The Blue Heeler and the Border Collie are two cute and hardworking dogs, and when they come together, they make some really adorable designer puppies.
The Blue Heeler Border Collie Mix is commonly known as the Border Heeler, but sometimes they are also called the Australian Cattle Dog Border Collie Mix or the Border Collie Heeler Mix.
No matter what you call them, Border Heelers are energetic and hardworking dogs who need to live with an active family or individual who will exercise them for 1 to 2 hours each day.
Exercise is extremely important for these energetic pups, but there are many other things you need to know about them before you welcome one to your life, so you need to learn more about them.
So, without further ado, we’ll share some cute pictures of the Blue Heeler Border Collie Mix as well as some interesting facts and helpful information about this friendly designer dog.
Table of Contents
Some Quick Facts About the Blue Heeler Border Collie Mix
| Breed Type: | Crossbreed/Mixed Breed |
| Other Names: | Border Heller, Australian Cattle Dog Border Collie Mix, Border Collie Heeler Mix |
| Size: | Medium-sized dog |
| Good Watch Dog: | Yes |
| Average Weight: | 30 to 50 pounds |
| Average Height: | 18 to 23 inches |
| Lifespan: | 13 to 17 years |
| Apartment Living: | No |
| Ideal for: | Active families and Individuals, spacious homes |
| Coat: | Short or medium-length double coat |
| Coat colors: | They are generally black in color with speckled white in certain parts of their body |
| Suitable for first time owners: | No if you are an inactive person, apartment dweller, or someone away from home for long periods of time, otherwise yes |
| Trainability: | Relatively easy to train |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
| Shedding: | Moderate |
| Grooming Needs: | Brushing should be done at least 2 times each week to help keep their coat healthy |
| Energy Levels: | High |
| Exercise Needs: | At least 90 t0 120 minutes of exercise every day is required |
| Tolerance to being left alone: | Low, these dogs should not be left alone for more than 2 or 3 hours |
| Feeding and Diet: | 2 to 2.5 cups of high quality dog food each day, divided into two meals |
| Possible Health Issues: | Hip and elbow dysplasia, Collie eye anomaly, Deafness, Cataracts, Progressive retinal atrophy |
| Temperament: | Intelligent, Protective, Loyal, Active, Affectionate, Athletic, Stubborn |
| Cat Friendly: | Moderate, Early Socialization Is Must |
| Dog Friendly: | Yes, But Proper Socialization Is Recommended |
| Kid Friendly: | Yes, Early Socialization Is Must |
| Barking Tendencies: | Occasionally |
| Price: | $500 to $8,00 |
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Who are the Parent Breeds?
The Border Heeler is a cross between two of the most hardworking dog breeds around: The Blue Heeler (also called the Australian Cattle Dog) and the Border Collie.
If you’re considering adding this designer dog to your family, it is important to learn more about both of his parents’ breeds so that you get a good understanding of what physical characteristics and personality traits he could inherit.
Below, we’ll briefly look at the history and personality traits of each parent breed in order to get a clearer understanding of what to expect from your new mixed breed dog.
Blue Heeler Dog
The Blue Heeler is a very energetic and affectionate breed. It is also commonly known as the Australian Cattle Dog (ACD) or simply Cattle Dog.
The Blue Heeler is ranked 55th on the AKC’s list of the most popular canines and he is known to be alert, intelligent and pleasant.
The Blue Heeler stands around 17 to 20 inches tall, and weighs anywhere between 35 to 50 pounds. He can either have a short to medium-length coat that is quite easy to maintain.
Although they are not strictly blue in color, they will have white, gray and black patches that give them the blue appearance unlike the Red Heeler.
Unlike the Border Collie, the Blue Heeler was originally bred in Australia. A New South Wales farmer named Thomas Hall imported the Smithfield dog and Scottish Collies, and bred them with his housetrained Dingoes.
Other breeds such as Bull Terriers, Tan and Black Kelpies and Dalmatians were also used to create the Australian Cattle Dog as we know the breed today.
Due to his Collie genes, the Blue Heeler is also a great herder, in addition to being a loyal and protective dog. Today, one of the most notable Blue Heeler Mixes is the Border Heeler.
The Border Collie
Pastoral breeds like the Border Collie were developed to herd cattle and sheep, and to help move goods to the market. Therefore, they have a natural herding instinct.
Their name actually means sheepdogs. This is because they were originally used by shepherds to herd sheep between the coast of England and Scotland.
At that time, they had different names and were assigned duties based on their body shape and other characteristics. They became very popular when Queen Victoria became fond of them.
The Border Collie is a very intelligent dog. These dogs are also very energetic and need to be exercised properly to avoid behavioral problems like digging the garden or chasing cars.
Blue Heeler Border Collie Mix
Whether you like or dislike the idea of mixed breed dogs, they are becoming more and more popular and the Blue Heeler Border Collie Mix is no exception.
