Blue Heeler - Australian Cattle Dog Puppies for Sale

Country of Origin:

Australia

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Breed Characteristics

Average Size: Medium

Average Lifespan: 12-16 years

Kid/Pet Friendly: Sometimes

Registry: aca,akc

Activity Level: high

Shedding Level: moderate

Grooming Level: low

Trainability: high

Good For Novice Owners: moderate

Adaptability: moderate

Prey Drive: high

Watchdog: very alert

Breed Information

Overview

Blue Heelers are exceedingly affectionate with their human families - and other pets for that matter. They are brave, loyal, and friendly to those they know. When it comes to strangers, however, this breed should be watched carefully. They are also generally better-suited to families with older children. Australian Cattle Dogs are very protective of their packs, and they will become defensive. Because of their protective nature, they make excellent protection or guard dogs. This can typically be dealt with early on through training and proper socialization. It’s important to give them a job or purpose in order for them to be happy.

Known as the Blue Heeler, or the Australian Cattle Dog (ACD), this breed hails from Australia and can trace its roots all the way back to the wild Dingo. They were bred specifically to drive cattle over long distances and often across rough terrain. They received their “Heeler” nickname due to their common habit of nipping at cattle’s heels to herd them.

These dogs are most well-known in the United States by their Blue Heeler or Australian Cattle Dog names, but they are also sometimes called Australian Heeler, Queensland Heeler, and Halls Heeler. The American Kennel Club (AKC) officially recognized the Australian Cattle Dog in 1980 and the ACD was a charter member of the Herding Group when it was established in 1983.

Temperament

Blue Heelers are affectionate with their human families - and other pets too. Sometimes called a “velcro” dog, the Blue Heeler gets close to their owner and family quickly, but they will also tend to bond with one person much more closely than any other in the family. These dogs tend to be brave, loyal, and friendly to children and other dogs in the family. They can have a high prey drive so will need socialization and training around other pets in the household. When it comes to strangers, they tend to be cautious, watchful, and aloof. Their protective nature puts them on alert. As long as they are properly socialized, they will warm up once introduced.

Did You Know?

One of the facts about Blue Heelers is that Heeler puppies are born with a white coat that turns into the blue-gray “Blue Heeler” or the red “Red Heeler” coat. Both varieties feature the distinctive speckled or mottled patterns that Australian Cattle Dogs are known for. Australian Cattle Dog puppies usually develop their coat colors after a few weeks and the patterned coat should be coming in clearly by around 6 weeks.