How to Select a Blue Heeler

The blue heeler, also known as the Australian cattle dog, the Australian heeler, Hall's heeler and the Queensland heeler, is an intelligent and strong-muscled working dog. The breed originated from Australia and has a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. Blue heelers have blue merle or red speckled coats, are bred to herd cattle and have a very dominant and loyal personality.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dental Kits (for Dogs)
• Dog Beds
• Dog Bones
• Dog Brushes
• Dog Dishes
• Dog Food
• Dog Leashes
• Dog Shampoo
• Nail Clippers For Dogs
• Dog Shampoo
• Flying Discs

1. Take into consideration a blue heeler's features. A good breed will have straight front legs as you are facing it, ears that are pricked and moderately pointed, eyes that are dark brown and oval and an even red speckle on the coat, without any black markings.

2. Choose a blue heeler only if you are prepared to spend a lot of time with it and include it in family activities.

3. Purchase a blue heeler if you are looking for a dog that is loyal and protective. This breed, once it gets to know and trust you, will be your friend for life.

4. Keep in mind that a blue heeler has a lot of energy and will need a large backyard to run around in. They will need to be walked or run daily - making good companions for runners. There is no such thing as too much activity for a blue heeler.

5. Reconsider purchasing a blue heeler if you have children or other pets. Blue heelers are a dominant breed and may be aggressive with other dogs. Unless they are socialized at an early age with children, they may tend to herd small children like cattle.

6. Consider adopting a blue heeler from a pet rescue organization, only if you have time and patience. Because of their intelligence and intensity, much time and effort will be needed to work with adopted blue heelers.

7. Know before you buy a blue heeler that they are prone to hip dysplasia (a malformed ball and socket in the hip joint), progressive retinal atrophy (progressive damage to the retina) and deafness. Be sure to check on potential breeders to see whether they screen for these health problems before they breed.

8. Note that blue heelers will weigh between 35 and 50 pounds by the time they reach maturity, with a height of 17 to 20 inches at the withers (the highest part of the back).

9. Think about contacting the orthopedic foundation to learn more about hip dysplasia in blue heelers before you make your final decision to get one.

10. Expect to pay between $300 and $1,500 for a purebred puppy.

Tips & Warnings

• Some blue heelers have a "Bentley mark" - a white blaze on the forehead.
• Remember that blue heelers are bright dogs. Teach them new tricks often to keep them mentally stimulated.
• Because of their agility, blue heelers are great at games such as catching a Frisbee.
• Provide many chewable toys for your blue heeler. This breed will chew everything in the house if they don't have a toy or bone to chew on at all times.
• Avoid buying a working line of blue heelers for pets. They will probably be too high strung as pets.
• Blue heelers have been known to nip at the heels of humans, much like they do with the cattle they are herding.
• This breed of dog is not easy to train. Be prepared to be rigorous and tough in your training if you decide to own a blue heeler.

[josaidwhat]

on 11/11/2009 my heeler recently died at 10 yrs and the breeder has a 10 mnth puppy for sale and it is only used to coming inside at times he lives on a working ranch his dad is exellent in his duties I am a widow and want a good watch dog companion that lives in the house with me my cat and 2 birds as my older heeler did will this be agood choice for me or should I wait for a younger puppy

[country33]

on 8/15/2009 The question about fleas, when i got my little girl she was infested with fleas the people didnt take care of her at all. I took her to the vet and got frontline, and so far i havent seen many fleas on her, but she still has a couple. so i would suggest using front line, or the groomer told me to use dawn dish soap. might try that too.

[country33]

on 8/15/2009 I have a 3 month old female named Koty she is by far one of the best dogs i have ever owned at 3 months she is already trying to work she has no problem getting in the middle of my cows and tryin to help me. When we are home she is very loving and playful and doesnt leave my side often. the only problem i am having is when she plays she will not stop biting, i know all puppies play bite but she hurts. any suggestions on how to get her to stop? [e-mail]

[guidolee]

on 12/22/2008 i have a 10 month old female, i treat her with the frontline fle product, but it seems like it only lasts about 20 days instead of the month they say it does, plus my sister has 2 of her own, she is a breeder, she tells me that her dog never gets fleas n she never treats them, they r running out in the yard, she said she was told that this breed cant get fleas and never will, please if u can help i'd appreciate it, my email is [e-mail]

[guidolee]

on 12/22/2008 is it true blue heelers cant fleas