Bull Terrier vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison

Bull Terrier is originated from United Kingdom but Australian Cattle Dog is originated from Australia. Bull Terrier may grow 11 cm / 5 inches higher than Australian Cattle Dog. Bull Terrier may weigh 13 kg / 29 pounds more than Australian Cattle Dog. Both Bull Terrier and Australian Cattle Dog has almost same life span. Bull Terrier may have more litter size than Australian Cattle Dog. Both Bull Terrier and Australian Cattle Dog requires Low maintenance.

History

bull terrier - historyThe Bull Terrier belongs to the Terrier group of dogs and this already tell you that he is highly energetic and that he is essentially intolerant of other pets.

They are hunters by nature. The Bull Terrier is known as the Gladiator of the canine world. This breed came about through English breeders of the late 19th century, crossing old fighting dogs which carried Bulldog blood with Terriers. It was in the 1850s that James Hinks of Birmingham in the West Midlands was the first person to standardise breed type for the Bull Terrier. Hinks wanted his dogs to be white, and breeding was designed to achieve this.

Because of medical problems with the all-white dogs, Ted Lyon introduced color, using the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and these became a separate variety. It is however, the white strain that is famous for pets as well as for show purposes.

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.

Description

Strongly Built and Muscular

bull terrier puppy - descriptionThe Bull Terrier is a strongly built, muscular dog with a distinctive egg-shaped head. The height of this dog is roughly 53 – 61cm and he weighs in at about 24 – 29kg. He has a short, dense coat which comes in different colors such as white, red, fawn and white or brindle.

The ears are medium sized and erect and the eyes are pig-like, small and dark. The medium length tail is carried slightly upwards.

A Temperament of Courage

The Bull Terrier is a determined, strong-willed, stubborn dog and he will require firm handling and training. With socialization and training, he becomes a friendly, loving dog who is good around children.

He tends to be possessive with his human family and their territory, making him aggressive with other pets. Bull Terriers actually have even temperaments and they are good, social dogs with people. He is courageous, brave, full of spirit and character.

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

bull terrier dog - characteristicsThe way people bring their dogs up has a lot to do with the way they turn out. The Bull Terrier has often been thought to be a dangerous dog, but this is because of a bad upbringing.

A dog like the Bull Terrier who has received firm, fair and loving training is an absolute pleasure to have as a pet. Yes, he is a strong willed, stubborn and intelligent dog and he has the make-up to turn out to be a handful. It is perhaps why he isn't the best choice for first-time dog owners who aren’t familiar with the breed and who don’t raise him the right way.

If you choose a Bull Terrier, bring him up correctly, have him trained and socialized and never neglect him and he is guaranteed to become a wonderful, loving family member.

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

bull terrier puppies - health problemsYour Bull Terrier is a robust breed, but there are some health issues that you will want to be aware of. For instance, the white Bull Terrier is more prone to deafness than the Brindle or tri-colored Bull Terriers. With good food and lots of love and care, he can reach 14 years of age. However there are one or two ailments what you want to be aware of.

Patellar Luxation:

This is a common orthopedic condition with dogs, affecting both knees and resulting in loss of function and discomfort. Patellar luxation can sometimes come from a traumatic injury to the knee. However, with non-traumatic patellar luxation, the femoral groove for the knee cap is shallow or absent.

Skin Cancer:

Not every variety of skin cancer in dogs is caused by sun exposure, but sun damage to the skin of the pure white Bull Terrier can be a factor. Dogs with white coats are more susceptible to sun damage. Speak to your vet about symptoms so that a physical examination will reveal the reason for sores on the skin.

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:

bull terrier dogs - caringThe Bull Terrier is a stocky, robust breed and he will need plenty of exercise. He thrives on a good run, long walks and ball games. He is notoriously destructive, so you need to recognize this before you buy such a dog, because simply putting one in your back-yard and ignoring him will make him aggressive and destructive. This is a dog that needs lots of physical as well as mental exercise.

Grooming:

With the short coat, Bull Terriers are easy to groom, and a brushing twice a week will keep the coat in tip top condition. He will also love the time you spend with him. Shedding of hair with the Bull Terrier is more frequent in the Spring and Fall.

Nail clipping and brushing of teeth are two other grooming routines for your dog. Remember that with teeth brushing, don’t be tempted to use human toothpaste as this can be toxic for your pet. Speak to your vet if in any doubt about how to brush your pet’s teeth.

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.

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Herding dogs
Origin:
United Kingdom
Australia
Height Male:
51 - 61 cm
20 - 25 inches
45 - 50 cm
17 - 20 inches
Height Female:
49 - 61 cm
19 - 25 inches
43 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
Weight Male:
24 - 29 kg
52 - 64 pounds
14 - 16 kg
30 - 36 pounds
Weight Female:
24 - 29 kg
52 - 64 pounds
13 - 15 kg
28 - 34 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
13 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 12
1 - 7
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
English Bull Terrier, Gladiator, White Cavalier
ACD, Cattle Dog, Blue Heeler, Red Heeler, Queensland Heeler
Colors Available:
White, Tan, Brindle, tri-color
blue (mottled or speckled), red (mottled or speckled)
Coat:
Short and smooth
short double coat
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, 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:
No
No

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  2. Australian Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  3. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  4. Australian Cattle Dog vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  5. Australian Cattle Dog vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  6. Bearded Collie vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  7. Collie vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  8. Dutch Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  9. Blue Healer vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  10. English Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  11. Australian Collie vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  12. Catahoula Cur vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  13. Catalan Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  14. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  15. Bergamasco vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  16. Berger Picard vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  17. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  18. Queensland Heeler vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  19. German Coolie vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  20. Bohemian Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  21. Croatian Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Red Heeler vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  23. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  24. Blue Lacy vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  25. New Zealand Huntaway vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  26. Bull Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  27. Bull Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  28. Bull Terrier vs Bedlington Terrier - Breed Comparison
  29. Bull Terrier vs Austrian Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  30. Bull Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Bull Terrier vs Blue Paul Terrier - Breed Comparison
  32. Schnauzer vs Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  33. Fox Terrier vs Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Bull and Terrier vs Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  35. Irish Terrier vs Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  36. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  37. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  38. Lakeland Terrier vs Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  39. Jagdterrier vs Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  40. Indian Bull Terrier vs Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  41. Irish Bull Terrier vs Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  42. Japanese Terrier vs Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  43. Brazilian Terrier vs Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  44. Old English Terrier vs Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  45. Scoland Terrier vs Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Skye Terrier vs Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  47. Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  48. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  49. Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  50. Welsh Terrier vs Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds