Toy Australian Shepherd vs Sabueso Espanol - Breed Comparison

These beautiful little dogs interestingly don’t originate in Australia. They were originally bred in the western U.S. as herding dogs.

Today they are mainly companion dogs. Their lineage goes back to a pair of sibling dogs - the Wildhagen Dutchman and Fieldmaster of Flintridge and these two dogs began the lineage to which the Miniature Australian Shepherd belongs.

Known also as ‘Aussie’, there are different stories to its exact origins. It is thought that some Basque farmers brought dogs with them when they came to Australia, taking them to the United States during the 1849 California gold rush.

The dog has been crossed with a number of breeds to bring about a dog that could cope with harsh temperatures.

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’.

The Toy Australian Shepherd, also referred to as the Mini- or Miniature Australian Shepherd is a small dog standing at between 26 - 36 cm in height and weighing between 3 to 9kg.

He looks very similar to the standard Australian Shepherd.

He has a medium-length, weather-resistant coat which is white with tan, black, red or blue merle. The coat is long, and slightly wavy with feathering around the legs and neck.

They eyes can be blue or brown or he can have two differently colored eyes.The tail of these dogs can be a natural bobtail or it is docked. They do shed but they don’t require that much grooming.

Temperament:

These playful little dogs may be small, but they are brave and full of courage. They’re also easy going, and love nothing more than to be around their human family.

They love the games that children play and are always ready to join in, making excellent playmates for children. Lively and alert, they also make good watchdogs and because they are so intelligent, they are easy to train and socialize.

Their intelligence means they need to be physically and mentally stimulated otherwise they can become destructive from sheer boredom. They’re full of energy and will require regular exercise every day.

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 Toy Australian Shepherd is such a clever little dog and eager to learn too. You won’t have trouble getting him trained and socialized as he is eager to learn.

He bonds closely with his human family, becoming a loyal, devoted pet. They are also great playmates for children. They’re the kind of dogs that will require mental and physical stimulation if they are to to be prevented from becoming bored and frustrated.

They need social interaction with their human family and will be devastated if they were to be stuck in the backyard and all but forgotten.

They have a lifespan of 12 – 14 years and you want to make sure they’re happy, contented years, because he is wiling to play his part and make you a wonderful pet and companion.

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.

Make sure your Toy Australian Shepherd sees the vet as a puppy to be dewormed and to get his first puppy injections.

Dental Disease:

Dental disease is far more serious than you think. It can affect other areas of your dog’s body. Plaque and inflamed gums lead to bone- and tooth loss.

Bad breath is a sign of periodontal disease. Find out from your vet what to do to guard against periodontitis. It’s important because ignoring bad teeth can lead to heart disease, with bacteria constantly entering the blood stream.

Parasites:

Fleas and ticks are your pet’s enemy as well as heartworm. Dogs can die from heartworm infestations. Heartworm is linked to mosquito bites, so if you live in warm areas, check with your vet for preventative measures.

Hip Dysplasia:

This is another common dog illness to watch out for. This is a painful condition where the hip joint isn’t formed properly and it can lead to terrible pain and lameness.

Skin Allergies:

Just like people endure endless misery with eczema, dogs too can develop skin allergies. They can create endless frustration and misery for any pet because of the terrible itch and pain. All the licking and scratching can lead to secondary bacterial infections too.

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.

Diet:

Your puppy will need 4 small bowls of food a day. If you’re wondering just how much, either speak to your vet or follow the portion-guide on the packaging of the puppy dog food.

As your puppy grows older, you feed less frequently so that he is getting two meals a day as an adult. For feeding an adult, there are excellent commercial dog foods available - remember to choose a good brand for your dogs age, size and energy levels.

Try and give him some tasty home-made food too from time to time – nothing exotic and spicy – just plain foods such as boiled chicken, brown rice, spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots. Dogs thrive on simple, healthy food like this. Make sure he always has a bowl of cool, fresh water to drink.

Exercise:

These energetic little bundles of fur will need regular exercise – every day in fact. He’s a smart little dog too, so you need to provide him with stimulating games that will keep his mind and his body physically fit.

Grooming:

Reduce shedding and loose hair by brushing the long hair a least twice a week. This will also help to get rid of matting. Trim nails and check for fleas and ticks.

General:

Provide your Toy Australian with a warm, dry, peaceful place to sleep. If he is outside often, make sure he has both sun and shade to lie in as well as a sheltered spot for when it rains.

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.