Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Australian Terrier Versus Keeshond: Introduction
- Australian Terrier versus Keeshond: Overview
- Australian Terrier versus Keeshond: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Australian Terrier and the Keeshond
- The Similarities Between the Australian Terrier and the Keeshond
- Size Comparison of Australian Terrier versus Keeshond
- Lifespan of Australian Terrier versus Keeshond
- Temperament of the Australian Terrier Versus the Keeshond
- Price of Australian Terrier versus Price of Keeshond
- The Intelligence of the Australian Terrier versus the Intelligence of the Keeshond
- Health Problems of Australian Terrier versus Health Problems of Keeshond
- Tolerates Being Alone: Australian Terrier versus Keeshond
- Do Australian Terriers shed more than Keeshonds?
- Which one drools more, the Australian Terrier or the Keeshond
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Australian Terrier or the Keeshond?
- Does the Australian Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Keeshond?
- Do Australian Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Keeshonds?
- Can Australian Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Keeshonds Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Australian Terrier vs. Keeshond
- Can Australian Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Keeshonds Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Australian Terrier or the Keeshond?
- Are Australian Terriers good family dogs? What about Keeshonds?
- How Kid-friendly are Australian Terriers and Keeshonds?
- Is the Australian Terrier Easier to Train than the Keeshond?
- Conclusion: Australian Terrier versus Keeshond. Which One is a Better Pet?
Australian Terrier Versus Keeshond: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Australian Terrier and the Keeshond? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Australian Terrier and the Keeshond better suits you.We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Australian Terrier and the Keeshond.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Australian Terrier and the Keeshond is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.
Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Australian Terrier and for the Keeshond. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Australian Terrier and the Keeshond.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Australian Terrier or the Keeshond.
Australian Terrier versus Keeshond: Overview
A very important difference between the Australian Terrier and the Keeshond is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Australian Terrier is a tiny-sized dog while the Keeshond is a medium-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Australian Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.
On the other hand, the Keeshond belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.
Australian Terrier versus Keeshond: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Australian Terrier to the Keeshond based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.
When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets
Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.
However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.
Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Australian Terrier and the Keeshond
| Factor | Australian Terrier | Keeshond |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Shed | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Height | 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder | 1 foot, 4 inches to 1 foot, 7 inches tall at the s |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Weight | 14 to 16 pounds | 35 to 45 pounds |
| Easygoing | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Train | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 13.5 years |
| Average Price | $1250 | $1930 |
| Price Range | $1050 – $1500 | $1800 – $2000 |
| Temperament Score | 82.4 percent | 81.6 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | ||
| Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds) | 34 | 16 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Australian Terrier in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Keeshond. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.
The Better-Pet score for the Australian Terrier is 81 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Keeshond is 83 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Keeshond is a better pet than the Australian Terrier. So, you should get the Keeshond!
Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Australian Terrier and the Keeshond so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Australian Terrier and the Keeshond
Below is a list of where the Australian Terrier and the Keeshond are most different:
- Australian Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies. However, Keeshonds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
- Australian Terriers are not very sensitive to their enviroment. They can tolerate noisy environments. They are also not very sensitive to the tone of your voice, firm or gentle. However, Keeshonds are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
The Similarities Between the Australian Terrier and the Keeshond
The Australian Terrier and the Keeshond are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Australian Terrier and the Keeshond are most similar:
- Both the Australian Terrier and the Keeshond do not have the tendency to drool.
- Both the Australian Terrier and the Keeshond do not like to be left alone.
- Both the Australian Terrier and the Keeshond can tolerate hot weather.
- Both the Australian Terrier and the Keeshond are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
- Both the Australian Terrier and the Keeshond are highly intelligent.
- Both the Australian Terrier and the Keeshond require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
- Both the Australian Terrier and the Keeshond adapt well to apartment living.
- Both the Australian Terrier and the Keeshond are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
- Both the Australian Terrier and the Keeshond have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
- Both the Australian Terrier and the Keeshond are very playful.
Size Comparison of Australian Terrier versus Keeshond
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Australian Terrier and the Keeshond.
Australian Terriers weigh 14 to 16 pounds when fully grown. Australian Terriers are 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
On the other hand, Keeshonds weigh 35 to 45 pounds when fully grown. Keeshonds are 1 foot, 4 inches to 1 foot, 7 inches tall at the s when fully grown.
Lifespan of Australian Terrier versus Keeshond
The lifespan of Australian Terriers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Australian Terriers is 13.5 years.
The lifespan of Keeshonds is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Keeshonds is 13.5 years.
Temperament of the Australian Terrier Versus the Keeshond
The Australian Terrier has a better temperament than the Keeshond.
This is because the temperament score for the Australian Terrier is 82.4 percent while the temperament score for the Keeshond is 81.6 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).
The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.
Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.
The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.
With its temperament score of 82.4 percent, the Australian Terrier has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
With its temperament score of 81.6 percent, the Keeshond has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Australian Terrier and the Keeshond by measuring the temperaments of 17 Australian Terriers and 87 Keeshonds.
Price of Australian Terrier versus Price of Keeshond
The average price of the Australian Terrier puppy is $1250. The price of the Australian Terrier typically ranges from $1050 – $1500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 13 Australian Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The average price of the Keeshond puppy is $1930. The price of the Keeshond typically ranges from $1800 – $2000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 30 Keeshond puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Keeshond is more expensive than the Australian Terrier.
The charts below show the price distribution for the Australian Terrier and Keeshond. For different price points, the charts show how many Australian Terrier puppies or how many Keeshond puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Australian Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of Keeshonds
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Australian Terrier puppy or the Keeshond puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.
Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.
You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.
The Intelligence of the Australian Terrier versus the Intelligence of the Keeshond
`| Australian Terrier | Keeshond | |
|---|---|---|
| Intelligence Rank | 34 out of 130 dog breeds | 16 out of 130 dog breeds |
| Trainability | Tend To Learn New Commands After 15 To 25 Repetitions | Tend To Learn New Commands After 5 To 15 Repetitions |
Professor Stanley Coren, the famous psychology/neuropsychological professor and, dog lover/trainer measured and ranked the intelligence of about 130 different dog breeds.
According to Prof. Stanley Coren, the total intelligence that a dog demonstrates is the addition of three types of intelligence. These intelligence types are:- Instinctive Intelligence: This is the natural intelligence a dog has because of what the dog was bred for. This type of intelligence comes from instinct. For example, dog breeds that were bred for guarding will have high `guarding` instinctive intelligence, while dog breeds that were bred for hunting will what high `hunting` instinctive intelligence. However, you cannot compare the intelligence of dog breeds based on instinctive intelligence because such a comparison will not make sense.
- Adaptive Intelligence (learning and problem-solving ability): This indicates what a dog can learn to do for himself or herself. It includes learning and benefiting from experience with his environment, solving new problems, and so forth. Adaptive intelligence is specific to each dog, and not breed specific. Thus, two dogs can have remarkably different levels of adaptive intelligence even if they are of the same breed.
- Working/Obedience Intelligence: This intelligence is the closest to what we might call school-learning ability and it is based upon what the dog can learn to do when instructed by humans. Importantly, different dog breeds have different learning abilities. Also, science has shown that some dog breeds can learn faster than some other breeds. This means certain dog breeds tend to have higher working/obedience intelligence than some other breeds. Dogs with high Working/Obedience Intelligence are smart and easy to train.
Prof. Coren showed that the Working/Obedience Intelligence of different dog breeds can be measured reliably. Thus, he was able to rank different dog breeds based on their Working/Obedience Intelligence.
This is important because according to Prof. Coren, 51 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from its genes while 49 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from the dog`s environmental circumstances.
To rank the intelligence of dog breeds, Prof. Coren employed the help of 208 dog obedience judges in North America to fill out a detailed survey on dog obedience. This number represented more than half of all of these judges in North America at the time. He also employed 63 veterinarians and 14 guard dog experts to collect data on the personality of different dog breeds.Prof. Coren found that the Australian Terrier has an obedience intelligence rank of 34 out of 130 dog breeds. The Australian Terrier belongs to the `Above Average Working Dogs` category. This means that Australian Terriers tend to learn new commands after 15 to 25 repetitions.
The Keeshond has an obedience intelligence rank of 16 out of 130 dog breeds. The Keeshond belongs to the `Excellent Working Dogs` category. This means that Keeshonds tend to learn new commands after 5 to 15 repetitions.
The Keeshond is more intelligent than the Australian Terrier.
However, Prof. Coren noted that a dog should not be judged based on its intelligence alone, that other factors such as sociability, adorability, and compatibility with the owner are other very important factors that new dog owners need to consider when deciding on a new dog.
Health Problems of Australian Terrier versus Health Problems of Keeshond
Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.
Both the Australian Terrier and the Keeshond are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.
The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.
Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Keeshond is prone to more genetic health problems than the Australian Terrier.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Keeshond than for the Australian Terrier.
3 health tests are recommended for Australian Terrier while 4 tests are recommended for the Keeshond.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Australian Terriers and in Keeshonds.
Australian Terrier Health Problems
Australian Terriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Australian Terrier puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Australian Terrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Australian Terrier breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Australian Terriers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Australian Terriers here.
Keeshond Health Problems
Keeshonds are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Keeshond puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Keeshond puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Keeshond breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Keeshonds for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Keeshonds here.
Tolerates Being Alone: Australian Terrier versus Keeshond
Australian Terriers do not like to be left alone.
Keeshonds do not like to be left alone.
Do Australian Terriers shed more than Keeshonds?
Australian Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Keeshonds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Australian Terrier or the Keeshond
Australian Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Keeshonds do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Australian Terrier or the Keeshond?
Australian Terriers are very easy to groom.
Keeshonds are moderately easy to groom.
Does the Australian Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Keeshond?
Australian Terriers have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.
Keeshonds have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Do Australian Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Keeshonds?
Australian Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Keeshonds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Australian Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Keeshonds Tolerate Cold Weather?
Australian Terriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Keeshonds can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Australian Terrier vs. Keeshond
Australian Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Keeshonds do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Can Australian Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Keeshonds Tolerate Hot Weather?
Australian Terriers can tolerate hot weather.
Keeshonds can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Australian Terrier or the Keeshond?
Australian Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.
Keeshonds get along very well with other dogs.
Are Australian Terriers good family dogs? What about Keeshonds?
Australian Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Keeshonds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Australian Terriers and Keeshonds?
Australian Terriers get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Keeshonds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Australian Terrier Easier to Train than the Keeshond?
Australian Terriers are fairly easy to train.
Keeshonds are very easy to train.
Is the Australian Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Keeshond?
Australian Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.
Keeshonds adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Australian Terrier or the Keeshond?
Australian Terriers are OK for new dog owners.
Keeshonds are very good for new dog owners.
Conclusion: Australian Terrier versus Keeshond. Which One is a Better Pet?
In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Australian Terrier and the Keeshond better suits you and your family.