Portuguese Podengo vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison

Portuguese Podengo is originated from Portugal but Australian Cattle Dog is originated from Australia. Portuguese Podengo may grow 20 cm / 7 inches shorter than Australian Cattle Dog. Portuguese Podengo may weigh 10 kg / 22 pounds lesser than Australian Cattle Dog. Both Portuguese Podengo and Australian Cattle Dog has almost same life span. Both Portuguese Podengo and Australian Cattle Dog has almost same litter size. Both Portuguese Podengo and Australian Cattle Dog requires Low maintenance.

History

portuguese podengo - historyThe Portuguese Podengo is an ancient hound dog from Portugal. It is available as a small dog, medium and large dog.

The coats can be short and smooth or longer and wiry. They were imported into the United States in the 1990's and they are also recognized by the Federation Cynologique Internationale in Europe. They are also recognized by the United Kennel Club. In America they are part of the Rare Breed Association.

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:
Hound dog
Herding dogs
Origin:
Portugal
Australia
Height Male:
20 - 30 cm
7 - 12 inches
45 - 50 cm
17 - 20 inches
Height Female:
20 - 30 cm
7 - 12 inches
43 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
Weight Male:
4 - 6 kg
8 - 14 pounds
14 - 16 kg
30 - 36 pounds
Weight Female:
4 - 6 kg
8 - 14 pounds
13 - 15 kg
28 - 34 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
13 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 8
1 - 7
Size:
Small dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Portuguese Rabbit Hound
ACD, Cattle Dog, Blue Heeler, Red Heeler, Queensland Heeler
Colors Available:
Fawn or yellow - some white markings
blue (mottled or speckled), red (mottled or speckled)
Coat:
Short and smooth or medium length and wiry
short double coat
Shedding:
Minimal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Description

portuguese podengo puppy - descriptionThe Portuguese Podengo is available in three sizes. He stands roughly at between 20 to 30 cm and weighs between 4.1 to 5.9 kg. The dog is similar in looks to other hunting dogs native to the Mediterranean, such as the Pharoah Hound.

They are small to medium sized dogs. The eyes are brown, the ears are erect and the tail long and thick, held low and with a bit of a curve when at rest.

The body of the dog is lean and well muscled and the head wedge shaped. The coat is essentially short and smooth though you also get the longer, wiry coat. The coat is found in shades of fawn or yellow and with some white markings.

Temperament:

This Portuguese sighthound is energetic, comical sometimes, sweet and loving. Being alert, he also makes a good watchdog.

He is intelligent, he is easily trained and socialized and gets on well with children in the house if they have been disciplined to respect and be kind to animals.

He is somewhat aloof around strangers and this is actually what makes him a good watchdog.

It is said that the Portuguese Podengo isn't bred to be a companion dog, being bred exclusively as a working hunting dog. This explains why it doesn’t have such a ‘companionable’ temperament as some other dog breeds.

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

portuguese podengo dog - characteristicsThe Portuguese Podengo loves pleasing his human owners – loving to be in the company of his human family.

He is an independent dog who will benefit from training and socialization. He is wary around strangers, but this makes him a good watchdog.

He loves lots of exercise and will want mental and physical stimulation to be happy and content and as bright as he is.

Provide him with good care and he promises to make you a wonderful pet and companion.

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

portuguese podengo puppies - health problemsThe Portuguese Podengo is a robust, healthy dog that can get to 14 years of age if he is looked after well and exercised.

The dog doesn’t battle with genetic disorders. It is thought that the most common problems with this dog are the injuries he gets from being such an outdoor, hunting dog. He could well rip his nail or have porcupine quills in his muzzle.

Some common dog diseases to be aware of are cancer, bloat,skin diseases and eye problems.

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:

portuguese podengo dogs - caringThe Podengo is always game and ready for a good time and likes nothing more than a good walk as well as the chance to get off his leash and have a bit of free time. He also loves ball games, being pulled along while he holds tightly on to a piece of rope and he loves darting back and forwards with a frisbee.

Diet:

Many things can change a dog’s longevity, and diet is one. A good nutritious diet with vitamins and minerals will give your dog less of a chance to get sick. If you go for the best quality commercially manufactured dog foods, you’ll find they are both convenient and well balanced.

To provide your dog with just a bit of variety in his diet, some home-made food added into the dry kibble from time to time will delight your pet.

No need to make preparing the food a huge issue either. Boil brown rice and chicken in a pot and add in sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach. Chop all this up and as a treat, add smaller portions of it into the dry kibble. This is a real treat for your dog. You’ll see his thanks in his bright eyes and wagging tail.

Try to include a bit of raw meat occasionally and never let your dog be without a constant source of fresh, cool water.

General Care for your pet:

Make sure his puppy vaccines are up to date.

Have your dog spayed or neutered if you don’t want your dog being a parent.

Provide your dog with a warm, dry, comfy pace to sleep.

Trim his nails and check inside his ears for redness and infection.

Check for fleas and ticks when you brush him.

Get him to the vet when you can see he s sick.

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. Portuguese Podengo vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  2. Portuguese Podengo vs Dachshund - Breed Comparison
  3. Portuguese Podengo vs Miniature Dachshund - Breed Comparison
  4. Portuguese Podengo vs Beaglier - Breed Comparison
  5. Portuguese Podengo vs Bluetick Beagle - Breed Comparison
  6. Portuguese Podengo vs Basset Artesien Normand - Breed Comparison
  7. Portuguese Podengo vs Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  8. Pug vs Portuguese Podengo - Breed Comparison
  9. Rat Terrier vs Portuguese Podengo - Breed Comparison
  10. Scottish Terrier vs Portuguese Podengo - Breed Comparison
  11. Russell Terrier vs Portuguese Podengo - Breed Comparison
  12. Schipperke vs Portuguese Podengo - Breed Comparison
  13. Portuguese Podengo vs Pomeranian - Breed Comparison
  14. Portuguese Podengo vs Maltese - Breed Comparison
  15. Portuguese Podengo vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  16. Portuguese Podengo vs Maltipoo - Breed Comparison
  17. Portuguese Podengo vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  18. Portuguese Podengo vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  19. Portuguese Podengo vs Jack Russell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  20. Portuguese Podengo vs Cockapoo - Breed Comparison
  21. Portuguese Podengo vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  22. Portuguese Podengo vs Cavapoo - Breed Comparison
  23. Portuguese Podengo vs Corgi - Breed Comparison
  24. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  25. Australian Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  26. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  27. Australian Cattle Dog vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  28. Australian Cattle Dog vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  29. Bearded Collie vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  30. Collie vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  31. Dutch Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  32. Blue Healer vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  33. English Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  34. Australian Collie vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  35. Catahoula Cur vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  36. Catalan Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  37. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  38. Bergamasco vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  39. Berger Picard vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  40. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  41. Queensland Heeler vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  42. German Coolie vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  43. Bohemian Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  44. Croatian Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  45. Red Heeler vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  46. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Blue Lacy vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  48. New Zealand Huntaway vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds