Introduction:
Contents
The Australian Cattle Dog is an extraordinarily intelligent, active, and durable dog breed. Developed by Australian settlers to handle herds of cattle on expansive ranches, he’s still used today as a herding dog. He thrives on having employment to try and do and on being a part of all family activities. He’s loyal and protective of his family, though wary of outsiders. Besides herding work, the Australian Cattle dog does well at canine sports, including agility, obedience, rally, flyball, and flying disc competitions.
1. History of Blue Heeler:
The Blue Heeler, known as Australian Cattle Dog, made vital contributions to the expansion of the continent’s beef industry and an essential part of the Australian economy.
In the early 1800s when Anglo-Australians started their immigration from the initial seaside villages to the grasslands of the westward inland.
This was the prime area for the raising of kine. In recreating these wild areas as cattle farms, good herding dogs were necessary. Australian’s first cattle dogs were British imports of a breed referred to as the Smithfield, unsuited to the warm temperature, rough territory, and vast miles to promote their new home. Thus, stockmen began a protracted process of trial and to breed a herding dog that might meet the provocations of Australia’s climate. Smithfield’s were cross-matched with Dingoes breeds because the Scottish Highland Collie, as breeders, worked toward the hardworking and sturdy herders they desired. A key contributor to the trouble was George Elliot, of Queensland, who bred Dingoes with Collies and sold the puppies to farmers. The result was a dog who was near being the quintessential Aussie herder. Pure perfection came later when two brothers, Jack and Harry Bagust, bred Dalmatians with a number of Elliott’s Australian Cattle Dogs.
The Dalmatian’s loyalness, guardedness, and ease with horses, mixed with the first breed’s working ability was just the correct combination to provide the ACD we all know today. The Australian Cattle Dog was admitted to the AKC in 1980 and has become a member of the AKC Herding Group upon the founding of the group in 1983.
2. GENERAL APPEARANCE:
The general appearance is that of a powerful compact, symmetrically built domestic dog, with the power and willingness to hold out his allotted task. Its aggregate of attractive body, strength, stability, and healthy muscular fitness must send the impression of great quickness, strength, and stamina. Any aim to grossness or weediness may be a severe weakness.
3. Blue Heeler Detail information:
- Breed Popularity: Rank 55-195
- Hight: male (18-20 inches), Female (17-19 inches).
- Weight: 35-50 pounds.
- Expected Life Line: 12-16 years
- Group: Herding group
4. Blue Heeler Health and Care:
Diet plans and food care:
The Australian Cattle Dog should act on a high-quality pet-food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared, together with your DVM supervision and approval. Any diet plan should be appropriate for the dog’s age. Australian Cattle Dogs are very athletic, active canines, so be mindful that your dog is getting proper nutrition to fulfill his needs. Find out about which human foods are safe for dogs, and which aren’t. Talk to your vet if you have got any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet. Clean and water should be available the least bit times.
5. Blue Heeler Health Issues:
It’s essential to be aware of health issues with blue heelers, which affect your favorite breeds because these can be entirely avoided by proper health testing. And in others, early diagnosis offers a better recovery for the dog.
6. Common health problems of blue heeler:
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) causes slow, painless loss of sight until these dogs are completely blind in both eyes. It can take several years or several months.
- Joint Problems in Australian Cattle Dog Australian Cattle Dogs are also disposed to common diseases that affect the joints of many dog breeds.
- Canine Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Osteochondritis Dissecans
Do Blue Heelers shed? Same as other double-coated dog breeds, Australian Cattle Dogs also have a thick undercoat that makes them reasonable to massive shedders years. During fall and spring seasons, they’ll undergo extreme shedding in clumps by “blowing” their coats. But with some preparation and care, the shedding may be minimized.
7. Do Blue Heelers keep as Family Pets?
Blue Heeler make great pets if you relinquish them the exercise and mental encouragement; they require to remain healthy and happy.
Blue Heelers are loyal to their owners and are filled with personality and love. Generally, they’re also good with children. However, you need to be careful of their inherent desire to herd, and they often attempt to herd running children and may be vulnerable to nip at passing legs.
So, while they will make great pets if you’ve got the time and energy to dedicate to their healthy lives, you may always supervise these dogs around smaller children.
8. Is Blue Heeler a working Dog?
Same as most working dogs, Australian Cattle Dogs are keenly intelligent and need to feel like they have a job to do else they begin to misbehave. You might call them the workaholics of the dog world.
9. Blue Heeler Breed Mixes:
As Blue Heeler is becoming more popular, people are starting to mixing them with other breeds. People love mixing dog breeds. It can be an amazing way to get different colored or sized Australian Cattle Dogs. Such as white Australian Cattle Dogs, or mini Australian Cattle Dogs.
10. Blue Heeler mixes:
- Blue Heeler + Pitbull
- mix Labrador+ Blue Heeler mix
- Blue Heeler+ Border Collie mix
11. Similar to Blue Heeler Breeds:
Here are some other similar dog breeds:
- Australian Shepherd
- Border Collie
- Entlebucher Mountain Dog
- German Shepherd Dog
- Belgian Truven
12. Pros and Cons of Blue Heeler:
Pros
- Blue Heelers are always considered as Hardworking Dogs
- Blue Heelers are Intelligent and curious.
- Blue Heelers are Loyal and eager to please.
Cons
- Heelers requires strong mental and physical motivation
- They may become bored and damaging.
- Blue Heelers wants to be with its owner at all times.
- May show some suspicion and aggression for strangers if not correctly socialized.
13. Blue Heeler Price:
Australian Cattle Dogs breed is not a very cheap, prices can range from as low as $250 to $2000 in some cases.