Today we will be comparing two hardworking herding dog breeds, the Australian Cattle Dog (also known as the Red or Blue Heeler) and the Australian Kelpie. These breeds share similar temperaments and personalities, and we'll explore their main differences and similarities.

Technically, the Australian Cattle Dog is primarily a cattle dog, while the Kelpie is a sheepdog. However, both breeds are versatile and capable of herding various farm animals.

Their origins trace back to British dogs, loosely referred to as collies, which were brought to Australia by early settlers. These dogs faced challenges adapting to the harsh Australian climate. While the exact ancestry is uncertain, it's believed that both breeds may have been crossed with local dogs, and there have been theories about Dingo ancestry as well, but this theory is uncertain.

As you can see, the history, purpose, temperament, and appearance of both breeds are remarkably similar, with more similarities than differences. They are hardworking, lively, somewhat independent, highly alert, loyal, and incredibly intelligent.

Of course, when we talk about the temperament, it is always a big generalization, but on average, it is said, that the Australian Cattle Dog is slightly more independent and lets say stubborn.

The Australian Cattle Dog also tends to have stronger guarding instincts and may be slightly more compatible with other household animals. However, early socialization plays a significant role in shaping their behavior.

But this does not mean, that the Kelpie is better family dog. I would actually say, that the Australian Cattle dog is slightly better for companionship, as Kelpie is just too demanding in terms of exercise and working needs.

Most of them would love to work all day every day. The Australian Cattle Dogs also needs plenty and plenty of physical exercise, but not to the extent of Kelpie.

That said, both dogs will prefer to live in a house with large yard, where they can stretch their legs whenever they want to. Both are extremely active.

Again, this is only a generalization and you will find dogs on both ends of the spectrum, However, Australian Cattle Dogs are generally considered to be slightly better with kids. They are outgoing, relatively gentle, and protective of little ones. Nonetheless, it's important to supervise interactions between any dog breed and very young children.

Now, let's discuss their appearance. The main differences lie in size and coat color. Take a look at the size comparison on the screen. As you can see, the Australian Cattle Dog is generally slightly taller and more robust than the Kelpie.

Both breeds have smooth, short, and dense double coats that shed quite a bit, so regular brushing is necessary. The difference in coat lies in coloration. Australian Cattle Dogs come in either red or blue, with mottled or speckled patterns, hence their nicknames, Red and Blue Heelers.

On the other hand, Australian Kelpies come in a wider variety of colors. They can be single-colored or have tan markings. Colors range from black, red, chocolate, blue, fawn, and cream, and they can also have a black and tan combination. Kelpies are not mottled or speckled.

It is important to say, that we are talking about breed standards. The working lines, particularly in Kelpies, may exhibit variations in coat, size, or facial features compared to the typical standardized Kelpie.

Lately i have been asked what is the difference between the Australian Cattle Dog and Blue Heeler and i thought that maybe more people are confused and curious about this.
And well, the answer to this question is actually quite simple: there is NO real difference between the Australian Cattle Dog, Blue Heeler, or Red Heeler. The official breed name is Australian Cattle Dog, and the Blue Heeler and Red Heeler are simply nicknames for the same dog breed.

In addition to these names, the Cattle dog is also known as Halls Heeler, named after the breed's founder, Thomas Hall, or Queensland Heeler, which relates to the Australian state where the breed originated. However, all these different names refer to the same dog breed.

When it comes to their characteristics, there is absolutely no difference between the Blue Heeler, Red Heeler, or Australian Cattle Dog. They all have the same size, body type, and share common traits such as being alert, lively, hardworking, and possessing an independent mind with high intelligence. The only difference lies in their coat color.

Australian Cattle dogs come in either red or blue color, and both colors can be speckled or mottled. As you can probably guess, the red-colored Cattle dogs are nicknamed Red Heelers, while the blue-colored ones are called Blue Heelers. This is the only true difference between them.

I have come across opinions on the internet suggesting that Blue Heelers are generally softer than the more aggressive Red Heelers. However, this is not true and is likely based on the experiences of some individuals with specific dogs of each color. Of course, some Blue Heelers might be more alert than Red Heelers and vice verse, it is purely genetic thing, but there is zero evidence, and it honestly does not make sense, that Blue Heelers would be regularly softer than Red Heelers.

