Blue Healer vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison

Blue Healer vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed ComparisonBlue Healer is originated from Australia but American Cocker Spaniel is originated from United States. Blue Healer may grow 11 cm / 5 inches higher than American Cocker Spaniel. Blue Healer may weigh 8 kg / 18 pounds more than American Cocker Spaniel. Both Blue Healer and American Cocker Spaniel has same life span. Both Blue Healer and American Cocker Spaniel has same litter size. Blue Healer requires Low maintenance. But American Cocker Spaniel requires Moderate maintenance

History

blue healer - historyIt was in 1802 that George Hall arrived in New South Wales, establishing 2 cattle stations. He had a problem – getting his thousands of cattle to the Sydney markets. He began looking at the prospect of a droving dog and imported a number of dogs of which a blue mottled dog emerged.

The dogs were crossed with dingoes and by 1840 the Halls Heelers were used by the Halls. However with the death of one of the Halls, their cattle stations went to action and the dogs, the Halls Heelers became available.

The dogs attracted attention, and the term ‘Australian Cattle Dog’ was adopted. The name referred to those dogs coming from Thomas Hall's ‘Heelers’. There have been many arguments about the origin of the breed, but the red or blue offspring known as Hall's Heelers were proven cattle drovers, and with further breeding experiments which included the Australian Kelpie, dingoes and the Dalmation, by 1893, the tough, robust working breed known as the Blue Heeler or the Australian Cattle Dog came about.

american cocker spaniel - historyDescended from the English Cocker Spaniel when the latter were brought to the United States in the late 1800s. American hunters wanted a smaller dog for bird hunting, so they crossed them with smaller spaniel breeds. The English and the American Cockers were considered the same breed until 1935 when the American Kennel Club officially separated them into 2 distinct breeds. After this the American Cocker’s popularity increased dramatically. To this day they are one of the most popular breeds in the U.S. Recently their popularity has spread back to England. The American Cocker Spaniel has evolved from a hunting dog life to a very popular family pet.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Gun dog
Origin:
Australia
United States
Height Male:
46 - 51 cm
18 - 21 inches
38 - 40 cm
14 - 16 inches
Height Female:
43 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
34 - 38 cm
13 - 15 inches
Weight Male:
15 - 22 kg
33 - 49 pounds
11 - 14 kg
24 - 31 pounds
Weight Female:
13 - 22 kg
28 - 49 pounds
7 - 12 kg
15 - 27 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 7
1 - 7
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
ACD, Cattle Dog, Red Heeler, Queensland Heeler
Cocker Spaniel, Cocker
Colors Available:
Blue mottled, Red mottled
Black, black with tan, merle, buff ASCOB
Coat:
short and dense
Long, fine, shiney
Shedding:
Minimal, Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Cheerful, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Stubborn
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

blue healer puppy - descriptionBlue Heelers are medium-sized, sturdy, compact dogs who are somewhat longer than tall. The female Blue Heeler measures roughly 43–48cm at the withers, while the male measures about 46–51cm. If your Blue Heeler is in tip top condition, he’ll weigh about 15 to 22 kilograms. They are muscular with pointed, erect ears, dark eyes and long tails which are mostly hanging downwards. Their dense coats are blue- or red speckled and sometimes with tan markings.

The Blue Heeler is a ball of energy and he is clever too. You won’t find him sitting around for too long, and if there is sign of a walk or a ball game, he’s in! He is an independent dog, and although he makes a wonderful family pet, he tends to attach himself to that one special person in his life. He is a natural watchdog and protector of his human family.

american cocker spaniel puppy - descriptionThe American Cocker spaniel is a sturdy dog of medium size. The have a rounded head with a broad and deep muzzle. The jaw is even and square while the teeth have a scissors bite. The American Cocker has round eyes that are almost always dark with the exception of the Merle who can have blue colored eyes. They have long ears and a docked tail in the U.S. Docking is illegal in most of Europe. The American Cocker bred for field hunts have shorter coats than those bred for show. Grooming is essential for this longhaired breed. It is especially important for the eyes and ears to be kept clean.

Characteristics

blue healer dog - characteristicsTraining and socializing of your Blue Heeler will ensure that your dog does what you want him to. The Blue Heeler is an intelligent, responsive dog and training can benefit him, turning him into an outstanding family pet, good with children and other pets in the home.

He is a playful, affectionate pet who doesn’t take easily to strangers, and this is what makes him such an excellent guard dog.

Your Blue Heeler is not an apartment dog as he requires a lot of exercise, and cooping him indoors for too long with nothing to do can lead to destructive behavior.

Head-strong, independent and robust, your Blue Heeler will need a firm owner who is boss. Add to the firm owner a lot of love and care, and you’ll have a devoted friend.

Favored Qualities

american cocker spaniel dog - characteristicsThis is a gentle, happy dog. They are high energy, high spirited, friendly dogs who like people and other animals alike. They are happy to be with you and want to please you. He can find a home in the country and in the city alike. He is inquisitive and easy to train.

Potential Difficulties

But be warned they can be stubborn and hard to housebreak. They can be shy and need a lot of socialization as a pup. They can take over a household if you are not the strong pack leader they need. They have a tendency to urinate when excited and must live inside with the family. They are far too social to be left outside. An unhappy, unstable cocker can be into resource guarding of things, spaces and people. They can bark obsessively or be hyperactive. They must have a loving home with the family.

Health Problems

blue healer puppies - health problemsAustralian cattle dogs are healthy and can live up to 15 years of age, but even so there are some genetic conditions that you will need to be aware of following

Eye issues which includes progressive retinal atrophy – this disease is an inherited disease of the retina of the eye where the rod cells are destined to die. Fortunately it is not painful for the dog. There are different types of inherited retinal degenerative diseases in dogs but going into detail with them is beyond the scope of this article. For more information you can chat to your vet.

Recessive piebald elleles - the Blue Heeler has recessive piebald alleles which can produce white in the skin and coat and which is linked to congenital hereditary deafness.

american cocker spaniel puppies - health problemsPerhaps the least of the American Cocker Spaniel’s health concerns are the tendency to overeat and become obese. The more serious concerns include glaucoma, cataracts, dysplasia, allergies, Cherry eye, lip fold pyoderma, liver disease, cardiomyopathy, and congestive heart failure (CHF).

IMHA

The most serious health issue the breed faces is IMHA or Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia which can be deadly. In fact, it is almost always fatal and comes on quickly. With this condition the dog can bleed out internally and there is little that veterinary medicine can do.

Caring The Pet

Provide Plenty of Exercise

blue healer dogs - caringRemember that your Blue Heeler was once a full time cattle dog where he used to become totally and utterly exhausted from herding cattle. This is what he loved – the activity. If you have a Blue Heeler, you will need to provide him with plenty of exercise.

If you live on a farm, your Blue Heeler will be in his element because he can run, walk and swim to his heart’s content. If you keep your Blue Heeler in your back garden, you will need to provide him with ball games, rope games, long walks, running on a leash as you cycle and other activities.

Grooming

Your Blue Heeler has a short, weather-resistant double coat. He’s not a heavy shedder, but he will have his share of seasonal shedding, so it’s a good idea to get into the habit of brushing him at least twice a week. This will get rid of all those loose hairs and keep his skin healthy by getting the blood flowing and distributing his natural oils.

Feeding

Giving the best dog food for your Blue Heeler will come from either your home made food or a top quality commercially manufactured dog food. He is such a high energy dog, that your veterinarian can advise you on a dog food specially designed for high energy breeds.

These foods are well balanced and are enriched with amino acids and vitamins, promoting healthy bones and joints. Remember to include some raw meat into your dog’s diet and to ensure a constant source of cool, fresh water.

General care

Ensure your Blue Heeler’s ongoing health by paying attention to ears, nails and teeth.

Feeding puppies and adults

american cocker spaniel dogs - caringThe American Cocker Spaniel breed requires attention to detail and making sure your puppy gets enough and your adult doesn’t get too much. Feed the pups twice a day until they reach the age of 4 months and then cut them back to the adult dose of once a day at supper time. Feed from a cup to a cup and a half.

Health Issues

not previously mentioned include Ectropion and Entropion, Prolapse of the nicititans gland, gastric torsion and elbow dysplasia. Have your puppy tested for eye diseases and any issues with the knee and hip. These are social dogs and will not do well alone outside. They need to live inside.

Exercise and games

The American Cockers love to play and need a lot of exercise. Nice long walks, games of fetch or even agility will keep your Cocker happy. have plenty of stamina and need regular exercise. They also enjoy a good hunt.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  2. Collie vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  3. Dutch Shepherd vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  4. Blue Healer vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  5. Blue Healer vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  6. Blue Healer vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  7. Blue Healer vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  8. Blue Healer vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  9. Blue Healer vs Australian Collie - Breed Comparison
  10. Blue Healer vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  11. Blue Healer vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  12. Blue Healer vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  13. Blue Healer vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) - Breed Comparison
  14. Blue Healer vs Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  15. Blue Healer vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  16. English Shepherd vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  17. Catahoula Cur vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  18. Catalan Sheepdog vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  19. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  20. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  21. Queensland Heeler vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  22. German Coolie vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  23. Bohemian Shepherd vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  24. Croatian Sheepdog vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  25. Red Heeler vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  26. English Springer Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  27. Brittany vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  28. English Setter vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  29. French Brittany vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  30. Boykin Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  31. Pudelpointer vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  32. American Water Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  33. Picardy Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  34. Braque d'Auvergne vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  35. Barbet vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  36. Ariege Pointer vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  37. Pont-Audemer Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  38. Irish Water Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  39. Blue Picardy Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  40. Canadian Pointer vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  41. Deutsch Drahthaar vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  42. Clumber Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  43. Stabyhoun vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  44. Styrian Coarse Haired Hound vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  45. Vizsla vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  46. Large Munsterlander vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  47. Tyrolean Hound vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  48. Cockalier vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  49. Braque du Bourbonnais vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  50. Cesky Fousek vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds