Reasons Why Blue Heeler (Australian dog) is Getting More Popular In The Past Decade.

Blue heeler

Hard-working, smart and loyal, he's a Blue Heeler in a word. Historically, these dogs were bred to work on farms as sheepdogs and these dogs still thrive when they have a job to do. Their fierce loyalty makes them even better. Even if you don't work on a farm, you can put them to work. They love solving puzzles and retrieving toys.

Beyond work, Blue Heelers love their people very much and are sometimes called "shadow dogs". They become intensely devoted to their owners and do not like to be separated from them.

Blue Heelers are extremely active and will happily become your next running or walking companion.

Breed overview

Group: Herd group (AKC)
Size:
Weight: 35-50 pounds
Height: 17-20 inches
Coat and color: Blue gray with flecks
Life expectancy: 12-16 years

Blue Heeler features

Level of affection	High
Friendliness	High
Welcomes children	Way
Pets	Way
Exercise needs	High
Playfulness	High
Energy level	High
Training capacity	High
Intelligence	High
Tendency to bark	Way
Amount of waste	Way
Protection	High

History of the Blue Heeler

The Blue Heeler was bred in the 19th century for cattle grazing by Australian settlers. It is widely recognised that the breed uses its expertise to help breeders effectively develop the Australian cattle industry.

After numerous breedings and crossbreeding, breeders developed a robust dog capable of withstanding Australia's harsh climate. The dogs brought to Australia from England were bred with the Australian Dingo to create the ancestors of the Blue Heeler, or Australian Cattle Dog, as you know it today.

In May 1980, the American Kennel Club accepted the registration of the Australian Cattle Dog. The breed became eligible for the task force competition in September of the same year and was transferred to the breeders' group in 1983.

Blue Heeler Care

Exercise is an important part of a Blue Heeler's life. It's safe to say they can't live without it.

Because of its hard-working heritage, the breed yearns for regular physical and mental stimulation to stay satisfied. Because they love to work, puzzle and thinking games are great activities for Blue Heelers.

Blue Heelers don't like to be left alone for long periods of time, especially in small spaces, so don't hesitate to take your friend along for a walk, a hike or a swim.

If a Blue Heeler doesn't get an outlet for his energy, he can get bored and destroy himself by chewing on shoes or furniture. This breed likes to live in houses with a fenced yard or safe property for running.

The Blue Heeler is classified as a herding dog because - you guessed it - he loves the herd. They will gather anything and everything that moves, including children and other pets. For this reason, Blue Heelers need early socialization and training to fully understand what behaviours are unacceptable. If early training is neglected, there is a risk that children will not run or play too hard with other animals.

Their two-layer coat means a lot of loss, especially in the spring when they lose their winter coats. During this time, it is important to brush your Blue Heeler frequently, sometimes several times a day, to remove dead hairs.

Swimming does not have to be common in a Blue Heeler household, but bathing is necessary to stay comfortable and healthy. Blue Heelers are not very maintenance-intensive puppies: just trimming their nails, brushing their teeth and occasionally cleaning their ears will improve their well-being.