Great Dane vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison

Great Dane vs Australian Terrier - Breed ComparisonGreat Dane is originated from Germany but Australian Terrier is originated from Australia. Great Dane may grow 60 cm / 24 inches higher than Australian Terrier. Great Dane may weigh 82 kg / 181 pounds more than Australian Terrier. Great Dane may live 3 years less than Australian Terrier. Great Dane may have more litter size than Australian Terrier. Great Dane requires Low maintenance. But Australian Terrier requires Moderate maintenance

History

great dane - historyKnown as the Deutsche Dogge or Apollo of dogs, the giant-breed Great Dane hails from Germany and not Denmark as many people believe.

The large Great Dane has been around for about 400 years already. They descend from mastiff-like dogs, being needed to protect country estates.

In the 18th century, apart from watching over estates, they were also popular with the upper class for sport.

australian terrier - historyThe Australian terrier, the little terrier, is a breed developed to control vermin. The nature of this dog is very spirited. They are alert, courageous and self-confident but still very human-friendly.

Australian terriers were breed by the mix of the Terrier with the rough coat and Scotch Dog of Great Britain. These breeds were mixed until they produced the muscular and fearless dog for the Australian settlers. Their primary job was to control the number of rodents and snakes. They were taught to tend flocks, be an excellent guard dogs but remain friendly. This breed is still very popular as a working dog, loyal companion and dogs for show, city, home or a farm.

Description

great dane puppy - descriptionThe Great Dame is a tall, lean, athletic, muscular, elegant looking dog. He can stand anything between 76–86cm in height and weigh around 54–90kg. The large head is long and narrow, and the medium sized floppy ears can be left or they can be cropped.

The tail is long and held low. The coat is short and smooth and can be in several colors such as fawn, black or brindle.

Temperament:

Any kind of aggressiveness was bred out of the Great Dane and today he is a gentle giant of a dog, getting on well with other dogs, children and everyone in his human family.

Even though he is a gentle giant, he will still require training and socialization just because of his size. Then they become the devoted pet that they are so well known to be. You'll want to know that when he comes indoors, he will obey you when you tell him to lie-down, sit or come, otherwise his sheer size will see him knocking things accidentally off table-tops.

He is an intelligent dog and is eager to please so he'll learn easily. He craves human companionship, so make sure that your social Dane has plenty of interaction with you.

australian terrier puppy - descriptionThe Australian terrier has body longer than they are tall. They are small dogs with the long and thick coat with silky undercoat and short little legs. This smart-eyes breed is perfect for persons who live indoors. But, you must know that they really like to bark and communicate that way with everybody. They also have a high need for activity so it will be necessary to take him out so he can run, play and be social with other dogs. They are very intelligent, but not very responsive. They will quickly learn how to fetch, but they will have days when they just feel like fetching.

Characteristics

great dane dog - characteristicsThe Great Dane is a large breed, bred to hunt wild boar. The intelligence, bravery and fearless nature of the dog meant that he was sought after for this task.

Known as the Apollo of Dogs, you won’t find the Great Dane being used for hunting purposes anymore, being more suited as a companion dog.

While developed as a working breed, today he is a well balanced, intelligent, calm, loving, social, dependable dog that just wants to be loved by his human family and to provide love, loyalty and companionship back in return.

Around children

australian terrier dog - characteristicsThe Australian terrier is very good breed to choose if you have children. They are active and always ready to play, and they will protect the children since they have watchdog gene.

Special talents

Excellent watch dog. This breed will keep your garden and home vermin free.

Adaptability

They are generally very polite towards strangers and highly adaptable among other dogs, but their adaptability in social life is totally up to the human and the training. They can grow to be adaptable dogs that fit well into almost any environment; city or country, house or apartment.

Learning ability

Since they are an intelligent breed, the Australian terrier may surprise you with their ability to learn new tricks and shock you with their ability to be very strong willed about doing what is told. It’s not that they are not the type to obey and be “a good dog”, they are so playful and silly that they will often forget that they are the god and not the human. You must start training them while they are still pups.

Health Problems

great dane puppies - health problemsTypically of giant dogs, the Great Dane doesn't have a particularly long life-span and will live to be about 8 to 10 years of age. Also, giant-breed dogs like this are susceptible to what is known as bloat.

You'll notice it because there is swelling of the stomach with gas buildup and also twisting of the stomach. It's a life-threatening condition and you'll need to get your dog to the vet as soon as possible. You can combat it by feeding him smaller, more frequent meals and perhaps buying a slow-feeder dish, forcing your hungry pet to eat slower and not gulp his food down.

Also, large dogs like this can develop hip dysplasia and with a dog like the Great Dane, it takes a while for the bones and joints to grow and then become stable. That is why it is important not to make him do any vigorous exercise till he is at least 18 months of age, as these exercises can put a lot of stress on the joints and bones which can lead to hip dysplasia later on.

Legg-Calvé-Perthes (LCPD)

australian terrier puppies - health problemsA bone disorder, where the hip joint starts to rot caused by decaying of the femur bone which is located in the dog’s hind limb.

Luxating patella is a knee disease where one or both kneecaps can slip out of place.

Cruciate ligament rupture

Rupture of an important ligament in the knee (stifle) joints.

Epilepsy

The brain disorder that is characterized by seizures. There are several different types of epilepsy that can affect dogs.

Diabetes

A chronic disease of the metabolism which is characterised as high glucose amount in the blood. This happens when hormone insulin drops below the normal values. This condition results in malfunction of vital organs.

