Texas Heeler: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care

Known for their distinctive blue-tinged coats, the Texas heeler is an energetic and intelligent working breed. These dogs are a mix between an Australian shepherd and an Australian cattle dog and boast characteristics from both these "parent" breeds.

Named for the state where they’re most likely to be found, the breed earned its “heeler” nickname from the Australian cattle dog, because they are often referred to as the Queensland heeler or blue heeler. A great option for active owners, Texas heelers are highly intelligent and will be happiest when they have a job to do, which is why they excel in games and canine sports. They make for loyal and devoted family companions and will do well in families with children and similar-sized pets if socialized from a young age.

Characteristics of the Texas Heeler

If you're looking for a dog that can keep pace with your active and full lifestyle, a Texas heeler may be a great choice. Bred from two highly intelligent and active "parent" breeds, the Texas heeler excels at being put to work or just hitting the great outdoors with their owner. If left unchecked, a Texas heeler's headstrong nature can make them difficult to train, so it's important to implement skills and command authority from the get-go with this breed. The more mentally stimulated and physically active a Texas heeler is, the more likely they are to consistently behave themselves.

History of the Texas Heeler

The Texas heeler is a “designer dog” created by breeding two purebreds. In May of 1970, Lucy Guynes registered the Texas Heeler with the Animal Research Foundation and the breed’s popularity quickly grew as a working dog for farms and ranches in Texas.

The story of this breed’s origins is somewhat unique when compared to many other designer breeds. To truly understand the Texas Heeler, you have to take a look at the characteristics of both the Australian cattle dog and the Australian shepherd dog. Because there isn’t a great deal of information on the exact origins of the Texas heeler, an exploration of the history of its parent breeds can help understand this lovable companion and working dog.

In the 1800s, Australian settlers on large ranches bred the Australian cattle dog as a hardy working dog that could help herd cattle; they needed a breed that could tolerate the often challenging climate in Australia, and dogs that had previously been imported from England weren’t able to withstand the challenging ranch life. Ranchers began breeding English dogs with the native Dingo of Australia, and most of these dogs ended up with a distinctive blue-colored coat, earning them the name blue heelers. In 1893, Robert Kaleski began breeding blue heelers, and the dog was accepted into the American Kennel Club in 1980.

Texas Heeler Care

Texas Heelers can be great family pets, but early (and frequent) training is necessary to ensure you channel their intelligence and energy properly. Because they are an active breed, they do best in a home that boasts plenty of land and access to activities such as hiking or dog parks. With the proper care and attention, they can be a loyal companion for years to come.

Exercise

Texas heelers are bred from two very active herding breeds, so they'll require lots of daily exercise. As working dogs, they also prefer having a job to do and are highly task-oriented. They make excellent running and cycling companions but will also thrive with a variety of activities that condition them physically and stimulate them mentally, like hide-and-seek, fetch, or canine sports. They do have an innate drive to herd, so be sure to walk your dog on a leash and keep them close when out and about.

Grooming

Though Texas heelers only have short- to medium-length coats, they are thick and double-layered, so they tend to shed moderately most of the time. When they blow their undercoats in the spring shedding season (and sometimes even in the fall), the shedding can become heavier. You'll want to brush out your Texas heeler's coat at least once or twice weekly with either a bristle or pin brush to help keep their coats as healthy as possible and minimize excessive shedding.

Additionally, maintain a regular grooming routine when it comes to teeth brushing, ear cleaning, and nail trims. If you feel at all unable to complete these tasks every few weeks, you can look into groomers in your area to do it for you.

Training

Texas heelers are a highly intelligent breed, making them relatively easy to train. Though they are very affectionate with their families, they can be protective and suspicious of strangers. As a result, they are popular watchdogs (though they often won't bark unless a stranger is actually spotted). They can also be great with kids but may need to be disciplined not to nip and herd from time to time. If you have other pets in your home, its helpful to raise your dog from a young age alongside them—otherwise, they may be inclined to utilize their natural herding instinct on the other fur members of the household, especially if they are smaller in size.

Common Health Problems

Though they are generally healthy, Texas heelers can develop a few health issues that you should be aware of. If you notice symptoms of the below issues—or any health problems at all—make sure to contact your vet promptly. Some health issues common with Texas Heelers include:

• Hip and/or elbow dysplasia
• Distichiasis, a condition where eyelashes grow on the inside of the eyelid
• Progressive retinal atrophy, a serious and incurable condition that can eventually cause blindness.

Diet and Nutrition

Texas heelers can be prone to easy weight gain, especially if they're not active enough, so ensure that your dog is receiving a biologically appropriate food containing both protein and healthy fats. You'll also want to look for formulas with ground bone and vegetables in them, as they contain vitamins and minerals that are essential for this breed's optimal health and performance.

Where to Adopt or Buy a Texas Heeler

The Texas heeler technically falls under the category of a "designer breed,” which means you’ll likely have to work with a breeder in order to take one of these dogs home. Just like any other mixed breed dog, they can sometimes end up in shelters as well as breed-specific rescues, such as the Texas Cattle Dog Rescue. Always do your best to seek out a reputable breeder before purchasing—they should be able to provide you with health and vaccination records for both parents and have a track record of healthy litters. In general, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $1000 for a Texas heeler puppy from a breeder.

Texas Heeler Overview

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More Dog Breeds and Further Research

When determining if the Texas heeler is the right dog for your family, be sure to research all aspects of the breed and consult other Texas heeler dog owners, as well as breeders and rescue groups, to learn more.

If you're interested in similar breeds, check out:

• Blue Lacy Breed Profile
• Kerry Blue Terrier Breed Profile
• Lancashire Heeler Breed Profile

There's a whole world of potential dog breeds out there—with a little research, you can find the right one to bring home!