Characteristics of Blue Heelers
The Australian cattle dog, or blue heeler, is a medium-sized dog kept mostly by farmers for herding. Blue heelers make excellent rural or farm pets because of their loyalty, strength and easy temperament. Heelers usually weigh about 35 to 45 pounds and live for 10 to 12 years. Heelers are farm dogs by nature and seldom do well in apartments or heavily urban atmospheres.
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Physical Characteristics
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Blue heelers earn their name from their light blue coats and black, tan or white spots. Because they were bred to herd cattle, blue heelers are very tough, strong and active animals. Heelers shed seasonally and should only be bathed when necessary. Bred as farm animals, heelers require a great deal of exercise and space to run to stay physically fit, without which they can develop behavioral problems.
Personality
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Most blue heelers are very intelligent and loyal dogs. As puppies they quickly grow attached to humans and are good with children. Heelers should not be too harshly punished. These dogs are stubborn and bred to withstand kicks from cows, so any physical punishments are unlikely to hurt them enough to change behavior. On the other hand, the loyalty and friendliness of blue heelers make them particularly responsive to rewards; with positive reinforcement heelers can be easily trained. The only major drawback of heelers is that they become easily bored if they are too confined or inactive, leading to behavioral problems such as aggression.
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Social Behavior
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Blue heelers do not usually mix well with other pets introduced after they reach adulthood. Heelers control and dominate other pets and sometimes can respond poorly with strangers. However, blue heelers are loyal and respectful enough that an owner can usually calm them down. Blue heelers tend to understand the social order of a household very well and can identify where they stand in a household. Blue heelers seldom attack people or other animals without extreme provocation.
Uses
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Blue heelers are natural farm dogs. They can ably herd livestock, animals far bigger and heavier than they are, and can withstand both cold and hot temperatures. Blue heelers are also effective watch and guard dogs. Loyal and easily trained, they are good companions for people and families of just about any age. Their distinctive pattern, physical strength and agility and obedience make them superb show dogs, as well.
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References
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