Australian Kelpie vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison

Australian Kelpie vs Atlas Terrier - Breed ComparisonAustralian Kelpie is originated from Australia but Atlas Terrier is originated from United States. Australian Kelpie may grow 23 cm / 10 inches higher than Atlas Terrier. Australian Kelpie may weigh 14 kg / 31 pounds more than Atlas Terrier. Both Australian Kelpie and Atlas Terrier has almost same life span. Both Australian Kelpie and Atlas Terrier has almost same litter size. Both Australian Kelpie and Atlas Terrier requires Moderate maintenance.

History

australian kelpie - historyThe energetic Kelpie came into being around 1870, with this working dog breed having a role to play with the herding of sheep in the harsh Australian outback.The sheep and wool industry in Australia has always been big business, and Australian ranchers were looking for a tough dog that could cope with sheep but also cope with the harsh environment.

These are adaptable dogs too and their ancestors include the Coley or Collie, a British herding-type dog, the English- and the Australian Shepherd and the Dingo. In fact it is believed that up to 4% of their genes comes from the Dingo. These adaptable dogs were also brought to North America where they quickly adapted to the different climate and different livestock.

The Australian Kelpie isn’t your regular pet as they are essentially an outdoor, working dog. They are recognized today by the United Kennel Club and registered by the North American Australian Kelpie Registry.

atlas terrier - historyThe Atlas Terrier is a rare dog. He was developed in the USA and is a blend of Jack Russell Terriers, Rat Terriers, Border Terriers and Patterdale Terriers. It was in 1990 that Lauren Wolfe developed a breed similar to the Jack Russell, but with a solid colour, and in fact she had two dogs that were solid red in colour. This was as a result of a cross between a Jack Russell Terrier and a Border Terrier.

With the crossing of different terriers, the foundation for the Atlas Terrier was formed. Lauren Wolfe named the breed ‘Atlas Terrier’ because many terriers from various parts of the world were used to develop this specific breed. It was in 2001 that the Atlas Terrier Association was founded.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Terrier dog
Origin:
Australia
United States
Height Male:
46 - 51 cm
18 - 21 inches
23 - 28 cm
9 - 12 inches
Height Female:
43 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
23 - 28 cm
9 - 12 inches
Weight Male:
14 - 20 kg
30 - 45 pounds
2 - 6 kg
4 - 14 pounds
Weight Female:
12 - 20 kg
26 - 45 pounds
2 - 5 kg
4 - 12 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
11 - 17 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 7
4 - 8
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Kelpie, Barb
None
Colors Available:
Many Colours, from solids to bi-colours - tan, fawn, blue, red, black, chocolate
Several - Brindle, Merle
Coat:
short and dense
Short and dense
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Sweet
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

The Coat

australian kelpie puppy - descriptionThe Kelpie is a medium-sized dog with a coat that comes in a number of colours – black, chocolate, fawn, red, blue, tan, white and gold. . The nose colour blends in with the dog’s coat colour and can be black, brownish and even pinkish.

A Sharp, Intelligent Look

The Kelpie has a medium-length tail which is low-set. The ears are pricked, giving the dog an intelligent, alert appearance. The dog’s head is also narrow and long, and his eyes are bright and inquisitive.

Lithe and Athletic

The Australian Kelpie has an athletic appearance, with a body which is longer than their height, similar to that of a German Shepherd. Because the Australian Kelpie is such an energetic, active breed, he’ll need plenty of ‘jobs to do’, lots of ball games and other exercise to keep him free from boredom and to ensure he maintains his lithe, lean, muscular limbs.

A Feisty, Fun Breed

atlas terrier puppy - descriptionAtlas Terrier dogs are a small to medium sized dog but with a strong personality. With their two coat varieties – smooth and wire – and coming directly from the Jack Russell Terrier, this feisty dog suits those who want a low maintenance, fun breed who will join them on their walks or jogs. These dogs are brave and loyal and will double as a watch dog and family pet.The breed is accepted for registry and it is classified under the Terrier dog category.

Different Sizes

There are 3 sizes of Atlas Terrier – toy, miniature, and standard. The toy variety is 23 to 28 cm tall at the shoulder and weighs 2.7 to 5.4 kg. All three varieties are the same except for height and weight.

The Coat - Smooth or Wavy?

The coat of this dog is thick and may come in a variety of colours such as brindle or merle. The Atlas Terrier is also found in solid colours and sometimes you will find that they have white markings on the face, feet or chest. Most times the tail of the Atlas Terrier is docked, but if not, the tail curls over the back. The ears of the Atlas Terrier are V-shaped and they fold forward.

Characteristics

Friend of Children

australian kelpie dog - characteristicsThe Australian Kelpie is an active, busy, intelligent, loving breed who is highly protective of his human family. He gets on well with children and other pets in the home but you’ll want him trained if you want him to be gentle around children and smaller pets. He does tend to gravitate towards one particular family member as his ‘favourite’ though.

He Must be Busy

Your Kelpie won't do well in an apartment as he is a working dog who wants plenty of place to run and play. If he is bored, it manifests itself with constant barking. Make sure to provide a stimulating, active lifestyle for your Australian Kelpie, provide him with everything a dog needs and you’ll be rewarded with a devoted and loyal companion.

atlas terrier dog - characteristicsAtlas Terriers most certainly have a bit of the Jack Russell in them and these dogs are social, outgoing, mischievous and affectionate. They’re just like your regular naughty child and having one of them in your home will mean energy and lots of fun and games.

This is a highly social breed and he won’t like to be left alone every day. Just like a human child, he will need to be stimulated to ward off boredom and to prevent him from becoming destructive.

Learning Abilities

The Atlas Terrier just loves games and if you’re ready for a game, he will be more than ready to take part. He is intelligent and will therefore responds well to training and socialization. When properly socialized, Atlas Terriers get along well with children, and because they’re not an aggressive breed, if they’re properly trained and socialized they will get along with other pets too. Atlas Terriers make excellent pets, but he is a strong willed dog and will require an owner who is firm, but fair.

Health Problems

A Healthy Breed

australian kelpie puppies - health problemsYour Australian Kelpie is a hardy breed and you won’t find many health problems with him. Yes, every dog is susceptible to illnesses which are common with all dog breeds, and these are illnesses such as hip dysplasia and cryptorchidism.

You will need to check your Kelpie out for eye disease such as PRA or Progressive Retinal Atrophy, a group of genetic diseases which are found in some breeds of dogs. This can lead to cataracts and blindness.

Lifestyle and Environment Impact Health

Health problems in your Australian Kelpie can certainly be partially prevented by the way you feed your dog and by the environment you provide him with. Every dog has the potential to develop genetic health problems, but as we’ve said, the Kelpie is a generally healthy breed.

Always find a reputable breeder whose focus is on breeding healthy dogs and who can provide certification that the parents of the dog are clear of defects and are in tip-top condition for breeding.

Puppy Vaccinations

Along with quality food and fresh water, getting your puppy vaccinated is hugely important. Australian Kelpie puppy shots will protect your new 4-legged family member from the likes of distemper, parvovirus and hepatitis. Your puppy will also need additional booster vaccinations after his first shots which start at around 8 weeks of age.

atlas terrier puppies - health problemsThe selective breeding program of Atlas Terriers has meant that this is a robust, spunky breed free of any major health concerns. While they are a low maintenance breed with longevity on their side, you still have to be a responsible pet owner and see that your Atlas Terrier puppy gets all those must have injections.

Vaccinating your Atlas Terrier Puppy

Tiny puppies are susceptible to infectious diseases and will have to be vaccinated against them from 8 weeks on and then also get an annual booster. The diseases to be vaccinated against include hepatitis, distemper, parvovirus, coronavirus, eptospirosis and parainfluenza. Vaccinations must be kept up to date and it is mandatory for your puppy to be vaccinated against rabies.

Caring The Pet

Grooming

australian kelpie dogs - caringAustralian Kelpies are low maintenance and their coat is easy to groom and maintain. You want to give him a good brush twice a week to get rid of loose hair. Australian Kelpies are moderate shedders.

Feeding your Kelpie

It is important to get your puppy off on the right foot to avoid health problems later on. Homemade dog food which includes chicken, rice and vegetables is always the best food for your dog. If you can't prepared your own meals for your Kelpie, top grade commercial dog food brands are recommended.

When looking at dog foods, remember that your Kelpie is a working dog – a naturally active breed and you’ll need to look at dog food which has been specially formulated for active dogs. Every dog will need raw meat in their diet if you want to avoid a dog with an itchy, flaky skin, a dog with poor energy levels and a dog that has no resistance to infection.

Training

Every owner who cares for their dog will provide him with socialization and training. The Australian Kelpie is an intelligent breed who responds well to training.

atlas terrier dogs - caringAs a medium shedder, the Atlas Terrier will require some grooming. Grooming is easy and a brush twice a week with a rubber-bristled brush will remove those loose hairs and give his coat a sheen.

Feeding the Puppy

Always make sure you’re feeding your tiny puppy the right quantities of a food type. Always feed your puppy food which is appropriate to his age. Your 8 week old puppy will require 4 meals a day. A highly active breed such as the Atlas Terrier will require more protein for energy.

Speak to your veterinarian about the perfect diet for your puppy and about wet- or dry foods. There is the choice of feeding your puppy commercial dog food or your own home-prepared meals, but then you want to be sure that your puppy is getting the right balance of minerals and vitamins.

Once your Atlas Terrier is about a year of age, he can go onto one meal a day or a lighter meal in the morning and the evening. Remember to ensure that there is always clean, cool water available for your puppy.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. American Bulldog vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  2. Border Collie vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  3. Sakhalin Husky vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  4. Alaskan Husky vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  5. Catahoula Leopard vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  6. German Pinscher vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  7. Portuguese Water Dog vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  8. Puli vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  9. Griffon Bleu de Gascogne vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  10. Borador vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  11. German Spaniel vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  12. Canadian Eskimo Dog vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  13. McNab vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  14. Porcelaine vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  15. Finnish Lapphund vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  16. Berger Blanc Suisse vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  17. Griffon Nivernais vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  18. Hokkaido vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  19. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  20. Pumi vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  21. Australian Kelpie vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  22. Griffon Fauve de Bretagne vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  23. Basque Shepherd vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  24. Istrian Sheepdog vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  25. Jamthund vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  26. American Pit Bull Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  27. Bull Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  28. Schnauzer vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  29. Fox Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  30. Bull and Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Bedlington Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  32. Irish Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  33. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  35. Austrian Pinscher vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  36. Lakeland Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  37. Atlas Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  38. Jagdterrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  39. Blue Paul Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  40. Indian Bull Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  41. Irish Bull Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  42. Japanese Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  43. Brazilian Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  44. Old English Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  45. Scoland Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Skye Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  47. Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  48. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  49. Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  50. Welsh Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds