Blue Cow Dog Healer Information
According to the Dog Breed Info Center, the Australian Cattle Dog is also known as a Blue Heeler. These highly intelligent dogs were bred to herd livestock. They are an energetic, assertive breed. Blue Heelers can become loyal, loving pets and excellent guard dogs if they are given firm obedience training.
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History
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According to the Cattle Dog website, Heelers were bred by farmers who needed a breed of dog that could thrive in the harsh conditions of the Australian Outback. In 1840 a resident of New South Wales named Thomas Hall cross-bred a pair of Blue Smooth Highland Collies with an Australian dingo. Their offspring were called Hall's Heelers. In the 1870s two brothers by the names of Jack and Harry Bagust crossbred Hall's Heelers with Dalmatians and Australian Kelpies. This breed became known as the Australian Cattle Dog.
Description
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Blue Heelers have blue mottled, speckled or solid coats. They may also have black or tan markings on their heads. They have a smooth outer coat with a short thick undercoat, powerful necks and shoulders, and a stocky, compact body, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC) website. The Dog Breed Info Center indicates that these dogs stand 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulders and weigh between 30 and 35 pounds as adults. They can live for 12 to 15 years.
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Care
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Australian Cattle Dogs are an extremely energetic breed. These dogs were bred to work and do best if they have a job. They work well in the show ring, especially in herding competitions, and the Dog Breed Info center says that they can be obedience trained to high levels. Cattle Dogs do not do well if they are cooped up or left alone for long periods of time. They can quickly become bored and destructive without adequate exercise or mental stimulation. According to the Dog Breed Info site, Heelers can develop dominance issues if they do not clearly understand that their human is the alpha leader and the one in charge.
Grooming
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The Dog Breed Info Center indicates that these dogs have minimal grooming requirements. They do not need frequent bathing and should only be washed when necessary. Their coats can be groomed with a bristle brush as needed.
Health Problems
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Australian Cattle Dogs are generally healthy animals. They may develop vision problems such as glaucoma or lens luxation (dislocation of the lens within the eye), according to Just Dog Breeds. The Dog Breed Info website also notes that they can develop hip dysplasia, which is a condition where the hip joint and femur do not fit together correctly. Pet Education says that this condition can make it difficult for dogs to run or walk with ease.
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References
- Photo Credit Heeler Pup 15 image by Lee O"Dell from Fotolia.com
