Are you looking to buy a dog? A Queensland heeler in particular, but are you confused with the breed blue heeler popping up every now and then during your research? Well, do not worry, as you will not be the first one to get confused by this.
The Queensland Heelers and Blue Heelers are the same. They do not have an actual difference. They are all part of the same Australian Cattle Dog breed.
You do not have to get confused anymore, as we are here to provide you with all the information that you need. Read this article to know everything about the Queensland heeler.
What’s the Difference Between a Blue Heeler and a Queensland Heeler?
A Queensland and Blue heeler are part of the Australian Cattle Dog breed. There is no difference between these two dogs.
Many people interchange the term, which causes confusion amongst those who do not know the other names of the breed. Queensland and Blue Heelers are nicknames for the Australian Cattle Dog.
Are Queensland Heelers Part Dingo?
This is another common question that many people have. Yes, Queensland Heeler is related to Dingo – Australia’s famous wild dog.
Let us dive into the history to understand how they are part of Dingo.
A Brief History
When the Anglo-Australians moved from the coastal settlements to the western inland, they were looking for herding dogs.
During that time, the first cattle dogs were called Smithfields. These dogs were from Great Britain. Though Smithfields were excellent cattle dogs, they were struggling to keep up with the climate.
This is because the climate between Australia and England is very different, and a few breeds can not adapt to the change quickly, or some may not survive it.
The people wanted a cattle dog that could handle the harsh terrain and extreme temperature.
Noticing the difficulty Smithfields were facing, the cattle ranchers began the process of breeding a new cattle dog that could handle the climate and terrain of the area.
The cattle ranchers began to breed Dingoes or Scottish Highland Collies with Smithfields. Later on, Geroge Elliot from Queensland, Australia, started breeding Collies and Dingoes together.
This was not the final version of the Australian Cattle Dog. This is where the term Queensland Heeler comes from.
Much later, two brothers, Jack, and Harry Bagust created the perfect herding dog by breeding Dalmatians with George Elliot’s dogs.
The modern Australian Cattle Dog is a cross between black and tan kelpies. There were two varieties produced, blue and red. The Blue heelers are much more popular.
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The Types of Heelers
You must understand that there are two types of heelers – Blue and Red. For both of them, the term Queensland Heeler is used interchangeably.
Most of the time, Australian Cattle Dogs are born with a few spots on their white fur. Once they grow, they come under Blue Heelers if they have black spots mixed with white. Red Heelers have brown or red spots on them.
Again, you must remember that they are all the same dogs. Only the spots are different.
In Australia, by the late 1800s, the Australian cattle dog (Queensland Heeler or Blue Heeler) was standardized. In 1980, the American Kennel Club accepted the Australian cattle dog for registration.
Characteristics of a Queensland Heeler
Now that we know the history of the Queensland Heeler dog let us dive into the characteristics of the breed and know more about them.
How Do They Look?
Queensland Heelers are muscular and athletic. They have strong and powerful jaws with broad heads. Their ears look similar to the ones of a German Shepherd. Their ears stand part on top of their head.
This dog breed has sloping shoulders and muscular hind legs.
What Is Their Coat Like?
Queensland Heelers have a double coat, but they are short in length. Their double coat can get stiff and strong.
They have markings on their coat. You will be able to notice the following colors:
- Blue
- Blue Mottled
- Blue Speckled
- Red Speckled
- Red Mottled
How Big Do Queensland Heelers Get?
The average height and weight of a Queensland Heeler are between 43-51 centimeters (17-20 inches) and 30 to 50 pounds, respectively.
Since there are female and male Queensland Heelers, there will be a slight difference.
The average height of a female Queensland Heeler is between 45-48 centimeters(17-18 inches). The average height of a male Queensland Heeler is between 46-51 centimeters (18-20 inches).
How Much Do They Weigh as They Grow
Queensland Heelers usually grow fully around the age of 18 to 24 months. What you must understand is that they take time to put on weight which is the reason by the time they reason their targeted height, they are considered as fully grown.
Usually, their growth plates finish healing when they are 11 to 12 months of age. They reach their final height between 9 and 11 months.
Again, the growth varies among male and female Queensland Heelers.
Male
- At 3 months, the male heelers are usually 13 to 15 pounds. At 6 months, they are 24 to 26 pounds.
- When they turn 1, they weigh anything between 31 and 25 pounds.
Female
- At 3 months, the female heelers are usually 12 to 14 pounds. At 6 months, they are 23 to 26 pounds.
- When they turn 1, they weigh between 30 and 34 pounds.
READ MORE: Male Vs Female Blue Heeler: Which One is Right for You and Your Family?
How Is Their Temperament?
Queensland Heeler is a sweet and loyal dog. Blue Heelers love to interact with humans but can be aggressive towards dogs they do not know.
At times, they can be wary of people who they are not sure about or are not their owners. Once they socialize, they will be fine.
This breed has a high prey drive and can chase things around. They are extremely intelligent and love to play around. It is easy to train them because of their intelligence. Since they are herding animals, they have a lot of energy.
Do Queensland Heelers Bite?
Since they come from a herding background, they do have a habit of biting. Queensland Heelers usually herd with force by biting.
They have the instinct to nip cattle, children, or animals that move or come in their way. Even while playing, they can bite on toys. It is in their nature.
You can train them to stop biting. Otherwise, the habit can become dangerous for everyone around them.
What Is Their Life Span?
Queensland Heelers have a lifespan between 12 to 15 years. They have a long life expectancy.
How to Take Care of a Queensland Heeler?
Every dog requires the right amount of care and nurturing. We have discussed a few things to help you understand how to care for them.
How to Groom a Blue Heeler?
Luckily, Blue Heelers are not high-maintenance dogs. They will only need extra care during the shedding season.
Other than the shedding season, they need to be brushed regularly, about 4 or 5 times a month. It will detangle their hair, remove dirt and distribute oils.
They need to be bathed when needed. This means when they get dirty and start to smell bad.
Brushing their teeth is also important. You can brush their teeth daily if it is possible. Otherwise, brushing two times a week will remove all the bacteria and tartar buildup.
Ear cleaning is a step that must not be neglected for dogs. They should be checked weekly to prevent infections. Trim their nails when you notice them clicking on your floor.
If you are not good with trimming or ear checking, you can take them to a groomer for a safe process. You must not take any risks when grooming a dog.
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What Are Their Exercise Requirements?
Since they are cattle dogs, they have a lot of energy and require a certain amount of exercise. Their minds are always active and require interactions. A Queensland Heeler requires:
- Physical exercise
- Mental Stimulation
- Purposeful activities
They need 2 hours of exercise daily. Daily walking or running will be beneficial. Along with that, they require activities that challenge and entertain them.
Having a mix of all three will tire them out, and their mind will be at peace. If they do not get the required amount of exercise, they might channel their energy through bad behavior.
What Are the Common Health Problems?
There are a few common health issues that Queensland Heelers face. It becomes important for you to ensure that you look out for these problems.
Here are the common health issues:
- They are prone to deafness. At the starting stages, they tend to have fits of barking, become unresponsive to sounds, and are jumpier. When these symptoms occur, it is better to visit the vet to see what can be done.
- Progressive retinal atrophy is another common problem. It is an eye condition where the retina starts to deteriorate, leading to vision problems. This problem can lead to blindness.
- Queensland Heelers are prone to canine hip dysplasia. This problem occurs once they become old. They start to limp or hop. Their hind limbs start to move together, and they avoid physical activities.
Since they are very active and love being athletic, Queensland Heelers can have ligament or joint issues. It is important that you look out when they show signs of pain or limping.
Visiting a vet whenever they showcase odd behavior or signs of struggle will be helpful.
There will be chances of preventing the problem from increasing.
Are Queensland Heelers Good Family Dogs?
Queensland Heelers are good family dogs. They are protective and loyal to their family. Blue Heelers are good watchdogs and will only bark if there is something wrong or feel anxious or threatened.
They are extremely good with children. They show herding behavior with children and are protective. In case you adopt a Queensland Heeler who is older and has little exposure to kids, it can get a little rough.
If you have small children at home, you will have to train them beforehand or keep them away until they are trained.
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How to Choose a Queensland Heeler?
If you are looking to purchase a Queensland Heeler, it is important that you pick the right palace.
If you live in a ranch country or near a farming area, you may be able to find a breeder.
You should remember that regardless of where you live, you must properly research the breeder before purchasing or adopting.
Here are a few things that you can do:
- Observe the living conditions of the dogs the breeder has. You will get an idea of where the dogs lived and know if they had a healthy lifestyle.
- Ensure that the breeder does genetic testing of breeding stock. This test decreases the chances of undesired traits passing on and the litter’s health.
- Check the weight of the dogs before purchasing.
If the living conditions of the puppies are not proper, it is better to avoid those places.
You can also take home rescued Queensland Heelers or retired ones.
You can search for animal shelters or rescue facilities near your area. You can also look for facilities that only have Queensland Heelers.
Conclusion
We know that Queensland and Blue Heelers are the same. There is no difference between them.
Queensland Heeler are active and loyal dog breeds. They will be perfect for a family with kids and have time to provide them with the necessary exercise.
We have provided you with all the information that you need. Right from their history, characteristics, and how to take care of them.
When buying a Queensland Heeler, you must research the place properly and observe how they care for their dogs. Do your research and find your Queensland Heeler.
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