How big do heelers get
Are heelers a good family dog?
The Australian Cattle Dog: Family Dog and Intelligent Companion. Australian Cattle Dogs, also called Blue Heelers, are extremely alert, pleasant pups with keen intelligence and a fierce sense of loyalty. These faithful friends are not considered aggressive and can be an excellent fit for families with kids.
Is a heeler a medium or large dog?
Blue Heeler Characteristics
Blue Heelers are medium-sized dogs. Full-grown, they stand approximately 17 to 20 inches tall, and ideally should weigh between 35 to 50 pounds. They live anywhere from 12 to 16 years, according to the American Kennel Club.
Are heelers considered large breed?
The Blue Heeler is a medium sized breed that normally stands between 17 and 20 inches tall, with males usually a few inches taller than females.
At what age do heelers stop growing?
As a medium dog breed, Blue Heelers are seen as full-grown when they are around 18 to 24 months of age. However, it is not until they are between 18 and 24 months of age they often do not reach their full weight.
What breeds make up a heeler?
Mixing native Dingoes with Collies and other herding dogs, Australian George Elliott developed the Blue Heeler in 1840. They are also called Australian Heelers, Queensland Heelers and Australian Cattle Dogs.
Are Blue Heelers aggressive?
Are They Aggressive Dogs? Blue Heelers have one of the worst reputations among any breed for biting people. In particular, it is well known that a Blue Heeler will let anyone into a house, yet not let him or her out. They will attack the person’s heel, true to the name “heeler.”
At what age do Blue Heelers calm down?
Most Australian Cattle Dogs will begin to calm down on their own around 2 years of age, and will be on their way to emotional maturity at about 3 or 4.
Can a Blue Heeler be a family dog?
How long do Blue Heelers live for?
Are Blue Heelers biters?
Nipping and biting are fairly common practices for Australian blue heelers. They are herding dogs, which means they nip and bite the flanks of other animals to “herd” them in a particular direction. Even so, you can’t have a dog who nips and bites people, so there are things your family can do to limit this behavior.
Do Blue Heelers make good house dogs?
Do Blue Heelers Make Good Family Pets? Australian Cattle Dogs make great pets if you can to give them the exercise and mental stimulation they require to stay healthy and happy. But they are best suited to homes without very small children. Raising a Blue Heeler with kids is tough as you need to separate them a lot.
Are Blue Heelers one person dogs?
Blue Heelers, like most herders, can be one-person dogs. They also have a unique independence, not requiring much in the way of cuddling or affection. Though tough and resolute, they will definitely appreciate positive feedback and good treatment. Sometimes their herding instincts can suddenly come into play.
How do I stop my heeler from biting me?
Why do Blue Heelers bite ankles?
A History of Nipping Heels
The term heeler, which is just another name for this breed, refers to this breed’s working style. These dogs were selectively bred for controlling and herding herds of cattle with force, by nipping and biting stubborn cattle’s heels to get them to move.
Can Blue Heelers handle cold weather?
Australian Cattle Dogs do well in cold weather but can’t handle more extreme temperatures like some dog breeds. The ideal temperature for the breed is between 50 – 70F. In temperatures between 40 – 50F, the dog can still do plenty of outdoor work but needs a warm, dry home or shelter.
What’s the difference between a blue heeler and a red heeler?
Well, there is no difference, except possibly color. Australian Cattle Dogs and Blue Heelers are exactly the same dog. The term Blue Heeler refers to Australian Cattle Dogs that are blue in color. Australian Cattle Dogs that are red in color are called Red Heelers.
Do Blue Heelers like to swim?
YES! Australian Cattle Dogs are GREAT swimmers. They love the water and they love to swim!
How do you deal with an aggressive blue heeler?
Are Red Heelers more aggressive than Blue Heelers?
Red one so have always been around were pretty aggressive also. There is no difference between the two, its just color, have seen a blue male and blue female have a 50/50 litter of blue and red. Heelers were bred to drive stock, usually over great distances.
Do Blue Heelers get along with cats?
A major consideration when adding an Australian Cattle Dog to a family of existing pets is: Are Australian Cattle Dogs good with cats? YES, Australian Cattle Dogs can get along just fine with cats! It is, however, important to know that the Australian Cattle Dog was bred and raised to be a chaser.
What are Blue Heelers known for?
The blue heeler is known as hard-working, intelligent, and loyal to its owner. Historically, these dogs were bred to work on farms as herders, and they still thrive when they have a job to do. Their fierce loyalty makes them even better workers.
Why do people dock tails on heelers?
Historically, it was thought to decrease the risk of rabies and strengthen a dog’s back. The most common reason to dock in recent history is to decrease injury risk to working dogs—dogs who hunt, herd, or otherwise work in the field.