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
• 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.