Belgian Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison

Belgian Shepherd is originated from Belgium but Australian Cattle Dog is originated from Australia. Belgian Shepherd may grow 16 cm / 7 inches higher than Australian Cattle Dog. Belgian Shepherd may weigh 14 kg / 31 pounds more than Australian Cattle Dog. Both Belgian Shepherd and Australian Cattle Dog has almost same life span. Belgian Shepherd may have more litter size than Australian Cattle Dog. Belgian Shepherd requires Moderate maintenance. But Australian Cattle Dog requires Low maintenance

History

belgian shepherd - historyThere are different varieties of the Belgian Shepherd Dog – but these all differ only in color, length and texture of coat. The interesting aspect of the names of the different Belgian Shepherds, is that the names of the different varieties are taken from the individual towns in Belguim from which each variety comes from.

This breed dates back to the middle ages, but it was only in 1891 that Professor A. Reul of the Cureghem Veterinary Medical School established standards for the types and actually separated- and distinguishing them. In the UK they are shown as one breed.

During the 19th century, in the New South Wales, lived a cattle farmer Thomas Hall. He wanted to have a perfect cattle dog so he mixed two breeds: dogs used by stockman with the dingo. The new breed was given an interesting name - Halls Heelers. Heelers was a part of the dog breed because this new breed of the dog inherited the nipping instinct. As time passed, one breed was developing in two breeds: the Australian Cattle Dog and the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog.

The Australian Cattle dog can be found in two available colours: red and blue. This is how they got their nicknames: Red Heeler and Blue Heeler.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Herding dogs
Origin:
Belgium
Australia
Height Male:
60 - 66 cm
23 - 26 inches
45 - 50 cm
17 - 20 inches
Height Female:
52 - 62 cm
20 - 25 inches
43 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 30 kg
55 - 67 pounds
14 - 16 kg
30 - 36 pounds
Weight Female:
20 - 30 kg
44 - 67 pounds
13 - 15 kg
28 - 34 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
13 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 10
1 - 7
Size:
Large dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Belgian Sheepdog Chien de Berger Belge
ACD, Cattle Dog, Blue Heeler, Red Heeler, Queensland Heeler
Colors Available:
depends on variety - black with white, brown
blue (mottled or speckled), red (mottled or speckled)
Coat:
short- and long-haired varieties
short double coat
Shedding:
Constant, Seasonal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Description

Different Varieties

belgian shepherd puppy - descriptionThe Belgian Shepherd is a well proportioned, muscular medium-to-large dog breed. There are the different varieties but they generally stands at 56 – 66cm in height and weighs anything from 25 to 30kg. You get the short haired Malinois and then you also get the Belgian Tervuren and the Groenendal which are fairly long-haired varieties. Their colour shades vary so you can find black with white markings on the chest and feet, you can find light to dark brown and some are even inclined to be brown.

Not Aggressive but a Great Guardian

All the varieties have long tails, pointed, fully erect ears and black noses. While the Belgian Shepherd isn’t an aggressive dog, he makes an excellent guard dog, being alert, highly energetic and intelligent and easy to train. As with most other dogs, you’ll want to see to it that he is trained and socialized because then he makes a super pet suited to life with a family where there are children and other pets. He has an independent nature and is loyal and protective with his human family.

The Australian Cattle Dog originally mixed with Australian herding dog that was kept near the cattle to guide them. Medium-sized, with the short coat, this dog is generally easy to groom and maintain. It does require more brushing during the shedding period, but it is still not an everyday need. He is easy to train because he likes challenging games and activities which are. It gets very attached to its owner, and he is always protective of them and their possessions. The most common health problems happen with their ears and eyes, but they are usually very healthy and they have a long life – up to 15 years.

Characteristics

belgian shepherd dog - characteristicsEnergy is a big factor with this beautiful dog, so before you consider one as a pet, be sure that you can take care of his exercise needs. He belongs to the working group of dogs so he won’t enjoy just lazing around day after day. He is wired to be herding livestock and that natural instinct doesn’t disappear once he becomes a pet in your home. With so much energy, he wants a nice sized garden and wouldn’t do well cooped up indoors at all.

He is a strong, loving dog, and in exchange for your care of him, he will be a loyal, loving, protective friend who will love you to the end.

Around children

Children and Australian Cattle Dogs can grow up together in harmony. They will have a loyal and protective companion. After you properly train your dog and teach your child how to play with the dog, you will bring the friendship on the safe side. Some of them will have the instinct to nip at heels, so you should pay attention to this while training your pet.

Special talents: cattle dog, service dog, therapy dog, police dogs, drug detection dogs.

Adaptability

Australian Cattle Dogs can survive cool, hot and temperate conditions. They can live in a shelter outdoors, and they do well living indoors. But, be aware – without enough physical activity, this dog will end up being frustrated and unhappy.

