Bullenbeisser vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Bullenbeisser is originated from Germany but Blue Healer is originated from Australia. Bullenbeisser may grow 13 cm / 6 inches higher than Blue Healer. Bullenbeisser may weigh 12 kg / 27 pounds more than Blue Healer. Bullenbeisser may live 3 years less than Blue Healer. Bullenbeisser may have more litter size than Blue Healer. Both Bullenbeisser and Blue Healer requires Low maintenance.

History

Known also as the German Bulldog, the Bullenbeisser was a strong dog which is now unfortunately extinct. There were two regional types – the Brabanter- and the Danziger Bullenbeisser.This Molosser-type dog was native to Germany and was bred for different hunting purposes.

Nobody is quite sure what dogs are included in Molossers, but they are essentially large dogs bred to hunting and rescue, tending to have a shorter muzzle. The Bullenbeisser is famous for the role the dog has played in the development of the wonderful dog we have today, the Boxer. In fact, some Bullenbeissers were crossed by the Boxer Kennel Club of Germany with Bulldogs from the UK.

Not much is known about the history of the Bullenbeisser, but the breed also has a history in the lands of the Holy Roman Empire. The dog was at first a type of Mastiff, large and with the typical brachycephalic head, and used for hunting because of their power.

To improve their dogs, many Bullenbeisser breeders began crossing their dogs with English Bulldogs, introducing a white coat to the Bullenbeisser. Other breeds were also crossed with the dog such as the Bull Terrier, but by the end of the 19th century, the traditional Bullenbeisser was slowly dying out. It was in the late 1870s that German breeders, Hopner, Konig and Roberth used the dog to bring about a new breed, which today is known as the Boxer.

blue healer - historyIt was in 1802 that George Hall arrived in New South Wales, establishing 2 cattle stations. He had a problem – getting his thousands of cattle to the Sydney markets. He began looking at the prospect of a droving dog and imported a number of dogs of which a blue mottled dog emerged.

The dogs were crossed with dingoes and by 1840 the Halls Heelers were used by the Halls. However with the death of one of the Halls, their cattle stations went to action and the dogs, the Halls Heelers became available.

The dogs attracted attention, and the term ‘Australian Cattle Dog’ was adopted. The name referred to those dogs coming from Thomas Hall's ‘Heelers’. There have been many arguments about the origin of the breed, but the red or blue offspring known as Hall's Heelers were proven cattle drovers, and with further breeding experiments which included the Australian Kelpie, dingoes and the Dalmation, by 1893, the tough, robust working breed known as the Blue Heeler or the Australian Cattle Dog came about.

Description

The Boxers lineage comes from the Bullenbeisser. The Bullenbeisser was a fierce, courageous dog, noted for its hunting abilities. The dog was developed into the Boxer so that its body become more defined and more streamlined.

Described as a medium to large muscular dog, standing roughly 63cm in height, he would have weighed in the region of 32kg. He had a short coat, brown eyes and short to medium ears which were half erect, half floppy.

Brown to fawn in color, he had a long tail which was later docked to give the dog a more distinctive, attractive look. The dog also got its attractive fawn color from the English Bulldog. Loyal, active and loving, the Bullenbeisser was a true family dog with a close affinity to children.

blue healer puppy - descriptionBlue Heelers are medium-sized, sturdy, compact dogs who are somewhat longer than tall. The female Blue Heeler measures roughly 43–48cm at the withers, while the male measures about 46–51cm. If your Blue Heeler is in tip top condition, he’ll weigh about 15 to 22 kilograms. They are muscular with pointed, erect ears, dark eyes and long tails which are mostly hanging downwards. Their dense coats are blue- or red speckled and sometimes with tan markings.

The Blue Heeler is a ball of energy and he is clever too. You won’t find him sitting around for too long, and if there is sign of a walk or a ball game, he’s in! He is an independent dog, and although he makes a wonderful family pet, he tends to attach himself to that one special person in his life. He is a natural watchdog and protector of his human family.

Characteristics

Information on the extinct Bullenbeisser is limited, but because he was used to bring about the Boxer you can be sure that he would have been fearless, courageous and territorial of his property and of his human family.

The Bullenbeisser would have been a good watch-dog and with the right kind of loving care, a most awesome and loving family companion.

blue healer dog - characteristicsTraining and socializing of your Blue Heeler will ensure that your dog does what you want him to. The Blue Heeler is an intelligent, responsive dog and training can benefit him, turning him into an outstanding family pet, good with children and other pets in the home.

He is a playful, affectionate pet who doesn’t take easily to strangers, and this is what makes him such an excellent guard dog.

Your Blue Heeler is not an apartment dog as he requires a lot of exercise, and cooping him indoors for too long with nothing to do can lead to destructive behavior.

Head-strong, independent and robust, your Blue Heeler will need a firm owner who is boss. Add to the firm owner a lot of love and care, and you’ll have a devoted friend.

Health Problems

In general, medium to large breeds like the Bullenbeisser have a lifespan of 10, 11 or 12 years. The life expectancy of these dogs relied much on the lifestyle they led and their diets.

The Bullenbeisser had a deep chest and this made dogs like this prone to gastric dilatation and bloat which can be life-threatening and which requires immediate veterinary intervention. The dog with this disease has distension of the abdomen and extreme discomfort, wanting to vomit but being unable to do so.

Hip Dysplasia:

Hip Dysplasia is a disease which is more common in larger dogs and is an abnormal formation of the hip socket, resulting in lameness accompanied by painful arthritis.

blue healer puppies - health problemsAustralian cattle dogs are healthy and can live up to 15 years of age, but even so there are some genetic conditions that you will need to be aware of following

Eye issues which includes progressive retinal atrophy – this disease is an inherited disease of the retina of the eye where the rod cells are destined to die. Fortunately it is not painful for the dog. There are different types of inherited retinal degenerative diseases in dogs but going into detail with them is beyond the scope of this article. For more information you can chat to your vet.

Recessive piebald elleles - the Blue Heeler has recessive piebald alleles which can produce white in the skin and coat and which is linked to congenital hereditary deafness.

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

The Bullenbeisser was a mastiff like breed with a short, easy-to-care for coat. He would have required a good brushing down at least twice a week to remove the coat from loose hairs. As an active, outdoor-type dog, he would have had to have his ears checked for dirt and the possibility of infection.

Exercise:

Although the Bullenbeisser was a hunting dog, he no doubt led an active outdoor lifestyle. Dogs such as the Boxer and the Mastiff, which are descendants of this dog are the kind of dogs which will need to be exercised regularly, taken on walks and given lots of running games with a ball.

Diet:

As a medium to larger breed with lots of energy, the Bullenbeisser would have no doubt had home-made food from his master’s table. This food would have included meat and vegetables. As a hunting dog he would have had the chance to get in some raw meat which is imperative for the health of any domesticated dog today.

Provide Plenty of Exercise

blue healer dogs - caringRemember that your Blue Heeler was once a full time cattle dog where he used to become totally and utterly exhausted from herding cattle. This is what he loved – the activity. If you have a Blue Heeler, you will need to provide him with plenty of exercise.

If you live on a farm, your Blue Heeler will be in his element because he can run, walk and swim to his heart’s content. If you keep your Blue Heeler in your back garden, you will need to provide him with ball games, rope games, long walks, running on a leash as you cycle and other activities.

Grooming

Your Blue Heeler has a short, weather-resistant double coat. He’s not a heavy shedder, but he will have his share of seasonal shedding, so it’s a good idea to get into the habit of brushing him at least twice a week. This will get rid of all those loose hairs and keep his skin healthy by getting the blood flowing and distributing his natural oils.

Feeding

Giving the best dog food for your Blue Heeler will come from either your home made food or a top quality commercially manufactured dog food. He is such a high energy dog, that your veterinarian can advise you on a dog food specially designed for high energy breeds.

These foods are well balanced and are enriched with amino acids and vitamins, promoting healthy bones and joints. Remember to include some raw meat into your dog’s diet and to ensure a constant source of cool, fresh water.

General care

Ensure your Blue Heeler’s ongoing health by paying attention to ears, nails and teeth.

Basic Information

Group:
Molosser dogs
Herding dogs
Origin:
Germany
Australia
Height Male:
53 - 64 cm
20 - 26 inches
46 - 51 cm
18 - 21 inches
Height Female:
51 - 62 cm
20 - 25 inches
43 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 34 kg
55 - 75 pounds
15 - 22 kg
33 - 49 pounds
Weight Female:
23 - 34 kg
50 - 75 pounds
13 - 22 kg
28 - 49 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
8 - 11
1 - 7
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
German Bulldog
ACD, Cattle Dog, Red Heeler, Queensland Heeler
Colors Available:
Fawn or Brownish
Blue mottled, Red mottled
Coat:
short and dense
short and dense
Shedding:
Minimal
Minimal, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Catahoula Bulldog vs Bullenbeisser - Breed Comparison
  2. Cao Fila de Sao Miguel vs Bullenbeisser - Breed Comparison
  3. Finnish Hound vs Bullenbeisser - Breed Comparison
  4. Chow Chow vs Bullenbeisser - Breed Comparison
  5. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Bullenbeisser - Breed Comparison
  6. Dalmatian vs Bullenbeisser - Breed Comparison
  7. Golden Doodle vs Bullenbeisser - Breed Comparison
  8. Pomsky vs Bullenbeisser - Breed Comparison
  9. Sakhalin Husky vs Bullenbeisser - Breed Comparison
  10. Other vs Bullenbeisser - Breed Comparison
  11. Chinese Shar Pei vs Bullenbeisser - Breed Comparison
  12. Olde English Bulldogge vs Bullenbeisser - Breed Comparison
  13. English Springer Spaniel vs Bullenbeisser - Breed Comparison
  14. Old English Bulldog vs Bullenbeisser - Breed Comparison
  15. Schnauzer vs Bullenbeisser - Breed Comparison
  16. Puggle vs Bullenbeisser - Breed Comparison
  17. Brittany vs Bullenbeisser - Breed Comparison
  18. King Charles Spaniel vs Bullenbeisser - Breed Comparison
  19. Fox Terrier vs Bullenbeisser - Breed Comparison
  20. Schnoodle vs Bullenbeisser - Breed Comparison
  21. Collie vs Bullenbeisser - Breed Comparison
  22. Pharaoh Hound vs Bullenbeisser - Breed Comparison
  23. English Setter vs Bullenbeisser - Breed Comparison
  24. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Bullenbeisser - Breed Comparison
  25. Catahoula Leopard vs Bullenbeisser - Breed Comparison
  26. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  27. Collie vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  28. Dutch Shepherd vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  29. Blue Healer vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  30. Blue Healer vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  31. Blue Healer vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  32. Blue Healer vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  33. Blue Healer vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  34. Blue Healer vs Australian Collie - Breed Comparison
  35. Blue Healer vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  36. Blue Healer vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  37. Blue Healer vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  38. Blue Healer vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) - Breed Comparison
  39. Blue Healer vs Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  40. Blue Healer vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  41. English Shepherd vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  42. Catahoula Cur vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  43. Catalan Sheepdog vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  44. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  45. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  46. Queensland Heeler vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  47. German Coolie vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  48. Bohemian Shepherd vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  49. Croatian Sheepdog vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  50. Red Heeler vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds