Podenco Canario vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison

The Podenco Canario comes from the Canary Islands (Spain) and is still used for hunting purposes to this day, although it is also becoming more of a companion dog.

It is believed that the dog descended from ancient dogs which were brought to the islands from Egypt and North Africa by early human settlers.

The 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.

The Podenco Canario is a medium sized dog and stands at between 55 and 64cm and weighs between 20 and 25kg. This is a slender, muscular dog but still robust and sturdy. There are in fact 2 sizes of Podenco Canarios – one is the medium sized dog of up to 64cm and the other is a smaller size.

The coat of the dog is short and smooth and is a rich red color or even chocolate brown. There are dogs which can have some white markings. The dog's nose and skin should be a shade of red and these dogs are known to blush when they become animated. The neck of the dog is long with the head being long and slender too, with the large bat-like ears being erect.

Temperament:

This dog can become very attached to his human family and is somewhat reserved around strangers. He is smart and will be able to learn easily. Training and socialization will be necessary to him as it makes him balanced and obedient.

He will appreciate a firm, consistent, kind owner as he is a dog that is strong willed and stubborn. He is a gentle dog too and can play well with children who have been taught to treat dogs with respect. He is active and will require a good deal of daily exercise.

Coat

Similar 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.

The Podenco Canario is a quiet breed that isn’t going to cause you trouble as he just slots into your way of life.

He is easy going, gentle and smart and wants to please. He is also a low maintenance dog, easy to please if he benefits from a good dose of exercise and human interaction.

Early socialization and training is important, as with any other dog breed, and then he becomes an excellent pet and friend of the family.

The 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.

Your Podenco can live to be 10, 11 or 12 years of age if looked after well. Because he is a primitive breed, he is able to throw off some diseases that other dogs might battle with. Just like with other dogs however, he can battle with some health problems. One of two of the common dog illnesses to watch out for include -

Skin Problems:

Skin problems can create havoc for your dog. They can be frustrating, painful and itchy. Skin problems can come from parasites, allergies and skin infections. Common parasites that involve the skin include ticks and fleas and mites. Dogs themselves can also cause irritation of the skin by licking one area over and over again from sheer boredom and stress.

Gastric Torsion (Bloat:

To prevent this life threatening disease, try and feed your dog 2 meals a day instead of one so that he doesn't gobble his food up. This can contribute to bloat. The stomach fills with gas and the stomach can twist and bring death to the dog. Get your dog to the vet immediately if you see he is restless,drooling and has a swollen stomach.

Heartworm:

This is particularly worrisome if you live in an area where there are lots of mosquitoes. Heartworm infections can be deadly for your dog. Speak to your vet about preventative treatment if you are traveling to an area known for its mosquito problems..

Aussies 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.

Exercise:

Provide your dog with a daily dose of exercise. He will love to have a walk with you every day but ball games will also be important for him.

Diet:

Your Podenco Canario is a medium-breed dog, with a slim, muscular build To keep him that way, ensure he has a high quality commercially manufactured dog food that is high in the vitamins and minerals he needs.

Dry kibble needs to be enhanced with some home-made food. Boiled chicken, brown rice, sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach are excellent when chopped up and added occasionally to the dry kibble. You can also include some raw meat into his food from time to time. Such nutritious food which is simple, can help your dog live a long, healthy, happy life.

Grooming:

Your dog has a short coat and a brush twice a week will keep it in tip top condition. Make use of these brushing sessions to check your dog’s coat for fleas and ticks. Also check him over for any new lumps. Cancer is an ever present threat with dogs.

Look inside his ears for any signs of redness, and try and look inside his mouth too for signs of bad teeth. His nails should also be kept short and trimmed. If they get too long they can hook onto things and rip the flesh open.

General Grooming

With 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.