Is a Blue Heeler a good family dog?

Why are Blue Heelers so aggressive?

Why is my Blue Heeler puppy so aggressive? Bred to fearlessly herd cattle, the blue heeler needs a strong leader in its pack or it will assume the role of pack leadership. Unchecked, this tendency can develop into dominance and even aggressive behavior toward both other dogs and humans.

Are Blue Heelers stubborn dogs?

They are, however, prone to being stubborn. As for exercise, Blue Heelers need 1 to 2 hours of it per day to stay happy. They are extremely energetic and love to stay busy. They are especially keen on engaging in outdoor activities, including running, swimming, and interactive games.

Do Blue Heelers make good pets?

Do Blue Heelers Make Good Pets? Blue heelers can make great family pets for a variety of reasons. They are affectionate, loyal, and always willing to play with the kids. They are intelligent, easy to train and work hard to please their masters. Blue heelers also tend to choose one person to become attached to. In this way, blue heelers are

Why are Australian Cattle Dogs so aggressive?

Every dog is an individual and some Australian Cattle Dogs are aggressive which is true of any breed of dog. The reason for the aggressive behavior of an individual Blue Heeler is not so much a trait of the breed but likely the result of their past. In some cases, it may be the result of bad breeding. It is the old nature vs nurture debate.

Are Blue Heelers aggressive?

Blue Heelers are not barking dogs in most instances, so they are quietly aggressive at times. The biggest unwanted aggressive behavior in Blue Heelers is the biting that they are known for. Sometimes the bites are more like nips but still not pleasant to an unsuspecting victim.

What is the lifespan of a blue heeler?

A healthy Blue Heeler can live as long as 15 years. Common health issues can include eye problems, hip dysplasia and deafness. Are blue heelers medium breed dogs? This breed is a medium-sized, short-coated dog that occurs in two main colour forms.

Why are Blue Heelers called blue heels?

The ‘Blue Heeler’ nickname came about from a combination of the color of their fur and the fact that they have a tendency to nip at the heels of cattle as they herded. This trait still holds true; there are many reports from owners that these dogs attempt to herd any small children, or nip at those who are walking away.

How did the Blue Heeler breed get its name?

Mixing native Dingoes with Collies and other herding dogs, Australian George Elliott developed the Australian Cattle Dog (the Blue Heeler) in 1840. Australian cattlemen and ranchers loved the breed’s toughness and work ethic, and the dogs quickly became popular as cattle herders.

Are Blue Heelers good watchdogs?

Blue Heelers are a mix of several dog breeds. They are exceptional watchdogs. Blue heelers require professional training. Australian Cattle dogs are very quick to sound the alarm at every new sighting or sound. There You go, WOOF!

How to train a Blue Heeler puppy?

Consistency is the key to training dogs, especially Blue Heelers. These are smart dogs, so you need to be very patient and consistent with your approach. If you let them get away with bad behavior or breaking a rule, they will do it again. It is crucial to introduce boundaries to a Blue Heeler. These dogs are verycurious and love to explore.

Are Blue Heelers in pain?

It also means that Blue Heelers are intensely focused and highly tolerant of pain. They do not quit even if injured and are not too good at expressing discomfort. Therefore, the owner needs to keep an eye and make sure the dog is in excellent health. Before we proceed and learn more about the Australian Cattle Dog, here’s the breed at a glance:

What is the life expectancy of a blue heeler?

The average life expectancy of a Blue Heeler is between 13 to 15 years. However, some dogs might live longer depending on their health. These dogs generally live a healthy life. Blue Heelers shed moderately at least twice a year. Shedding is influenced by many factors like hormonal change or pregnancy.

Will Blue Heelers make good guard dogs?

The Blue Heeler was originally bred as a herding dog but are in fact are also a great guard dog for protecting your property and even their owners and family members, Being bred to work for a human handler makes them extremely loyal and protective of their owner and people they know.

What to know before getting a Blue Heeler puppy?

Buyer’s Tips

• This breed is very popular in their home state of Texas so you are most likely to find a breeder there.
• Make sure you check their lineage before you buy a pup.
• When budgeting for your new puppy you will need to factor in the amount of space it takes to keep one.
• Certain fur colors such as merle can be more expensive due to the higher demand.

Are Australian Cattle Dogs good for living in apartments?

Not all Australian Cattle Dogs are good in all types of home situations. As a general categorization this is one breed of dog that should not be considered if you live in an apartment or a small living space, even if you have a moderate sized yard.

Why do Australian Cattle Dogs Bite so much?

As a matter of fact, biting is not an uncommon behavior in an aggressive Cattle Dog. This is due to this breed being instinctively prone to the act of biting. This particular instinct comes from the fact that Australian Cattle Dogs would nip or bite the heels of cattle back when they were used as herding dogs.

What to know about the Australian Cattle Dog?

15 Things You Should Know About the Australian Cattle Dog. 1 1. They are a culmination of cross-breeding the Australian Dingo and the Blue Merle. 2 2. They are one of the most intelligent dog breeds in the world. 3 3. They were initially bred to herd cattle. 4 4. They are medium-sized dogs. 5 5. Their appearances vary. More items

Do cattle dogs get aggressive towards other dogs?

“Unsocialized Cattle Dogs may become aggressive towards other dogs later in life, and they can be very territorial”. ANY dog left unsocialized may become aggressive towards other dogs later in life. Again, it is not breed-specific.

Are Blue Heelers dangerous to humans?

Blue heelers are naturally suspicious of strangers. B red to fearlessly herd cattle, the blue heeler needs a strong leader in its pack or it will assume the role of pack leadership. Unchecked, this tendency can develop into dominance and even aggressive behavior toward both other dogs and humans.

Do Blue Heelers get along with other dogs?

Early socialization with people and other dogs will help them tremendously. While Blue Heelers get along with everyone in the family, including kids and pets, they don’t do as well around strangers.

How strong is a blue heeler?

This is a rather high bite force for a dog, which deems the Blue Heeler as very strong. For this reason, it is important to properly train and teach your Cattle Dog obedience from early on, and be wary of his strong prey drive.

Are Heelers aggressive?

Unchecked, this tendency can develop into dominance and even aggressive behavior toward both other dogs and humans. The heeler’s high intelligence make it easy for the experienced dog owner to train away unwanted behavior. Heelers are fiercely loyal to their owners and will position themselves between a new person on the scene and their owner.