The reason why this does not make sense is, that the color of the Australian Cattle Dog is also purely genetically determined. Even two Blue Heelers can have a litter full of red colored dogs, but these dogs, even though they will have different color, will most likely inherit the personality of its parents.

In conclusion, there is no real difference between Red Heelers and Blue Heelers as they are both Australian Cattle Dogs. So, if you are deciding between them, there is no need to worry about any significant distinctions. Simply choose the color that you prefer and, of course, select a dog from a reputable breeder.

Let's start with a brief origin and history of both breeds. Both breeds were developed for hunting hare, but they are not directly related. The similarities between the two might be explained by an ancient common ancestor, the St. Hubert Hound. However, we cannot be 100% certain about this because the Beagle's history is surrounded by mystery, and no one really knows its exact ancestry. The St. Hubert Hound is the only link between the ancestry of these two dogs, but the Beagle was mainly developed in England, and the Basset in France and as i mentioned earlier, they are not directly related to each other.

​So what are the main differences between the Beagle and Basset Hound? Let's start with appearance, and later, we'll discuss temperament.

The most important difference is size. You can see the size comparison on the screen right now (see video). The difference in height is rather subtle, but the real difference lies in weight and body length. The Basset is much heavier, sturdier, and longer. The Basset Hound has a body length of up to 35 inches (88 cm), while the Beagle only reaches up to 25 inches (63 cm).

The Beagle also has a much more athletic body and longer legs compared to the extremely short legs of the Basset. The Basset's short stature is caused by dwarfism, as they were intentionally bred from St. Hubert's Hound with dwarfism to achieve this unique long and short body. This is the biggest difference between the two breeds.

But there are other important appearance differences as well. The Beagle has a squared face, while the Basset has a prolonged face with very long floppy ears that can touch the ground. Beagle's ears are much smaller. Another distinguishing feature of the Basset is its large paws, especially in comparison to its short legs. The Basset is also more wrinkly on its face.

So, the main differences in appearance are size, body type, leg length, paw size, and length of the ears. Both breeds have a similar coat, which is very smooth and dense, coming in black, white, and tan tricolor. Both breeds can also come in slightly different colors, and you can see the complete color list on the screen right now. The Basset should have a slightly longer and coarser coat than the Beagle, although it might not be visible at first glance.

Now let's talk about temperament. It is true that both dogs were originally bred for hunting hare. The difference was that Beagles were mainly used for physically demanding pack hunting of hare, while the Basset was primarily used for tracking hare and deer. This is the main reason why Beagles are more energetic and lively, demanding much more physical exercise.

There is a myth that the Basset is a lazy lap dog. While they are much more laid-back than Beagles, they still need daily walks and fun playtime to stay in good shape. They are not total couch potatoes but are definitely more laid-back and less hyperactive than Beagles.

Because the Basset was mainly used for tracking, they have an extremely good sense of smell. It is said to be the second-best nose in the dog world, just after the Bloodhound.

Both dogs are vocal, but Beagles tend to bark and howl much more. This is also a reflection of their history as pack hunters, as they used to be extremely vocal on the hunt, and they still tend to bark frequently. This is something you should consider when getting a Beagle. Bassets are also quite vocal but not to the extent of Beagles.

So, these are the main differences. There are many more similarities in temperament. Both dogs are friendly and sociable, wanting to be active members of the family. They can happily live with other dogs and make good gentle and playful partners for kids.

On the other hand, both breeds are known to be quite stubborn and independent, which can make training a bit difficult. However, both can easily learn all the basic obedience commands, although they might not obey them every single time. Comparing the ability for training, I would say that the laid-back temperament of the Basset makes it better suited for training, especially for novice dog owners.

Both breeds have a strong prey drive and chasing instinct, so other household pets might be problematic. You should be very careful on your walks and only let your dog off-leash in fenced or well-known areas.

Last but not least, let's compare health and grooming. Beagles have a longer life expectancy, around 13 or 14 years, compared to the Basset's 11 years. Beagles are generally considered very healthy dogs, with the main health issues being joint problems, hypothyroidism, and epilepsy. Bassets, due to their body type, are much more prone to various health issues, such as back problems, elbow and hip dysplasia, osteochondrosis, eye issues, or von Willebrand's disease.

Bassets are also prone to obesity, so you should be very careful with their feeding and provide them with enough exercise.

Grooming the Beagle is much easier. They shed less than Bassets, and brushing their coat once a week is enough to keep it in decent condition. Bassets require more frequent brushing to minimize heavy shedding and maintain the coat's good condition. I would recommend brushing them at least three times a week, if not daily.

You should also take extra care of the Basset's ears, cleaning them and keeping them dry to prevent ear infections. This applies to the Beagle as well, but due to the size of the Basset's ears, they are much more prone to ear problems.

Additionally, you should keep the Basset's wrinkles and skin folds clean to avoid infections. Bassets also tend to drool more compared to the Beagle, which is a relatively clean breed.
I believe that covers the complete comparison of Basset and Beagle. Please let me k

Did you know that there are two Akita dog breeds? The original ancient Japanese Akita, also known as Akita Inu or Akita Ken and the younger American Akita, that was developed in the 20th century. 

Let's start with a brief history of these two breeds, which will explain why there are two different Akita breeds.
The Japanese Akita is an extremely old ancient dog breed that dates back hundreds of years. It was used to hunt elks, boar or even bears, later as a guard or as a companion for samurais.

Due to the international isolation of Japan in the past, the Akita Inu lived exclusively on the Japanese islands and it was not exported to other countries. That changed in the 20th century.

The first Akita Inu dog was brought to the USA by the famous Helen Keller in the 1930s. Since than, many Akitas were brought to other countries around the world, but most often it was Akitas that fell out of favour with the Japanese breeders, particularly the Dewa-types and dogs with the signature black mask or pinto marking. Many US military servicemen also took Akita dogs from Japan.

To this day, many Japanese breeders do not consider the American variety as pure, as they are not bred by the more strict Japanese breed standard. In America, the Akita was bred to be bigger, better for guarding and fighting and stronger. Some American breeders even mixed the imported Akitas with various Mastiff dog breeds in order to achieve a taller and heavier dog breed. And the size really is one of the main differences between these two breeds.

Here you can see the height and weight comparison of both Akita breeds. The difference is rather subtle, but on the first sight, the American Akita really looks larger and more powerful.

The easiest way to recognize these two breeds apart is their head. The Japanese Akita has more pointy features on their head, such as the muzzle and they have slightly smaller heads. On the other hand the American Akita has a larger and boxier head. Most people will agree that the Japanese Akita has a fox-like face and the American Akita has a bear-like face.

Both breeds have the same coat type, which is a fluffy, shorter double coat that sheds a lot. You will have to brush their coat regularly in order to minimize the shedding. The difference in the coat is in the coloration.

The original Akita Inu is only accepted in brindle, white, sesame and red fawn color. You can find American Akita in the same colors, but they can also be black, pinto, gray or silver. Usually, the American Akita has a distinctive dark mask on their face, which is very rare in the Japanese Akita.

There are some others, smaller differences. The Japanese Akita typically has a more tightly curled tail and their ears can sit further down in comparison to American Akitas' always pointed ears. The Japanese Akita has almond shaped eyes and the American Akita has smaller, deep set eyes.

So now you know how to recognize the two Akita breeds apart. Now, let's look at their temperament. And it is very very similar.

Both dogs are known for their extreme loyalty. If you saw the Hachiko movie, you know what I'm talking about. They are loyal beyond the grave. Both breeds are also extremely independent dogs, typically very alert, confident, smart, aloof towards strangers and other dogs. It is not a dog breed for novices, they need firm, but kind hands and proper training and socialization. With the wrong owner, these dogs might become aggressive.

There really is not many differences in the behaviour of these dogs. I would say that the Japanese Akita is slightly more energetic, they might have a higher chasing instinct and I would say that they are more alert and distrustful towards strangers.

