Queensland Heeler vs Labrador Husky - Breed Comparison

The Labrador Husky is a purebred, spitz-type dog which looks much like a Wolf. People think because it has the name Labrador Husky it is a cross between a Husky and Labrador. What it essentially means is that it is a Husky dog which comes from the region of Labrador, Canada.

It is a fairly unknown breed, but it is strongly believed that the dog was developed in Labrador, a region of northern Canada. In fact this is where the dog got its name from.

The attractive dog was used for sledding and it is also thought that the people of Labrador introduced Alaskan Malamute and German Shepherd in to add in some additional skills from these two dog breeds. The dogs were later domesticated so as to become companion animals.

Another name for Queensland Heeler is Australian Cattle Dog or Blue Heeler.

These dogs have always been known for herding cattle. The term ‘Heeler’ comes from the dog’s working style – nipping and biting at the cattle’s hooves.

He was was an Australian cattle dog for Australian settlers in the 1800s. It is believed that Thomas Hall created one of the foundations of the Australian Cattle Dog breed by crossing crossing sheepdogs with Dingos.

The Blue-colored dogs have been the most popular, being known as the Blue Heeler.

The wolf-like muscular Labrador Husky is a large dog standing at 51 to 71 cm in height and weighing 27 to 45 kg.

Labrador is a place known for its icy winters and the dog’s double coat protects it from the freezing temperatures.

The color of the coat can be white, grey and white, solid black, solid grey as well as red and white. In fact there can be several different coat colors in one litter.

He has a long muzzle like the wolf and blue or brown slanted eyes. Sometimes you’ll get one blue eye and one brown eye. He has pointed ears, a nose which can be black or a pinkish color, bushy tail and paws which are webbed.

Temperament:

Labrador Huskies make wonderful pets and they are good with children, particularly when they’ve been properly trained and socialized.

Because they are dogs which have worked in a pack, they also get on well with other dogs in the home. You’ll notice that your Labrador Husky won’t often bark but he will howl like a wolf.

He is a friendly dog and not aggressive. He is intelligent too and you can teach him some basic commands such as sit, stay and lie-down.

The Labrador Husky is a dog used to having a job so if you bring him into your home, you’ll need to ensure that you set aside time to exercise him as he will become frustrated and bored if he isn’t involved in your family life.

The Queensland Heeler is a medium sized dog that stands between 43 and 51cm in height, both male and female. The dog weighs in the region of 15 to 22kg.

He has a short double coat with colors being blue, mottled blue and also red speckled. You’ll also find black and tan coloring on this active dog.

He is strong, lean and muscular with medium sized ears that are erect. The eyes are dark and alert, the legs straight and strong. The tail can be docked or left long.

Temperament:

The Australian Cattle Dog is a high-energy working dog that you won’t easily find lying around. The alert eyes are consistently looking around for action and he can’t be bored otherwise he could resort to digging or other destructive behavior.

He is loving to his entire human family, but being particularly attached to just one family member. He is also protective, taking his guarding role of his family seriously.

He gets on well with children and other pets but you’ve just got to keep your eyes on him around children as when excited he can give a nip or two.

Training and socialization will be important for this dog, particularly because he can be strong-headed, willful and stubborn.

A Labrador Husky is a loyal, affectionate dog who is capable of forming a strong bond with his human family.

As a working dog, he loves being busy with fun and games and is playful and energetic and has good looks on his side too.

He is also an intelligent dog, strong-willed and confident and will require a firm, consistent owner who understands his need for regular exercise.

Social, lively and robust, the right environment will bring out all this beautiful dog’s best characteristics.

Active, intelligent, feisty, brave, playful, loving – these are just some of the wonderful characteristics you get when you bring a Queensland Heeler into your home.

True, he is independent, self-willed and stubborn, but training and socialization can take away all the rough edges.

He forms a strong bond with his human owner, and once you’ve had one of these amazing dogs in your life, you’ll be convinced that dogs are truly man’s best friend.

Labrador Huskies can live to be between 10 and 13 years of age, and within a loving home he is generally looked upon as a healthy breed.

There are always typical dog problems that might be found in your dog, and a couple of the more prominent ones are listed -

Hip Dysplasia:

It can be a sad day for your Labrador Husky if he is diagnosed with hip dysplasia because if he is still used as a pack dog for pulling sleds it could well put him out of a job that he thrives on. It is a problem in the hips, and your once active dog may be in pain and may even battle to stand up after lying down.

He could even develop arthritis which can cripple him. He’ll need to get to the vet so that treatment can make life comfortable for him and to assist with pain.

Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus - Bloat:

Deep chested dogs are more prone to bloat, and your Labrador Husky is a deep chested dog. The stomach of the dog expands with gas, blocking gas escaping and putting pressure on the abdominal organs of the dog.

In some cases the stomach can twist and then immediate surgery will be required. This is a life threatening illness. Try and avoid feeding your dog one large meal and feed him smaller meals instead. These days you also get feeding bowls that encourage slower eating.

Australian Cattle Dogs are healthy. Every dog, even the most healthiest breeds, can succumb to some of the common dog illnesses there are.

Deafness:

This is an inherited condition, so if you’re looking for a puppy, be careful about the breeder you buy from.

Hip Dysplasia:

This is another inherited condition where the thighbone of the dog doesn't fit properly into the hip joint. Your dog is usually so active but with this problem he may well be in pain and actually be lame. Your pet can even develop arthritis . The idea is to get your pet to the vet because it can be unbearable to see him in pain and unable to get around.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy:

This eye disease can mean deterioration of the retina. You'll recognize the signs when you see your dog unable to navigate around your home during the night. He is night blind but later on he can’t see during the day either.

Grooming:

You’ll want to introduce a proper grooming routine for your pet as he has a thick double coat and he sheds throughout the year. Brush the thick coat 2 or 3 times a week, and set aside time to check for fleas and ticks and any appearance of lumps.

Exercise:

These are dogs which require a lot of vigorous exercise. Left chained or ignored he can become frustrated, run-down, bored and sick. He is a living, social animal that should only be brought into a household that acts responsibly towards him.

Diet:

Choose high quality food which is for high energy dogs. If you give him dry kibble, mix in some home-made food occasionally to add variety, and also try to include some raw meat from time to time. Always ensure fresh, cool water is available.

To cope with his life on the Australian Outback, the Queensland Heeler is known to be a low maintenance dog.

The thick coat does shed and it can get dusty so a good brush twice a week is all that is basically required for this dog. If his nails don’t wear down naturally, you will need to have them trimmed. As with every dog, you will need to give attention to his ears and teeth.

Exercise:

This is an extremely active dog. He is going to be needing both mental and physical stimulation to avoid boredom, after all he is used to an active lifestyle herding cattle. Hikes, swimming, running – you name it – he’ll join you with all your activities.

Diet:

Your Queensland Heeler is such a vibrant dog, full of the joys of living, and you want to ensure he has good food to eat to ensure he stays like that.

For convenience you get some excellent commercially manufactured dog foods. Your Blue Heeler is such a wonderful companion dog that you want to spoil him a bit and give him some delicious home-made food too. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots are a healthy choice for your pet – plain and simple just like dogs love it. Chop it up and add it into the high quality dry kibble a couple of times a week.

Some raw meat added in from time to time will help his skin and coat remain healthy. Never leave him without a constant source of fresh, cool water.