Caring The Pet

Diet:

great dane dogs - caringThis is a large dog so you’ll notice that with commercially manufactured dog foods, there are those made specially for large- or giant breeds. It is important to choose the right dog food for his large size so that you can be sure he gets the right amount of nutrients in for him to grow strong and healthy.

If you aren't sure about what food would most benefit your Great Dane, ask your vet. While it is important to also feed him quality home-made food and raw meat, when buying kibble for him,check the label of the food you buy him and make sure that the concentration of protein isn’t more than 23 to 25%.

Remember to provide him with a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Grooming:

Brush your Great Dane’s coat at least twice a week. He has a short, smooth coat so it will be easy, and the brushing will keep his coat soft and shiny. Use this time to also check for fleas and ticks or lumps. You will also need to check his nails and trim them if they don’t trim down on their own.

Exercise:

Your Great Dane will need to be exercised every day if you want him to maintain his lean, muscular shape. It keeps him happy too. He isn’t the kind of dog though that you want to turn into your running partner when you go jogging or cycling. He can go on a walk and play in the garden, but the exercising shouldn’t be for long periods of time.

His first checkup:

Every puppy needs to get to the vet for his first check-up when he is 6 weeks of age, and your Dane will also have to. As a puppy he will need to be de-wormed which will happen with this 6 week check up. He will also be vaccinated for distemper.

Feeding the puppy and adult

australian terrier dogs - caringRecommended daily amount is usually found on the type of the food you choose. They like dry food, and if you are not quite sure what brand of the dry food you should choose, seek a vet’s advice. The Australian terrier has a healthy appetite, but he almost never overeats. How much your Australian terrier eats depends on his size, age, metabolism, and activity level.

Grooming

Their coat requires moderate maintenance. That means that you don’t have to groom your Australian terrier every single day, but being aware of the importance of grooming him at least twice a week is a key because lack of adequate care may lead to skin diseases. Make sure not to bathe them too much, but you can be free with their haircut. They can grow very sharp toenails, so they should be clipped regularly. Ear and teeth must be kept clean.

Points for Good Health

Lots of outdoor activity. They are lovable kind, so don’t be reserved towards them. It’s important to begin training and socializing your pup as soon as possible. Training sessions need to be consistent, firm, short and clear. Grooming is a must since you will want to prevent the tangles and mats.

The best type of activity

Find a place for them where you can take of the leash and let them run free. They love chasing birds, butterflies and anything that flies above. They will chase small rodents, other dogs and cats. After you thought you Australian terrier how to play with other dogs and cats, they will be the most wanted guest in the whole neighbourhood. Find a place where they can dig holes – and they will be so happy that they probably won’t hear you calling them home.

Basic Information

Group:
Companion dog
Terrier dog
Origin:
Germany
Australia
Height Male:
76 - 86 cm
29 - 34 inches
23 - 26 cm
9 - 11 inches
Height Female:
76 - 86 cm
29 - 34 inches
20 - 26 cm
7 - 11 inches
Weight Male:
54 - 90 kg
119 - 199 pounds
5 - 8 kg
11 - 18 pounds
Weight Female:
54 - 90 kg
119 - 199 pounds
5 - 7 kg
11 - 16 pounds
Life Span:
9 - 12 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 15
2 - 6
Size:
Giant dog
Small dog
Other Names:
Apollo of Dogs, Dane, Deutsche Dogge
Blue and Tan Terrier, the Blue Terrier, the Broken-coated Terrier, the Australian Rough Coated Terrier, Aussie
Colors Available:
black or brindle - bi-color, Fawn
blue, tan, sandy and red variations
Coat:
Short and smooth
rough long coat
Shedding:
Minimal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Playful, Protective, Social, Stubborn
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
Yes
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Boston Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  2. Jack Russell Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  3. Miniature Schnauzer vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  4. Cairn Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  5. Border Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Rat Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  7. Scottish Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  8. Australian Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Patterdale Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  10. American Hairless Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  11. Bull Terrier Miniature vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  12. Norwich Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  13. Norfolk Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  14. English White Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  15. Parson Russell Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  16. Russell Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  17. Feist vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  18. Manchester Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  19. Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  20. Miniature Fox Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Cesky Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  22. Glen of Imaal Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  23. Schnorkie vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  24. Sealyham Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  25. Chilean Fox Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Shiloh Shepherd vs Great Dane - Breed Comparison
  27. Irish Mastiff Hound vs Great Dane - Breed Comparison
  28. Great Dane vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  29. Great Dane vs English Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  30. Great Dane vs Anatolian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  31. Great Dane vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  32. Great Dane vs Alaunt - Breed Comparison
  33. Great Dane vs Bully Kutta - Breed Comparison
  34. Great Dane vs Alangu Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  35. Great Dane vs Francais Blanc et Orange - Breed Comparison
  36. Great Dane vs Billy - Breed Comparison
  37. Great Dane vs Bisben - Breed Comparison
  38. Great Dane vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  39. Great Dane vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison
  40. Great Dane vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  41. Great Dane vs Broholmer - Breed Comparison
  42. Great Dane vs Ciobanesc de Bucovina - Breed Comparison
  43. Newfoundland Dog vs Great Dane - Breed Comparison
  44. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Great Dane - Breed Comparison
  45. Leonberger vs Great Dane - Breed Comparison
  46. Irish Wolfhound vs Great Dane - Breed Comparison
  47. Mountain Burmese vs Great Dane - Breed Comparison
  48. Gaddi Kutta vs Great Dane - Breed Comparison
  49. Pyrenean Mastiff vs Great Dane - Breed Comparison
  50. Moscow Watchdog vs Great Dane - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds