Looking into getting a Blue Heeler puppy? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Here we’ll go over some history and facts about Blue Heelers and what it takes to create a warm loving environment once you’ve chosen a precious pup.
History of Blue Heeler
The Blue Heelers original location is dated back to the mid-1800s originating in Australia. Robert Kaleski is the first known person to start breeding Blue Heelers, starting in 1893. Blue Heelers are fantastic at herding and have honed that skill which helped them in becoming known for helping develop Australia's beef industry. They became famous for this and when they were later brought to America in 1980, the American Kennel Club took notice. Since then, they’ve been a beloved dog in the herding community and across the world.
Different names or Types of Blue Heelers
ACD
Australian Cattle Dog (Most Common)
Cattle Dog
Red Heeler
Queensland Heeler
Australischer Treibhund
Australian Heeler
Hall’s Heeler
Recognition:
American Kennel Club – AKC
Australian National Kennel Club – AKNC
Canadian Kennel Club – CKC
American Canine Registry – ACR
American Canine Association Inc – ACA
Continental Kennel Club – CKC
America’s Pet Registry, Inc – APRI
Animal Research Foundation – ARF
Federation Cynologique Internationale – FCI
Dog Registry of America, Inc – DRA
United Kennel Club – UKC
National Kennel Club – NKC
Kennel Club of Great Britain – KCGB
North American Purebred Registry, Inc – NAPR
New Zealand Kennel Club – NZKC
Blue Heelers Appearance & Characteristics
The Blue Heeler (also named the Australian Cattle Dog) is strong and stout. They are born white and as they grow and get older, their color starts to show up and become more prominent. However, any color on their face when they are born stays throughout their life. Their behavior is on point! They excel at learning new tricks and thrive with change. They can, however, be trained very well and are super obedient. The Australian Cattle Dog is about 30-69 lbs and anywhere from 17 inches for males and females to 20 inches for males in height and females 19 inches in height. Making females just slightly smaller than males.
The Blue Heeler dog’s coloring is blue or red speckle. Blue or blue-mottled includes black, blue, or tan markings on the head.
Pictures of Blue Heelers - Australian Cattle Dogs
Personality and Temperament
Blue Heelers are very good dogs--loyal, easy to train, and great with families. They have a lot of energy and need space and attention to get all their energy out. They are very obedient and can learn new commands fairly quickly. They also can be protective of their territory as some dogs are. All these traits are dependent on nature and nurture. This includes heredity, what has been passed down as well as training. Training has a lot to do with how these dogs will act in social situations. They have keen herding and protective instincts but can be very loving with his owner and family.
Since this breed is best at herding cattle long distances, its needless to say they have a lot of energy. That leads us to the knowledge that if they aren’t given a task to use that energy, they may use it to get into trouble in the house. We all know it’s better to give a dog an outlet than to come home and find your favorite pair of shoes in disrepair. On the flip side, he can be a great addition to any family as a loving, energetic companion.
Health and wellness
It is a very good idea to make sure the Australian Cattle Dog gets a lot of activity and stimulation so it doesn’t get into trouble. They can be a great companion when properly trained and kept busy.
They need constant grooming. They shed so plan on brushing their coat during the week and baths as needed, I’d plan on at least twice a month. Also, be sure to be brushing their teeth and checking their ears for infections. You’ll want to make sure you find a good veterinarian to give them check-ups.
Blue Heeler Puppy Information
It is very important for these pups to be trained from an early age. They normally come out white but then become blue or red colored. They are super cute and fun and have a lot of energy. It helps for them to remain with their siblings until 8 weeks or so as they learn to socialize. During this time it is a great idea to keep them in an area where they can learn to potty train on a pad and to be around other pups, however, it would be your job to teach them things such as not to bark (or if you prefer them to bark, then to teach them when to bark) and how to sit, stay, and eventually take them to potty outside in a designated area. They are very obedient dogs so training shouldn’t be too difficult when done correctly.
Blue Heeler dog breeders can be found through word of mouth or online. Prices range from $150 for an adult to $1200+ for a show puppy or a puppy to breed. A quality puppy can be found for around $750.
In conclusion, Blue Heelers can be excellent companions when loved and trained well. Be careful to train wisely as you won’t want the puppy to bite or have aggression toward other dogs or people. Once trained they are extremely obedient and kind. Remember to keep them busy so they don’t cause mischief. And As far as the shedding goes, just make sure to groom properly and often. If you do all of these things, they will be the most obedient and loyalist of companions and you will have a very happy puppy and a very happy owner.
