Shorkie vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Shorkie vs Australian Terrier - Breed ComparisonAustralian Terrier is originated from Australia but Shorkie is originated from United States. Both Australian Terrier and Shorkie are having almost same height. Both Australian Terrier and Shorkie are having almost same weight. Both Australian Terrier and Shorkie has same life span. Both Australian Terrier and Shorkie has almost same litter size. Both Australian Terrier and Shorkie requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Miscellaneous dogs
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Australia
United States
Height Male:
23 - 26 cm
9 - 11 inches
18 - 24 cm
7 - 10 inches
Height Female:
20 - 26 cm
7 - 11 inches
16 - 22 cm
6 - 9 inches
Weight Male:
5 - 8 kg
11 - 18 pounds
5 - 7 kg
11 - 16 pounds
Weight Female:
5 - 7 kg
11 - 16 pounds
4 - 7 kg
8 - 16 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 6
1 - 5
Size:
Small
Small
Other Names:
Blue and Tan Terrier, the Blue Terrier, the Broken-coated Terrier, the Australian Rough Coated Terrier, Aussie
Shorki • Shorkie • Yorkie Tzu Shorkie Tzu
Colors Available:
blue, tan, sandy and red variations
Black and tan • Brown and white • Gold • Red • Gold, black, and white • Particolored
Coat:
rough long coat
coat type soft and relatively long coats. They should be silky and never coarse
Shedding:
Minimal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Playful, Protective, Social, Stubborn
Affectionate, Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Playful, Responsive, Stubborn
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

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.

shorkieThe Shorkie is a mix between a Yorkshire Terrier and a Shih Tzu. This little dog actually thinks he’s quite big. He is a great watchdog and a barker, and he is a loyal and loving member of his family. He will let you know if he thinks something is going on that shouldn’t be.

This hybrid combines two breeds known for their good looks, cuteness and personalities. Shorkies get their watchdog instincts and their loyalty to their people from the Shih Tzu and their personalities and good looks from the Yorkie. This designer breed has no known standard and every puppy is different, but traits from its founding breeds will remain. Both breeds have great personalities.

Regardless of the differences within the litter, because the personalities and adorableness of the two founding breeds are equal, all of the puppies will have those characteristics. They will all be energetic, playful and think they are big dogs. They will all love people and especially kids – playing and watching over them.

The Shorkie is intelligent, trainable, and snuggly. They will also have the stubborn trait that the two founding breeds can show at times. Developed in the United States, this crossbreed is extremely popular even though they have been in existence for only ten years or so. Breeders in the U.S. began to mix these two breeds in order to develop a cute, friendly and intelligent little dog that will cuddle on your lap – perfect lap dog.

Even if we already have breeds similar to the Shorkie, its development allows breeders to diversify and improve the genetics of the dogs. It is important that these be responsible breeders whose intentions are not financial but to legitimately improve the positive traits of each breed while sorting out the undesirable or weak traits. This is the positive side of the new designer breeds.

Even though it is still being developed, at least the Shorkie seems to be a success story for designer breeds as a loving, popular little dog. It will take a lot more time and a lot more development before the Shorkie becomes an actual recognized breed. At the moment it remains a hybrid, a crossbreed, a so called designer dog.

It will be at least 7-10 generations of careful and quality breeding before the Shorkies are potentially recognized as its own pedigree breed. It is important to breed Shorkies to Shorkies in order to develop a standard that could be accepted for a new breed by the AKC and UKC. Over time the puppies must become more and more standardized in their conformity to that new breed standard. Their physical appearance and their temperament will be standardized. At this stage the second generation of Shorkies is rare. Their popularity is rising in the United Kingdom. Both Britain and Ireland have a growing interest in this hybrid.

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.

shorkie puppy - descriptionThe Shorkie, being a cross between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Shih Tzu, and as such has physical and temperament characteristics from both breeds. They could be 50-50 but most likely each puppy will be more like one of the founding parents than the other. Because there is a lot of similarity between the founding breeds there is a lot of similarity between the Shorkies.

Their hair is either wavy or straight, but it is soft. It can be a wide variety of colors and usually they have a darker mask on the face. Usually they have the eyes of the Shih Tzu – large -but not protruding. Their muzzle is short, and the skull is round with triangle ears. Their bodies are compact, small with plenty of muscle for their size. They also have fine bones and short legs, with a thin curled tail.

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.

1.Children friendliness – yes, they are very child friendly.

2.Special talents – Loyal and loving.

3.Adaptability – The Shorkie could happen.

4.Learning ability – Highly intelligent, but they can be stubborn.

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.

shorkie puppies - health problemsMany hybrids are in better health at least genetically than their parent breeds. Responsible breeders will breed any genetic issues out of their puppies. Still there are many health issues that the Shorkies are prone to. These include:

  • Tooth loss, tooth decay and gum disease caused by dental overcrowding.
  • Joint issues – can cause lameness.
  • Diabetes – high blood sugar.
  • Kidney stones.
  • Liver disease and potential shunt.
  • Progressive Retinal Apathy - visual imparity.
  • Patellar Luxation – can cause arthritis.
  • Hypoglycemia. – low blood sugar.
  • Collapsed Trachea.

• Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome – “smashed face” causes problems with breathing, heat, flying and more.

• Glaucoma – Yorkshires have this, and it can be secondary to the lens Luxation.

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.

shorkie dogs - caring1.Feeding the puppy - The Shorkies need a high-quality, well-balanced dry kibble. Make sure it is a formula for small, active dogs. It should have lean meat and essential minerals and vitamins. Make sure it is puppy food not adult. The puppy needs 300 -550 calories a day in 3 meals.

2.Feeding the adult – Obesity is a problem for the Shorkie as it is for many small dogs. Don’t overfeed your adult but give her the same kind of high quality small breed dog food, only for adults. They need about 200-300 calories a day in 2 meals.

3.Points for Good Health – Few genetic diseases.

4. Games and Exercises – These are very active little dogs and need exercise every day. They needs walks, games, and time with you. They also love to cuddle with you at the end of the day. They love squeaky toys and playing fetch outside or inside.

Comparison with other breeds

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