Sabueso Espanol vs Queensland Heeler - Breed Comparison

The Sabueso Español is a Spanish Scenthound, hailing from the Iberian Peninsula, Spain. Beyond Spanish borders, this dog is virtually unknown.

There isn’t much on its origins but it is believed that it may have developed from the bloodhound. The dog has been used for hundreds of years to hunt down wild boar, deer and all kinds of game. To this day it is essentially a hunting dog and not particularly used as a pet.

When he is on the hunt, he uses his baying bark to communicate with the pack. The dog is recognised by the UKC under the category ‘Scent Hound’.

Another name for Queensland Heeler is Australian Cattle Dog or Blue Heeler.

These dogs have always been known for herding cattle. The term ‘Heeler’ comes from the dog’s working style – nipping and biting at the cattle’s hooves.

He was was an Australian cattle dog for Australian settlers in the 1800s. It is believed that Thomas Hall created one of the foundations of the Australian Cattle Dog breed by crossing crossing sheepdogs with Dingos.

The Blue-colored dogs have been the most popular, being known as the Blue Heeler.

Known also as the Spanish Hound, this medium-sized dog stands at between 47 and 58cm in height ad weighs 23 to 25kg.

The dog has very long ears, the eyes are amber colored and the long tail is thin ad whip-like. The coat is short and smooth and is mostly white with orangey, lemon or reddish brown patches.

Temperament:

People think that because these dogs are such excellent hunting dogs, they can't be a good pet, but they are calm and loving, making an excellent companion dog.

He is also good with children in the home. He will just need to be trained and socialized if you want him to be well mannered and obedient as he is independent and can be stubborn.

The Queensland Heeler is a medium sized dog that stands between 43 and 51cm in height, both male and female. The dog weighs in the region of 15 to 22kg.

He has a short double coat with colors being blue, mottled blue and also red speckled. You’ll also find black and tan coloring on this active dog.

He is strong, lean and muscular with medium sized ears that are erect. The eyes are dark and alert, the legs straight and strong. The tail can be docked or left long.

Temperament:

The Australian Cattle Dog is a high-energy working dog that you won’t easily find lying around. The alert eyes are consistently looking around for action and he can’t be bored otherwise he could resort to digging or other destructive behavior.

He is loving to his entire human family, but being particularly attached to just one family member. He is also protective, taking his guarding role of his family seriously.

He gets on well with children and other pets but you’ve just got to keep your eyes on him around children as when excited he can give a nip or two.

Training and socialization will be important for this dog, particularly because he can be strong-headed, willful and stubborn.

The attractive Sabueso Español is a calm, amicable, sweet dog that is loving towards his human owners. He is good with children but would prefer older children who know how to be kind and gentle towards him.

He isn’t aggressive and will get on well with other dogs in the house too. He is essentially an outdoor dog and will love nothing more than to have his family involved with him with activities outside.

If you’re looking for a great pet and companion for home and outdoor life, this dog is a superb choice.

Active, intelligent, feisty, brave, playful, loving – these are just some of the wonderful characteristics you get when you bring a Queensland Heeler into your home.

True, he is independent, self-willed and stubborn, but training and socialization can take away all the rough edges.

He forms a strong bond with his human owner, and once you’ve had one of these amazing dogs in your life, you’ll be convinced that dogs are truly man’s best friend.

The Sabueso can live to be 12 years of age, but it is still good to be aware of typical dog illnesses that he can succumb to.

Ear Infections:

Hound dogs with floppy ears are known for getting ear infections. This is because floppy eared dogs don’t get the right amount of air circulation, and excess wax, dirt and moisture cause problems within the ear.

Obesity in Dogs:

Excess body fat with a dog can create problems for your dog. Obesity is common in all dogs and dogs of all ages. Dogs that are obese don’t want to exercise. Obesity can cause a host of problems with your dog and even reduce his lifespan.

Australian Cattle Dogs are healthy. Every dog, even the most healthiest breeds, can succumb to some of the common dog illnesses there are.

Deafness:

This is an inherited condition, so if you’re looking for a puppy, be careful about the breeder you buy from.

Hip Dysplasia:

This is another inherited condition where the thighbone of the dog doesn't fit properly into the hip joint. Your dog is usually so active but with this problem he may well be in pain and actually be lame. Your pet can even develop arthritis . The idea is to get your pet to the vet because it can be unbearable to see him in pain and unable to get around.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy:

This eye disease can mean deterioration of the retina. You'll recognize the signs when you see your dog unable to navigate around your home during the night. He is night blind but later on he can’t see during the day either.

The short coat of the Sabueso Español makes him a low maintenance dog. and a brush twice a week is enough to keep his coat in tip top condition. As you brush him, make sure to check for any odd, new lumps you come across.

Check inside his ears, take a look at his eyes and make sure they’re bright and clear.

Look inside his mouth. He has no way of telling you if he has a rotten tooth causing him pain, and he relies on you to check on this for him.

Provide him with a dry, warm, comfortable bed.

These dogs are known for their stamina and energy and will ideally suit a home on a large property and not a small property in the city. They need lots of open spaces and plenty of exercise. They love long walks, preferably vigorous hikes, swimming and ball and rope games.

Ensure he is neutered or spayed if you want to avoid puppies.

Make sure his vaccinations are up to date to prevent deadly canine diseases.

Your Sabueso Espanol needs a nutritious diet if he is to remain healthy and happy. Commercially manufactured dog foods can be a good choice if you go for the high quality ones packed with vitamins and minerals. They can be convenient and well balanced. To provide your dog with some variety, provide him with some home-made food added into the dry kibble from time to time. No need to make home-made food all complicated and involved. Simply boil chicken, brown rice, sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach together, chopping it all up, and adding little bits of this to your dog's dry kibble twice a week. This will keep him happy and healthy. Try to include a bit of raw meat occasionally and never let your dog be without a constant source of fresh, cool water.

To cope with his life on the Australian Outback, the Queensland Heeler is known to be a low maintenance dog.

The thick coat does shed and it can get dusty so a good brush twice a week is all that is basically required for this dog. If his nails don’t wear down naturally, you will need to have them trimmed. As with every dog, you will need to give attention to his ears and teeth.

Exercise:

This is an extremely active dog. He is going to be needing both mental and physical stimulation to avoid boredom, after all he is used to an active lifestyle herding cattle. Hikes, swimming, running – you name it – he’ll join you with all your activities.

Diet:

Your Queensland Heeler is such a vibrant dog, full of the joys of living, and you want to ensure he has good food to eat to ensure he stays like that.

For convenience you get some excellent commercially manufactured dog foods. Your Blue Heeler is such a wonderful companion dog that you want to spoil him a bit and give him some delicious home-made food too. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots are a healthy choice for your pet – plain and simple just like dogs love it. Chop it up and add it into the high quality dry kibble a couple of times a week.

Some raw meat added in from time to time will help his skin and coat remain healthy. Never leave him without a constant source of fresh, cool water.