Red Heeler vs Portuguese Podengo - Breed Comparison

Red Heeler vs Portuguese Podengo - Breed ComparisonPortuguese Podengo is originated from Portugal but Red Heeler is originated from Australia. Portuguese Podengo may grow 21 cm / 8 inches shorter than Red Heeler. Portuguese Podengo may weigh 10 kg / 22 pounds lesser than Red Heeler. Both Portuguese Podengo and Red Heeler has almost same life span. Both Portuguese Podengo and Red Heeler has same litter size. Both Portuguese Podengo and Red Heeler requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Herding dogs
undefined
Portugal
Australia
Height Male:
20 - 30 cm
7 - 12 inches
43 - 51 cm
16 - 21 inches
Height Female:
20 - 30 cm
7 - 12 inches
43 - 51 cm
16 - 21 inches
Weight Male:
4 - 6 kg
8 - 14 pounds
14 - 16 kg
30 - 36 pounds
Weight Female:
4 - 6 kg
8 - 14 pounds
14 - 16 kg
30 - 36 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
13 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 8
2 - 8
Size:
Small
Medium
Other Names:
Portuguese Rabbit Hound
Australian Cattle Dog, ACD
Colors Available:
Fawn or yellow - some white markings
Reddish, Blue-grey
Coat:
Short and smooth or medium length and wiry
Shortish and dense
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

portuguese podengoThe Portuguese Podengo is an ancient hound dog from Portugal. It is available as a small dog, medium and large dog.

The coats can be short and smooth or longer and wiry. They were imported into the United States in the 1990's and they are also recognized by the Federation Cynologique Internationale in Europe. They are also recognized by the United Kennel Club. In America they are part of the Rare Breed Association.

red heelerKnown also as the Australian Cattle Dog, the Red Heeler is also known as the Blue Heeler. This is a breed of herding dog originally developed in Australia.

These dogs are known for their stamina and resilience with driving cattle over long distances in hot weather and across rough terrain.

It was George Eliott who developed the Red Heeler – crossing native Dingoes with Collies and other herding dogs.

In America, the breed was fully recognised in September 1980.

Description

portuguese podengo puppy - descriptionThe Portuguese Podengo is available in three sizes. He stands roughly at between 20 to 30 cm and weighs between 4.1 to 5.9 kg. The dog is similar in looks to other hunting dogs native to the Mediterranean, such as the Pharoah Hound.

They are small to medium sized dogs. The eyes are brown, the ears are erect and the tail long and thick, held low and with a bit of a curve when at rest.

The body of the dog is lean and well muscled and the head wedge shaped. The coat is essentially short and smooth though you also get the longer, wiry coat. The coat is found in shades of fawn or yellow and with some white markings.

Temperament:

This Portuguese sighthound is energetic, comical sometimes, sweet and loving. Being alert, he also makes a good watchdog.

He is intelligent, he is easily trained and socialized and gets on well with children in the house if they have been disciplined to respect and be kind to animals.

He is somewhat aloof around strangers and this is actually what makes him a good watchdog.

It is said that the Portuguese Podengo isn't bred to be a companion dog, being bred exclusively as a working hunting dog. This explains why it doesn’t have such a ‘companionable’ temperament as some other dog breeds.

red heeler puppy - descriptionThe Red Heeler is a medium-sized dog standing at between 43 to 51 cm in height and weighing in the region of 14 – 16 kg.

He is muscular, with a sturdy build. The coat of this robust dog is shortish and thick and quite often you’ll find a white star marking on he forehead. The coat is a blue-grey color or reddish. The tail of this dog is long and the ears are erect.

Temperament:

The Red Heeler has always been a working dog so he is energetic and lively, being independent and strong-willed.

He is super intelligent too and can be easily trained and socialized. He is a dog that simply loves the outdoors and if you don’t live on a farm, he is going to need lots of exercise.

He gets on well with kids and other pets, but children should be taught to respect him and be kind towards him, otherwise he might not tolerate them. He is a loyal, protective dog, wanting to ensure the safety of his human family.

Characteristics

portuguese podengo dog - characteristicsThe Portuguese Podengo loves pleasing his human owners – loving to be in the company of his human family.

He is an independent dog who will benefit from training and socialization. He is wary around strangers, but this makes him a good watchdog.

He loves lots of exercise and will want mental and physical stimulation to be happy and content and as bright as he is.

Provide him with good care and he promises to make you a wonderful pet and companion.

red heeler dog - characteristicsWhen you bring a Red Heeler into your home, you must know that you’re never going to have a dull moment. They’re not content to lie around with nothing to do. These popular dogs literally coax you to come out and to be active.

Red Heelers need lots of activities and lots of room, so they aren’t particularly suited to life in the city. Large properties and plenty to do is what they ask for.

Your Red Heeler is going to make a splendid pet, loyal and devoted, the perfect example of man’s best friend.

Health Problems

portuguese podengo puppies - health problemsThe Portuguese Podengo is a robust, healthy dog that can get to 14 years of age if he is looked after well and exercised.

The dog doesn’t battle with genetic disorders. It is thought that the most common problems with this dog are the injuries he gets from being such an outdoor, hunting dog. He could well rip his nail or have porcupine quills in his muzzle.

Some common dog diseases to be aware of are cancer, bloat,skin diseases and eye problems.

red heeler puppies - health problemsYour Red Heeler can live to be 15 years of age with good care. Every dog however, can fall prey to some of the many common dog diseases there are, some of which can be -

Musculosceletal Problems:

There are quite a lot of congenital and inherited musculoskeletal disorders in dogs, with some of the more common ones being hip dysplasia and muscular dystrophy for instance.

There are some of these musculosceletal problems which can be fatal. Some of the typical symptoms you’ll see with these problems are difficulty climbing stairs or jumping, loss of muscle mass in the hind limbs, arthritis and lameness.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy:

The retina of the eye is that light-sensitive part and which is part of the central nervous system. With retinal degeneration, the cells decline, leading to impaired vision and sometimes even blindness.

Some symptoms to look out for include dilated pupils, night blindness and the inability to see clearly in bright light. The disease worsens over times with sudden blindness being quite common with older dogs. Your vet will want a thorough history of your dog’s health.

Other dog diseases to be very aware of are cancer, obesity, bloat, hip dysplasia and epilepsy.

Caring The Pet

Exercise:

portuguese podengo dogs - caringThe Podengo is always game and ready for a good time and likes nothing more than a good walk as well as the chance to get off his leash and have a bit of free time. He also loves ball games, being pulled along while he holds tightly on to a piece of rope and he loves darting back and forwards with a frisbee.

Diet:

Many things can change a dog’s longevity, and diet is one. A good nutritious diet with vitamins and minerals will give your dog less of a chance to get sick. If you go for the best quality commercially manufactured dog foods, you’ll find they are both convenient and well balanced.

To provide your dog with just a bit of variety in his diet, some home-made food added into the dry kibble from time to time will delight your pet.

No need to make preparing the food a huge issue either. Boil brown rice and chicken in a pot and add in sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach. Chop all this up and as a treat, add smaller portions of it into the dry kibble. This is a real treat for your dog. You’ll see his thanks in his bright eyes and wagging tail.

Try to include a bit of raw meat occasionally and never let your dog be without a constant source of fresh, cool water.

General Care for your pet:

Make sure his puppy vaccines are up to date.

Have your dog spayed or neutered if you don’t want your dog being a parent.

Provide your dog with a warm, dry, comfy pace to sleep.

Trim his nails and check inside his ears for redness and infection.

Check for fleas and ticks when you brush him.

Get him to the vet when you can see he s sick.

Exercise:

red heeler dogs - caringThe Red Heeler is an active dog, and apart from walks which will give him the chance to sniff around, he will need lots of other forms of exercise. Rope pulling games he’ll love and running after a ball will please him because it takes him back to days when he used to run around and herd livestock.

If you’re an outdoorsy type of person who loves hiking in the wilds and swimming in rivers, you can count this dog in.

Grooming:

You can look at the Red Heeler as a low maintenance dog. He does shed, but a good brush of the coat twice a week will be excellent for him. If he doesn’t wear his nails down naturally, you will need to trim them. Also, while you are brushing him, check his ears and eyes and inside his mouth to make sure he is clear of all infections.

Diet:

Red Heelers rely on good food for their resilience and stamina, and for convenience it is good to have commercially manufactured dog food as a backup. The best is home-made food which is easy to prepare and totally uncomplicated.

Simply add into one big pot chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots. This food can all be chopped up, refrigerated and added warmed up and in small portions to your pet's dry kibble once or twice a week. Simple and tasty, your Red Heeler will love it and thrive on it too.

Ensure there is always a bowl of fresh, cool water within his reach.

Comparison with other breeds

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