In this article you will read about
1 Texas Heeler – Appearance
2 Coat
3 History of the Texas Heelers
3.1 Australian Cattle Dog, Also Known As Blue Heeler
3.2 Australian Shepherd
4 Texas Heeler – Health
5 Texas Heeler Temperament And Personality
6 Texas Heelers Maintenance
7 Texas Heelers – For Whom?
8 Texas Heeler – Price

Texas Heeler – Appearance

The Texas Heeler’s appearance can vary depending on the percentage of Cattle Dog and Shepherd Dog in their bloodlines. They typically stand 17-21 inches tall and weigh between 30-50 pounds. They are usually a mix of black, brown, white and tan, but can be any color. The patterns on their coat can also be quite varied and can include spots, brindles and merle.

Below there are some of the characteristics of the Texas Heeler:

  • Eyes – They have medium-sized, oval shaped eyes that usually are brown in color. They are set high on the head and are slightly rounded at the tips;
  • Ears – Texas Heeler’s ears are medium in size, Most Heelers dogs have upright, pricked ears, although they may be folded like the Australian Shepherd Dog. Most of the Texas Heeler puppies have slightly floppy ears at birth, but they tend to perk up later on;
  • Tail – Heelers have a short, bobbed tail that is usually docked when they are puppies;
  • Nose – Their nose is black and the muzzle is tapered;
  • Tail – Most Texas Heelers are born with bobbed tails.

Coat

The Texas Heeler’s coat is short, dense and smooth. Sometimes the coat may be medium-length but usually it is short. Heelers have a thick, double coat that helps protect them from the weather and brush. The outer coat is short and stiff to help repel water and dirt. The inner coat is soft and dense to keep the dog warm. Heelers can have a variety of different coat patterns, including spots, brindles, merles. They are usually tricolor or bicolor.

History of the Texas Heelers

The texas heeler is a crossbreed between the Australian cattle dog and the American heeler. Texas Heelers have most likely been living naturally for years, but breeders began crossing the Australian Cattle Dog with the Australian Shepherd in the 1970s. It’s thought that breeders in Texas developed the breed and then mated the dogs to create a clever herding dog. Demand for mixed-breed dogs increased, which is why they continued to be bred in the early 21st century. To better understand Texas Heelers, it is worth to get to know more about their parents – Australian Cattle Dog and Australian Shepherd.

Australian Cattle Dog, Also Known As Blue Heeler

The Australian Cattle Dog is a herding breed that was developed in Australia in the early 1800s. They were bred from the dingo, the blue merle collie, and the kangaroo dog. The Australian Cattle Dog, also called Blue Heeler, is a sturdy, athletic dog that is extremely agile. They have a wiry coat that can be either black or brown and since it is evenly spread through a white coat, it gives the impression that the dog is red or blue. They have been nicknamed as “Blue Heelers” or “Red Heelers”, because of their practice to nip the their heels if they are reluctant. Other names include: Queensland Heeler. Blue Heelers are often bred with Border Collie to create another breed, Border Heeler.

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They are an intelligent breed that is known for their high energy and extreme loyalty. They are an excellent herding dog and are used in many cattle ranches throughout the world.

Australian Shepherd

The Australian Shepherd was bred in the United States and is a mix of several European herding breeds. They were originally used for herding sheep and cattle, but now are also popular as family pets. They are a medium-sized dog that have a long, thick coat that can be black, blue merle, red merle, or white.

The Australian Shepherd was developed in California in th 19th century. They are considered an “outdoor dog” and love to play fetch, agility, and frisbee. They are an intelligent breed that is known for their high energy and extreme loyalty.

The Australian Shepherd began in California and quickly spread throughout the Western United States, where it became extremely popular among ranchers who appreciated the breed’s cattle herding abilities as well as its capacity to handle other animals. In 2019, they were ranked as the 15th of the most popular dog breed in The United States by the American Kennel Club.

Texas Heeler – Health

Although the descendants of Texas Heelers are known to be strong and hardy, there are some health issues that this hybrid breed is more prone to than other dogs. Texas Heelers can be prone to overheating and joint problems, so it is important to keep them well-hydrated and exercised, especially during the warmer months. They may also be susceptible to eye infections and skin conditions, so regular vet checkups are a must. With proper care, however, Texas Heelers can make wonderful pets that are both loyal and protective.

