Blue Heelers – everything you need to know
Blue Heelers are fun-loving and hard-working. If you want to learn how to care for this beautiful breed, keep reading.
Breed Snapshot:
• Size: They can be anywhere from 43 to 51 cm tall and weigh between 14 to 16kgs
• Coat: They have a double-coat of fur that makes them prone to frequent shedding, especially during the warmer months
• Energy: High-energy dogs. Blue Heelers are happiest when they are able to run and play for a few hours each day. At a minimum, they should be able to walk or run for an hour every day or every other day
• Country of Origin: Australia
• Breed Type: Descendants of the Dingo, Blue Heelers are a type of cattle dog that requires an excessive amount of activity and are happiest when they are working
• Other Names: Australian Cattle Dog
• Great Breed For: Farmhouses, Homes with large yards, Families that have an adequate amount of time to take them for long walks
What is a Blue Heeler?
The Blue Heeler, also known as the Australian Cattle Dog, is an intelligent and hard-working dog that loves to be active and be a part of a working crew. This breed originated in Australia and was a big part of boosting the Australian economy during the 1800s. Back then, ranchers would use these dogs to hear their cattle and transport the cattle through great distances. One of the things that made this breed such good cattle dogs were their ability to adapt to various types of climates and terrains without being fatigued. Today, the Blue Heeler is still used to help out around the farms and ranches, and their playful and energetic personality makes them a great addition to any family.
What Does the Blue Heeler Look Like?
The Blue Heeler gets its name from its distinctive blue coat. When they are puppies, their coat is usually white. However, after they mature, their soft fur changes into a blue-grey colour that can sometimes be red or copper-coloured as well. Their coats can come in a wide range of patterns and usually feature an array of dark speckles throughout the body.
Blue Heelers usually have a slender, yet muscular, body and they can reach up to 51cm in height. Their tall, pointy ears and narrow muzzle help them to always look alert and ready to face new challenges.
What Makes the Blue Heeler Special?
Blue Heelers are known for their high intelligence levels and their willingness to help out whenever needed. They are very family-friendly and once you have gained their trust; they remain loyal to you for the rest of their lives.
They are sometimes known to be shy around strangers and tend to keep close to their family members when out in large crowds. But they are able to quickly warm up to strangers once they determine that the stranger is no threat to them or their family.
How Often Should I Groom My Blue Heeler?
Blue Heelers have a double-coat of fur that helps to protect their skin and keeps it clean. The coat usually does not have an odour, so it is only required that you bathe your dog occasionally.
Their double-coat is prone to shed excessively twice a year, however. During the shedding periods, you should brush your dog’s coat thoroughly at least once a day to help them get the excess hair from their body.
How Often Do I Need to Walk My Blu Heeler?
Blue Heelers have a lot of energy and require an excessive amount of exercise each day. They are happiest when they live on a farm or a home that has a large yard where they can run and play for several hours a day. However, if they do not have a big yard, then you should take your Blue Heeler for a jog or a brisk walk for at least an hour a day.
How Do I Train My Blue Heeler?
Because this breed is prone to be wary of strangers, it is important that you try to socialize your dog with people and animals as soon as possible. Early socialization is the key to ensuring that they are happy and well-adjusted dogs when they become older. This dog is very energetic but also loves to please its owners. By giving your dog small tasks at first and rewarding all good behaviour, you will be able to train your dog to be obedient in no time.
Quickfire Questions
How long will my Blue Heeler live?
The average lifespan of a Blue Heeler is 13 to 15 years.
Can I leave my Blue Heeler at home alone all day?
Blue Heelers are very independent. However, they are also energetic and can get bored very easily. If you are going to be leaving your dog by himself for long periods of time, it is important to make sure that he has plenty of toys and activities available to keep him entertained. When a Blue Heeler has nothing to do, they are more likely to get into mischief.
What kind of health risk do Blue Heelers have?
Blue Heelers are relatively healthy dogs. However, they have been known to suffer from certain conditions such as hip dysplasia and vision problems. A responsible owner should also check their dog’s ears regularly to make sure that there is no dirt or wax buildup that may cause hearing loss.
Do Blue Heelers bark frequently?
For the most part, a Blue Heeler is a fairly quiet dog when they are in the home. However, once they get outside or start to work on the cattle farms, they let their presence be known with a loud, and sometimes constant, bark.
Where Do I Get A Blue Heeler?
Blue Heeler breeders can be found all over Australia. See article: How to find Registered Dog Breeders in Australia.
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