Irish Mastiff Hound vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison

Irish Mastiff Hound vs Australian Shepherd - Breed ComparisonBoth Irish Mastiff Hound and Australian Shepherd are originated from United States. Irish Mastiff Hound may grow 33 cm / 13 inches higher than Australian Shepherd. Irish Mastiff Hound may weigh 42 kg / 93 pounds more than Australian Shepherd. Irish Mastiff Hound may live 3 years less than Australian Shepherd. Irish Mastiff Hound may have more litter size than Australian Shepherd. Both Irish Mastiff Hound and Australian Shepherd requires Moderate maintenance.

History

irish mastiff hound - historyThe Irish Mastiff Hound is a huge dog – a mix of the English Mastiff and the Irish Wolfhound.

Both of these dogs have been around for a long time and actually have ancient histories. The Mastiff for instance has origins that date back to ancient times in China, while the Irish Wolfhound has origins that date far back to 391 AD.

Today this dog is regarded as an excellent companion for any home.

australian shepherd - historyThe Australian Shepherd, known fondly as ‘Aussies’, is actually an American breed, with the first official registry being in the 1950s. Basque Shepherds from Spain settled in Australia at the end of the 19th century, later moving to the United Stated with their dogs in tow. It is from these dogs that the breed originated. In the UK too, this breed of dog has many enthusiastic followers.

For many years, the Australian Shepherd has been recognized for their wonderful abilities as stock- or herding dogs, and today in Australia they continue to work as stock dogs and often take part in herding trials.

More recently, this working dog breed has been selectively bred to develop both Toy- and Miniature Aussies, and the American Stock Dog Registry actually recognizes 3 sizes today.The Australian Shepherd Club of America was also founded in 1957 to promote the breed.

Description

irish mastiff hound puppy - descriptionThis is a large crossbreed which can stand at 85 to 91 cm in height and weigh in the region of 47kg to 74kg.

He essentially has the short, smooth coat of the Mastiff but other dogs may well inherit the longer, more wiry coat of the Wolfhound. Coloring of the coat can be quite varied and can be brown, grey, white, tan or black. Some dogs take more after the Mastiff while others have more Wolfhound characteristics. They have a large head, some have a somewhat wrinkly face because of the Mastiff side, the ears are fairly small and floppy and the tail is long.

Temperament:

Even though they're so huge, these are easy going dogs that are able to fit in well with most human families. Described as gentle giants, they are loving, loyal, easy-going, even-tempered and eager to please.

The Irish Mastiff does well in the city or in the country because he isn't particularly active and will be happy to have a comfortable spot to lie close to you, however with such a large dog, you will certainly need a garden.

Coat

australian shepherd puppy - descriptionSimilar in appearance to the Border Collie, the Australian Shepherd is a medium sized dog and has a medium length coat which is straight to wavy with a weather resistant undercoat. The range of coat colours is amazing, and you’ll find blue, blue merle, black and red merle and all of these are with or without tan points. The Australian Shepherd is a drop-eared breed where prick ears are sometimes seen. Some Aussies are born with naturally bobbed tails while most have full, long tails.

Different Eye Colour Combinations

There is variety in the eye colour too, and they are often heterochromatic, which means that they can have two different coloured eyes or the one eye can even be bi-coloured. Most times the eyes are brown, but they can be blue too.

Characteristics

irish mastiff hound dog - characteristicsYour big Irish Mastiff Hound is cool, confident and calm. He isn't particularly energetic and as long as he gets a nice walk as well as some mental stimulation, he'll be happy, wanting to spend a good part of the day lying close to where you are.

Socialization and training will be good for him and he learns easily. He is just a big gentle giant who promises to make you a wonderful canine friend.

australian shepherd dog - characteristicsThe Australian Shepherd is an intelligent dog, learning quickly. As a herding dog, he also has strong guarding instincts and will make a good watch dog. The dog has a balanced, even disposition, and even though he may show some reserve, he is certainly not a shy dog and isn’t aggressive.

He Craves Human Companionship

Your Aussie is a kind, loving, and devoted pet. He loves his human family and wants to spend lots of time with them. Don’t leave him without human companionship as he craves it and forms strong bonds with his family. Provide him with good care and with lots of fun and games and you’ve got an exceptional friend for life.

Health Problems

irish mastiff hound puppies - health problemsMany people find giant dogs irresistible because they're usually gentle, patient and loving. However, it is their very size which makes them more prone to certain health concerns and gives them a shorter lifespan.

It is why it is so important to ensure you feed your pet a healthy diet to ward off illness. A large dog like the Irish Mastiff doesn't have a particularly long lifespan, and with good care he can get to 9, 10, 11, 12 years of age.

Hip Dysplasia:

This condition is more common in large dogs and it can lead to joint degeneration, arthritis and pain. Your pet may even be reluctant to get up and greet you when you come home which can be very sad. Vet intervention will certainly be required.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy:

This heart disease is commonly seen in large dog breeds where the heart becomes weak so that it can't pump blood throughout the body. Coughing, difficulty with breathing, weakness and lethargy are just some of the symptoms of this disease and will also require veterinary intervention.

australian shepherd puppies - health problemsAussies are a healthy breed and won’t cost you a fortune at the vet. However, like every other breed, they are also prone to certain health conditions such as cancer. When choosing a puppy, always look for a good, reputable breeder who can show you health clearances.

We look at some common health ailments to be alert about

Hip Dysplasia

This is a dog ailment that can be inherited. It is where the femur doesn't fit properly into the pelvic socket of the hip joint. Also, as the dog ages, arthritis can develop.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy an hereditary disorder where the seizures your dog gets can be treated and controlled.

Osteochondrosis Dissecans, commonly known as OCD is an orthopedic condition which comes about because of improper growth of cartilage in the joints. It can cause painful stiffening of the elbow joint for instance.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy or PRA is a degenerative eye disorder that can finally lead to blindness. Reputable Aussie dog breeders have their dogs' eyes certified regularly by a veterinary ophthalmologist.

Your Aussie Puppy Needs Vaccinations

Your newborn Australian Shepherd may well be strong and healthy, but he isn’t immune from life-threatening illnesses. Vaccinations are imperative for your Aussie puppy, with vets usually recommending that puppies be vaccinated for the first time from 6 to 8 weeks of age.

These vaccinations will include the 5-in-one and includes Parvovirus, Distemper, Hepatitis and Parainfluenza. Later on the puppy will get his first rabies shot and he will also require booster vaccinations.

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

irish mastiff hound dogs - caringHe has a short coat, and grooming of this laid-back dog will include brushing him twice a week, trimming his nails and making sure that you check inside his ears for ear infection.

Diet:

Large dogs have special nutritional needs, particularly because they are more prone to illnesses such as hip dysplasia. You want to make sure that the foods he eats are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, chondroitin, amino acids and antioxidants because these will ensure proper joint health.

You've got to be careful what you feed a large breed dog because of the weight management issue too. Excess weight puts stress on the joints and promotes the development of osteoarthritis. Speak to your vet about portion control and meat protein for your pet and how to ensure excellent nutrition to avoid common dog illnesses.

Fresh, cool water needs to be available to your pet every minute of the night and day.

General Grooming

australian shepherd dogs - caringWith his medium length coat, the Australian Shepherd sheds. In fact this particular breed sheds his hair the entire year round, but you’ll notice that with the arrival of Spring, he sheds more as this is when he is losing his Winter coat. You will most certainly need to brush his coat at least 2x a week to get rid of all those tufts of hair and to also prevent matting.

Feeding

A puppy will need 4 bowls of vet-recommended food a day. How much your adult Australian Shepherd gets will depend on his age, size and activity levels.The quality of food you buy will make a difference as it will keep your Aussie in good shape. Remember to include raw or cooked meat into his diet once a week or so. For more on feeding your Aussie, speak to your vet. Always ensure a constant source of fresh, cool water.

Training and Socialization

The Australian Shepherd is a strong willed dog, used to playing the dominant role with the herding of livestock. He’ll need firm training and socialization if you want to make him an amicable family pet.

Like many herding dogs, Australian Shepherds are loyal to their family and don’t easily take to strangers. Aussies make awesome companions for families with kids who have been taught how to treat dogs and other pets with kindness and gentleness. Just like a dog needs socialization, a child needs to respect a sleeping, feeding dog and to leave him in peace.

Basic Information

Group:
Companion dog
Herding dogs
Origin:
United States
United States
Height Male:
85 - 91 cm
33 - 36 inches
51 - 58 cm
20 - 23 inches
Height Female:
85 - 91 cm
33 - 36 inches
46 - 56 cm
18 - 23 inches
Weight Male:
47 - 74 kg
103 - 164 pounds
25 - 32 kg
55 - 71 pounds
Weight Female:
47 - 74 kg
103 - 164 pounds
16 - 30 kg
35 - 67 pounds
Life Span:
9 - 12 Years
13 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 12
6 - 9
Size:
Giant dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Irish Mastiff
Aussie
Colors Available:
grey, Brown, tan or black, white
Tri-colour - blue, blue merle, black and red merle, white markings
Coat:
Short and smooth or long and wiry
thick - medium length - straight to wavy
Shedding:
Moderate
Constant
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  2. Australian Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  3. Australian Shepherd vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  4. Australian Shepherd vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  5. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  6. Bearded Collie vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  7. Collie vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  8. Dutch Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  9. Blue Healer vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  10. English Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  11. Australian Collie vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  12. Catahoula Cur vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  13. Catalan Sheepdog vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  14. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  15. Bergamasco vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  16. Berger Picard vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  17. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  18. Queensland Heeler vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  19. German Coolie vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  20. Bohemian Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  21. Croatian Sheepdog vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  22. Red Heeler vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  23. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  24. Blue Lacy vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  25. New Zealand Huntaway vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  26. Shiloh Shepherd vs Irish Mastiff Hound - Breed Comparison
  27. Irish Mastiff Hound vs Great Dane - Breed Comparison
  28. Newfoundland Dog vs Irish Mastiff Hound - Breed Comparison
  29. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Irish Mastiff Hound - Breed Comparison
  30. Leonberger vs Irish Mastiff Hound - Breed Comparison
  31. Irish Wolfhound vs Irish Mastiff Hound - Breed Comparison
  32. Mountain Burmese vs Irish Mastiff Hound - Breed Comparison
  33. Pyrenean Mastiff vs Irish Mastiff Hound - Breed Comparison
  34. Moscow Watchdog vs Irish Mastiff Hound - Breed Comparison
  35. Nebolish Mastiff vs Irish Mastiff Hound - Breed Comparison
  36. Scottish Deerhound vs Irish Mastiff Hound - Breed Comparison
  37. Irish Mastiff Hound vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  38. Irish Mastiff Hound vs English Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  39. Irish Mastiff Hound vs Anatolian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  40. Irish Mastiff Hound vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  41. Irish Mastiff Hound vs Alaunt - Breed Comparison
  42. Irish Mastiff Hound vs Bully Kutta - Breed Comparison
  43. Irish Mastiff Hound vs Alangu Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  44. Irish Mastiff Hound vs Francais Blanc et Orange - Breed Comparison
  45. Irish Mastiff Hound vs Gaddi Kutta - Breed Comparison
  46. Irish Mastiff Hound vs Billy - Breed Comparison
  47. Irish Mastiff Hound vs Bisben - Breed Comparison
  48. Irish Mastiff Hound vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds