11 Things You Should Know About The Australian Shepherd Blue Heeler Mix

If you’re thinking about adding an Australian Shepherd Blue Heeler Mix to your home, there are 11 essential things you should know first.

Image credit: @kovuthetexasheeler

1. Is the Australian Shepherd Blue Heeler Mix suitable for apartment living?

The simple answer is no. Although these dogs are medium-sized, they need plenty of room, tasks, and activities to stay happy, healthy and well-behaved. These dogs can get destructive without access to large spaces and an outlet for their natural herding instincts.

2. Are the Australian Shepherd Blue Heeler Mix dogs protective of their families?

Yes, these dogs will always have your back. 

Australian Shepherd Blue Heeler Mix dogs are meant to be herding dogs due to their instinct to round up livestock, so you can be sure that your four-legged friend will want to keep his family safe and secure at all times. Even if they’re not required to herd animals, they still enjoy having something (or someone) to look after.

3. Can Australian Shepherd Blue Heeler Mix dogs get along with kids?

While they generally get along with kids, the breed’s herding instinct can sometimes cause them to nip slightly at their heels. Parents must be mindful of this when supervising interactions between kids and Australian Shepherd Blue Heeler Mix dogs. 

What about other pets? Can Australian Shepherd Blue Heeler Mix get along with them as well?

Read our Australian Shepherd Blue Heeler Mix Breed Profile to find the answer.

4. Who should own an Australian Shepherd Blue Heeler Mix?

As an excellent working companion, this breed is ideal for many different types of owners. 

Farmers, cattle breeders, hunters and active families are all ideal candidates to own an Australian Shepherd Blue Heeler.

With their natural herding instinct, they can work with livestock and keep them in check. Additionally, these dogs have the stamina required to accompany their owners during long days out hunting or hiking across rugged terrain with ease.

5. What are other names for the Australian Shepherd Blue Heeler Mix?

This dog is more commonly known as the Texas Heeler. Other names include Aussie Cattle Mix, Queensland Heeler Australian Shepherd Mix, Australian Blue Heeler Shepherd, Australian Shepherd Australian Cattle Dog Mix, Australian Shepherd and Cattle Dog Mix, and Queensland Australian Shepherd Mix.

6. Are Australian Shepherd Blue Heeler Mix dogs intelligent?

Yes, these dogs have a knack for learning quickly and responding to commands. This makes it easy for you to train them and curb their nipping behavior.

7. What is the life expectancy of an Australian Shepherd Blue Heeler Mix?

With quality food, regular exercise, plenty of play time and regular vet checkups, the Australian Shepherd Blue Heeler Mix can live for 20 years.

8. Are Australian Shepherd Blue Heeler Mixes high-energy dogs?

Yes. They have lots of energy that needs an outlet; otherwise, boredom can quickly lead to destructive behaviors like barking or chewing furniture.

Unlike breeds satisfied with snuggles, naps, and the occasional stroll, Australian Shepherd Blue Heeler Mixes are exceptionally athletic and naturally love physical activities like hiking, jogging, running, and swimming.

Image credit: @csigrissom

Being bred as working dogs, they always look for something to do. 

9. Do Australian Shepherd Blue Heeler Mix dogs like to be close to their owners?

Owning an Australian Shepherd Blue Heeler Mix may feel like having a permanent shadow by your side. They will follow you around the home and outside; you may even find these dogs following you into the bathroom.

10. Why are Australian Shepherd Blue Heeler Mix dogs prone to deafness?

Their merle gene, responsible for creating mottled patches of color, affects hearing. That’s why the Australian Shepherd Blue Heeler Mix and other merle-colored dogs (Great Dane, Pyrenean Shepherd,  Cardigan Welsh Corgi, Dachshund, and Coollie) are predisposed to inherited deafness.

11. How many Australian Shepherd Blue Heeler Mix puppies are there in a litter?

You can find seven to nine Australian Shepherd Blue Heeler Mix puppies in a litter. These puppies can look completely different from each other.

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