Blue Heeler
The Australian Cattle Dog is also known by the Heeler, referring to his herding style that nips at cattleâs heels to move them. Depending on his color, you might hear him called the Blue Heeler or Red Heeler. The Blue Heeler (Australian Cattle Dog) is a friendly, gentle, and protective pet. He is not as vocal as other herding breeds and may not bark at anything strange. Also, like all other dog breedâs Blue Heeler pros and cons should be included.
Australian settlers developed the blue heeler dog breed to herd cattle during the 19th century. Moreover, It is widely credited with helping ranchers expand Australiaâs beef industry using their expertise.
Ranchers have created a strong and sturdy canine that can withstand Australiaâs harsh environment through many cross-breedings and breedings. Moreover, the Australian native dingo was bred into the dogs brought from England to Australia to make the blue Heeler (or Australian cattle dog) you now know.
However, the American Kennel Club accepted the Australian cattle dog for registration in May 1980. In September 1980, the breed was eligible to show in the Working Group and was then transferred to the Herding Group.
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Blue Heeler Pros and Cons
Blue heelers make wonderful family pets. Also, they are loyal and affectionate and will play with children. They are smart, intelligent, and easy to train.
In fact, they can make great family dogs, it is best to get them as puppies. Also, you can socialize the dog and teach him to be tolerant of your family members and other pets. Here are the Blue heeler pros and cons:
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Pros
Medium-sized
Highly intelligent
Get fit and active through rigorous exercise and hard athletic activities
Bonds are strongly recommended
Loyal
A short, easy-care coat available in striking colors
Sturdy
Get fit and thrive through vigorous exercise
Exercising active
Protective measures for family members
Vigilant watchdog
Keeps an eye on your dog
Superior herding dog
Bonds are strongly recommended
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Cons
Shedding Heavy
Bored or insufficient exercise can make you destructive
Rigorous exercise needs
Children, bikes, motorbikes, pets, and animals will chase or nip any moving objects.
Strong-willed
A strong-willed dog needs a confident owner who can take control
Independent thinker
They have to have a job.
Aggression toward other animals
Be wary of strangers
Excessive barking and high-pitched voices are possible.
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Why a blue heeler is a good choice?
Extremely Intelligent
Blue heelers are among the most intelligent dogs in the world. They are easy to train if youâre consistent. Also, they are able to take on new tasks with ease and unrelenting enthusiasm because they know what theyâre doing.
Although their intelligence is often a two-sided coin, many heelers will use it to please you. They are very prone to pleasing people, and their intelligence often helps them in this endeavor.
A heeler who isnât able to find enough work to keep them busy is a danger.
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Loyal and Protective
Blue heelers are known to be aggressive when they feel threatened by their family.
Blue Heelers are often very protective of their loved ones and will see strangers and other dogs as a threat. This can be overcome with training.
In many cases, loyalty and protection can be seen as added bonuses. These dogs are loyal and will never leave your side. The blue Heeler is a great choice if you are looking for an alert, protective family dog.
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Itâs easy to train
Blue heelers are intelligent and stubborn, which is why they are often called blue Heelers. They are also easy to train. Your blue Heeler will quickly learn if you are patient, confident, and consistent.
This extends beyond regular dog training. Blue heelers can learn tricks and behavioral tasks. They can also be taught how to do a job.
These dogs thrive when given something to do. Itâs a good idea for them to be given games or jobs, even if theyâre not herding cattle.
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Perfect Size
Blue heelers are strong but not very large. They are classified as medium-sized dogs, which can help you please your future landlords (if renting).
In fact, the smallest blue heels are approximately 17 inches in height, while the largest is nearly 20 inches. Also, full-grown blue heelers are typically a little larger than their female counterparts. However, both blue heelers, males and females, weigh about 35 to 50 lbs.
Blue heelers are a big dogs, but their enthusiasm more than makes up for it. These dogs can also be very strong, making them difficult to train with young children. Also, the blue Heeler is a smaller and more playful breed than other large or medium-sized dogs. While they should be treated with care, they are not as fragile as smaller toy dogs.
However, Blue heelers can be suited well if they are raised in a manner that allows them to adapt to apartment living. Their size and coat structure make them attractive for apartment dwellers who want to be active.
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Why shouldnât you have a Blue Heeler?
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Barking
Australian Cattle Dogs can be too quick to raise the alarm at any new sight or sound. Unsupervised, this breed should not be allowed outside. Cattle dogs can be dangerous because of their high-pitched barks.
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Strong temperament
Australian Cattle Dogs are versatile and capable working dogs that can learn a lot. However, they are independent and can be trained and raised independently. They are capable of manipulating and can be dominant.
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Enough exercise and mental stimulation
Australian Cattle Dogs werenât meant to be household pets. Moreover, their working behavior (chasing, barking, and territorial instincts towards other animals) is unacceptable in a normal household. It is unfair for the dog to be suppressed by these âhardwiredâ behaviors without giving them alternative outlets.