What Is the Proper Care of a Blue Heeler?

The Blue Heeler, also known as an Australian Cattle Dog or Australian Heeler, is a working dog noted for its herding abilities and was bred to help ranchers with cattle, resulting in a canine with great stamina. Blue Heelers are a mix of Wild Australian Dingoes, blue-dotted Collies, Australian Kelpies, Bull Terriers and Dalmatians. While the breed is loyal and energetic, the potential owner of a Blue Heeler should acquaint himself with the characteristics of the breed.

  1. Temperament

    • The Blue Heeler, an intelligent and highly energetic animal, is known for its agility and athleticism. Its energy level makes it susceptible to boredom, so it requires a lot of exercise. If left alone, it may chew objects. The breed is loyal and obedient, making them excellent guard dogs since they are suspicious of strangers. Its extreme loyalty can pose a problem if the dog encounters your friends, relatives or other people it does not see often, so proper socialization is important. As a herding dog, the Blue Heeler will instinctively try to round up or chase anything and anyone who moves, and may nip, posing a threat to small children. Constant attention is required until the dog is properly trained.

    Living Conditions

    • Small apartments or homes with small yards are not recommended for Blue Heelers because of their high energy level. They need a lot of exercise and plenty of space to run. The dog may destroy objects if it does not receive proper exercise, and it will chase other pets or children. Owners of Blue Heelers need to ensure they have adequate fencing -- at least 6 feet high and of solid construction -- to keep the dog from running away. Blue Heelers are good at escaping from enclosed spaces and can jump as high as 5 feet.

    Health Problems

    • Blue Heelers are prone to hip dysplasia, PRA, deafness and patellar luxation. Canine hip dysplasia is a condition that begins as a loose fit in the hip joint. As the joint degenerates, it can lead to micro-fractures in the bones and abnormal wear of the cartilage in the joint. PRA, or progressive retinal atrophy, is a disease affecting the retina that is passed down through the bloodline. Since Blue Heelers sometimes lose their hearing, owners should watch for possible signs of deafness, such as inattention, confusion or excessive barking. Patellar luxation is a condition that causes the kneecap to move from its normal position, creating lameness or limping. If your dog holds its rear legs to the side, you should have it examined for patellar luxation.

    Grooming

    • The Blue Heeler's short-haired coat needs regular combing with a firm-bristle brush to keep away ticks and mites. Its coat is weather-resistant and requires bathing only when necessary. Blue Heeler's shed about twice a year, depending on the gender and climate. Its eyes and ears require regular cleaning. A smelly discharge coming from the ear is a possible sign of deafness, so check often.