Country of Origin: Australia
Group: Herding, UKC/AKC
History of the Blue Heeler:
The Blue Heeler came about when Australian cattle ranchers needed a cattle drover with endurance that could go long distances.The Blue Heeler’s direct ancestor was the Hall’s Heeler, a canine that was developed from a cross of the dingo and the smooth-coated Scottish Collie.In 1860, the Hall’s Heeler was mixed with the Australian Kelpie and the Dalmation to create the modern Australian Cattle Dog.
Physical Description:
The Blue Heeler is a medium-sized, muscular dog.
Strong, broad head and a medium -length muzzle.
Almond-shaped brown eyes
Medium-sized ears that are naturally upright
Brush tail
Double-coat with a dense undercoat and a smooth, hard outer-coat.Medium length.
Blue, mottled or speckled. with or without blue, black, or tan markings;or red speckled with darker red markings.
Height: 17-20 inches
Weight: 33-55 pounds
Temperament: A truly loyal and protective dog that can be wary of strangers, yet this breed is easygoing with family members that everyone that he knows.
The Blue Heeler is a one- person dog and is alert, intelligent, protective and fun to be around.
With a high activity level, the Blue Heeler needs plenty of exercise and environmental stimuli.
Needs: Positive training, plenty of exercise,and socialization.
Health Concerns: Hip dysplasia and deafness .
Blue Heeler Rescue (Australia)
© Copyright 2013
Claudia Bensimoun
Adorable!
Perhaps this is a dumb question, but I’m going to take a chance and ask it, anyhow. (Ha!)
Are Blue Heelers born with a stubby tail / no tail? Or is it a case where some pups in a litter are born with no tail and others are born with longer tails? I didn’t think these dogs were docked as a breed standard. (Actually, I was thinking docking was no longer allowed in Australia, but I am not sure if that is true or not.)
The Smithfield cattle dog is the stumpy tail breed and the Blue Heeler is of a more stocky build, often has tan markings as well and has a tail. I believe that docking of tails and the ‘trimming’ of ears is banned in Australia unless it is for medical reasons such as injury.
Thanks for the information! 🙂
I thought docking was banned in Australia, but I hadn’t researched it, so I wasn’t sure. I appreciate your help.
You’re welcome, the ban may not apply in all states but all the Rottweilers in the last couple of years where I live have long happy tails 🙂
We have two blue heeler mixes (not purebred). Best dogs ever!
Smart, beautiful and loyal dogs that require lots of physical and mental stimulation, we see quite a few in shelters because they have behavioural issues often bought about by lack of both 😦