Schnorkie vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison

Schnorkie vs Australian Kelpie - Breed ComparisonAustralian Kelpie is originated from Australia but Schnorkie is originated from United States. Australian Kelpie may grow 21 cm / 9 inches higher than Schnorkie. Australian Kelpie may weigh 14 kg / 31 pounds more than Schnorkie. Both Australian Kelpie and Schnorkie has same life span. Australian Kelpie may have less litter size than Schnorkie. Both Australian Kelpie and Schnorkie requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Terrier dog
undefined
Australia
United States
Height Male:
46 - 51 cm
18 - 21 inches
12 - 30 cm
4 - 12 inches
Height Female:
43 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
12 - 30 cm
4 - 12 inches
Weight Male:
14 - 20 kg
30 - 45 pounds
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
Weight Female:
12 - 20 kg
26 - 45 pounds
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 7
5 - 10
Size:
Medium
Small
Other Names:
Kelpie, Barb
Schnerrier
Colors Available:
Many Colours, from solids to bi-colours - tan, fawn, blue, red, black, chocolate
fawn, Grey, black, gold, silver, tan
Coat:
short and dense
Straight and silky or wavy
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

australian kelpieThe energetic Kelpie came into being around 1870, with this working dog breed having a role to play with the herding of sheep in the harsh Australian outback.The sheep and wool industry in Australia has always been big business, and Australian ranchers were looking for a tough dog that could cope with sheep but also cope with the harsh environment.

These are adaptable dogs too and their ancestors include the Coley or Collie, a British herding-type dog, the English- and the Australian Shepherd and the Dingo. In fact it is believed that up to 4% of their genes comes from the Dingo. These adaptable dogs were also brought to North America where they quickly adapted to the different climate and different livestock.

The Australian Kelpie isn’t your regular pet as they are essentially an outdoor, working dog. They are recognized today by the United Kennel Club and registered by the North American Australian Kelpie Registry.

schnorkieThis dog is a cross between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Yorkshire Terrier.

It’s not a purebred dog and is known as a designer dog. These dogs inherit characteristics from both of its purebred parents.

The origins and history of these breeds is often unknown with their being no records as to when or where breeders started developing them. This particular mixed breed dog originated in the United States.

Description

The Coat

australian kelpie puppy - descriptionThe Kelpie is a medium-sized dog with a coat that comes in a number of colours – black, chocolate, fawn, red, blue, tan, white and gold. . The nose colour blends in with the dog’s coat colour and can be black, brownish and even pinkish.

A Sharp, Intelligent Look

The Kelpie has a medium-length tail which is low-set. The ears are pricked, giving the dog an intelligent, alert appearance. The dog’s head is also narrow and long, and his eyes are bright and inquisitive.

Lithe and Athletic

The Australian Kelpie has an athletic appearance, with a body which is longer than their height, similar to that of a German Shepherd. Because the Australian Kelpie is such an energetic, active breed, he’ll need plenty of ‘jobs to do’, lots of ball games and other exercise to keep him free from boredom and to ensure he maintains his lithe, lean, muscular limbs.

schnorkie puppy - descriptionThe Schnorkie is a small dog standing at between 12 to 30cm in height and weighing just 3 to 6kg.

Schnorkies have an athletic build but they are lean and you want to keep them that way.

Their double coat is mostly silky and straight, but can be wavy too. The double coat can be grey, silver, fawnish and have a mix of colors while also being available in solid colors.

The ears are half erect, half floppy and the tail tends to be medium length, plumed and held up.

Temperament:

Schnorkies are high spirited little dogs and they can also prove to stubborn. There is nothing that a bit of training and socialization won't do for stubborn dogs, making them obedient and responsive to their owners.

Because they are hybrid dogs, they can inherit temperaments or looks from either of the parent dogs.

Characteristics

Friend of Children

australian kelpie dog - characteristicsThe Australian Kelpie is an active, busy, intelligent, loving breed who is highly protective of his human family. He gets on well with children and other pets in the home but you’ll want him trained if you want him to be gentle around children and smaller pets. He does tend to gravitate towards one particular family member as his ‘favourite’ though.

He Must be Busy

Your Kelpie won't do well in an apartment as he is a working dog who wants plenty of place to run and play. If he is bored, it manifests itself with constant barking. Make sure to provide a stimulating, active lifestyle for your Australian Kelpie, provide him with everything a dog needs and you’ll be rewarded with a devoted and loyal companion.

schnorkie dog - characteristicsYour Schnorkie is a jaunty little dog who is going to love playing games with you. Children will need to treat him with gentleness and respect simply because he is small.

He is social, friendly and loving with his human family, though sometimes, coming from the Schnauzer, he gets a bit moody.

He makes a great family pet though and and while he loves to be outside playing, he also loves to come indoors and be everybody’s lap dog for the evening.

Health Problems

A Healthy Breed

australian kelpie puppies - health problemsYour Australian Kelpie is a hardy breed and you won’t find many health problems with him. Yes, every dog is susceptible to illnesses which are common with all dog breeds, and these are illnesses such as hip dysplasia and cryptorchidism.

You will need to check your Kelpie out for eye disease such as PRA or Progressive Retinal Atrophy, a group of genetic diseases which are found in some breeds of dogs. This can lead to cataracts and blindness.

Lifestyle and Environment Impact Health

Health problems in your Australian Kelpie can certainly be partially prevented by the way you feed your dog and by the environment you provide him with. Every dog has the potential to develop genetic health problems, but as we’ve said, the Kelpie is a generally healthy breed.

Always find a reputable breeder whose focus is on breeding healthy dogs and who can provide certification that the parents of the dog are clear of defects and are in tip-top condition for breeding.

Puppy Vaccinations

Along with quality food and fresh water, getting your puppy vaccinated is hugely important. Australian Kelpie puppy shots will protect your new 4-legged family member from the likes of distemper, parvovirus and hepatitis. Your puppy will also need additional booster vaccinations after his first shots which start at around 8 weeks of age.

schnorkie puppies - health problemsYour Schnorkie, as a hybrid breed, can inherit some health problems from either parent – the Schnauzer or the Yorkshire Terrier.

Then again, mixing pure bred dogs can eliminate some common dog ailments. Overall, the Schnorkie is a healthy dog and can live up to 15 years of age.

A couple of major health concerns with the Schnorkie are dental problems and pancreatitis.

Dental Problems:

If your dog has tooth problems he might be in terrible pain and that is why it is so important to look inside his mouth.

Dogs can break their teeth and they can also get gum disease. Dogs have a more alkaline mouth and this is what encourages plaque. Try and brush your pet’s teeth with special canine toothpaste and toothbrush because dental disease can cause lots of problems for your pet.

Pancreatitis:

The pancreas helps with the digestion of food and to regulate blood sugar. Pancreatitis is more common in Schnauzers, and then the pancreas is swollen and inflamed.

Dogs with this disease will lose their appetite, be lethargic, restless and have stomach pain. You may see your pet hunching his back. Pancreatitis can lead to organ damage and you will need to get your dog to the vet.

Caring The Pet

Grooming

australian kelpie dogs - caringAustralian Kelpies are low maintenance and their coat is easy to groom and maintain. You want to give him a good brush twice a week to get rid of loose hair. Australian Kelpies are moderate shedders.

Feeding your Kelpie

It is important to get your puppy off on the right foot to avoid health problems later on. Homemade dog food which includes chicken, rice and vegetables is always the best food for your dog. If you can't prepared your own meals for your Kelpie, top grade commercial dog food brands are recommended.

When looking at dog foods, remember that your Kelpie is a working dog – a naturally active breed and you’ll need to look at dog food which has been specially formulated for active dogs. Every dog will need raw meat in their diet if you want to avoid a dog with an itchy, flaky skin, a dog with poor energy levels and a dog that has no resistance to infection.

Training

Every owner who cares for their dog will provide him with socialization and training. The Australian Kelpie is an intelligent breed who responds well to training.

Diet:

schnorkie dogs - caringPuppies will need 4 small meals a day, but by 8 weeks your Schnorkie will be ready to move onto dry dog food. As he grows into an adult you will cut the meals down to two a day.

The best commercially manufactured dry dog food is able to meet your dogs nutritional needs and it’s super convenient too. It can be a good idea to feed your pet some home-made food too. Twice a week will be sufficient to add in this home-made food - boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta, sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach will be excellent for him and his digestion and be a tasty treat for him. You can simply chop it up and add it to the dry kibble. Some raw meat occasionally can help to ward off nasty skin ailments. Make sure that your Schnorkie has a constant supply of cool fresh water.

Grooming:

Schnauzers and Yorkies both have high maintenance coats and your Schnorkie will also require regular brushing, though he doesn’t shed much. Some people prefer to hand their dogs in and have them professionally groomed.

Exercise:

Just because a Schnorkie is a little dog, doesn’t mean he doesn’t need exercise. You don’t want a small dog like this getting obese and unfit. Take him for walks and give him some ball games.

Comparison with other breeds

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