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HISTORY

The Blue Heeler is also known by a variety of other names, such as Red Heeler, Australian Cattle Dog, and Queensland Heeler. Origins of the Blue Heeler trace back to as early as the 1890's in Australia. The Blue Heeler started to be bred around 1970 by a guy named Fred Davis. The Blue Heeler is a mix between Smithfield's, Dingo's, Border and Smooth Collies', Dalmatian's, and Bull Terrier's. The Blue Heeler was bred to be a cattle dog, but softer than the Smithfield's and Dingo's.

APPEARANCE

With their strong build, hard muscles, and balance, the Blue Heeler is the perfect athlete. Females are generally 17 to 19 inches tall at the withers; while males are about 18 to 20 inches tall at the withers. Blue Heelers should roughly weigh between 30 to 40 pounds. They have dense coats that can be rather oily but also very woolly like a winter coat. Their white tipped tails are naturally long and carried low. The Australian Cattle Dog has two colors: red and blue. The Blue Heeler, by its name, has a bluish coat which is caused by mottling gray and white hairs mixed with black.

TEMPERAMENT

The Blue Heeler is known for its abundant energy and independence. They are very intelligent dogs and naturally cautious. Blue Heelers need lots and lots of exercise and always love having a job to do. City dogs tend to chase the delivery people, cars, and bikes. Mostly just for something to chase and get energy out, but sometimes they are almost trying to herd' them. They are great herders because they don't fear cattle in the slightest; they will often even nip at their heels. They sometimes tend to also nip at people, but can easily be trained not to. Blue Heelers are always known to be extremely loyal dogs. They are also usually social with dogs they are familiar with, but can also be aggressive. Blue Heelers do very well in dog agility, but can be frustrated when it comes to routine. Blue Heelers love new experiences and adventure. They also tend to have a perfectionist' trait. Being very organized animals, Blue Heelers will often take whatever toy they got out, and put it back in their toy box'. The Blue Heeler is also an amazing Frisbee catcher. They are kind natured and will get along with kids as long as the kids aren't mean to the dog; and they make amazing security dogs.

HEALTH

Blue Heelers tend to live an estimated eleven to twelve years. Some health problems that commonly rise in Blue Heelers are arthritis, spondylosis, arthritis, and blindness. As far as reproduction problems go, pyometra, infertility, and false pregnancy are common.

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