Blue Healer vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison

Blue Healer vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed ComparisonBoth Blue Healer and Austrailian Blue Heeler are originated from Australia. Both Blue Healer and Austrailian Blue Heeler are having almost same height. Blue Healer may weigh 6 kg / 14 pounds more than Austrailian Blue Heeler. Both Blue Healer and Austrailian Blue Heeler has almost same life span. Both Blue Healer and Austrailian Blue Heeler has same litter size. Blue Healer requires Low maintenance. But Austrailian Blue Heeler requires High maintenance

History

blue healer - historyIt was in 1802 that George Hall arrived in New South Wales, establishing 2 cattle stations. He had a problem – getting his thousands of cattle to the Sydney markets. He began looking at the prospect of a droving dog and imported a number of dogs of which a blue mottled dog emerged.

The dogs were crossed with dingoes and by 1840 the Halls Heelers were used by the Halls. However with the death of one of the Halls, their cattle stations went to action and the dogs, the Halls Heelers became available.

The dogs attracted attention, and the term ‘Australian Cattle Dog’ was adopted. The name referred to those dogs coming from Thomas Hall's ‘Heelers’. There have been many arguments about the origin of the breed, but the red or blue offspring known as Hall's Heelers were proven cattle drovers, and with further breeding experiments which included the Australian Kelpie, dingoes and the Dalmation, by 1893, the tough, robust working breed known as the Blue Heeler or the Australian Cattle Dog came about.

austrailian blue heeler - historyIn 1840, George Elliott made a match with Australian Dingo and Collie and got a clever and very active dog breed – Australian Blue Heeler. Soon, he showed his good herding instincts and protective nature and got really popular among the cattlemen and ranchers. Soon, as the USA soldiers arrived in Australia, they decided that it will be a great dog to bring home.

Australian Blue Heeler has short, double coat. The coat is water resistant and helps them when the temperature is too high as well. Their coat is rough to the touch, naturally. They can be found in blue or red coat colour mix. The Blue Heeler isn’t actually blue, but their black coat has a bluish tint. Red Heelers have red fur instead of black. They have long tails, strong legs, Dingo-like heads with pointy ears and muscular necks and balanced and athletic bodies.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Herding dogs
Origin:
Australia
Australia
Height Male:
46 - 51 cm
18 - 21 inches
45 - 50 cm
17 - 20 inches
Height Female:
43 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
43 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
Weight Male:
15 - 22 kg
33 - 49 pounds
14 - 16 kg
30 - 36 pounds
Weight Female:
13 - 22 kg
28 - 49 pounds
12 - 14 kg
26 - 31 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
12 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 7
1 - 7
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
ACD, Cattle Dog, Red Heeler, Queensland Heeler
Queensland Heeler
Colors Available:
Blue mottled, Red mottled
blue, red
Coat:
short and dense
blue speckled or red speckled with dark or cream marks
Shedding:
Minimal, Seasonal
Constant
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Alert, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
High maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Description

blue healer puppy - descriptionBlue Heelers are medium-sized, sturdy, compact dogs who are somewhat longer than tall. The female Blue Heeler measures roughly 43–48cm at the withers, while the male measures about 46–51cm. If your Blue Heeler is in tip top condition, he’ll weigh about 15 to 22 kilograms. They are muscular with pointed, erect ears, dark eyes and long tails which are mostly hanging downwards. Their dense coats are blue- or red speckled and sometimes with tan markings.

The Blue Heeler is a ball of energy and he is clever too. You won’t find him sitting around for too long, and if there is sign of a walk or a ball game, he’s in! He is an independent dog, and although he makes a wonderful family pet, he tends to attach himself to that one special person in his life. He is a natural watchdog and protector of his human family.

austrailian blue heeler puppy - descriptionThis breed is somehow designed for an outdoor life and outdoor activity. This implies that Blue Heelers have nature made of the high dose of energy. They are always ready to go anywhere you go, and they will be a loyal friend. They are actually very clever, intelligent and ready to help.

If you are a type of the person who prefers being indoors and having minimal physical activity, Blue heelers are not the type of a furry companion for you. They have a high daily need for the activity, and they love having lots of space to run and explore. Sometimes, you will realize that having a leash is a must because they will get so playful that they will forget about you!

If you start teaching them to be friendly with other dogs while they are still pups, they will accept that kind of lifestyle. But, if your Blue Heeler is raised as the only dog on the ranch, note that they won’t be very friendly toward other dogs.

Since most of the herd dogs usually respond to only one person, most of the Blue Heelers can follow this old instinct. They can be very independent, as well, and they are usually not the type of the dog that will always be around your leg waiting for a cuddle or ear scratch. But, they build the respect towards humans depending on how they treat him so they can be very lovable and friendly pets.

If you are still confused about their name, you must know that the Blue Heelers can actually lightly nip your heel for attention. They are not aggressive, but they tend to be very protective of the family, humans around them and their property.

Characteristics

blue healer dog - characteristicsTraining and socializing of your Blue Heeler will ensure that your dog does what you want him to. The Blue Heeler is an intelligent, responsive dog and training can benefit him, turning him into an outstanding family pet, good with children and other pets in the home.

He is a playful, affectionate pet who doesn’t take easily to strangers, and this is what makes him such an excellent guard dog.

Your Blue Heeler is not an apartment dog as he requires a lot of exercise, and cooping him indoors for too long with nothing to do can lead to destructive behavior.

Head-strong, independent and robust, your Blue Heeler will need a firm owner who is boss. Add to the firm owner a lot of love and care, and you’ll have a devoted friend.

Children friendliness

austrailian blue heeler dog - characteristicsThey are generally good with children, but you must be aware of their inherent desire to herd. Always supervise when your Blue Heeler is around small children.

Special Talents

Ball tricks, frisbee fun, running companion, herding cattle.

Adaptability

It is best to buy a puppy. These dogs get attached to one human and to the territory.

Learning ability

They are generally quick learners. If you teach them to be playful, friendly and loving, they will learn it in no time. So be aware of the decisions that can cost you when the dog grows up.

Health Problems

blue healer puppies - health problemsAustralian cattle dogs are healthy and can live up to 15 years of age, but even so there are some genetic conditions that you will need to be aware of following

Eye issues which includes progressive retinal atrophy – this disease is an inherited disease of the retina of the eye where the rod cells are destined to die. Fortunately it is not painful for the dog. There are different types of inherited retinal degenerative diseases in dogs but going into detail with them is beyond the scope of this article. For more information you can chat to your vet.

Recessive piebald elleles - the Blue Heeler has recessive piebald alleles which can produce white in the skin and coat and which is linked to congenital hereditary deafness.

Eye problems

austrailian blue heeler puppies - health problemsProgressive Retinal Atrophy usually causes slow and painless loss of sight. This process takes years, but there are cases where this disease took only months before the dog ended up completely blind. It is advisable to take your Blue Heeler to the vet for a test that can tell you if your dog is carrying the gene for this disease.

Lens luxation is a disease where the lens of dog’s eye separates partially or completely. Good news is that this disease can be treated.

Joint diseases

Most common is the hip or elbow dysplasia. This is the disease where hip joints do not develop properly and begin to grind. This condition can sometimes be treated with physiotherapy, but there is a chance that your Blue Heeler will need a surgery. If you have a habit of regular vet checks and keeping your dog slim and fed with quality food, you can a make a big difference.

Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD) causes the dog to have excess cartilage and deficient bone, where cartilage does not get replaced by bone during fetal development. This disease usually requires surgery and prescribed medicines.

Deafness

Congenital hereditary sensorineural deafness – CHSD is a common form of deafness.

Bilateral deafness can be identified when the dog is still a puppy, more-less at six weeks of age. A puppy with deafness in only one ear is harder to identify, but it can happen.

Portosystemic shunt means that the blood flow is getting back into the bloodstream instead of passing through the liver. That means that liver can’t clear out the toxins, and the organ itself fails to grow properly. This inherited type of shunt can be treated with surgery if the diagnose is set on time.

Caring The Pet

Provide Plenty of Exercise

blue healer dogs - caringRemember that your Blue Heeler was once a full time cattle dog where he used to become totally and utterly exhausted from herding cattle. This is what he loved – the activity. If you have a Blue Heeler, you will need to provide him with plenty of exercise.

If you live on a farm, your Blue Heeler will be in his element because he can run, walk and swim to his heart’s content. If you keep your Blue Heeler in your back garden, you will need to provide him with ball games, rope games, long walks, running on a leash as you cycle and other activities.

Grooming

Your Blue Heeler has a short, weather-resistant double coat. He’s not a heavy shedder, but he will have his share of seasonal shedding, so it’s a good idea to get into the habit of brushing him at least twice a week. This will get rid of all those loose hairs and keep his skin healthy by getting the blood flowing and distributing his natural oils.

Feeding

Giving the best dog food for your Blue Heeler will come from either your home made food or a top quality commercially manufactured dog food. He is such a high energy dog, that your veterinarian can advise you on a dog food specially designed for high energy breeds.

These foods are well balanced and are enriched with amino acids and vitamins, promoting healthy bones and joints. Remember to include some raw meat into your dog’s diet and to ensure a constant source of cool, fresh water.

General care

Ensure your Blue Heeler’s ongoing health by paying attention to ears, nails and teeth.

Feeding the puppy

austrailian blue heeler dogs - caringChoose a dog food that will provide nutrients that will help in the bone developing. Since they are more likely to suffer from joint diseases, you must take this advice seriously. It would be great if you speak about this with your vet before you choose food on your own.

Feeding the adult

The best food for Blue Heeler is a high-quality food which supplies them with premium nutrition to fuel their activity.

They also drink a lot of water, so be sure that they always have a fresh water available.

Points for Good Health

Lots and lots of the outdoor activity and a quality food. You must be very cautious because this kind of dogs gets overweight easily because they just love the treats and extra food portion.

Games and Exercises

Any outdoor activity that is mentally challenging and interesting enough to keep them from running in the field trying to catch anything that moves.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  2. Australian Shepherd vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  3. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  4. Australian Cattle Dog vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  5. Bearded Collie vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  6. Collie vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  7. Dutch Shepherd vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  8. Blue Healer vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  9. English Shepherd vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  10. Australian Collie vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  11. Catahoula Cur vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  12. Australian Red Heeler vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  13. Catalan Sheepdog vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  14. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  15. Bergamasco vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  16. Berger Picard vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  17. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  18. Queensland Heeler vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  19. German Coolie vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  20. Bohemian Shepherd vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  21. Croatian Sheepdog vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  22. Red Heeler vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  23. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  24. Blue Lacy vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  25. New Zealand Huntaway vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  26. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  27. Collie vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  28. Dutch Shepherd vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  29. Blue Healer vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  30. Blue Healer vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  31. Blue Healer vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  32. Blue Healer vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  33. Blue Healer vs Australian Collie - Breed Comparison
  34. Blue Healer vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  35. Blue Healer vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  36. Blue Healer vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  37. Blue Healer vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) - Breed Comparison
  38. Blue Healer vs Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  39. Blue Healer vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  40. English Shepherd vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  41. Catahoula Cur vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  42. Catalan Sheepdog vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  43. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  44. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  45. Queensland Heeler vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  46. German Coolie vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  47. Bohemian Shepherd vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  48. Croatian Sheepdog vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  49. Red Heeler vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds