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Today we’re going to learn, together, about the Blue Heeler. If you’re anything like me, your knowledge of dog breeds is somewhat limited, based on the dogs you grew up with or have read and heard about. There are about a bazillion dogs, y’all. But last week I met an adorable Blue Heeler mix, so of course I gave him a treat and took his photo!
Kato was 15 weeks last week. He was adopted from a local big box pet supply store. His mama has had dogs, but she currently has two small children and is training an active pup. What a brave, adventurous woman! She’s doing an amazing job. Kato has Jones Natural Chews all over the house in various stages of chewing.
So I’m looking on the AKC page for the Blue Heeler, and it’s not coming up as a breed. A little more research shows the Blue Heeler is better known as an Australian Cattle Dog. And looks NOTHING like little mister Kato. Like I said, Kato is a mix. A more handsome version of the original. Here’s what the AKC Breed page has to say about the Australian Cattle Dog:
Without peer as a cattle herder, the Australian Cattle Dog (ACD) is ready and willing to work all day. Their agility, strength and courageousness allow them to easily control and move cattle in both open and confined spaces. Stubborn cows don’t discourage this dog – they just become more determined to get the job done! The breed can be blue or red (can be in mottled or speckled pattern), with or without black, blue or tan markings.
We’re still going to refer to Kato as a Blue Heeler, based on his coloring and his mix.
Blue Heelers are high energy herding dogs, great choices for agility and obedience training. They’re also sure to completely wear out an already busy mom.
The AKC Breed page says that the dog is part Dingo. Kato doesn’t have the Dingo look, but he has the Dalmatian (also part of the original blood line) spots.
The Blue Heeler, a tireless working dog, has a short coat on a muscular body. Its tail hangs at a curve, but I haven’t found photos of any that hang quite like Kato’s.
Kato does not have the pointy, alert ears of the traditional Blue Heeler. Katos’ ears make me *squeeee*. Seriously.
Pros:
- This is a working dog which does an amazing job at herding or agility – focused, on task, gives its all
- A brilliant dog – even as a mix, Kato has learned and retained a tremendous amount in a few short weeks
- Guard dog – the Blue Heeler is loyal, willing and able to guard it’s owner
- Few health problems – hip dysplasia and PRA
- Short coat – very little grooming required
Cons:
- Crazy active – as a working dog, the Blue Heeler needs PLENTY of exercise, or a job to do daily
- Can be destructive – the high intelligence works against the average family – keep this dog active and thinking on its feet
- Can become too protective – SOCIALIZE and be the alpha dog – it’s important to work with this breed from early on, and to keep working with it
In short, if you’re not a busy, active family, or a farmer needing a herding dog, this is NOT the dog for you. Don’t do it. Although, with a face like this, how could you not?
Until I write again …
Flea
P.S. I hesitate to tell y’all this, but we’ve adopted a new family member. He lives inside. And he’s too cute to be believed. He’s my Hunny’s new baby. Wanna see him? His name is Oliver and he’s two years old.