They may also develop a hereditary cancer such as lymphoma, so it is important to be aware of the symptoms and get them treated as soon as possible if cancer is detected.

Texas Heelers are also more prone to develop congenital deafness, which is a hereditary issue. They are also more likely to be overweight than other breeds, so it is important to monitor their diet and make sure they get plenty of exercise, which they do need.

They may also suffer from Distichiasis, which is an abnormal growth of eyelashes that can cause irritation and corneal damage.

Despite these potential health problems, Texas Heelers are generally a healthy and hardy breed that can provide years of companionship to their owners. With the right care, they can make excellent pets for people of all ages.

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Texas Heeler Temperament And Personality

The temperament of the Texas Heeler may vary tremendously depending on the litter and the genes that the dogs may inherit. This is one of the reasons why mixed breed dogs like Texas Heelers are not recognized by any major kennel club and are less popular than their parents. The Texas Heeler is a working dog and is bred for its herding abilities. They are an intelligent, active breed that needs plenty of exercise and room to run. They make great family dogs and are often good with children, but should be supervised when playing with small kids. This is because Texas Heelers are born herders and it is in their nature to herd others. It is important to socialize them early and train them well so that they learn their place in the family hierarchy. Without proper training, they may try to take charge of the home, but generally they are incredibly loyal and friendly companions.

Because they are herd dogs, they are perfect for farm setting. They are also excellent as search and rescue dogs.

Since Texas Heelers have a lot of energy, they are not suitable for living in apartment. They are not recommended as house pets because they need a lot of exercise and room to run. They need a large yard where they can run and play. They are also not very vocal dogs, so if you are looking for a pet that will stay relatively quiet, then the Texas Heeler is a good choice.

Texas Heelers make wonderful working dogs and are perfect for anyone who is looking for an active, intelligent pet that can provide plenty of companionship. Texas Heelers tend to be vary of strangers, so be sure to give your new pup plenty of time and attention when introducing them to your family. With the proper training and socialization, they will be loyal and friendly family members.

Texas Heelers Maintenance

Texas Heelers tend to have short, double-layered coat, which means that they usually shed more than a typical poodle or a maltese. Usually, the shedding is seasonal but it is important to take care of their coat and brush it regularly. Brushing their coat at least once a week can help to keep it healthy and free of mats. Bathing your dog a few times a year should be enough, although in some cases it may be more often.

Texas Heelers are relatively low-maintenance dogs, but they do need exercise and physical activity. Daily walks (or a good game of fetch) is usually enough to keep them happy and healthy.

One thing to be careful of with Texas Heelers is that they can be prone to overweight so it is important to keep a close eye on their diet and include all the necessary nutrients in their dog food without overfeeding them.

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Even though taking care of a Heeler should not be very demanding because they are fairly easy to maintain, you must remember to give your dog enough attention and take care of his or her health. You should also remember about checking your Heeler’s ears and teeth and clean them regularly.

They also enjoy chewing on toys and bones so make sure that you have plenty of those around for your Texas Heeler to enjoy.

Texas Heelers – For Whom?

Texas Heelers would be a great choice for active people who want a dog that will be able to keep up with them. They are working dogs and love to have a job to do. They were originally bred in Texas as herding dogs and are still used for this purpose today, so they would be great for someone with a lot of land to keep up.

If you live in an apartment, a Texas Heeler, even though medium-sized, may not be the best choice for you because they are bred to be working dogs and require a lot of exercise.

They are not the easiest dogs to train and may be stubborn at times, but with patience and perseverance, you will be able to train them and socialize them. They are intelligent dogs and full of love for their owner.

Their potential in mouthiness is high due to their heritage. It means that they are prone to nipping and mouthing, so if you have small children, you may want to consider another breed.

The texas heeler is a great all-around dog that would make a great addition to any family. They are loyal and protective of their family and love to play. With enough exercise, they can be a residents to a home. They would be perfect for families with older children or families who enjoy being active outdoors.

Texas Heeler – Price

Texal Heeler puppies’ cost may vary depending on geographical location. Typically, texas heeler puppies cost around $600, so comparably they are not as expensive as other breeds such as other hybrid dog breeds. The price largely depends on the breeder and it is not unusual to pay more for a Texas Heeler puppy. The price can be up to $1,000 in some cases.

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