More About This Breed
Beyond having an unwavering work ethic, blue heelers become intensely devoted to their owners and dislike being separated from them, which is why they are known as “shadow dogs.” This is an extremely active dog that will happily become your next running or hiking buddy. They can be affectionate with their family, although they are often cautious around strangers. If well-socialized, they generally also get along well with other household dogs and dog-friendly cats.
Their distinct blue or red coat is a trademark of the breed, but surprisingly, blue heeler puppies are born with white fur. Over their first few months of life, the coat turns blue or red, often with speckles or a mottled pattern.
Personality
If a blue heeler does not get an outlet for their energy, they can become bored and left to their own devices for entertainment—which could mean chewed-up shoes, furniture, or other destruction in the home. This breed loves living in homes with a fenced yard or a safe property to run in. In addition, blue heelers don’t like to be left alone for long periods, especially in small spaces, so bring your pal along when going for a walk, hike, or swim.
Exercise is a critical part of a blue heeler’s life. Because of their hardworking heritage, the breed craves regular physical and mental stimulation each day. They need at least a 30-minute walk, opportunities to run around, and an outlet for their herding instincts. A variety of puzzles, chews, and tug toys can help your dog stay satisfied. You can keep your dog entertained with a treat-dispensing puzzle or a rubber toy filled with peanut butter or another treat.
Grooming
Blue heelers are not high maintenance in terms of grooming. Bathe them as necessary, trim their nails once a month, brush their teeth, and clean their ears on occasion to promote wellness. This is not a breed prone to excessive drooling or doggy odor.
Care for your Blue Heeler Puppy
Being such active dogs, it is very important to provide proper nutrition for your blue heeler pup, and to ensure they are taking in enough calories to keep up with their active lifestyles. Most commercial dog food diets will have an adequate balance of nutrients for dogs who spend most of their time as companions.
Blue heelers who are true working dogs or spend hours sprinting and running may benefit from performance diets suited to their specific needs as working dogs. Because these dogs are so active and we want to promote healthy joints, look for foods with glucosamine and chondroitin added, or consider adding on a good joint supplement. As they age, you may find it beneficial to switch to a canned food diet or to soak their kibble before feeding it to them which can be easier on older dogs with fewer teeth.
Coat Color And Grooming
The Toller has a medium-length, water-repellent double coat. The red or orange color gives him a foxlike appearance, even giving rise to the tale that he’s the result of a fox-retriever cross, a genetic impossibility.
He may have white markings on his feet, chest, face, or tail tip. A white tail tip is especially desirable because it allows the hunter to keep the dog in sight from a distance. The tail itself should be full and bushy, never trimmed and sculpted. Nose, lips, and eye rims are black or flesh-colored, blending with the coat.
Start grooming your Blue Heeler when he's a puppy, to get him used to it.
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