Blue Heeler (Australian Cattle Dog): Dog Breed Characteristics & Care

The blue heeler, also called the Australian cattle dog, is a sturdy, medium-sized herding dog developed in Australia. Their dense double coat consists of a thick undercoat and a short, weather-resistant overcoat. The blue heeler is known as hard-working, intelligent, and loyal to their owner. Historically, these dogs were bred to work on farms as herders and thrive when they have a job to do.

Learn more about the history, care, and characteristics of the blue heeler.

Characteristics of the Blue Heeler

Beyond having an unwavering work ethic, blue heelers become intensely devoted to their owners and dislike being separated from them, which is why they are known as "shadow dogs." This is an extremely active dog that will happily become your next running or hiking buddy. They can be affectionate with their family, although they are often cautious around strangers. If well-socialized, they generally also get along well with other household dogs and dog-friendly cats.

Their distinct blue or red coat is a trademark of the breed, but surprisingly, blue heeler puppies are born with white fur. Over their first few months of life, the coat turns blue or red, often with speckles or a mottled pattern.

History of the Blue Heeler

According to the American Kennel Club, Australian settlers bred the blue heeler during the 19th century to help ranchers on the ever-expanding cattle ranches in the Australian grasslands. After many breedings and cross-breedings, ranchers developed a strong canine to handle Australia’s harsh climate. Dogs brought to Australia from England were bred with the native Australian dingo to create the ancestors of the blue heeler, or Australian cattle dog, we know today.

In May 1980 the Australian cattle dog was accepted for registration by the American Kennel Club. The breed became eligible for show in the Working Group in September of that year and was transferred to the Herding Group in 1983.

Blue Heeler Care

If a blue heeler does not get an outlet for their energy, they can become bored and left to their own devices for entertainment—which could mean chewed-up shoes, furniture, or other destruction in the home. This breed loves living in homes with a fenced yard or a safe property to run in. In addition, blue heelers don’t like to be left alone for long periods, especially in small spaces, so bring your pal along when going for a walk, hike, or swim.

Exercise

Exercise is a critical part of a blue heeler’s life. Because of their hardworking heritage, the breed craves regular physical and mental stimulation each day. They need at least a 30-minute walk, opportunities to run around, and an outlet for their herding instincts. A variety of puzzles, chews, and tug toys can help your dog stay satisfied. You can keep your dog entertained with a treat-dispensing puzzle or a rubber toy filled with peanut butter or another treat.

Grooming

Blue heelers are not high maintenance in terms of grooming. Bathe them as necessary, trim their nails once a month, brush their teeth, and clean their ears on occasion to promote wellness. This is not a breed prone to excessive drooling or doggy odor.

Their two-layered coats do need extra attention during times of the year when they do a lot of shedding, for example during the spring when they shed their winter coat. During this time, it’s important to brush your blue heeler frequently to remove the hair. You'll need an undercoat rake or comb to do the best job.

Training

The blue heeler is easy to train because they are intelligent and energetic. They will herd everything and anything that moves, including children and other pets. For this reason, blue heelers need early socialization and training to understand which behaviors are unacceptable. If early training is neglected, they may nip at running kids or play too rough with other animals.

These dogs often excel at canine sports such as agility, flyball, herding competitions, or obedience trials. Plus, the time spent training and interacting with your blue heeler is a good way to not only stimulate their mind but also to further develop the bond between you and your pet.

Common Health Problems

Blue heelers are powerful and athletic dogs. As such, their joints and ligaments can undergo some wear and tear. Tearing of the cruciate ligament (similar to the ACL in humans) is always a concern, so any signs of limping or pain should be checked by a veterinarian. Although these dogs are generally considered healthy, the following conditions may affect your blue heeler:

• Canine hip dysplasia: Signs include limping, "bunny hopping" where both hind limbs move together in a hop-like gait, avoidance of physical activity, and stiffness—especially after a long rest.
• Progressive retinal atrophy: An eye condition involving retinal deterioration leading to impaired vision. Pay attention to how your blue heeler sees at night and if they frequently have enlarged pupils. While this condition is painless, it can lead to complete blindness.
• Deafness: Blue heelers are at risk for a genetic predisposition to deafness. Indications of deafness include a lack of responsiveness to sound, jumpiness, and unusual fits of barking.

Diet and Nutrition

Being such active dogs, it is very important to provide proper nutrition for your blue heeler pup, and to ensure they are taking in enough calories to keep up with their active lifestyles. Most commercial dog food diets will have an adequate balance of nutrients for dogs who spend most of their time as companions.

Blue heelers who are true working dogs or spend hours sprinting and running may benefit from performance diets suited to their specific needs as working dogs. Because these dogs are so active and we want to promote healthy joints, look for foods with glucosamine and chondroitin added, or consider adding on a good joint supplement. As they age, you may find it beneficial to switch to a canned food diet or to soak their kibble before feeding it to them which can be easier on older dogs with fewer teeth.

Where to Adopt or Buy a Blue Heeler

Check your local animal shelter and rescue groups for blue heelers in need of homes. If you are adopting an older blue heeler into a family with children, check to see if the dog was trained or socialized. A number of nationwide rescue groups for blue heelers provide online resources to find a dog, including:

• Australian Cattle Dog Rescue Association
• Australian Cattle Dog Rescue, Inc.
• Australian Cattle Dog Club of America

Blue Heeler Pros and Cons

While the blue heeler is a loyal family dog, it is not the right fit for every family. Before bringing one of these working dogs home, review the pros and cons of blue heelers:

Pros

• Hard working
• Intelligent and curious
• Loyal and eager to please

Cons

• Requires intense mental and physical stimulation or may become bored and destructive
• Does not like being left behind; wants to be with their owner at all times
• Can be stubborn

More Dog Breeds and Further Research

Before you decide on a blue heeler, be sure to do plenty of research. Talk to other blue heeler owners, reputable breeders, and rescue groups to learn more. Make sure you are fully ready to take on the ownership of one of these high-energy dogs.

If you’re interested in similar breeds, check out:

• Border collie
• Australian shepherd
• Texas heeler
• Miniature American shepherd