Blue Heeler (Australian Cattle Dog): Dog Breed Characteristics & Care

The blue heeler, also called the Australian cattle dog, is a sturdy, medium-sized herding dog developed in Australia. Its dense double-coat consists of a thick undercoat and a short, weather-resistant overcoat. The blue heeler is known as hard-working, intelligent, and loyal to its owner. Historically, these dogs were bred to work on farms as herders, and they still thrive when they have a job to do. Their fierce loyalty makes them even better workers. Even if you don’t work on a farm, you can put them to work they love, such as figuring out puzzles and retrieving toys.

Characteristics of the Blue Heeler

Beyond having an unwavering work ethic, blue heelers become intensely devoted to their owners and dislike being separated from them, which is why they are known as "shadow dogs." This is an extremely active dog that will happily become your next running or hiking buddy. They can be affectionate with their family, although they are often cautious around strangers. If well socialized, they generally also get along well with other household dogs and dog-friendly cats.

Interestingly, blue heeler puppies are born with white fur, but over their first few months of life, the coat turns blue or red, often with speckles or a mottled pattern.

History of the Blue Heeler

The blue heeler was bred to herd cattle by Australian settlers during the 19th century. The breed is largely credited for using its expertise to help ranchers efficiently expand the Australian beef industry.

After many breedings and cross-breedings, ranchers developed a solid and strong canine who could handle Australia’s harsh climate. Dogs brought to Australia from England were bred with the native Australian dingo to create the ancestors of the blue heeler, or Australian cattle dog, that you know today.

In May 1980 the Australian cattle dog was accepted for registration by the American Kennel Club. The breed became eligible for show in the Working Group in September of that year and was transferred to the Herding Group in 1983.

Blue Heeler Care

If a blue heeler does not get an outlet for its energy, it may become bored and destructive by chewing on shoes or furniture. This breed loves living in homes with a fenced yard or a safe property to run in. In addition, blue heelers don’t like to be left alone for long periods, especially in small spaces, so bring your pal along when going for a walk, hike, or swim.

Exercise

Exercise is a critical part of a blue heeler’s life. Because of their hardworking heritage, the breed craves at least 30 minutes of regular physical exercise a day. A walk plus multiple games of fetch will tire out your blue heeler. This breed also needs at least 30 minutes a day of mental stimulation, so have a variety of puzzles, chews, and tug toys to help your dog stay satisfied. You can keep your dog entertained with a treat-dispensing puzzle or a rubber toy filled with peanut butter or another treat.

Grooming

Blue heelers are not high maintenance. Bathe them as necessary, trim their nails once a month, brush their teeth, and clean their ears on occasion to promote wellness. This is not a breed prone to excessive drooling or doggy odor.

Their two-layered coats do need extra attention during times of the year when they do a lot of shedding, for example during the spring when they shed their winter coat. During this time, it’s important to brush your blue heeler frequently, sometimes multiple times a day, to remove dead hair. You'll need an undercoat rake or comb to do the best job.

Training

The blue heeler is easy to train because they are intelligent and energetic. They will herd everything and anything that moves, including children and other pets. For this reason, blue heelers need early socialization and training to understand which behaviors are unacceptable. If early training is neglected, they may nip at running kids or play too rough with other animals.

These dogs often excel at canine sports such as agility, flyball, herding competitions, or obedience trials. Plus, the time spent training and interacting with your blue heeler is a good way to not only stimulate their mind, but also to further develop the bond between you and your pet.

Common Health Problems

Blue heelers are powerful and athletic dogs. As such, their joints and ligaments can undergo some wear and tear. Tearing of the dog’s cruciate ligament is always a concern and any signs of limping or pain should be checked out right away with a veterinarian.

• Canine hip dysplasia can also show up in blue heelers and they may not become symptomatic until adulthood in some cases. Signs include limping, 'bunny hopping' where both hind limbs move together in a hop-like gait, avoidance of physical activity, and stiffness—especially after a long rest.
• Another condition that appears in some blue heelers is called progressive retinal atrophy, an eye condition involving retinal deterioration leading to impaired vision. Pay attention to how your blue heeler sees at night and if it frequently has enlarged pupils. While this condition is painless, it can lead to complete blindness.
• Blue heelers are also at risk for a genetic predisposition to deafness. Indications of deafness include a lack of responsiveness to sound, jumpiness, and unusual fits of barking.

Diet and Nutrition

Being such active dogs, it is very important to provide proper nutrition for your blue heeler pup, and to ensure they are taking in enough calories to keep up with their active lifestyles. Most commercial dog food diets will have an adequate balance of nutrients for dogs who spend most of their time as companions.

For blue heelers that are true working dogs or spend hours sprinting and running, they may benefit from performance diets suited to their specific needs as working dogs. As they become older, you may find it beneficial to switch to a canned food diet or to soak their kibble before feeding it to them which can be easier on older dogs with fewer teeth. Since these dogs are so active and we want to promote healthy joints, look for foods with glucosamine and chondroitin added, or consider adding on a good joint supplement.

Where to Adopt or Buy a Blue Heeler

Check your local animal shelter and rescue groups for blue heelers in need of homes. If you are adopting an older blue heeler into a family with children, check to see if the dog was trained or socialized. A number of nationwide rescue groups for blue heelers provide online resources to find a dog, including:

Australian Cattle Dog Rescue Association

Australian Cattle Dog Rescue, Inc.

Australian Cattle Dog Club of America

Blue Heeler Overview

More Dog Breeds and Further Research

Before you decide on a blue heeler, be sure to do plenty of research. Talk to other blue heeler owners, reputable breeders, and rescue groups to learn more.

If you’re interested in similar breeds, look into these to compare the pros and cons:

• Border Collie Breed Profile
• Australian Shepherd Breed Profile
• Texas Heeler Breed Profile

There's a whole world of potential dog breeds out there. With a little research, you can find the right one to bring home!