They were recognized and accepted into the American Kennel Club 1983; 15. They are loyal towards their masters. Although blue heelers and young children aren't a beneficial idea, blue heelers who have undergone extensive and comprehensive socialization from an early age can often be good with kids who are a minimum of 10 years in age, as long as the kids treat them in a mindful manner. Did you know that both Red and Blue Heeler puppies are actually born white, but their adult coat color will grow through as they develop and mature. More ideas for you. It’s also less energetic and stubborn. However, if raised with children from a puppy they are also suitable for younger children.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'barkhow_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_4',108,'0','0']));eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'barkhow_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_5',108,'0','1'])); Getting a family dog is probably the single best thing that you can do for your kids. Even through their aggression and destruction Blue Heelers make really good family pets. They usually have smooth or medium length coats (1 to 3 inches). To perform their duties as a good herding dog he needs to be trained well. As a reward for all the time and love you invested, you might hear your kids in the future saying the Blue Heeler was their best friend.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'barkhow_com-leader-1','ezslot_10',113,'0','0'])); Nowadays, vets have access to the best equipment in the world that helps you monitor the health of your canine pal. What makes the Blue Heelers the most suitable play buddies at your home is their high level of energy. Blue heelers are a working breed and need not only a huge amount of physical exercise but also mental of they will develope behaviour issues. They make excellent guard dogs. If your household includes any young children, blue heelers might not be the most appropriate option. Blue Heelers usually adapt best to a family with children as a puppy. The Blue Heeler is an active high energy working breed, intelligence, loyal, and protective.eval(ez_write_tag([[468,60],'barkhow_com-box-3','ezslot_6',105,'0','0'])); A Blue Heeler is best suited for an active family that is able to give them the exercise and mental stimulation they need. Both humans and dogs tend to react impulsively when facing old triggers or situations that would set anyone off. They are half Australian Cattle Dog and half Labrador Retriever. They are a double-coated breed so they will shed coat. Blue Heelers are a mix of Collies known for their loyalty and compassion towards humans, and the iconic Australian wild Dingo. For more on the origins and history of the Australian Cattle Dog see here.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'barkhow_com-box-4','ezslot_14',110,'0','0'])); Renowned for their both gregarious and protective nature, Blue Heelers were extremely popular and appreciated for their hard work and diligence amongst ranchers. Their puppies are born white; 1. The earlier you can expose them to more people than the more likely they are to be somewhat comfortable around strangers. If a child invites a new pal over to the home, the blue heeler might watch over everything the unfamiliar kid does. By providing them with proper living conditions, good training and a lot of love will lead to a happy family dog. Ideally, Blue Heelers should be trained and socialized from the very beginning. Generally, the Blue Heeler dog is great around older children, but supervision is advised to allow intervention if play gets a bit too rough. These dogs live to express their loyalty and please their masters. Blue Heelers (whose breed name is the American Cattle Dog) are solid, sturdy and compact dogs with an alert, ready-to-work stance. When it comes to working, blue heelers are multitalented pooches, with gifts not only in herding but also act with serious vigor. YES. Bear in mind that these intelligent creatures won’t do well in apartments. That is why you want to make sure that you are adopting a puppy from a good breeder, following up with the necessary testings and certificates. That being said, one of the best breeds for an active family goes is the Australian Cattle Dog; better known as the Blue Heeler. To say Blue Heelers are aggressive is not accurate. Keep blue heelers out of small kids' lives, and also away from newbie kids in general. Also, you must take their inherited herding traits into consideration during basic training. According to Guinness World Records, one Blue Heeler named “Bluey” was officially declared the oldest dog in the world! For a guide to Blue Heeler exercise see here. Your email address will not be published. If you too are a sporty type, then you will appreciate Blue Heelers for their energetic personality and faithful companionship. Boredom is one of the main causes of dog behavior problems. Blue Heelers are always on the watch out for any potential danger. First of all, make sure you are keeping your dog occupied. All of the dog lovers out there will agree with me when I say that aggressive dogs are not simply born, they are rather traumatized and mistreated by someone. Physical exercise in young puppies need to be built up slowly. It will also make your job much easier since puppies are easier to train. Texas Heelers are medium-sized dogs that generally weigh between 25 - 50 pounds (11–23 kg). Blue heelers can flourish being around kids, reveling in the spirited playtime interactions they share. The tips and information provided on this website are the opinions of the author. Blue heelers can flourish being around kids, reveling in the spirited playtime interactions they share. Blue Heelers don’t need to wash them that often as their coat is fairly resistant to dirt. To stay in hard muscular condition and a satisfied frame of mind, Queensland Heelers require lots of exercise. Required fields are marked *. Different Types of Dachshunds with Pictures, Possible Causes of Excessive Shedding in Dogs, Helping with Mini Schnauzer Anxiety Problems, 5 Natural Ways to Help Rid your Dog of Fleas, 10 Beautiful Long-haired Dachshund Pictures. They need time for their exercise and mental activities to stay healthy. Blue Heelers are well known for being very social, displaying a playful nature, along with a sense of protection when needed. You can help your dog live a long and healthy life by relying on a good, professional breeder. These dogs, also called Australian cattle dogs, red heelers and Queensland heelers, are frequently kept as pets. All canines are individuals with their own characteristics and personality traits, although that's not to say that specific breeds don't have certain tendencies. Blue Heelers make good family pets. Blue heelers and kids Jump to page : 1 Now viewing page 1 [50 messages per page] View previous thread:: View next thread Forums ... We've had a male blue heeler since then that was a lot more aggressive but still good with the kids. We all well know that children learn by impersonating. Before you pick out the perfect canine friend for your household, take some time for thorough research. Adopting a dog is a life-long project for all the members of the family. If they're lucky enough to get good, extensive socialization and training from their owners, they often become dedicated and loving canine family members. Although based around the policing of the town, the series generally depicted the everyday lives and relationships of the residents of Mount Thomas, a fictional small town in Victoria. Just like all dogs, they can become anxious around toddlers. They will also learn how to be responsible and compassionate human beings. Note that little kids often are extremely sudden and speedy in their motions, which can sometimes make blue heelers feel uneasy -- and perhaps even draw out their innate herding and nipping urges. Providing dog owners with helpful advice, tips and answers to your dog-related questions. Usually, Red Heelers are called Australian Cattle Dogs, however, Red Heeler, as well as Blue Heeler, are nicknames they picked up over time. What is the Life Expectancy of Dachshunds? Remember that Westies have a lengthy past as hunters, and those innate behaviors still run strongly in them. Thankfully some tests can predict these things. the origins and history of the Australian Cattle Dog, mental stimulation and enrichment for Blue Heelers, 12 Cool Facts about Dachshunds That You May Not Know, 10 Adorable Wire Haired Dachshund Pictures. Are Australian Cattle Dogs Good with Children? Once they grow up, Blue Heelers act like faithful guardians who persist in doing their job protecting the family. Train Blue Heelers To Not Bite Blue heelers are known for their herding ability. Australian Shepherd: Compared with the Blue Heeler, this breed is very good with kids—no heel nipping. This dog can easily get annoyed around children because kids are extremely speedy and sudden with their movement. So you have to supervise them when they are playing with your children because they possess an inherent desire to herd. This gives you more chances to set boundaries through a well-built system of structured activities. A child playing with a dog is not only a heart-melting scene. Just like all dogs, they can become anxious around toddlers. Whether is it endurance training or a fun playdate with the kids in the park, this herding dog will become an obedient member of your family in no time. Early acceptance and familiarity are essential in a Blue Heeler’s case. This gorgeous breed was highly appreciated for its work ethic and widely used for cattle-droving in the past. Australian Cattle Dogs, also known as Red or Blue Heelers can be an excellent family pet for the right family. Ideally, Blue Heelers should be trained and socialized from the very beginning.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'barkhow_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_16',112,'0','0'])); Since they love to stay active and play, kids will find them very interesting and fun. Training and socialization are crucial for a Blue Heeler. With blue heelers, it's always crucial for people to resolutely discourage any bossy and dominant behaviors, period. Your children will have the opportunity to learn how to treat animals and acquire social-emotional skills that will stay with them for the rest of their lives. Australian cattle dogs, or blue heelers, can be wonderful with children. You will experience pure bliss by merely watching your kids taking care of their canine pals. The average life expectancy for a Blue Heeler is about twelve to sixteen years of age, depending on the food quality, active lifestyle, vaccinations, veterinary care, and, most importantly the genes. Highest Quality Blue Heeler Puppies. It is always a good idea to ask all the right questions before seeing the dog and helplessly falling in love at the very first sight.eval(ez_write_tag([[580,400],'barkhow_com-leader-2','ezslot_12',114,'0','0'])); If you have researched the Blue Heelers, you have surely come across the term aggressive. He would not let anybody but us in the yard! For more on Blue Heeler shedding see here. In return, they will bring so much joy into your life. barkercise. The blue heeler forms strong bonds with his family and is protective and affectionate. Also, their herding and nipping urges can sometimes get the children hurt. If you have a small young family, no problem, they are very good with kids. As you might have guessed the nicknames Red Heeler and Blue Heeler come from the color of the dog, but are not a separate breed from the Australian Cattle Dog. Are blue heelers good with small kids? Not only are these dogs often doubtful about them, they also can be extremely defensive over their own small human family members. Australian Cattle Dog Rescue Association: Living With an ACD, Vetstreet: Australian Cattle Dog Breed Information, American Kennel Club: Australian Cattle Dog, The Westminster Kennel Club: Australian Cattle Dog, Animal Planet: Australian Cattle Dog Guide. They will also play with toys, become your kids’ best friends and favorite play buddies, as well as faithful companions on numerous adventures. Westies and Younger Kids Young kids and West Highland white terriers together are not the greatest idea. Little kids also tend to be pretty noisy, with lots of high-pitched shrieking, which could be problematic for some blue heelers. Unfamiliar children can sometimes be an issue for blue heelers as well. Are Blue Heelers good with kids. Always be safe and intelligent when it comes to the people and animals in your life. Blue Heelers were originally entrusted with the task of cattle-droving. This site  is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, and other affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and other sites, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Australian Cattle Dog (Blue Heeler) Origins and History, Australian Cattle Dog food and other common allergies. Slightly longer than tall with curved, hanging tails, they have muscular legs and strong necks and broad, somewhat rounded heads with pointy ears. If your child isn't at least 8, 9 or 10 years old, you should turn your focus to a different breed. If you are a human, do not fill in this field. If you don’t set the right example, they will run to someone else in search of a dominant figure. Blue Heelers were developed in Queenland, Australia by George Elliot in 1840, says Jessica Rice D’Amato, senior communications manager of the American Kennel Club. Not so good with strangers! Blue heelers are brawny moderate-size canines who originated in Australia, where they started herding livestock. Blue Heeler with Kids and Other Pets The Australian Cattle Dog can be a wonderful family pet if trained well. Bold and athletic, the robust Australian Cattle Dog enjoys romping and roughhousing. To perform their duties as a good herding dog he needs to be trained well. These dogs sometimes become easily annoyed around wee youngsters. The Australian Cattle Dogs are good family members that are good with kids if raised together from the start. Blue heelers are the perfect pets for your family if they care correctly. Blue Heelers are friendly and sociable dogs if they have been adequately trained and socialized. You also want to make sure that your family pet gets along with other dogs, as well as people. If early training is neglected, they may nip at running kids … This will make a world of difference once they grow bigger and become an inseparable part of your family life. Blue Heelers (American Cattle Dogs) are solid, sturdy and compact dogs with an alert, ready-to-work stance. Seeing you interact with the dog will surely inspire them to adopt the best manners while growing up. It might be a good idea not to get them involved when other children come if you are unsure. For this reason, Blue Heelers need early socialization and training to understand which behaviors are unacceptable. Not really. For more on Blue Heelers being aggressive see here. How to exercise a Blue Heeler or Cattle Dog, Your email address will not be published. Blue heelers are working dogs known for their ability to herd animals. As they require a busy lifestyle, you will have plenty of opportunities to train your pet. Your blue heeler must be well trained or he may chase cars, bicycles and children. In return, they will flourish doing what they were made to do – play and protect. If you provide them with a stimulating living environment, you will find it easier to train them and keep their curious nature under control. Since they love to stay active and play, kids will find them very interesting and fun. It’s also less energetic and stubborn. If you adopt a puppy, you will not only make your kids ecstatically happy with the sweet little ball of fur. Elliot was dedicated to producing a breed that was an excellent working dog, and crossed Dingos with Collie mixes to create the Blue Heeler, which gets its name based on its cattle herding abilities. Are Blue Heelers good with kids – a guide for parents. If you take good care of a Blue Heeler, they will reward you with unconditional love. Blue heelers have reputations as being lively, bright and self-sufficient dogs. Suspicious of strangers, he's a courageous guard dog. Are red heeler dogs good with children? They are friends with the children. Their coats can vary in texture from short and smooth to medium length and color including black, blue merle or blue ticked with white and / or tan trim. They come in different shapes in sizes, including a smaller, mini Blue Heeler. Training your Blue Heeler is crucial and can be a fun activity for both you and the dog if you follow certain steps. The oldest dog in the Guinness book of record is held by an Australian Cattle Dog ; 14. Texas Heelers are generally prick eared, but their ears may also fold over. OKF Australian Cattle Dogs: Is a Cattle Dog for You. They are generally good with children and are best suited to older children over 10 years old. Blue Heelers may also be known by the name Australian Cattle Dog. Blue Heelers and kids Children the dog doesn’t know Raising a Blue Heele… More. If he sees anything that he might construe as being a problem, he could react defensively -- not good at all. While Blue Heelers get along with everyone in the family, including kids and pets, they don’t do as well around strangers. Blue Heeler puppies are very smart. His color pattern can be blue-gray or red-gray, so you might also hear him called Blue Heeler or Red Heeler. They are a culmination of cross-breeding the Australian Dingo and the Blue Merle. This mix is loyal, smart and active with the sportiness of Blue Heelers and the friendliness of Labs!. Blue heelers can be pretty vicious if they are not treated right. You should be involved when your kids bring in their friends for the first time. Blue Heelers is an Australian police drama series that was produced by Southern Star Group and ran for 13 years on the Seven Network, from 1994 to 2006. Your dog would do best if raised with children and other pets around them. Although blue heelers and young children aren't a beneficial idea, blue heelers who have undergone extensive and comprehensive socialization from an early age can often be good with kids who are a minimum of 10 years in age, as long as the kids treat them in a mindful manner. If your house has small kids an Australian Shepherd might not be the best option. For more on Blue Heelers as guard dogs see here. Someone in the family has a litter of blue heeler puppies and is wanting to give us one. Australian Cattle Dogs can get along fine with children if they are properly socialized, especially as puppies. The Blue Heeler Lab Mix is a companion dog bred to work on farms or ranches. Collie : This breed sheds a bit less than the Blue Heeler, but is just as energetic. In return, they will flourish doing what they were made to do – play and protect. If you can sit in front of the TV for hours and don’t like being active we don’t recommend you getting a Blue Heeler.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'barkhow_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_3',115,'0','0'])); To get the best out of this beautiful breed, then you ought to take them out more often, letting them unleash their playful nature. Brushing now and then should keep their coat neat and tidy for a long time. He is absolutely NOT an apartment dog. This breed loves to nip and bite and that can be a problem with the kids, so it’s important to watch every time your kids are playing with the dog. In the worst cases, you will see them reacting defensively, which tends to scare the people. An owner’s job is to ensure these wonderful dogs get the proper stimulation that kept them in good health and shape. Blue Heelers are prone to eye infections, that in the worst-case scenarios can lead to blindness. These dogs are very active and need plenty of exercise and attention, or poor behaviors will develop. Today the Australian Cattle Dogs are loving pets, known for forming strong attachment bonds with the owners. Copyright 2021 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. 11k followers. Every dog is an individual and some Blue Heelers can be aggressive as is true of any breed of dog. You should be involved when your kids bring in their friends … So, as a responsible dog owner, your job is to provide the correct training and socialization for your pet. They are good family dogs; 13. You can rest assured that the Blue Heelers will follow you on all your sports endeavors. For more about Blue Heelers and children see here. Home / Dog Breeds / Incredibly Handy Tips on Training a Blue Heeler. It is important with a Blue Heeler to create a firm sense of structure and boundaries. The Blue Heeler will herd everything and anything that moves, including children and other pets. They also have a strong herding drive which can tend to make them want to control and herd people and other animals. It is also interesting to mention that they rarely bark due to their Dingo influence, and tend to stay silent. Blue Heeler or Australian Cattle Dog are a popular choice of breed, especially with those who have livestock and acres of land to guard. During this particular socialisation period, the puppy is around the children from the beginning and quickly perceives kids as part of their caregiving group. He's strong-willed and high-energy. Their dense, weather-resistant coats come blue, blue mottled, blue speckled or red speckled — both with possible dark or tan markings. They are naturally suspicious of strangers and protective of their family. This can be a good thing for your neighbors. The best thing you can do is to start creating boundaries once they are really small.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'barkhow_com-banner-1','ezslot_0',111,'0','0'])); It may not be easy to say no to those adorable little creatures, but they need to know that you are the boss in the house. Whilst the origin of the Labraheeler remains unknown, their amity has been well-known amongst farmers for over a century. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. 10 good facts Tuesday, February 26, 2013. Blue Heelers can stand up to 20 inches at the shoulder, although you can always see dogs that are smaller but never smaller than 17 inches. Regular screening and check-ups, as well as keeping your pet very active and in a good shape will ensure they live a long life. It is also very beneficial when it comes to your children’s upbringing. For more on mental stimulation and enrichment for Blue Heelers see here.eval(ez_write_tag([[728,90],'barkhow_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_7',116,'0','0'])); Your kids will also love taking care of their furry friends since they don’t require extensive grooming. These sturdy cattle drivers can tip the scale at 50 pounds with a lower limit of 30. Blue Heeler Puppies. These dogs will remain by your side forever if you spend enough time with them.