Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison

Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed ComparisonAustralian Red Heeler is originated from Australia but Tea Cup Chihuahua is originated from Mexico. Australian Red Heeler may grow 13 cm / 6 inches higher than Tea Cup Chihuahua. Australian Red Heeler may weigh 13 kg / 29 pounds more than Tea Cup Chihuahua. Both Australian Red Heeler and Tea Cup Chihuahua has almost same life span. Australian Red Heeler may have more litter size than Tea Cup Chihuahua. Both Australian Red Heeler and Tea Cup Chihuahua requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Toy dog
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Australia
Mexico
Height Male:
46 - 51 cm
18 - 21 inches
15 - 38 cm
5 - 15 inches
Height Female:
43 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
15 - 35 cm
5 - 14 inches
Weight Male:
15 - 16 kg
33 - 36 pounds
2 - 3 kg
4 - 7 pounds
Weight Female:
14 - 16 kg
30 - 36 pounds
2 - 3 kg
4 - 7 pounds
Life Span:
13 - 15 Years
10 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 7
2 - 4
Size:
Medium
Toy
Other Names:
Australian Cattle dog, Queensland Heelers
Toy Chihuahuas
Colors Available:
Red and blue mostly. Other varieties include chocolate, cream, blue mottled, brindle and some with white markings
any color combination ranging from splashed or solid to marked. One can see solid black, spotted or sabled variations of their coat colors and pattern. The most common coat colors are black, white, cream and chocolate., red, brown, white, fawn
Coat:
short and dense
long haired and short dense coarse hair
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn
Affectionate, Cheerful, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
No
New Owners Friendly:
No
No

History

australian red heelerWhen George Hall arrived in the New South Wales Colony in 1802 he set about ‘creating’ a tough working- or herding dog. By crossing Australia’s native Dingoes with Collies as well as with other herding dogs, the robust Red Heeler, also known as the Australian Cattle Dog came into being. Today he is a thick-set dog, ideally suited to working livestock.

Ranchers, particularly, were impressed with the breed’s toughness and they were sought after on cattle stations. The name actually comes from them when the dogs are herding animals, they nip at their heels to get them moving.

The Blue Heeler and the Red Heeler breed are the exact same dog, but just different colors. These Australian cattle dogs originated in Australia in the mid-1800s and adapted well to the harsh desert environment of the outback.

tea cup chihuahuaChihuahua is a state in the country of Mexico. From this state, the dog breed Chihuahua and the “teacup, or toy” chihuahua take their name. Interestingly the Chihuahua Club of America maintains that “teacup” Chihuahuas do not exist and that the size differential is normal for the breed. Chihuahuas or their ancestors have been around a very long time, sadly the exact origins of the Chihuahua are lost into the pages of history, but archaeological clues such as wheeled dog toys, art, and pottery link the Chihuahua to Mexico and to the Techichi dog. The Techichi dog at the time of the Spanish Conquistadors was sold for food (not unlike we sell beef or chicken) and also as a companion dog to death. Cortez even mentioned the Techichi dog in a letter sent back to Spain, describing them as being raised for food and sold in the marketplace.

When a death occurred a dog was chosen as a companion and cremated with the deceased. It was believed that the dog helped the soul of the decedent reach their eternal destination. The Techichi dog from which the modern-day chihuahua likely descended was very plentiful in the central American area that is now the country of Mexico and raised by the ancient Toltecs and later the Aztec people.

Chihuahuas are little dogs and come in a variety of coats, head shapes and even (within the designation small) sizes. The designation “teacup, toy or pocket” while not an official breed name is a useful descriptor, since they are the littlest of an already small breed and these minute pets, as puppies, may fit into a teacup or a pocket.

Fortunately while no longer a food source, the chihuahua is now sought after as a loyal and lively pet and companion.

Description

The Muscular Body

australian red heeler puppy - descriptionThe Red Heeler or Australian Cattle Dog is a sturdy, muscular dog with ears that are pricked and with dark, alert eyes. The tail is long. The neck, shoulders and legs of the Red Heeler are strong and muscular. The dog is longer than tall – the length of the body is greater than the height at the withers. A well fed, well exercised, well cared for Red Heeler will weight roughly 15–22 kilograms.

The Coat

There are 2 coat colours of the Reeler – red and blue, but there are are lesser varieties such as chocolate, cream, blue mottled, brindle and some with white markings. It is interesting to note that with both the Red- and the Blue Heeler, puppies are generally born white, with the coat turning to red as they mature.

These Australian Cattle Dogs display patches of solid colour, and you might well find masks over one or both eyes and a white tip to the tail. Both the Red and Blue Heeler can have a white star on the forehead which is referred to as the Bentley Mark. The Heelers have a double coat - short, straight outer hairs while the undercoat is short, fine and dense. Despite their short coat, they shed a lot.

tea cup chihuahua puppy - descriptionChihuahuas are small. Even the bigger ones are only about six pounds and a “teacup” or “toy” is often three pounds or less. Their bodies are slightly longer than they are tall, but even the tallest are not over nine inches. Chihuahua standing under five inches in height is not uncommon in the “teacup” or smallest of these dogs. They have two different head types and a domed skull. One type of head shape is like a deer while the other is described as an apple-shaped head. The apple-shaped heads are more popular than the deer shaped heads, although sometimes in the “teacup” especially the soft spot fails to close at maturity when growth is complete and the bones should knit, therefore leaving a soft spot in their skull – this is called a molera.

Like different shaped heads chihuahua may have long hair or short-haired coats. The short-haired coats are smooth. The Chihuahua coats may be a large variety of colors ranging from black to white, with red, brown, fawn, cream and chocolate and they may be solid-colored, spotted or sabled. Personal preference is the determining factor on the type of coat a pet Chihuahua has since the breed does not have a preferred color, pattern, hair length or feel. Their muzzle (nose/mouth combination) is short and pointed. Chihuahua have have naturally erect pointed ears and large round eyes. A Chihuahuas tail is relatively long and mostly either curled up and over the back or carried up.

Characteristics

australian red heeler dog - characteristicsYour Australian Red Heeler needs plenty of exercise but also plenty of companionship too from his human family. He is an affectionate, playful pet but is reserved with people he doesn’t know. When socialized he is patient with children in the home but he does still have the tendency to herd them and nip at their heels. The dog builds up a strong bond with his human family, and is protective toward them, being happy to be close to his owner’s side.

Take Time out to Play

Red Heelers need activities and lots of room to play, and they therefore won’t adapt to apartment living. If you don’t live on a farm, don’t neglect your working dog as he will need lots of rough and tumble games and activities to keep him from boredom. Treat your Australian Red Heeler with the love, patience and kindness and you’ll bring out the very best from this active, loyal fur-friend of yours.

tea cup chihuahua dog - characteristicsChildren friendliness very interactive with family but has been known to nip at small children and bark, so no not really

2. Special talents more stamina than expected in such a small dog and barking

3. Adaptability yes but they are better off in apartments and homes not out in the country where their size makes them targets for predators.

4. Learning ability average ability to learn but Chihuahua can be but stubborn which may impact ability and willingness to learn.

Health Problems

Eye Problems

australian red heeler puppies - health problemsThe Australian Cattle Dog is quite often affected by progressive retinal atrophy, an eye condition where the rods and cones in the retina of the eye deteriorate later in life, and it could lead to blindness. This eye illness is an autosomal recessive trait, and even if the dog doesn’t develop the condition himself, he can be a carrier of the affected gene.

Fractures

The Heeler is just bursting with personality and energy and a study of dogs diagnosed at veterinary colleges described fractures and ligament tears as one of the most common conditions treated with the Australian Red Heeler.

General Health

You love your Australian Red Heeler and you want to take good care of him. Check with your vet because at 8 weeks he should be starting with his first puppy vaccinations.

To keep your best friend healthy and happy, watch his diet, ensure he gets plenty of exercise, brush his teeth regularly to remove plaque build-up, and always call your veterinarian when you see he is ill and isn’t his usual boisterous self.

tea cup chihuahua puppies - health problemsChihuahuas live on average fourteen to eighteen years. There are some issues that may cause concern or lower life expectancy.]

• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is something to watch for. Low blood sugar can cause death in just a few hours but when caught is very easily treated. Some of the symptoms are being uncoordinated when walking, acting sleepy or lethargic, unfocused sight, fainting, having a seizure or having spasms in the muscles of the neck. First aid can right this condition with a sweet supplement like corn syrup, or honey. This is more common in puppies, but the teacup chihuahuas are susceptible.

• Hydrocephalus (water on the brain) can affect many toy dog breeds. The puppy or dog will appear to have an oversized head, and be slow (display lethargy) and grow slower than its littermates.

• Pulmonic stenosis (a heart condition) occurs when the right ventricle is impeded. Teacup Chihuahuas are also susceptible to heart murmurs.

• Collapsed trachea this occurs when the cartilaginous rings in a Chihuahua do not form completely or weaken. This can be hereditary or an acquired condition and occurs in other small breeds of dog.

• Molera – where after finishing growth a soft spot remains in the skull and the bones do not knit. As a puppy, the owner must remain vigilant about head injuries.

• Obesity (overweight). Most of the time this is a result of the Teacup Chihuahua being overfed. Obesity can contribute to a shortened lifespan and chronic bronchitis.

• Cold susceptibility. Cold weather can cause Teacup Chihuahuas to shiver or tremble when exposed and during cold temperatures, the dogs may need to wear a sweater and boots outside and cuddle with their owners under blankets or bask in the sun to stay warm.

• Infected or injured eyes. Due to the prominent eyes, exposure to irritants such as dust, allergens, or dry air can cause the dog to develop this beginning with watering eyes.

Caring The Pet

Grooming

australian red heeler dogs - caringThe Australian Red Heeler is a low maintenance dog. He does shed quite a bit so you’ll need to brush his coat at least twice a week to remove loose hairs and to keep his coat lustrous. When your dog has been in a particularly dusty area, you you wipe his coat down with a damp cloth. As with all dogs, you’ll want to check his teeth, ears, eyes and nails regularly to avoid health problems.

Training

If you care for your working- and herding dog you’ll train him to that he becomes a good family dog and companion. The Red Heeler has plenty of energy and stamina and if he grows up untrained and un-socialized, you could see him becoming aggressive towards other animals and even your own children. He certainly becomes over-protective of his territory if not socialized. Train him as he is an intelligent breed and responds well to training.

Diet

Any vet will tell you of the critical importance of a proper diet and exercise routine for your dog. He’s an active, smart dog with loads of energy and you want to keep his diet consistent with this energy. Speak to your vet about what food would suit your pet best, because a high quality diet appropriate to his age, his body size and his energy levels will be important. Along with high quality foods which include a good intake of raw meat, your dog must always have access to a bowl of fresh, cool water.

tea cup chihuahua dogs - caring1. Feeding the Puppies. Puppies should be fed four times a day. Underfeeding can cause the issues of low blood sugar and overfeeding can result in obesity increasing the risk of other health complications.

2. Feeding the Adult. Adult teacups are also vulnerable to hypoglycemia and obesity. Of course, the low blood sugar will be much more acute than obesity and need prompt care if it occurs. Adult teacups should be fed twice a day.

3. Points for Good Health. The chihuahua generally exhibits more vigor and endurance than pet owners expect from such a small breed of dog.

4. Games and Exercise for Teacup Chihuahua. Go ahead and run and play but remember even with the unexpected stamina and endurance this is a very small dog, small legs, using discernment, judgment, and restraint so the games and exercise is fun and builds health and is a special bonding time, without jeopardizing the sugar levels or causing exhaustion or misery.

Comparison with other breeds

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