If you are a proud owner of a Blue Heeler and would like to learn more about this breed or are considering purchasing one, read on.
Key Differences Between Australian Cattle Dog vs Blue Heeler
The Australian Cattle Dog and the Blue Heeler are similar in most respects. Australian Cattle Dogs are available in a few different colors, including the Blue Heeler. Otherwise, these dogs are identical and capable herding dogs.
Let’s discuss these dogs in more detail now!
Australian Cattle Dog vs Blue Heeler: Color
The Australian Cattle Dog and the Blue Heeler are related breeds. Only their color can help you distinguish between them; the Blue Heeler has a blue coat. But how do they really get a blue-colored coat?.
When they are born, Australian Cattle Dogs are completely white. The only dark parts are the eyes, ears, and occasionally the tail and the back.
A Blue Heeler has some black spots when it is born; this is where everything starts. When the puppy is 4 weeks old, the puppy’s white hair and black hair will eventually start to blend together. Some of them might have more white hair than black hair. As a Blue Heeler ages, its level of black hair affects the depth of its blue.
Australian Cattle Dog vs Blue Heeler vs Red Heeler: Color Variations
The coat of a Blue Heeler can take on a variety of shapes and patterns depending on how and where the black hair spreads. It can be blue speckled or blue mottled.
The Blue Heeler with blue spots has a coat that is primarily black in color. The white color is dispersed in small, irregular groups that resemble white stains.
The coat of the blue-mottled variation is more white than black. This time, the coat appears white, with small black spots.
We’ll let you know that there’s also a Red Heeler variant of the Australian Cattle Dogs to help you distinguish them even more. The Red Heeler variety has brown hair growing on its coat as a puppy, whereas the Blue Heeler’s hair eventually turns black.
There are also canines that combine the two. Some Blue Heelers and Red Heelers may have tan-colored hair on their faces and backs of their coats, respectively.
FAQ
What breeds make up a Blue Heeler?
Australian Cattle Dogs, as you might have guessed, were first bred in Australia in the 1840s when a native Queenslander began mating blue merle collies with dingoes. The puppies proved to be such excellent working dogs that word of their fame spread, and nearby cattle farmers snatched up litters.
Why are cattle dogs called Blue Heelers?
These canines are also referred to as Australian heelers, Queensland heelers, and blue heelers. Since they nip at the heels of cattle, the name heeler refers to this behavior. Other names are used to describe their region of origin and coat color. Whatever you call them, they’re gorgeous!.
What breeds make up a cattle dog?
- Border Collie. border collie herding cattle. …
- Australian Shepherd. Australian Shepherd standing in profile in front of woods.
- Texas Heeler. …
- Australian Kelpie. …
- Australian Cattle Dog. …
- Bouvier des Flandres. …
- Cardigan Welsh Corgi. …
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi.
Is a Blue Heeler a good family dog?
Blue Heelers, another name for Australian Cattle Dogs, are cheerful, highly alert puppies with keen intelligence and a strong sense of loyalty. These devoted companions are not aggressive, making them a great choice for households with children.