Learning ability

They will absorb every new trick so quick that you will be amazed. They love to learn, and if you start with some good trick you will raise a great friend and maybe a great competitor in fetch, swim, bring-a-stick, or run-the-show dog sports.

Health Problems

belgian shepherd puppies - health problemsThe Belgian Shepherd is a hardy dog so if you do your part to provide him with good quality nutrition from the food he eats and you exercise him, he’ll reach the 10-14 years allotted to him. Just like with any dog, there will be some minor concerns that you need to watch out for -

epilepsy, eye problems, cancer, skin allergies and hip dysplasia.

remember to check his teeth and for ticks and parasites as both, if just left, can jeopardise his health seriously.

see that he get his first puppy vaccinations at 6 to 8 weeks of age.

Health Problems: are mostly inherited. You can avoid this by searching for a good breeder that can clear out the hereditary diseases.

Eyes

The Australian Cattle Dog is one of the breeds that can be born with progressive retinal atrophy. Progressive rod-cone degeneration is a disease that causes the rods and cones in the retina of the eye to degenerate. It might lead to blindness.

Ears

The Australian Cattle Dog is one of the rare breeds with recessive piebald alleles. This gene is the reason why they have white colour on their coat. But, unfortunately, this gene can be the reason why congenital hereditary deafness develops.

Caring The Pet

Exercise

belgian shepherd dogs - caringYour Belgian Shepherd is an energetic dog breed who is social and who wants to be included in your family activities. You can’t just keep him cooped up in your back yard and expect him to do well. He’ll need daily exercise – walks, swims if there is water close by, chasing the ball as well as your companionship.

Grooming and shedding

These dogs are shedders so you’ll certainly be needing to watch your clothes for hairs. You will need to give them a good brush at least twice a week to get rid of all that loose hair and to keep his coat shiny and in tip top condition. Also, he likes the closeness the brushing provides between him and his human caretaker.

Feeding your Belgian Shepherd

The Belgian Shepherd is a robust, healthy breed of dog, but many ill dogs are brought to veterinary clinics because they are suffering with itchy skin problems, they have digestive problems and they’re generally run down. This is because they aren’t provided with a varied and balanced diet plan. Apart from eating a quality dry- or wet dog food as recommended by your vet, he’ll most certainly need some raw meat in his diet too.

Feeding the puppy and adult

Herding dog have a history of the joint diseases. That’s why some of the pet suggest feeding a herding dog with meat like chicken, turkey, beef, lamb and fish. Dry dog food, even premium quality, may not be enough for this energetic dogs and their bone structure. But it depends on the dog. The best advice is to always take an advice from your breeder or your wet.

Grooming

You won’t be very busy with grooming your Australian cattle dog. You don’t have to take everyday care of it. Occasional brushing will be more than enough. Bath the dog only when you notice odour problem.

Points for Good Health

The Australian Cattle Dog needs a high level of activity. Like many other herding dog breeds, they love walks, spending time with people, running or doing any athletic sports with them, teaching them tricks since they have above average intelligence. Fetching will be super fun for everyone, agility, competitions or any other challenging activity. They love water and they swim very well so you can take the dog with you to the nearest pool and have a great time.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  2. Australian Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  3. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  4. Australian Cattle Dog vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  5. Australian Cattle Dog vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  6. Bearded Collie vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  7. Collie vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  8. Dutch Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  9. Blue Healer vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  10. English Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  11. Australian Collie vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  12. Catahoula Cur vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  13. Catalan Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  14. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  15. Bergamasco vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  16. Berger Picard vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  17. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  18. Queensland Heeler vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  19. German Coolie vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  20. Bohemian Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  21. Croatian Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Red Heeler vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  23. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  24. Blue Lacy vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  25. New Zealand Huntaway vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  26. Samoyed vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  27. Alaskan Malamute vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Bullmastiff vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  29. Great Pyrenees vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  30. Boerboel vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  31. Presa Canario vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  32. Labrador Husky vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  33. Argentine Dogo vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  34. Giant Schnauzer vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  35. Belgian Shepherd vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  36. Belgian Shepherd vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  37. Belgian Shepherd vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  38. Belgian Shepherd vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  39. Belgian Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Belgian Shepherd vs Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  41. Belgian Shepherd vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  42. Belgian Shepherd vs Bandog - Breed Comparison
  43. Belgian Shepherd vs Beauceron - Breed Comparison
  44. Belgian Shepherd vs Alano Espanol - Breed Comparison
  45. Belgian Shepherd vs Antebellum Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  46. Goldador vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  47. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  48. Dogo Cubano vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  49. Dogo Sardesco vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  50. Central Asian Shepherd vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds