What two breeds make a Blue Heeler?

Australian Cattle Dogs are the culmination of cross-breeding the Blue Merle and the Australian Dingo by British settlers in Australia in the late 1800s. These working dogs have plenty of energy and love to run. They're devoted to their people and can be good for families—as long they have an outlet for all that energy.

What's the difference between an Australian Cattle Dog and a Blue Heeler?

What is the difference between a Blue Heeler and an Australian Cattle Dog? There is no difference—they are the same breed . All blue heelers are Australian Cattle Dogs, but not all Australian Cattle Dogs are blue heelers; some are red heelers.

What type of body does a Blue Heeler have?

It is broad, strong, well-developed, and slightly tapering to form a blunt wedge shape .

Why are blue heelers so special?

Beyond having an unwavering work ethic, blue heelers become intensely devoted to their owners and dislike being separated from them, which is why they are known as "shadow dogs." This is an extremely active dog that will happily become your next running or hiking buddy.

Are blue heelers one of the smartest dogs?

Blue Heelers routinely ranks in the top ten for most intelligent dog breeds . On some lists, they rank in the top five. There are very few dogs that are smarter than a Blue Heeler pound for pound. The American Kennel Club claims that Blue Heelers can “routinely outsmart their owners,” which is a scary thought.

Do blue heelers like to cuddle?

Australian Cattle Dogs might not be as cuddly as some breeds, but they express their love through what could be called a 'Cattle Dog Cuddle. ' If your dog often leans against you or places their head on your lap, it's a sign they trust and love you. It's their way of saying, “You're my pack, and I love you.”

Do blue heelers make good pets?

Essentially, they are dogs renowned for their devotion to their family, their intelligence and boundless energy. Always watchful, these dogs show a devotion to duty and can be protective of their owners and possessions.

What not to feed a blue heeler?

Avoid dog foods that contain low-quality ingredients, such as corn, wheat, and soy , as these are not easily digestible and can contribute to health problems. It is also a good idea to choose a dog food that is appropriate for your Australian Cattle Dog's life stage.

What is the lifespan of a blue heeler?

One of the biggest concerns of pet parents is understanding how long they'll get to enjoy the companionship of their furry friend. For Blue Heelers, the average lifespan ranges between 12 to 15 years.

Do blue heelers pick a favorite person?

ACD's bond so closely with their humans that it can be scary. Some pick one person in the household who is their special person and virtually attach themselves at the hip while some bond closely to everyone in the household.

What health problems do blue heelers have?

Your Heeler is more likely than other dogs to have a liver disorder called portosystemic shunt (PSS). Some of the blood supply that should go to the liver goes around it instead, depriving the liver of the blood flow it needs to grow and function properly.

Are Blue Heelers good house dogs?

The Australian Cattle Dog: Family Dog and Intelligent Companion. Australian Cattle Dogs, also called Blue Heelers, are extremely alert, pleasant pups with keen intelligence and a fierce sense of loyalty. These faithful friends are not considered aggressive and can be an excellent fit for families with kids.

Is Bluey a Blue Heeler or Australian Shepherd?

Additionally, Bluey is part of the Heeler family. So, Bluey is a blue heeler . This breed is also known as an Australian cattle dog. All the members of Bluey's family are also this breed, which is appropriate because the family lives in Australia.

The Blue Heeler vs Australian Shepherd Dog Breeds: What's the Difference?

There are many different dog breeds out there, and it can be tough to decide which one is right for you. If you’re looking for a herding dog, two of the most popular options are the Blue Heeler and Australian Shepherd.

So, what’s the difference between these two breeds? Let’s take a look!

History of the Blue Heeler

The nickname of the Australian Cattle Dog, which is Heeler, arose because of their tendency to nip at cattle’s heels to encourage the direction of movement while they are being herded. They were bred to herd cattle over long distances and special characteristics such as their high energy levels and stamina were desired to cope with the rough terrain and high temperatures of the Australian outback.

The Blue Heeler vs Australian Shepherd Dog Breeds: What's the Difference? - Animal Corner (1)

This background means that they are very energetic and playful dogs with a high intelligence. You’ll need to make sure that you have enough time to spend with your Blue Heeler outside, although they also do well as a pet rather than a working dog when they are trained and socialized properly.

There are two different types of Australian Cattle dogs and therefore there are two different types of Heelers — the Original Cattle Dog, from New South Wales, and The Queensland Heelers, who are a variant of the breed from the 1940s. Both are now known as Heelers.

Australian Shepherd HISTORY

The Blue Heeler vs Australian Shepherd Dog Breeds: What's the Difference? - Animal Corner (2)

Despite the name, Australian Shepherds were fully developed in the United States. Spaniards probably brought these dogs to America in the 19th century, along with Australian sheep and cross-bred them with collies. Later they were further developed from sheep dogs to become cattle dogs and today American cowboys still use them to drive cattle. The dogs are also trained for police work and competitive obedience.

Australian Shepherds are ranked 34th out of 154 dog breeds in AKC registrations.

Blue Heeler vs Australian Shepherd: Height and Weight

The Blue Heeler vs Australian Shepherd Dog Breeds: What's the Difference? - Animal Corner (3)

The Blue Heeler vs Australian Shepherd Dog Breeds: What's the Difference? - Animal Corner (4)

When it comes to size, the Blue Heeler is slightly smaller than the Australian Shepherd. The average Blue Heeler weighs between 35 and 50 pounds, while the average Australian Shepherd weighs between 40 and 60 pounds.

The height of these two breeds also varies. The Blue Heeler typically stands between 17 and 20 inches tall, while the Australian Shepherd typically stands between 18 and 23 inches tall.

Blue Heeler vs Australian Shepherd: Coat Type

Another important difference to consider is coat type. The Blue Heeler has a short, dense coat that sheds moderately throughout the year. The Australian Shepherd, on the other hand, has a medium-length coat that can be either straight or wavy.

This is an important consideration if you’re allergic to dog hair or if you simply don’t want to deal with a lot of shedding. If either of these things is a concern for you, the Blue Heeler might be the better choice.

Blue Heeler vs Australian Shepherd: Colors

When it comes to color, the Blue Heeler is typically blue or red with white markings. The Australian Shepherd can come in a wide variety of colors, including black, blue, red, and merle.

Blue Heeler vs Australian Shepherd: Temperament

When it comes to temperament, the Blue Heeler and Australian Shepherd are fairly similar. Both breeds are intelligent, active, and loyal. However, the Blue Heeler is typically more reserved around strangers, while the Australian Shepherd is more outgoing.

Blue Heeler vs Australian Shepherd: Lifespan

Another important difference to consider is lifespan. The Blue Heeler typically lives for 12-14 years, while the Australian Shepherd typically lives for 11-13 years.

Blue Heeler vs Australian Shepherd: Health Problems

Finally, it’s important to consider the health problems that each breed is prone to. The Blue Heeler is generally a healthy breed, but they can be susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as eye problems.

The Australian Shepherd is also generally a healthy breed, but they can be susceptible to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, epilepsy, and cancer.

So, which breed is right for you? If you’re looking for a smaller herding dog with a short coat, the Blue Heeler might be the better choice. However, if size doesn’t matter to you and you prefer a longer-coated dog, the Australian Shepherd might be a better option.

Ultimately, the best way to decide which breed is right for you is to do your research and meet some dogs of each breed in person!

The Blue Heeler vs Australian Shepherd Dog Breeds: What's the Difference? - Animal Corner (2024)