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.
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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. Australian Cattle Dog vs Australian Shepherd - Dog Breed Comparison - Aussie vs Blue Heeler6/30/2023 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. Can you recognize English and American Cocker Spaniel apart? I am sure you can, but there are still many people who have no idea, that there are two separate breeds of the always happy and merry Cocker Spaniel.
Both Cocker Spaniel breeds have their origin and history in Spain, from where they got into Britain. In Britain, they were bred for hunting, most often to flush or startle birds out of their hiding places. In the beginning of the 19 century, first Cocker Spaniels were imported to North America to retrieve quails and woodcocks. At first, the American Cocker Spaniel was divided from the English Cocker Spaniel solely on size basis and they were still considered as a same breed. But breeders on either side of the Atlantic Ocean had different priorities and created different breed standards, which caused bigger difference between the two breeds. The Cocker Spaniel was officially split into two separate breeds in the first half of the 20th century, when the differences between American and English Cocker Spaniels were too big. One of the main difference is the size of both breeds. The English Cocker Spaniels typically have height of between 38-43 cm, which is 15-17 inch and weight between 12-16 kg, which is 26-35 lbs. The American Cocker Spaniel is slightly smaller. The average height is between 34-39 cm, or 13-15 inch and weight between 12-14 kg, which is 26-31 lbs. But if you want to recognize these two breeds easily and quickly, you should look at their face. The American breed has shorter muzzle, deep stop, rounded skull and deep chiseling under the eyes. On the other hand, the English Cocker Spaniel has longer muzzle, which is equal in length to the skull. The skull is also considerably longer. The snout length and head type is probably the easiest way how to differentiate these two breeds apart. I would also say, the the English Cocker Spaniel has softer and more loving expression in their dark eyes. The last appearance difference is the coat. Both breeds have the same coat structure, but the American Cocker Spaniel was specifically bred to have more coat which is typically denser. The American Cocker Spaniel also tends to have much more feathering. This is a reason why the English Cockers coat is slightly easier to maintain. You still have to brush them and trim them, so their coat does not tangle, but it is not as time consuming as with the huge amount of coat of American Cocker Spaniel. And what about the difference in temperament and personality of Cocker Spaniels? Well, there really is not that much differences. Both breeds share the same merry, sweet, fun loving and affectionate temperament and they both make extraordinary companion pets. They might be little bit too independent for some owners, but if they are properly socialized they are typically very loving and gentle towards kids and they can live with other dogs in the household as well. Both are very people oriented, quite active and adaptable, so they can fit in almost any household situation. And last, but not least, lets talk about the health. The health problems are similar for both breeds and it includes health issues such as cataracts, skin allergies, bite problems, immune system disorders, thyroid or ear infections. It is said, that the American Cocker Spaniel suffers a little bit more from the immune disorders (such as IMHA (immune-mediated hemolytic anemia) and IMT (immune-mediated thrombocytopenia). The average lifespan of American Cocker Spaniel is also slightly shorter, as it is typically between 12-13 years, while the English Cocker has average lifespan between 13-14 years. But there are many many Cockers who are enjoying happy and active life even in their later teens. History: Lets start with the history and ancestry, which will explain the similarities between the French Bulldog and English Bulldog. Both the French Bulldog and the English Bulldog evolved in England hundreds of years ago and were initially bred for the brutal sport of bull-baiting in the 13th century. During this time, Bulldogs were significantly larger than they are today, with some weighing close to 100 lbs.
In the 1800s, bull-baiting was banned, leaving many Bulldogs without a purpose. However, some breeders recognized their loving, loyal, and companionable qualities, which led to the continued breeding of Bulldogs. Through selective breeding, they developed the smaller, non-aggressive, and incredibly affectionate English Bulldog that we know today. During the industrial revolution, English Bulldogs became popular among English ladies, and when lacemakers from Nottinghamshire relocated to Normandy in France, they brought their toy-sized Bulldogs with them. This is where the two breeds diverge, as the small English Bulldog in France evolved into a distinct breed we know today as the French Bulldog Appearance and size: While the French and English Bulldogs share a common history, they do have noticeable differences in size. The English Bulldog is generally larger, standing at an average height of 14-15 inches (35-38 cm) and weighing between 40-50 lbs (18-23 kg). On the other hand, the French Bulldog stands at a height of 11-13 inches (27-33 cm) and weighs between 16-28 lbs (7-13 kg). The weight difference is more apparent, with the Frenchie appearing more athletic than the English Bulldog. Apart from size, the appearance of these two breeds is quite similar. They are both characterized by their short muzzles, short legs, and heavy wrinkles. However, upon closer inspection, you'll notice differences in their ears. The English Bulldog has rose ears, which flop down and to the side, while the French Bulldog has bat ears that are large, erect, and slightly rounded at the top. English Bulldogs also have a dewlap, two loose folds of skin at their throat, which is not as common in Frenchies. Additionally, English Bulldogs often exhibit a discernible underbite, which is less common in French Bulldogs as well. Both breeds have a short coat which is easy to maintain. These dogs do not require almost any grooming, other than regular brushing. Both also come in similar coat colors, such as shades of white, fawn and cream and both can be solid colored, piebald or brindle. Both breeds also come in rare colors, such as blue or lilac, but those are far more prevalent in French Bulldogs. Temperament: Despite their history as bull-baiting dogs, both the French Bulldog and the English Bulldog should never display aggression. Instead, they are known for their loving, loyal, easygoing, affectionate, and gentle nature. Their patience is a significant advantage for families with children. While the differences in temperament are rather subtle, the temperament is not completely identical. The English Bulldog is typically lazier, calmer, and more laid-back, while Frenchies are more lively, determined, and playful. French Bulldogs require a bit more daily exercise compared to their English counterparts. However, both breeds are known for their stubbornness, which means training may require patience. Nevertheless, they can easily learn all the basic obedience commands. Health: And last, but not least, lets talk about the health of both breeds. It is no surprise, that both can suffer from breathing difficulties, due to their short muzzle. You should not over do it with the exercise on hot days. Both are also prone to various eye problems, mainly cherry eye. The wrinkly skin puts both breeds in higher risk of skin allergies and infections. The English Bulldog, due to its heavier size, can also have troubles with joints. The lifespan of English Bulldog is typically between 8-10 years and the lifespan of French Bulldog is typically between 10-12 years. Let's start by saying that despite their many similarities, these two breeds are not related. The Pug is an ancient dog breed from China, thousands of years old, where they lived with royalty and were viewed as almost sacred animals. Pugs were brought to Europe somewhere around the 1600s. French Bulldogs are descendants of small toy Bulldogs from the United Kingdom that were brought to Normandy, France by lace workers. The history of the French Bulldog dates back to the 1800s, making it a much younger dog breed.
Now let's talk about the differences in appearance between the Pug and the Frenchie. One of the reasons why they look similar is that they are both brachycephalic dog breeds – which basically means that they have a short, pushed-in nose. The Pug has a slightly shorter muzzle than the Frenchie, but that is not the biggest difference in the facial area. The biggest difference would definitely be the ears. The Pug's ears sag down over its face and are velvety to touch, while the French Bulldog's ears are larger, distinctive, and erect. Additionally, the head shape is slightly different. The French Bulldog has a square-shaped head, while the Pug has a big, flat, round head. The last difference on the face is the wrinkles. Both breeds have them, but the Pug's wrinkles are deeper set and much more prevalent. There are also significant differences in body type and size. The Frenchie typically looks more athletic compared to the Pug, which most often has a round body. It is important to note that both breeds are prone to overeating and obesity, so you should closely monitor your dog's diet. And what about size? Well, the Pug is slightly smaller of the two. You can see the size comparison on the screen right now, but the size difference is not really that big. Both are small dog breeds. The Pug and Frenchie have short coats, but that's the only similarity in their coat types. The Frenchie has a single-layered silky coat that sheds only minimally. The Pug has a smooth double coat that sheds like crazy and requires much more brushing to remove all the dead hair and minimize shedding. Purebred Pugs can only be fawn or black. Fawn is by far the most common Pug color. On the other hand, Frenchies come in a variety of colors. You can find Frenchies in all kinds of plain colors like fawn, black, blue, or cream. Various shades of brindle, which is probably the most common Frenchie color pattern. French Bulldogs can also have differently colored spots on their coats, very typically dark, beige, or red spots on their chest, bottom, paws, or eyebrows. The French Bulldog and the Pug also share a lot of similarities in their temperament and personality. Both are known to be excellent family companions with affectionate and friendly temperaments. They will trail after you everywhere you go and create a very strong bond with the family. These dogs crave attention and companionship. The differences in their temperament are rather subtle, but the Pug is more clownish, more puppy-like, playful dog with mischievous antics. The adult French Bulldog tends to be more laid back, let's say "wiser" and relaxed. The exercise needs of both breeds are minimal. A few daily walks combined with some playtime are enough for both dogs. But you must exercise them daily, so they stay happy, healthy, and fit. Both breeds are pretty smart, but also independent and stubborn. From these two, it is most often the French Bulldog, who tends to be more stubborn and independent. However, both breeds are easily capable of learning all the basic obedience commands. And last, but not least, let's talk about the health of both breeds. Since they both have brachycephalic face structure, they both can have troubles with respiratory complications. These problems are especially prevalent in hot and humid climates, and you should limit the exercise when your dog has breathing difficulties. These problems are significantly more serious for Pugs, as they're the more brachycephalic breed of the two. Eye issues are another problem with both breeds, but again, they are much more common in Pugs. The bulgy eyes of Pugs are the source of many health issues. In addition to that, as I already mentioned before, both breeds are prone to obesity, and both breeds have histories of skin and autoimmune disorders. The average lifespan of a Pug is around 13 or 14 years, while the average lifespan of a French Bulldog is around 12 years. |