This does not mean that the American Akita is friendly towards strangers. They also have a natural protective instinct and it takes them some time before accepting a new person into their life. But I would say that they are a little bit more relaxed, calm and possibly more tolerant. But again, these differences are very very small.
​
Lets end the video with comparing the health of both breeds. The smaller Japanese Akita has slightly longer lifespan, typically around 12 or 13 years, while the American Akita has lifespan around 11 or 12 years. Those are pretty healthy dog breeds and they tend to have the same health problems, such as bloating, hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy or hypothyroidism. Both breeds have pretty sensitive stomachs and they tend to react badly to high energy food.

Sometimes it can be hard to differentiate between the famous Pug and the lovable Brussels Griffon. These two dogs are both small and cute companions with pushed-in muzzles and large expressive eyes. However, there are some important differences as well, and in this video, I will show you all of them!

First of all, let's mention that there are three types of Brussels Griffon: the Griffon Belge, Griffon Bruxellois, and Petit Brabancon. The Griffon Belge and Griffon Bruxellois have longer, wiry coats, so you can easily distinguish them from the Pug. On the other hand, the Petit Brabancon has a smooth coat and looks much more similar to the Pug.

If you're curious about the striking similarities in appearance between these two breeds, it's important to note that they are related. The Pug is an ancient Chinese dog breed that dates back thousands of years and arrived in Europe in the 16th century. The Brussels Griffon, on the other hand, is a much younger breed with a history tracing back to 19th-century Belgium. They were developed from a rough-coated dog known as the Smousje and were later crossbred with the Pug and King Charles Spaniel. So, while the Pug is not the main ancestor of the Brussels Griffon, these two breeds are related.

At first glance, you can see the similarities between the two breeds. Both are small and have short, flat snouts. However, upon closer inspection, you will notice many differences in their appearance. The first difference is size. You can see the size comparison on the screen right now. The Pug is slightly taller but much heavier than the Brussels Griffon. Most of the time, this difference is visible, as the Brussels Griffon appears more athletic and lean, while the Pug looks more compact and robust.

Both dogs have pushed-in noses and large eyes, but the Pug is known to have more wrinkles on its muzzle and face. Pugs also have slightly larger eyes compared to Brussels Griffons.

Another major appearance difference is the tail. The tail of the Brussels Griffon is often docked. When undocked, it is carried upwards with the tip towards the back without reaching it or being curled. On the other hand, the Pug's tail should be tightly curled over the hip, and a double curl is highly desirable.

As I mentioned earlier, there are different coat types for the Brussels Griffon. Some have wiry coats, which are easily distinguishable from the Pug. However, the Petit Brabancon type has a short coat similar to the Pug. This type of coat is harsh, flat, and gleaming. The Pug's coat is smooth, short, and glossy. The coat type is quite similar for both breeds.

Despite the similar coat types, these two breeds come in different colors. Pugs can be silver, apricot, fawn, or black, with fawn being the predominant and most common color. The Petit Brabancon comes in red, black, or black and tan colors. They can have a few white hairs on the chest, and both breeds should have a black mask.

Now let's talk about temperament. Both dogs have big personalities, but they are not the same. The Brussels Griffon is much more watchful and alert; they are very inquisitive and interested in their surroundings. The Pug is a more social dog and is typically friendlier to strangers. They just enjoy being around people.

However, both dogs are extremely loyal to their owners. They are like shadows and want to be everywhere with you. Both can be good companions for kids and can be socialized to live with other dogs or pets in the household.

The Brussels Griffon is slightly more energetic and active, always ready for any kind of outdoor adventure. However, even Pugs need daily exercise to stay in good shape, but they are not as demanding in terms of exercise as the Brussels Griffon.

Both can be prone to health issues related to their large eyes and short snouts, but these problems are more prevalent in Pugs. Both breeds can suffer from breathing difficulties, heat stroke, various eye conditions, or cleft palate. In addition to that, Pugs can have problems with skin infections caused by their wrinkly skin, and many Pugs are prone to obesity. The average lifespan of the Brussels Griffon is around 13 or 14 years, while the average lifespan of Pugs is around 12 years.

History and origin
Although both breeds share "Australian" in their name and are herding dogs, they are not related. The Australian Shepherd is not actually an Australian dog. It was bred in the United States around the 1840s to herd sheep. The name "Australian" may have been given because their ancestors, including Basque Shepherds, were brought to the USA from Australia along with Merino sheep.
On the other hand, the Australian Cattle dog is truly Australian dog breed. It was developed as the best possible dog for driving the semi-wild cattle over long distances and as a dog that would handle the harsh Australian climate and conditions without problems.
The Australian Cattle dog was developed from Dingoes and from various herding and drover dogs that were imported to Australia since the 18th century, but that were not perfect for doing such a hard job in such climate. The first person who started developing the Australian Cattle dog was Thomas Hall, who crossed the Dingo with herding dogs such as Collie, Kelpie, possibly with Bull Terrier. Unfortunately, no one really knows the exact ancestry of this dog, but they are definitely not related to Australian Shepherd.

​Appearance
Now lets talk about the appearance and , it is clear that these two breeds have distinct appearances. It is very easy to distinguish these two breeds apart. The biggest differences are ears and coat.
The ears of Australian Shepherd are floppy, while the Heeler ears are pointed. And the Australian Shepherd has longer and fluffier coat, compared to the shorter and coarser coat of the Cattle dog.
The Australian Shepherd comes in blue merle, red merle, red and black, while the Australian Cattle dog comes in blue and red color, both either mottled or speckled.
The Australian Shepherd also has longer muzzle, it is not as robust as Australian Cattle dog and it can have naturally docked tail, compared to the typically long and very bushy tail of the Heeler.
And what about the size? You can see the numbers of average height and weight on the screen right now and as you can see the Australian Cattle dog is on average slightly smaller than the Australian Shepherd, but the difference is not extremely big.

Temperament
The temperament of both dogs is not as different as their appearance. Both are hardworking, lively, loyal, playful, and generally gentle dogs. However, the Australian Shepherd is considered a softer dog and tends to be more companionable, whereas the Australian Cattle Dog is more alert and less affectionate.
Of course, that does not mean that the Cattle dog is not good affectionate companion, it still shows affection to its owners and create a loyal bond with them, but not to a degree as the Australian Shepherd, who requires much more attention from people. The Australian Shepherd is also, lets say, more jelaous than the Heeler.
While both breeds may be wary of strangers, the Australian Shepherd is generally more accepting of unfamiliar individuals, while the Cattle Dog takes more time to warm up to strangers. It is important to note that neither breed should display aggression without reason.
The Australian Cattle dog typically has stronger herding and guarding instinct than the Australian Shepherd. I would not recommend neither of these dogs to complete novices, but the Australian Shepherd is kind of easier to handle than the Australian Cattle dog.
Both dogs can live with other dogs or kids in the household, however you should always supervise interaction between any dog breed and a young children.

Exercise needs
Both the Australian Shepherd and Australian Cattle Dog are extremely active breeds that require substantial daily physical and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. A minimum of one hour of intensive exercise a day is recommended for both breeds, but more is always better. It's important to consider the dog's age and health, as young and senior dogs may require adjustments to their exercise routines.
Both dogs are always ready for outdoor walks, hikes, jogs, vigorous playtime or fun training sessions. Both are also capable of doing very good in various dog sports, such as agility or herding trials. There is not much difference in the exercise needs, as both have similar high energy character.

Health and grooming
While both breeds may be prone to certain health issues like hip dysplasia or various eye problems, they generally tend to be very healthy and have an average lifespan of around 15 years. These dogs often remain active even in their older years.
And what about the maintenance? Well, both dogs have doublecoats that shed some deal of fur all year long. Both dogs will benefit from regular brushing which will remove all the dead and loose hair and minimize the shedding. The longer coat of Australian Shepherds sheds slightly more than the shorter coat of Cattle dog, which means that the Australian Shepherds will require slightly more brushing. Other than that, you should regularly check their eyes, ears, nails and teeth and clip them or clean them if needed.