Information on Blue Heeler Puppies

Known officially as the Australian cattle dog, blue heelers were bred in Australia through the 1800s, as crosses between dingo-blue merle collies, black and tan kelpies and Dalmatians. The results of the crossbreeding resulted in the blue heeler breed, which resembles the body type and build of the wild dingo, with unique markings in shades of red, blue, black and tan. Blue heelers were bred as cattle herders and continue to perform this duty today, in addition to finding their way into homes across the globe as house pets.

  1. Temperament

    • Because they were bred as working dogs, capable of herding cattle and sheep, blue heeler puppies and adults are energetic and athletic. Blue heeler puppies and adults will require mind and body exercise to satisfy their natural tendencies to stay in motion. Failure to keep blue heelers occupied may result in damages to your furniture and other household valuables. Blue heelers also have a natural instinct to form packs, making them easy to control when an owner takes the lead role. From their origins as cattle and sheep herders, blue heeler puppies and dogs are usually protective of their owners and are suitable for families with children.

    Training

    • Training blue heeler puppies requires similar techniques as training any other dog breed. Clicker training with rewards allows owners to teach blue heelers and other dog breeds how to sit, roll over, bark and chase, as desired. However, it is often necessary to perform additional training to stop blue heelers from nipping at children and adults. This nipping action is how blue heelers herd cattle and sheep; it rarely results in punctured skin. To train blue heelers not to bite, use the clicker method to teach the "Down" or "Sit" command, so that the dog stops what it is doing in response to the command.

    Care

    • Blue heeler puppies live happy and healthy lives when kept in suburban homes with yards or on rural farms, but do not fare well with apartment living. To keep heelers fit, offer them exercise to burn up excess energy. Possible activities to keep this breed occupied include long, daily walks and jogs or long sessions of "catch" and backyard obstacle courses. To keep heeler puppies properly groomed, bathe them once per week and brush at least every other day to control shedding.

    Health Concerns

    • Blue heelers have a life expectancy between 10 and 13 years, though some dogs of this breed may live more than 15 years. However, life expectancy may shorten if the blue heeler puppies or adults fall victim to hip and elbow dysplasia, Von Willebrand's disease and other diseases and disorders common among blue heelers. To prevent the devastating and often painful affects of these health conditions, schedule regular vet check ups for your blue heeler.