Australian Shepherd is originated from United States but English Springer Spaniel is originated from United Kingdom. Australian Shepherd may grow 7 cm / 3 inches higher than English Springer Spaniel. Australian Shepherd may weigh 7 kg / 16 pounds more than English Springer Spaniel. Both Australian Shepherd and English Springer Spaniel has almost same life span. Both Australian Shepherd and English Springer Spaniel has almost same litter size. Australian Shepherd requires Moderate Maintenance. But English Springer Spaniel requires Low Maintenance
The Australian Shepherd, known fondly as ‘Aussies’, is actually an American breed, with the first official registry being in the 1950s. Basque Shepherds from Spain settled in Australia at the end of the 19th century, later moving to the United Stated with their dogs in tow. It is from these dogs that the breed originated. In the UK too, this breed of dog has many enthusiastic followers.
For many years, the Australian Shepherd has been recognized for their wonderful abilities as stock- or herding dogs, and today in Australia they continue to work as stock dogs and often take part in herding trials.
More recently, this working dog breed has been selectively bred to develop both Toy- and Miniature Aussies, and the American Stock Dog Registry actually recognizes 3 sizes today.The Australian Shepherd Club of America was also founded in 1957 to promote the breed.
The English Springer Spaniel is one of many gun dog breeds that flush and retrieve. They descended from the Shropshire Spaniels and Norfolk Spaniels. The English Springer Spaniel is somewhat similar to the Welsh Springer Spaniel and believe it or not they are also closely related to the English Cocker Spaniel. In the last century the cockers and springers came from the same parents. The larger dogs flushed game and made game “spring” from the brush while the smaller dogs – the “cockers” would hunt woodcock. Eventually through specific breeding, the UKC of England recognized the “springers” as a separate breed.
Sydenham Edwards, in 1801, proposed that the spaniels be divided into the Springing or Hawking Spaniel and the Cocking or Cocker Spaniel. From this point on there was a flourish in the development of spaniel breeds in the 19th century. They were usually named for the county in which they were founded or after the individual who developed them. In 1902, the English Springer Spaniel was officially recognized as its own breed by the UKC. It was not until 1910 that the AKC recognized them as well.
Similar in appearance to the Border Collie, the Australian Shepherd is a medium sized dog and has a medium length coat which is straight to wavy with a weather resistant undercoat. The range of coat colours is amazing, and you’ll find blue, blue merle, black and red merle and all of these are with or without tan points. The Australian Shepherd is a drop-eared breed where prick ears are sometimes seen. Some Aussies are born with naturally bobbed tails while most have full, long tails.
There is variety in the eye colour too, and they are often heterochromatic, which means that they can have two different coloured eyes or the one eye can even be bi-coloured. Most times the eyes are brown, but they can be blue too.
Among spaniels the English Springer is medium size and well compacted. Both the working dog and the show dog sport moderately long coats and a friendly tail. They both wear a gentle expression in their eyes. But there the commonality stops as the difference between the working English Springer Spaniel and the show line is greater in this breed than in any other. The gene pools have become almost separate over the last 70 years. If you put a field dog in the show ring they would not be able to compete. If you put a show line English Springer in the field, they would not have the stamina or speed for field trials.
The field line has a coarser coat and less pendulous ears. They may dock a few inches off the tail, and they are much scruffier than the show dogs. On the other hand, the show dogs have dewlaps, pendant ears and dangling flews. They are heavier and thicker than the field dog. They have long muzzles, not so prominent eyes and docked tails. The English Springer Spaniel stands tall and proud, coming from an ancient line of Spaniels
The Australian Shepherd is an intelligent dog, learning quickly. As a herding dog, he also has strong guarding instincts and will make a good watch dog. The dog has a balanced, even disposition, and even though he may show some reserve, he is certainly not a shy dog and isn’t aggressive.
Your Aussie is a kind, loving, and devoted pet. He loves his human family and wants to spend lots of time with them. Don’t leave him without human companionship as he craves it and forms strong bonds with his family. Provide him with good care and with lots of fun and games and you’ve got an exceptional friend for life.
The English Springer Spaniel is a friendly dog who loves to please his people. They are great family dogs, easy-going and affectionate. In addition, they are attentive and alert which makes them such great hunting dogs. With exceptional speed and stamina, he needs activity to stimulate his body and brain. He is very intelligent. That intelligence can lead to stubbornness as well. He’d great with kids and good with other pets with perhaps the exception of cats. The breed is in love with water and will get in at any time.
Aussies are a healthy breed and won’t cost you a fortune at the vet. However, like every other breed, they are also prone to certain health conditions such as cancer. When choosing a puppy, always look for a good, reputable breeder who can show you health clearances.
This is a dog ailment that can be inherited. It is where the femur doesn't fit properly into the pelvic socket of the hip joint. Also, as the dog ages, arthritis can develop.
Epilepsy an hereditary disorder where the seizures your dog gets can be treated and controlled.
Osteochondrosis Dissecans, commonly known as OCD is an orthopedic condition which comes about because of improper growth of cartilage in the joints. It can cause painful stiffening of the elbow joint for instance.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy or PRA is a degenerative eye disorder that can finally lead to blindness. Reputable Aussie dog breeders have their dogs' eyes certified regularly by a veterinary ophthalmologist.
Your newborn Australian Shepherd may well be strong and healthy, but he isn’t immune from life-threatening illnesses. Vaccinations are imperative for your Aussie puppy, with vets usually recommending that puppies be vaccinated for the first time from 6 to 8 weeks of age.
These vaccinations will include the 5-in-one and includes Parvovirus, Distemper, Hepatitis and Parainfluenza. Later on the puppy will get his first rabies shot and he will also require booster vaccinations.
Not an uncommon issue for most medium to smaller sized dogs. It can lead to lameness or arthritis.
Loss of vision due to a deterioration of the retina.
Clubs form in the retinal tissue and can lead to blindness.
The twisting or distention of the stomach that effects dogs with deep chests and can lead to death if not treated immediately.
With his medium length coat, the Australian Shepherd sheds. In fact this particular breed sheds his hair the entire year round, but you’ll notice that with the arrival of Spring, he sheds more as this is when he is losing his Winter coat. You will most certainly need to brush his coat at least 2x a week to get rid of all those tufts of hair and to also prevent matting.
A puppy will need 4 bowls of vet-recommended food a day. How much your adult Australian Shepherd gets will depend on his age, size and activity levels.The quality of food you buy will make a difference as it will keep your Aussie in good shape. Remember to include raw or cooked meat into his diet once a week or so. For more on feeding your Aussie, speak to your vet. Always ensure a constant source of fresh, cool water.
The Australian Shepherd is a strong willed dog, used to playing the dominant role with the herding of livestock. He’ll need firm training and socialization if you want to make him an amicable family pet.
Like many herding dogs, Australian Shepherds are loyal to their family and don’t easily take to strangers. Aussies make awesome companions for families with kids who have been taught how to treat dogs and other pets with kindness and gentleness. Just like a dog needs socialization, a child needs to respect a sleeping, feeding dog and to leave him in peace.
The English Springer Spaniel can gain weight easily and obesity is one of the biggest health issues for this breed. Feed them a high quality dry dog food. Working dogs need more energy and more calories than the inactive dog. An active member of the breed should have around 1353 calories every day in at least 2 meals if not 3. Do not feed a large meal before or after strenuous exercise as this can cause bloat.
In addition to the health issues listed above the English Springer Spaniel is also prone to:
This is a genetic condition where the body cannot use the carbohydrates it takes in and convert it to energy. This is identified as a blood disorder.
Causes seizures but can be treated with medications.
With longer , droopy ears, infection is always a possibility. Clean them regularly and keep them dry.
The working English Springer Spaniel is a very energetic dog requiring daily exercise and loving to play. They love walks and hikes. They can excel in competitions such as rally, agility, tracking, field and obedience.