Blue Heeler
USD $400-$800 Price Avg.
Pastoral Dogs (Herding Dogs)
Group
Purebred
Breed Type
Medium
Size
12-15 years
Lifespan
Breed Information
| Group | Pastoral Dogs (Herding Dogs) |
|---|---|
| Popularity/Rank | 518 |
| Origin | Australia |
| Other Names | ACD, Australian Cattle Dog, Cattle Dog, Queensland Heeler, Red Heeler |
| Breed Type | Purebred |
| Price (Avg.) |
USD $400-$800
How much does a Blue Heeler cost? According to a rough estimate, you will spend between $400 to $800 on your Blue Heeler if you purchase it from a reputable breeder. If you select a dog with exceptional bloodlines, the price may be higher. The price might even be higher if the dog has already been trained. You'll usually pay less if you get a Blue Heeler from a shelter. |
| Size | Medium |
| Weight | 30-62 pounds (13-28 kg) |
| Height |
Male: 17-20 inches (43-51 cm),
Female: 17-19 inches (43-48 cm) |
| Lifespan | 12-15 years |
| Recognized by |
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. And Not recognized by FCI. |
| Purpose | Herding |
| Date of Origin | 1880 |
| Ancestry | Australian Cattle Dog |
Appearance & Maintenance
| Coat | Dense |
|---|---|
| Coat Colors | Blue, Blue Mottled, Blue speckled, Red Mottled, Red speckled |
| Grooming Level | |
| Shedding Level | |
| Eye Color Possibilities | Brown, Hazel, Blue, Amber |
| Nose Color Possibilities | Black, Brown, Tan, Pink |
| Coat Color Possibilities | Red, Blue, Fawn, Black, Tan, Brindle, White, Red-Blue, Red-Fawn |
| Coat Length | Medium |
| Coat Density | Medium |
| Coat Texture | Smooth and short-haired |
| Recommended Brushes | Slicker brush, pin brush, shedding blade, rubber curry brush, mat rake, dematting comb. |
| Brushing Frequency | 2-3 times per week |
Breed Characteristics
| Temperament | Active, Alert, Defensive, Hard working, Intelligent, Protective, Resourceful, Vigilant |
|---|---|
| Intelligent | |
| Trainability | |
| Playfulness | |
| Sensitivity Level | |
| Affection Level | |
| Social Interaction Required | |
| Barking | |
| Watchdog Ability | |
| Territorial | |
| Biting Force | Low |
| Mouthiness | |
| Impulse to Wander or Roam | |
| Prey Drive | |
| Adaptability | |
| Tolerates Being Left Alone | |
| Fighting Dog | Not really |
Good & Friendly with
| Apartment Life Friendly | |
|---|---|
| Stranger Friendly | |
| Kid-Friendly | |
| Cat Friendly | |
| Dog Friendly | |
| Office Friendly | No |
| Senior Citizens Friendly | |
| Pet Friendly | |
| Friendly with First Time Owners | No |
| Service Dog | Not really |
| Therapy Dog | Not really |
| Detection, Sniffer or Security Dog | Not really |
| Search and Rescue Dog (SAR) | Not really |
| Boat Dog | Not really |
| Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog | Not really |
Health Elements
| Health Issues | |
|---|---|
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Energy Level | |
| Exercise Required | |
| Sleeping Required | |
| Weight Gain Potential | |
| Weather & Climate | Tolerates warm and cold weather. |
| Stinkiness | Medium |
| Drooling tendency | |
| Activity Level | High |
| Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week | 30 miles |
| Minutes of Activity Per Day | 60-90 minutes |
Food & Costing
| Avg. Daily Food | 1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. |
|---|---|
| Cups Per Day | 2.5 |
| Daily Cost | $10-$20 |
| Monthly Cost | $50-$100 |
Reproducibility
| Gestation Duration | 60-64 days |
|---|---|
| How often can the Blue Heeler have a litter? | Once a year. |
| Litter Size | 1-7 puppies (Once a year.) |
Description
The Blue Heeler, also known as the Australian Cattle Dog, is a medium-sized breed of herding dog that originated in Australia. The Blue Heeler is an intelligent and loyal breed that makes an excellent companion for active families. This breed is known for its distinctive blue-gray coat and its energetic personality.
Appearance: The Blue Heeler has a muscular body with a broad chest and strong legs. Its head is wedge-shaped with erect ears and almond-shaped eyes. Its coat can be either short or long, but it always has a blue-gray coloration with white markings on the chest, feet, and muzzle.
Lifespan, Size, Weight & Colors: The average lifespan of the Blue Heeler is between 10 to 15 years. It typically stands between 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between 30 to 50 pounds when fully grown. The colors of this breed are usually blue or red mottled with white markings on the chest, feet, and muzzle.
Personality: The Blue Heeler is an intelligent breed that loves to work hard and please its owners. It has an independent streak but also loves being around people it knows well. This breed needs plenty of exercise in order to stay healthy both physically and mentally; without enough activity it can become destructive or even aggressive towards other animals or people if not properly trained from a young age.
Friendliness: The Blue Heeler is generally friendly towards other dogs as well as children if raised together from puppyhood; however they may be wary of strangers due to their protective nature so early socialization is important for this breed in order to ensure they are comfortable around new people or animals they may encounter throughout their life span . They are also very loyal companions who will protect their family at all costs if necessary which makes them great guard dogs as well!
Temperament: The temperament of the Blue Heeler can vary depending on how much exercise they get each day; without enough physical activity they can become bored easily which could lead to destructive behavior such as chewing furniture or digging holes in your yard! However when given enough stimulation through activities like running alongside you while biking or playing fetch these dogs will remain calm yet alert making them great watchdogs too!
Health: Generally speaking the health of this breed tends to be good overall; however there are some conditions that may affect them such as hip dysplasia (a joint disorder) eye problems like cataracts ,and deafness due to their white markings on their coats . Regular vet checkups should help keep any potential issues under control though so make sure you take your pup for regular visits!
Adaptability Level & Benefits As Pets :The adaptability level of this breed varies depending on how much exercise it gets each day; without enough physical activity these dogs can become bored easily which could lead them into trouble if not given proper stimulation through activities like running alongside you while biking or playing fetch . However when given enough stimulation these dogs make great family pets due to their loyalty , intelligence ,and protective nature ! They also make excellent watchdogs since they’re always alert yet calm when given enough exercise each day .
History
The Blue Heeler is a breed of dog that was developed in Australia. The breed is also known as the Australian Cattle Dog. The Blue Heeler was developed from a cross between the Dingo and the Collie. The breed was originally used for herding cattle, but they are now also used as working dogs, guard dogs, and companion dogs.
The Blue Heeler breed almost became extinct in the early 1900s due to a lack of interest from dog breeders. However, a few dedicated breeders kept the breed alive and eventually the Blue Heeler became popular again. The Blue Heeler is now recognized as a separate breed by most major kennel clubs.
The ancestry of the Blue Heeler can be traced back to the early 19th century when settlers in Australia began cross-breeding Dingoes with other breeds of dogs. The goal was to create a dog that could withstand the harsh conditions of the Australian Outback and that would be able to herd cattle effectively. The first recorded cross was between a Dingo and a black and tan Kelpie in 1820. This cross resulted in a litter of five pups, three of which were blue-grey in color. These three pups were the foundation dogs for what would eventually become the Blue Heeler breed.
In 1867, another important cross was made between a Dingo and a red Merle Collie. This cross resulted in a red pup with blue spots, which was later named "Red Cloud". Red Cloud went on to become one of the most important foundation sires for the Blue Heeler breed. It is believed that all modern Blue Heelers descend from Red Cloud.
The Blue Heeler was not recognized as its own separate breed until 1903 when it was given official status by the Kennel Club of England. However, it wasn't until 1957 that the American Kennel Club officially recognized the Blue Heeler as a separate breed. Today, the Blue Heeler is one of Australia's most popular breeds of dog and is also gaining popularity in other parts of the world such as North America and Europe
