don’t live on a farm, don’t neglect your working dog as he will need lots of rough and tumble games and activities to keep him from boredom. Treat your Australian Red Heeler with the love, patience and kindness and you’ll bring out the very best from this active, loyal fur-friend of yours.

Characteristics

Children friendliness -yes but large and active

2.Special talents loves to swim

wetterhoun dog - characteristics3.Adaptability – not a great apartment dog even though he is not that big. They need space. They need a job and they will finish their job at their own pace no matter what you say. It is impossible to train this trait out of them.

4.Learning ability Very high learning ability, very eager to learn and very smart. He is stubborn about finishing whatever job he is working on

Health Problems

Eye Problems

australian red heeler puppies - health problemsThe Australian Cattle Dog is quite often affected by progressive retinal atrophy, an eye condition where the rods and cones in the retina of the eye deteriorate later in life, and it could lead to blindness. This eye illness is an autosomal recessive trait, and even if the dog doesn’t develop the condition himself, he can be a carrier of the affected gene.

Fractures

The Heeler is just bursting with personality and energy and a study of dogs diagnosed at veterinary colleges described fractures and ligament tears as one of the most common conditions treated with the Australian Red Heeler.

General Health

You love your Australian Red Heeler and you want to take good care of him. Check with your vet because at 8 weeks he should be starting with his first puppy vaccinations.

To keep your best friend healthy and happy, watch his diet, ensure he gets plenty of exercise, brush his teeth regularly to remove plaque build-up, and always call your veterinarian when you see he is ill and isn’t his usual boisterous self.

wetterhoun puppies - health problemsA hardy and healthy breed they do not have severe health issues. But like every his

  • Hip Dysplasia – can lead to lameness and/or arthritis.

• Ear Infections – like any breed with hanging ears they can be prone to infection. This is particularly true because the dogs are in the water a lot. Be sure to clean and dry them after every water episode and inspect them on a regular basis even if the dog has not been in the water.

• Patellar Luxation – Knee cap issue with movement and inflammation. Can cause lameness and arthritis.

  • Hunting/Swimming Injuries.

Caring The Pet

Grooming

australian red heeler dogs - caringThe Australian Red Heeler is a low maintenance dog. He does shed quite a bit so you’ll need to brush his coat at least twice a week to remove loose hairs and to keep his coat lustrous. When your dog has been in a particularly dusty area, you you wipe his coat down with a damp cloth. As with all dogs, you’ll want to check his teeth, ears, eyes and nails regularly to avoid health problems.

Training

If you care for your working- and herding dog you’ll train him to that he becomes a good family dog and companion. The Red Heeler has plenty of energy and stamina and if he grows up untrained and un-socialized, you could see him becoming aggressive towards other animals and even your own children. He certainly becomes over-protective of his territory if not socialized. Train him as he is an intelligent breed and responds well to training.

Diet

Any vet will tell you of the critical importance of a proper diet and exercise routine for your dog. He’s an active, smart dog with loads of energy and you want to keep his diet consistent with this energy. Speak to your vet about what food would suit your pet best, because a high quality diet appropriate to his age, his body size and his energy levels will be important. Along with high quality foods which include a good intake of raw meat, your dog must always have access to a bowl of fresh, cool water.

wetterhoun dogs - caring1Feeding the puppy -This is an active, hunting and swimming breed. They need good nutrition and high quality puppy food. A food formulated for active breeds or hunting dogs would be best. Feed your puppy in smaller amounts 3-4 times per day.

2.Feeding the adult - This is an active, hunting and swimming breed. They need good nutrition and high quality adult food. A food formulated for active breeds or hunting dogs would be best. Feed your adult twice per day.

3.Points for Good Health - general excellent health

4. Games and Exercises – This is an active working dog that needs a lot of exercise every day. A 30 minute walk is only the beginning. They need outdoor time to play and run. They need to swim if at all possible.

Comparison with other breeds

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