What is the life expectancy of an Australian Blue Heeler?
about 10 to 13 years
Australian Cattle Dogs have a lifespan of about 10 to 13 years.
Do Australian cattle dogs get attached to one person?
As a herding dog, it comes as no surprise to learn that Blue Heelers can develop closer bonds with one person. They can even become attached to that person; following them around everywhere they go.
When should I neuter my Australian cattle dog?
Whilst recommendations vary, vets typically suggest that you should have your Australian Cattle Dog spayed or neutered between the ages of four and nine months.
How did the Australian Cattle Dog get its name?
At the time, blue-colored dogs were the most popular dogs among drovers and ranch owners, and so the Australian cattle dog became known as blue heelers. They were also known as Queensland Blue Heelers, and Queensland Heelers, following their popularity in Queensland in cattle runs.
What kind of coat does an Australian Cattle Dog have?
Blue mottle is fingertip sized dark spots usually from slightly less than 2cm up to approx 2.5cm against a light background. The colour should be of good even red speckle all over, including the undercoat, (neither white or cream), with or without darker red markings on the head.
How is the Australian Cattle Dog related to the dingo?
The compact but muscular Australian Cattle Dog, also called Blue Heeler or Queensland Heeler, is related to Australia’s famous wild dog, the Dingo. These resilient herders are intelligent enough to routinely outsmart their owners.
What kind of eyes does an Australian Cattle Dog have?
Australian heelers have brown eyes that are medium-sized and oval in shape with alert and sensitive ears. However, cattle dogs vary in appearance. They can be one of five colors: blue, blue speckled, blue mottled, red speckled, and red mottled.
How long does an Australian Cattle Dog live?
Australian cattle dogs, also known as blue heelers or Queensland heelers, are pretty tough canines. However, even the hardiest breeds are prone to certain medical issues. The primary health problems affecting the “Aussie” involve the eyes, ears and joints. Expect your Aussie pal to share your life for 10 to 13 years.
From time to time a chocolate and cream coat color does occur. The blue Australian Cattle Dogs can be blue, blue speckled, or blue mottled with or without black, tan or white markings. The red variation should be evenly speckled with solid red markings.
The Australian Cattle Dog originated when a cattle farmer named Thomas Hall from New South Wales cross-bred dogs that were being used as drovers in Northumberland, possibly smooth coated collies, with tamed dingoes. The dogs that resulted from this cross-breeding were named Halls Heelers.
How often does an Australian Cattle Dog shed?
They do not shed their coat year round. For males and altered dogs, they will shed their coat once a year. Intact females will blow their coat twice a year, usually following their heat cycles. When this busy dog is shedding, frequent brushing is recommended along with warm baths to help remove the loose hair.