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Difference Between Australian Shepherd and Australian Cattle Dog

Australian Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog

Both Australian Shepherd and Cattle Dog are herding dogs, but their countries of origin are different, bringing an interest about them. Their external appearance, fur coat variations, and some physical characteristics are important to consider in exploring the differences between these useful dog breeds. However, their names appear to be very closely related, but the exhibited differences were the main concerns in presenting this article.

Australian Shepherd

This is a herding dog breed originated in the United States. Aussie and little blue dog are their nicknames. Australian shepherd is a medium sized dog breed; an adult male weighs around 23 to 29 kilograms, and the height at withers could measure about 51 to 58 centimetres. Their coat colouration is commonly black, red, blue merle, and red merle. The fur coat is smooth, and the hairs are long up to medium size. There are black, red, or copper colour marks on the face or legs. There is a great variation of eye colours in Australian shepherds. Their ears are medium in size and usually directed downwards. They are born with a bobbed, fully long, or partially bobbed tail. Australian shepherds need special attention and good exercise, and they enjoy very much from their works. Their usual lifespan is about 11 to 13 years.

Australian Cattle Dog

Australian cattle dogs are a breed of herding dogs that has an Australian origin. Their medium sized body weighs about 23 to 27 kilograms, and the height at withers measures about 66 to 71cm. They have dark eyes and medium sized ears those direct upwards. Their medium sized deep, powerful muzzle has muscular cheeks. Australian cattle dogs have a medium sized coat of fur, which is moderately rough. Usually, this breed comes in two colour forms known as Red Heelers and Blue Heelers. Black or brown hair evenly distributed in a white coat in both red and blue heelers. Their tail is long and hairy. Usually, they are not aggressive, but their strong affection to the owner makes them very protective of their owner family. They hardly get tired and can work for a long time. This intelligent dog breed could live long, as their lifespan ranges between 12 and 14 years.

What is the difference between Australian Shepherd and Cattle Dog?

· The origin of Australian shepherd is the United States, while Australian cattle dogs originated in Australia.

· Australian shepherd has a smooth and medium sized fur coat, whereas Australian cattle dog has a slightly rough and short coat.

· Australian cattle dog is taller than the Australian shepherd.

· Usually, Australian shepherd has a bobbed, fully long, or partially bobbed tail, but the Australian cattle dog has long and hairy tail.

· Australian cattle dog is slightly more aggressive than the Australian shepherd.

· Australian cattle dog has two main colourations, whereas Australian shepherd has three colourations.

· Australian cattle dogs live slightly longer than Australian shepherds do.