Bichon Bolognese vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison

Bichon Bolognese vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed ComparisonBichon Bolognese is originated from Spain but Australian Red Heeler is originated from Australia. Bichon Bolognese may grow 47 cm / 18 inches shorter than Australian Red Heeler. Bichon Bolognese may weigh 14 kg / 31 pounds more than Australian Red Heeler. Both Bichon Bolognese and Australian Red Heeler has same life span. Both Bichon Bolognese and Australian Red Heeler has almost same litter size. Bichon Bolognese requires Low maintenance. But Australian Red Heeler requires Moderate maintenance

History

bichon bolognese - historyThe Bichon Bolognese is one of 4 types of Bichon breeds the others being the Havense, the Bichon Frise and the Maltese. The Lowchen and the Coton de Tulear are also listed in this grouping at times. The Bolognese was developed in Italy and is a small, companion animal. They are named after the city of Bologna in Northern Italy. The Bichon Bolognese is considered a toy dog and are considered an ancient breed that lived with Italian nobility. Their precise ancestry is not known and the Maltese is considered its closest relative. They have been known to exist since at least 1200.

The Bichon Bolognese is found in many works of art throughout the centuries. They were the favorite of many an Italian artist since the 17th century including Titian, Watteau, Gosse and Goya. They were known to be owned by Duke Frederico Gonzaga, Madame De Pompadour, Catherine the Great of Russia and Empress Maria Theresa of Austria. Cosimo de Medici gave eight Bolognese to Belgian noblemen. The Duke d’Este was given two as a gift.

Of all the Bichon group – the Bolognese is the hardest to find and the best problem solver. They read body language amazingly well, stick with their owners and are attentive and devoted. Liz Stannard brought them to England in 1990 and they were entered in the breed registry that same year and joined the show ring cycle in 2001. By 2002 they were shown at Crufts, England’s International Dog Show.

australian red heeler - historyWhen 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.

Description

bichon bolognese puppy - descriptionLike the other members of the Bichon group, the Bolognese is a compact, little white dog. It is considered a member of the toy group and is stocky in its build. It is a muscled, square dog of medium length with an ovoid skull and large, square, black muzzle. The jaw is well developed, and they have black lips, black nose and black eyelids. They have a straight muzzle with a strong, aligned bite and its eyes are round and wide. They have long, high set ears that hang down to a rigid base. The coat is white, long and shorter only at the muzzle. The coat is fluffy but not fringed.

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.

Characteristics

bichon bolognese dog - characteristicsThese little white dogs with the shaggy hair are intelligent, loving, playful, loyal, and happy to do whatever you ask them to. They are more reserved than their relative the Bichon Frise. They are great at obedience training and seem to love it. They learn quickly and love to please you, yet they can also be very stubborn. Like the Bichon Frise, they are difficult to housebreak. They need to be with their people who they will develop bad habits and a bad attitude. They are bred to be companion dogs. If socialized when young they are great with strangers after you have indicated that the strangers are ok. They are barking watchdogs but not continuous barkers. They get along with other dogs but are ok by themselves as well. They do get separation anxiety when their people are gone for extended periods of time. They can be very serious and docile, but they love to be with people. They are very loyal and very bonded to their family.

Be sure you are the pack leader as they can acquire Small Dog Syndrome. With this syndrome the dog comes to believe he is the alpha and the humans are his pack. This causes many kinds of problems with behavior including howling when not getting attention, their separation anxiety and destructiveness can also come from this.

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.

Health Problems

bichon bolognese puppies - health problemsLike others in the Bichon group, they have moving kneecaps (luxating patella’s). They also have some eye conditions. They should be tested for any genetic issues, although the breed is a very healthy one and they do not usually have major health issues.

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.

Caring The Pet

Feeding

bichon bolognese dogs - caringLike other toy breeds do not overfeed the Bolognese. Feed them ¼ of a cup of high quality dry food once a day. Treats are often used for training just be judicious with them.

Health issues

They are very healthy with a propensity toward: Moving kneecaps (Luxating patella)

Hip Dysplasia

Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease – This causes the thigh bones to shrink due to a loss of blood supply. It can be repaired surgically.

Periodontal Disease due to their small mouth size.

Exercise and games

They need to walk everyday but they can be couch potatoes. One long 20-minute walk will do or a couple 10-minute walks.

While Bolognese are perfectly happy to lounge around the house, they should also have a daily walk.[7] A suitable walk would be around 20–25 minute a couple of times a day or substitute 10-minute walks a few times a day. They love to play off-lead, whether its in the house or in a fenced in yard or dog park.

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.

Basic Information

Group:
Toy dog
Herding dogs
Origin:
Spain
Australia
Height Male:
3 - 4 cm
1 - 2 inches
46 - 51 cm
18 - 21 inches
Height Female:
2 - 3 cm
0 - 2 inches
43 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
Weight Male:
27 - 30 kg
59 - 67 pounds
15 - 16 kg
33 - 36 pounds
Weight Female:
25 - 28 kg
55 - 62 pounds
14 - 16 kg
30 - 36 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
13 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 5
3 - 7
Size:
Toy dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
the Bolognese Toy Dog, the Bolognese, Bolo, the Botoli, the Bottolo
Australian Cattle dog, Queensland Heelers
Colors Available:
white
Red and blue mostly. Other varieties include chocolate, cream, blue mottled, brindle and some with white markings
Coat:
the Bolognese Toy Dog, the Bolognese, Bolo, the Botoli, the Bottolo
short and dense
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Cheerful, Friendly, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Playful, Social
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  2. Australian Shepherd vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  3. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  4. Australian Cattle Dog vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  5. Bearded Collie vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  6. Collie vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  7. Dutch Shepherd vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  8. Blue Healer vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  9. English Shepherd vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  10. Australian Collie vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  11. Catahoula Cur vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  12. Australian Red Heeler vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  13. Catalan Sheepdog vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  14. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  15. Bergamasco vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  16. Berger Picard vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  17. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  18. Queensland Heeler vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  19. German Coolie vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  20. Bohemian Shepherd vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  21. Croatian Sheepdog vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  22. Red Heeler vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  23. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  24. Blue Lacy vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  25. New Zealand Huntaway vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  26. Chihuahua vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  27. Morkie vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  28. Havanese vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  29. Chorkie vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  30. Pekingese vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  31. Chinese Crested Dog vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  32. Chiweenie vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  33. Chug vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  34. Brussels Griffon vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  35. Chipoo vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  36. Chiapom vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  37. English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  38. Long Haired Chihuahua vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  39. Bichon Bolognese vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  40. Bichon Bolognese vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  41. Russian Toy Terrier vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  42. Franzuskaya Bolonka vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  43. Phalene vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  44. Bugg vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  45. Cockachon vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  46. Shih Tzu vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  47. Silky Terrier vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  48. Snorkie vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  49. Toy Bulldog vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  50. Toy Mi-Ki vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds