
Known as a hybrid dog, we’ve put together a list of what we think are 15 of the best blue heeler mixes for you to consider. With such a strong personality, work ethic, and high need for exercise, the pure blue heeler is an energetic dog that may not be suitable for every would-be dog owner or family with small children.īut with an Australian blue heeler cross breed, you can get the best of both worlds by mixing two different dog breeds. However, blue heeler dogs are susceptible to certain health conditions, including hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, deafness, cataracts, and ear infections.
Health: A tough, resilient animal, the blue heeler is generally a healthy dog with an average lifespan of between 12 and 15 years. Exercise-wise, the Australian heeler needs plenty of outdoor time so best suited to active dog owners. Their herding instinct is also strong, and they can ‘herd’ children, other animals, and family pets by nipping at their heels.īut they love a job to do, so like many other dogs, they can excel at dog sports and obedience training. Training: With their strong personality, the heeler needs early proper socialization and consistent training to bring out his best. Their personality can be best described as a little intense so they need an active home to bring out their best. The blue heeler is also loyal and protective with an independent streak so can be wary of other dogs. The heeler is intelligent with a strong work ethic, which means they can succumb to boredom if not mentally and physically stimulated. Temperament: With boundless energy, blue heelers are the ultimate working dog.
You can also get red heelers, which have a rusty speckle to their fur. They have dark, intelligent eyes, set in a wide skull and alert, upright ears.Īll blue heelers are born with a white coat, which develops the distinctive blue mottling or blue speckled pattern as they age.
Appearance: Growing up to 20 inches tall, the Blue Heeler is a long and stocky dog, with a shorthaired coat and a bushy, muscular tail. The blue heeler was recognized as a purebred dog breed by the American Kennel Club in 1980. The heeler is also a remarkably resilient and tough dog, able to deal with the harsh Aussie climate. They got their name as they nipped at the heels of the cattle to keep them on the move. Originally bred in the 19th century, blue heelers were used for herding cattle back to the farm in the vast Australian outback. And when you realize that this hardworking breed is the result of a cross between either dalmatians or border collies with the wild dingo dog, you can see its heritage. With its short, durable coat featuring the distinct speckled blue coloring, the Blue Heeler is a handsome animal. All you Need to Know about the Blue Heeler We take a more in-depth look at what makes a blue heeler and highlight 15 of the best blue heeler mixes. However, there are some stunning blue heeler crossbreeds coming to the fore which may be a better match for you and your family. But for others, the unique qualities of the blue heeler dog breed make them the perfect family pet. While blue heelers are becoming popular pets, their intelligence, energy, and intensity may make them a bit of a challenge for less experienced pet owners.
And, if there’s one word to be used to describe the heeler, many owners would say ‘workaholic’! Regularly checking them and cleaning as needed helps reduce the risk of ear infections in your dog.Also known as Australian cattle dogs, the blue heeler is one of the ultimate working canines.īred to herd cattle in the Australian outback, this medium-sized dog breed is hardy, tenacious, loyal, and energetic. If your Border Collie Mix has ears that drop down, they are more prone to moisture and developing an infection.
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It’s also important to regularly check your dog’s ears to ensure they are dry, clean, and free of dirt or debris and then to carefully clean them if needed. This will help prevent the tartar and plaque buildup that leads to dental disease. When it comes to dental care for your dog, brushing their teeth daily is recommended. For most dogs, trimming nails once a month is sufficient. Regardless of the coat, all dogs need to have their nails trimmed, teeth brushed, and ears checked regularly. Finding out about the other parent breed from the breeder will give you an idea of what you could expect when it comes to coat. Depending on the other parent breed in your Border Collie Mix, their coat could require more or less grooming. They also have heavier shedding sessions as the seasons change and need to be brushed more frequently during this time. Border Collies have a weather-resistant double coat that requires weekly brushing.