Scottish Terrier vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison

Scottish Terrier is originated from United Kingdom but Australian Cattle Dog is originated from Australia. Scottish Terrier may grow 24 cm / 9 inches shorter than Australian Cattle Dog. Scottish Terrier may weigh 6 kg / 13 pounds lesser than Australian Cattle Dog. Both Scottish Terrier and Australian Cattle Dog has almost same life span. Both Scottish Terrier and Australian Cattle Dog has almost same litter size. Scottish Terrier requires Moderate maintenance. But Australian Cattle Dog requires Low maintenance

History

scottish terrier - historyThe Scottish Terrier is also known as the Aberdeen Terrier but people who love and know him refer to him fondly as the Scottie.

These little dogs were originally bred to hunt vermin on farms and their actual origin is ancient. It is believed that the first descriptions of these dogs date way back to 1436 with there being 2 varieties - a rough-haired Scotch Terrier and a smooth-haired English Terrier.

In 1881 the Scottish Terrier Club of England was founded with the Scottish Terrier Club of Scotland being founded in 1888. Scotties were introduced to America in the early 1890s.

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

scottish terrier puppy - descriptionThe Scottish Terrier is a small dog, fairly robustly built but with short legs. He has a wiry, weather-resistant coat and a soft undercoat. The coat is essentially black but there are other colors too such as a wheaten shade, grey-black and brindle too.

The ears are erect, the eyes small and bright. The tail isn’t docked but is of medium length and is nearly always held up, without curling over the back.

Height at withers for both males and females should be roughly 23 to 26cm and weight in the region of 8 – 10 kg.

Temperament:

The Scottie is a an independent, robust breed. He is playful as a puppy, but as he matures he becomes more dignified and dour. He is stubborn, but being a terrier he is alert and makes a good watchdog. For a small dog he has a powerful bark.

He is smart too. Have him trained and socialized if you want him to be obedient.

Brave, loving and loyal, he can fit into life in the city or the countryside so long has he has his human family close by. He doesn’t take kindly to strangers and he he slightly aggressive with other dogs he doesn’t know. He makes a great playmate for children but he certainly doesn’t like being prodded, sat on and poked by small children.

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

scottish terrier dog - characteristicsThe Scottie is strong willed and independent, and training and socialization is important if you don’t want your Scottie believing he has the final say.

These dogs are stubborn and dominant and will need a strong, firm but kind owner. They’re aggressive with other dogs, but get on well with their human family.

When you bring one of these distinctive looking dogs into your home, he’ll be a loving, loyal friend.

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

scottish terrier puppies - health problemsYour Scottie is looked upon as being a generally healthy dog breed, but as with any other healthy dogs, he can succumb to some of the conditions and diseases that dogs get -

Von Willebrand's Disease:

This is an inherited blood disorder where the blood doesn’t clot properly. The dog will bleed excessively after an injury. Fortunately, while there isn’t a cure, dogs can lead normal lives.

Cancer:

Scottish Terriers are more prone to developing cancer than other dogs. Bladder cancer, lymphosarcoma and malignant melanoma are just some of the cancers they can get. Some cancers are treatable and there is a good success rate in dogs receiving chemotherapy.

When you brush your Scottie, look out for new, unusual lumps that could be indicative of cancer.

Scotty Cramp:

Scotty Cramp isn’t serious but uncomfortable for your pet. When your dog becomes worked up, you’ll see him arching his spine and he walks around for a few minutes with a stiff unnatural gait.

Obesity:

Obesity is regarded as a serious disease as it puts strain on the dogs joints and also creates back pain and digestive disorders.

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:

scottish terrier dogs - caringScotties were once bred as working dogs, and they will certainly require daily exercise and stimulation. He will love a walk but you can’t expect him to run with you as he has short legs.

Grooming:

The Scottie sheds, so he will need to be brushed at least twice weekly. He will require quite a bit of grooming in terms of having the coat professionally trimmed and clipped.

His eyes and ears will need to be checked as well as his teeth. He can’t tell you if he has terrible toothache and while brushing him, check the teeth. Trim his nails too.

Diet:

It is always recommended that you feed dogs according to size, age and activity levels. Dogs are individuals and they don’t all need the same food.

The quality of the dog food you provide makes a huge difference on your dog’s health. It always pays to go with the better quality kibble available to dogs. Your Scottish Terrier will be depending on your for quality kibble with the right blend of vitamins and minerals.

Dogs thrive on simplicity and consistency and you want to provide him with some home-made food too that gels well with his digestive system. A little bit of raw meat occasionally can also do him the world of good.

Make sure he always has cool, fresh water to drink.

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:
23 - 26 cm
9 - 11 inches
45 - 50 cm
17 - 20 inches
Height Female:
23 - 26 cm
9 - 11 inches
43 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
Weight Male:
8 - 10 kg
17 - 23 pounds
14 - 16 kg
30 - 36 pounds
Weight Female:
8 - 10 kg
17 - 23 pounds
13 - 15 kg
28 - 34 pounds
Life Span:
11 - 13 Years
13 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 8
1 - 7
Size:
Small dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Scottie, Aberdeen Terrier
ACD, Cattle Dog, Blue Heeler, Red Heeler, Queensland Heeler
Colors Available:
black-grey, Black, brindle, wheaten
blue (mottled or speckled), red (mottled or speckled)
Coat:
wiry, medium length
short double coat
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Scottish Terrier vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  2. Scottish Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  3. Scottish Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  4. Scottish Terrier vs Miniature Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  5. Scottish Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Scottish Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  7. Scottish Terrier vs Rat Terrier - Breed Comparison
  8. Scottish Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Scottish Terrier vs Patterdale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  10. Scottish Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  11. Scottish Terrier vs Bull Terrier Miniature - Breed Comparison
  12. Scottish Terrier vs Norwich Terrier - Breed Comparison
  13. Scottish Terrier vs Norfolk Terrier - Breed Comparison
  14. Scottish Terrier vs English White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  15. Scottish Terrier vs Parson Russell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  16. Scottish Terrier vs Russell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  17. Scottish Terrier vs Feist - Breed Comparison
  18. Scottish Terrier vs Manchester Terrier - Breed Comparison
  19. Scottish Terrier vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier - Breed Comparison
  20. Scottish Terrier vs Miniature Fox Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Scottish Terrier vs Cesky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  22. Scottish Terrier vs Glen of Imaal Terrier - Breed Comparison
  23. Scottish Terrier vs Schnorkie - Breed Comparison
  24. Scottish Terrier vs Chilean Fox Terrier - Breed Comparison
  25. Scottish Terrier vs Black and Tan Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  27. Australian Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  28. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  29. Australian Cattle Dog vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  30. Australian Cattle Dog vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  31. Bearded Collie vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  32. Collie vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  33. Dutch Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  34. Blue Healer vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  35. English Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  36. Australian Collie vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  37. Catahoula Cur vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  38. Catalan Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  39. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  40. Bergamasco vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  41. Berger Picard vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  42. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  43. Queensland Heeler vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  44. German Coolie vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  45. Bohemian Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  46. Croatian Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Red Heeler vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  48. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  49. Blue Lacy vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  50. New Zealand Huntaway vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds