Origin: Australia
Size: Medium Dogs
Breedtype: Purebred
Rank: 56
Type: Herding Dogs,Guard Dogs,Watch Dogs
Height: 1 foot: 5 inches to 1 foot: 8 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight: 30 to 50 pounds
Color: Grey, Red, Black
Temperament: Strong minded yet loyal and loving
Features: It has weather-resistant short and straight outer coat and a dense undercoat. It doesn't shed year-round, but "blows" his coat and in just a few weeks, the undercoat sheds in clumps upto to twice a year.
Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
Popularity: Medium
Litter: 5
Intelligence: Very High
Agility: High
Trainability: Very High
Energy Levels: Very High
Exercise Needs: Very High
Sensitivity: High
Shedding: Medium
Drooling: Very Low
Grooming: High
Good for Novice Owners: Very Low
Adapts to Apartment Living: Low
Tolerates Being Alone: Medium
Cold Weather Tolerance: High
Hot Weather Tolerance: High
Playfulness: Very High
Family Friendly: Very High
Kid Friendly: Medium
Peer Friendly: High
Stranger Friendly: Low
General Health: Very High
Potential For Weight Gain: High
Prey Drive: High
Barking/Howling tendancy: Low
Wanderlust: High
Intensity: Very High
Concerns: Health concerns include progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), elbow dysplasia, deafness, canine hip dysplasia (CHD) ,Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD). lens luxation, cataract, con Willebrand"s Disease (vWD), and Persistent Pupillary Membrane (PPM).
Snippets: They were earlier known as Queensland Blue Heelers, Australian Heelers ,Red Heelers & Blue Heelers. When cattle herders emigrated from Britain to Australia they brought back Smithfield dogs. but these were unable to adjust due to their thick coats. they would bark too much around the cattle causing restlessness.
A person called Thomas Hall, of New South Wales, crossed the Dingo with the Blue Smooth Highland Collie & the offspring proved known as Hall"s Heelers was more useful . However Brothers Harry & jack Bagust bred the Dalmatian with Hall"s Heelers, to add affection for humans companions, then further added the Black and Tan Kelpie to the line, for its working ability.the final result was the Australian Cattle Dog breed.
They got the name red heelers and blue heelers as they have red or blue and sometimes both color streaks of hair/fur.
It was bred to herd and even to use force as biting. hence though they can guard kids they may nip too as its in their natural behaviour. other the positive side they take good care of kids prevent them from straying away also pick up toys and clean the place once hey are done playing. They have strong pack instinct. and need proper training and exercise else can be mischievous.