Kuri vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Kuri is originated from French Polynesia but Australian Shepherd is originated from United States. Kuri may grow 12 cm / 4 inches shorter than Australian Shepherd. Kuri may weigh 17 kg / 37 pounds lesser than Australian Shepherd. Both Kuri and Australian Shepherd has almost same life span. Both Kuri and Australian Shepherd has almost same litter size. Kuri requires Low maintenance. But Australian Shepherd requires Moderate maintenance

History

Kurī, also known as Guri or Peroor New Zealand Native Dog, is the Maori name for this dog which was introduced to New Zealand by the Maoris when they migrated from East Polynesia around 1280 AD.

They were in fact Polynesian dogs which died out in New Zealand. The Māoris would use the dog as a food source and the skins would be used to make some form of clothing. The bones were used to make items such as necklaces and fish hooks.

Not surprising then that the dog became extinct in New Zealand, with the last known Kuri specimens being found in the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.

australian shepherd - historyThe 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.

Basic Information

Group:
Miscellaneous dogs
Herding dogs
Origin:
French Polynesia
United States
Height Male:
25 - 46 cm
9 - 19 inches
51 - 58 cm
20 - 23 inches
Height Female:
25 - 46 cm
9 - 19 inches
46 - 56 cm
18 - 23 inches
Weight Male:
13 - 15 kg
28 - 34 pounds
25 - 32 kg
55 - 71 pounds
Weight Female:
13 - 15 kg
28 - 34 pounds
16 - 30 kg
35 - 67 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
13 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 8
6 - 9
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Peroor New Zealand Native Dog, Guri
Aussie
Colors Available:
White, brown, tan, cream, black - solids and different patterns
Tri-colour - blue, blue merle, black and red merle, white markings
Coat:
Medium length, rough
thick - medium length - straight to wavy
Shedding:
Minimal
Constant
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Description

The Kuri is extinct now but it was a small to medium sized dog with a thick set neck. He stood between 25 and 46cm and weighed about 13 to 15 kilograms.

He had thick medium-length rough textured hair, small head, erect ears, short legs and a bushy tail. The color of their weatherproof coats varied and some were black, some white or cream and some were a mix of colors and patterns.

An interesting feature about them is that they didn’t bark but instead they howled. They were good at hunting birds.

Temperament:

The Kuri wasn’t considered the brightest breed, but he would have benefited from some training and socialization as this just makes a dog a better pet in every sense – more obedient and better behaved in all situations.

Some Kuris were friendly and able to bond with their human owners, while others were independent and somewhat aloof. Their size would have allowed them to be kept in the city or the country as they weren’t particularly energetic dogs, not requiring much ground to run around in.

Coat

australian shepherd puppy - descriptionSimilar 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.

Different Eye Colour Combinations

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.

Characteristics

It appears as though some Kuris were kept as pets and that they were able to develop loving relationships with their owners.

We don’t know too much about the extinct Kuri, but scientists are now studying and analyzing the hairs of the dog to find out more about it, and specifically why the Maori dog disappeared some time in the 19th century without a trace.

They will also be analyzing Kuri bones salvaged by archaeologists and which were found on rubbish heaps. These bones can be tested to see whether the diet of the Kuri changed much between the days of Maori settlements and the arrival of the European settlers.

australian shepherd dog - characteristicsThe 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.

He Craves Human Companionship

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.

Health Problems

Dental Disease:

Some Kuri dogs scavenged while others were pets and ate well. The lifestyle they led would have determined their health. In those days they would have suffered with dental disease, common in adult dogs. Left untreated, dental disease can lead to dental tartar buildup with gum inflammation and tooth loss.

Dental disease can also lead to other organ diseases. These days brushing your dog’s teeth with canine toothpaste and toothbrush can help to ward off dental disease.

Ear infections:

Those Kuris that weren’t pets, tried to survive scavenging, and their homeless situation could well have led to ear infections – caused from a wax- and dirt buildup within the ear. He would have been frantic trying to scratch his ears. In modern times, if your dog showed signs of an ear infection, you would need to get him to the vet.

australian shepherd puppies - health problemsAussies 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.

We look at some common health ailments to be alert about

Hip Dysplasia

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

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 Aussie Puppy Needs Vaccinations

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.

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

The Kuri will have required regular grooming which means a brushing down twice a week. Brushing would have been useful to prevent loose hairs from shedding with the dog. He would have had to have his ears and eyes checked too to avoid infections. Brushing him would have given his owner the chance to check him over for fleas and ticks too.

Exercise:

As the Kuri wasn’t an overly energetic dog, a walk a day would have kept him content and fit.

Diet:

The Kuri was a dog that essentially formed part of someone else’s diet. Those that managed to escape being a meal for someone no doubt had to scavenge for food. Because they were used to help people catch birds, they themselves were used to catching birds for themselves.

As a small to medium sized dog, if you were to keep such a dog as a pet you would have given him a cup or two of dried kibble a day and tried to vary his diet by including some home-cooked food and raw meat.

General Grooming

australian shepherd dogs - caringWith 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.

Feeding

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.

Training and Socialization

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.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  2. Australian Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  3. Australian Shepherd vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  4. Australian Shepherd vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  5. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  6. Bearded Collie vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  7. Collie vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  8. Dutch Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  9. Blue Healer vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  10. English Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  11. Australian Collie vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  12. Catahoula Cur vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  13. Catalan Sheepdog vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  14. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  15. Bergamasco vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  16. Berger Picard vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  17. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  18. Queensland Heeler vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  19. German Coolie vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  20. Bohemian Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  21. Croatian Sheepdog vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  22. Red Heeler vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  23. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  24. Blue Lacy vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  25. New Zealand Huntaway vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  26. Other vs Kuri - Breed Comparison
  27. Olde English Bulldogge vs Kuri - Breed Comparison
  28. Sapsali vs Kuri - Breed Comparison
  29. Peruvian Hairless vs Kuri - Breed Comparison
  30. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Kuri - Breed Comparison
  31. Lottatore Brindisino vs Kuri - Breed Comparison
  32. Mountain Feist vs Kuri - Breed Comparison
  33. Spitz vs Kuri - Breed Comparison
  34. Kuri vs Aussie Doodles - Breed Comparison
  35. Kuri vs Indian Pariah Dog - Breed Comparison
  36. Kuri vs Dingo - Breed Comparison
  37. Kuri vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  38. Kuri vs Carolina Dog - Breed Comparison
  39. Kuri vs Jonangi - Breed Comparison
  40. Perro de Presa Mallorquin vs Kuri - Breed Comparison
  41. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Kuri - Breed Comparison
  42. Pomsky vs Kuri - Breed Comparison
  43. Sakhalin Husky vs Kuri - Breed Comparison
  44. Old English Bulldog vs Kuri - Breed Comparison
  45. Schnauzer vs Kuri - Breed Comparison
  46. Puggle vs Kuri - Breed Comparison
  47. Schnoodle vs Kuri - Breed Comparison
  48. Pharaoh Hound vs Kuri - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds