Australian Cattle Dog German Shepherd Mix: Blue Heeler Mix
Are you looking for a loyal and hardworking dog that will always be by your side? Then you need a cattle dog shepherd mix. These dogs are a cross between two of the most popular and well-known herding dog breeds, Australian Cattle Dog German Shepherd Mix (Blue Heeler Dog).
Cattle dog shepherd mixes are incredibly intelligent and easy to train, making them the perfect companions for active families. They’re also fiercely loyal and will always have your back, no matter what.
If you’re thinking about adding a cattle dog shepherd mix to your family, here’s everything you need to know about these amazing dogs.
History of Australian Cattle Dog German Shepherd Mix
Australian Cattle Dogs are a hardy breed of dog that was developed in Australia to herd cattle. They are also known as Blue Heelers or Red Heelers, depending on the color of their coat.
Australian Cattle Dogs are medium-sized dogs, standing between 18 and 20 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing between 35 and 50 pounds. They have a short, fine coat that is typically blue or red, with occasional white markings.
Australian Cattle Dogs are intelligent, active, and alert dogs that make excellent working partners. They are also loyal and protective of their families, making them good family pets.
The Australian Cattle Dog is a mix of several different breeds of dogs, including the Australian Kelpie, the Australian Shepherd, and the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog. The Australian Cattle Dog was bred to be a working dog, and they continue to excel in this area today.
Australian Cattle Dogs are intelligent, trainable, and eager to please, making them excellent dogs for obedience training and other activities. Australian Cattle Dogs are also used extensively in law enforcement and the military.
The Australian Cattle Dog is an energetic and athletic breed of dog that requires a great deal of exercise. They are happiest when they have a job to do, whether it be herding cattle, guarding property, or working alongside their human companions.
Australian Cattle Dogs are large dogs, standing between 24 and 26 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing between 60 and 90 pounds.
The Australian Cattle Dog is a strong, muscular dog with a square build and a thick, weather-resistant coat. The coat is typically black and brown, but can also be tan, red, or blue.
What is a Blue Heeler German Shepherd Mix?
A blue-heeler German shepherd mix is a cross between a blue-heeler and a German shepherd. These dogs are typically very intelligent and active and make great companions for active people.
They are loyal and protective and make excellent watchdogs. Blue heeler German shepherd mixes can be a bit headstrong, so training and socialization are important from an early age.
These dogs are not for everyone, but if you are looking for an active, loyal, and protective companion, a blue-heeler German shepherd mix may be the perfect dog for you.
- Height: 20 to 25 inches
- Weight: 45 to 80 pounds
- Lifespan: 11 to 14 years
- Colors: Blue merle, black, fawn, blue ticked with white
- Suitable for: Active families or those looking for a working dog with lots of energy
- Temperament: Brave, obedient, energetic, loyal
Australian Cattle Dog and a German Shepherd History
As you might expect, the cattle dog shepherd mix is a relatively new breed of dog. The first recorded cross between an Australian Cattle Dog and a German Shepherd was in the early 1990s.
However, it’s thought that this cross was likely done much earlier, as there are many similarities between the two breeds. For example, both breeds were originally bred for herding livestock.
The cattle dog shepherd mix was intentionally bred to combine the best qualities of both breeds. These dogs are hardworking, intelligent, and loyal, making them the perfect additions to any family.
Appearance
Cattle dog shepherd mixes can vary quite a bit in appearance, as they inherit traits from both of their parent breeds.
However, they typically have the strong, muscular build of the German Shepherd combined with the short, dense coat of the Australian Cattle Dog.
Most cattle dog shepherd mixes are between 18 and 24 inches tall and weigh between 40 and 80 pounds.
They have a short, double coat that is typically black and tan, although some dogs may have a more blue or red hue to their coat.
The coat of a cattle dog shepherd mix is relatively easy to care for. Weekly brushing is all that’s needed to keep their coat healthy and free of tangles.
Temperament
If you’re looking for a loyal and loving companion, then a cattle dog shepherd mix is the perfect dog for you. These dogs are incredibly devoted to their families and will always be by your side.
Australian Cattle Dogs are known for their independent nature and Blue healers, in particular, are known for their stubbornness.
They are also bred for a tougher lifestyle and are therefore more resilient to harsh conditions. German Shepherds, on the other hand, are bred for their loyalty and obedience. They are more sensitive than Cattle Dogs and require more delicate handling.
If you’re thinking about adding a cattle dog shepherd mix to your family, be sure to contact a reputable breeder. These dogs make wonderful additions to any home, but they’re not right for everyone.
Make sure you’re prepared to provide plenty of exercise, stimulation, and love to your new dog. With the right home, a cattle dog shepherd mix will be a loyal and loving companion for years to come.
Grooming
In most cases, your best bet for successfully grooming your Australian Cattle Dog with a German Shepherd is to use a wire slicker brush.
These brushes have short, stiff bristles that are perfect for dealing with the thick coat of an Australian Cattle Dog. German Shepherds have a shorter, denser coat, so a slicker brush with longer bristles may be more effective for them.
Start by working the brush through the dog’s fur, paying special attention to any mats or tangles. Be careful not to pull too hard on the fur, as this can cause pain or discomfort.
Once you have brushed out the coat, you can then move on to trimming any excess hair. For the Australian Cattle Dog, you will want to use a pair of scissors to trim the hair around the eyes, ears, and anus. You should also trim the hair on the backs of the legs.
German Shepherds do not need to be trimmed in these areas. It is important to note that you should never shave your dog’s fur, as this can lead to irritation and even infection.
If you must shave your dog’s fur, be sure to use a very sharp pair of scissors and take extra care not to cut the skin. When you are finished grooming your dog, be sure to give him or her a treat as a reward for being such a good sport!
Food and Diet
Most of the time these dogs want to spend most of their time in outdoors. It is recommended to give active dogs of this size about 1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality kibble per day.
Divide this amount into two separate ingredients so that they consume both in the morning and at night. If you’re unsure about dry food brands, ask your vet to give you some food recommendations.
Health
Every dog you own is prone to some sort of health condition. This breed doesn’t have a lot of major health conditions and is relatively healthy.
Some of the biggest concerns tend to be hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy.
Hip dysplasia in puppies is greater common in larger breeds however happens to puppies of all sizes.
This is when the hip joint doesn’t match properly and grinds collectively as an alternative to sliding smoothly.
Progressive retinal atrophy is a type of degenerative disease in puppies that affects the photoreceptor cells inside the retina.
Over time, this in the end leads to blindness in all puppies who are recognized with it.
Fun Facts about the Blue Heeler German Shepherd Mix
The Blue Heeler German Shepherd Mix is a fun-loving, energetic breed that is sure to keep you entertained.
They are a cross between the Blue Heeler and the German Shepherd, two very popular breeds.
These dogs are intelligent and quick to learn, making them great companions. They are also very active and need plenty of exercises, so they are not the best choice for couch potatoes.
If you are looking for a dog that will keep you laughing and provide you with endless hours of fun, the Blue Heeler German Shepherd Mix is the perfect breed for you.
Special Considerations For a German Shepherd Blue Heeler Mix Dog
A German Shepherd Blue Heeler mix dog is a unique crossbreed with a special set of needs.
German Shepherds are known for being intelligent, loyal, and protective, while Blue Heelers are known for being active, alert, and responsive. When you mix these two breeds, you get a dog that is smart, active, and loyal.
German Shepherd Blue Heeler mix dogs need plenty of exercises to stay healthy and happy. They are also very intelligent, so they need mental stimulation as well as physical activity.
Training is essential for this breed, as they can be strong-willed and stubborn. Socialization is also essential, as German Shepherd Blue Heeler mixes can be aloof with strangers.
Overall, German Shepherd Blue Heeler mix dogs make great companions for active people who are willing to put in the time to train and socialize them. If you are looking for a unique and special dog, this might be the breed for you.
How Can I Prepare to Own an Australian Cattle Dog mix German Shepherd?
Owning an Australian cattle dog mix German shepherd can be a rewarding experience, but it’s important to properly prepare for the responsibility.
This guide will provide you with the necessary information to make owning a mixed-breed dog as smooth as possible.
First and foremost, it’s important to research the breed of dog you are considering. Each breed of dog has its unique personality and set of needs, so it’s important to be aware of what you’re getting into before bringing a dog into your home.
Next, it’s important to set up a proper environment for your new dog. This means having a safe, spacious area for your dog to roam and play, as well as plenty of toys and chew bones to keep them occupied. It’s also important to have a good-quality leash and collar, as well as identification tags.
Finally, you’ll need to make sure you are prepared for the financial commitment of owning a dog. Dogs require regular vet checkups and vaccinations, as well as food, toys, and other supplies. All of this can add up, so it’s important to be prepared for the cost before bringing a dog into your home.
Here are Some Tips on How to Train a Blue Heeler German Shepherd Mix:
Start with Crate Training.
Crate training is an important part of raising any puppy, but it’s especially important with high-energy breeds like Australian Cattle Dogs and German Shepherds. This will help your puppy learn to stay calm and relaxed in their crate, which will be essential when you’re out and about and can’t keep a close eye on them.
Obedience Training is a Must
As with any dog, obedience training is essential for an Australian Cattle Dog and a German Shepherd. You’ll want to start with basic commands like sit, stay, come, and down. Once your dog has mastered these basics, you can start working on more advanced commands like heel and recall.
Socialization is Key
Socialization is another important part of training for these two breeds. It’s important to expose your puppy to as many people, places, and things as possible so they can grow up to be well-rounded dogs.
Exercise is a Must
Australian Cattle Dogs and German Shepherds are high-energy breeds, so it’s important to make sure they get plenty of exercises.
A good rule of thumb is to make sure they get at least 30 minutes of exercise each day. This can be anything from a walk around the block to a game of fetch at the park.
Mental Stimulation
This is just as important as physical exercise. In addition to getting plenty of physical exercises, these two breeds also need mental stimulation. This can be anything from interactive toys to dog sports like agility or obedience.
By following these tips, you can be sure that you’re Australian Cattle Dog and German Shepherd will be well-trained, well-behaved dogs that will be the perfect companions for all your adventures.
Are These Dogs Good for Families?
These hybrid mix dogs are highly protective and have high-energy personalities that’s why we don’t recommend having these dogs with children of small ages.
Not all dogs are the same but puppies will grow up with those kids around the other pets and animals, they adopt the way these kids live in their home and the others around them.
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that owning a mixed-breed dog is a smooth and rewarding experience.
Pros and Cons of German Shepherd Blue Heeler Mix
If you want to bring joy to your home you can have a German Shepherd Heeler mix into your household.
If you are still weighing between getting this hybrid or not, here’s a list of the hybrid’s execs and cons to assist you.
Pros
- Highly Intelligent
- Trainable
- Obedient
- Positive reinforcement
- Great guard dogs
- Loyalty
- Protectiveness
- Excellent workout companion
- Active
- Energetic
- Love outdoor activates
- Athletic lifestyle
- Handsome appearance
Cons
- High grooming needs
- Regular brushing
- Aggressive tendencies
- Strong character
- Aggressive
- Stubborn
- Extremely active
- Extremely energetic
Final Thoughts about Australian Cattle Dog German Shepherd Mix
There’s no denying that the Australian Cattle Dog German Shepherd mix is a unique and interesting breed. They are a great choice for those looking for a loyal and protective companion.
While they may not be the easiest breed to train, they are certainly worth the effort. With proper socialization and training, these dogs can be a wonderful addition to any family.