Full of love and affection, both parent breeds are naturally hunters. They are eager to please their owners and although they are not necessarily couch potatoes, they will sometimes try to get a little rest on your lap despite their size.
They will require plenty of space for exercise so that won’t be comfortable staying in an apartment. Therefore, give them a spacious house with a secure, fenced-in yard and they will be happy and healthy.
Since they have tons of energy, they need to be kept busy to prevent boredom. Simply giving them interactive dog toys will do wonders, especially when you’re away.
The Border Heeler is a mix between two stunning hunting dogs, but some may be quite different from others, so here is what you should expect from your designer dog when it comes to physical characteristics.
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The General Appearance of the Border Heeler
In this case, it is important to note that both parent breeds are quite similar in personality. However, their physical traits may be quite unpredictable.
With parents that have strong, athletic and compact bodies, you can expect the same for your Border Collie and Blue Heeler Mix puppy, but he might be slightly taller.
That brings us nicely to the frequently asked question ‘How big does a Border Collie Blue Heeler Mix get?’
A full grown Border Heeler will stand anywhere between 18 and 23 inches in height and has an average weight of around 30 to 45 pounds.
This means that your Border Heeler may be a medium-sized dog.
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The Australian Cattle Dog and Border Collie Mix’s Coat and Colors
The Border Collie Heeler Mix has a short or medium-length double coat.
They also come in different colors and have various markings.
However, they are generally black in color with speckled white in certain parts of their body.
Other common color combinations include blue, merle, mottled red, red speckled and tricolor.
Their coat is generally visible because of the white, which gives them the typical blue or red appearance.
Border Heeler Behavior and Temperament
The Border Collie and Blue Heeler are both very intelligent dogs. It’s no surprise that both have a track record of working in close collaboration with their owners to perform complicated duties in a dangerous and fast-paced environment.
They are not just eager to please their owners, they also need to be physically and mentally stimulated or they can develop destructive behaviors due to boredom.
Since the parent dogs are vulnerable to becoming anxious if they are not well stimulated, it is safe to say that their offspring will be the same.
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Both the Blue Heeler and the Border Collie are good with kids and get along well with other dogs as well, especially if they have been socialized early.
It’s advisable to also socialize them with cats and other household pets as puppies and take them out so they can show confidence when faced with new situations. Otherwise, they can be fearful dogs with other dogs and strangers.
Are Blue Heeler Border Collie Mix Good Dogs?
For families with or without children, the Border Collie and Blue Heeler Cross is a great pet for active families.
However, you should consider what kind of canines its purebred parents are. Blue Heelers are a bit calmer but can be very protective.
On the other hand, Border Collies have a lot of energy. This means that the mixed breed dog may not be the best choice for first time dog owners who cannot exercise them properly.
They might get along well with kids and other animals, but make sure to supervise them when they are around them since they may herd or nip them.
If you are worried about barking, keep in mind that the Border Heeler is a sensitive dog. Therefore, you can expect your Border Heeler to bark occasionally.
You also need to ensure your home is safe and secure since they have natural hunting instincts that may cause them to roam. Undesirable behavior issues can be solved by socializing your Border Collie Heeler Mix puppy early.
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Training
The Border Heeler should be well socialized with other canines, animals and strange people so that he develops into a confident and well-behaved pooch. That will help ensure that your pup doesn’t become overprotective.
You should also make training a Blue Heeler Border Collie Mix an enjoyable experience and use lots of positive reinforcements in the form of food treats and verbal complements.
If you notice that your pooch is herding any member of your family, then you should try and discourage this behavior as soon as possible.
Since he is very intelligent, the Border Heeler should be able to pick up his training fast, and if not, simply be patient and consistent with your training methods and you will achieve the desired results sooner rather than later.
Exercise Needs
As we’ve already mentioned, the Border Heeler will do best in a family home with a secure, fenced-in yard and reasonable opportunities for physical and mental exercises.
The Border Heeler, having two herding and working parents, should do better in a medium to large-sized home that can offer access to a large outdoor space. Make sure that the space is secure, or they will wander and look for cattle to herd.
They can do well in a rural or urban environment as long as they find plenty of opportunities to exercise. Their tolerance to cold is quite high since they have a dense coat just like their parent breeds.
Proper exercise will help keep their body healthy and their mind happy.
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Daily walks of one to two hours duration, chew toys, games of fetch or Frisbee can help keep him busy so he doesn’t start herding cats, dogs, children and adults.
If you’re unable to commit to this level of exercise, then it’s strongly recommended to consider a different breed altogether.
Keeping your pooch actively engaged in mentally and physically stimulating exercise sessions is important for smart dogs like the Australian Cattle Dog Blue Heeler Mix.
Moreover, make sure you spend a lot of quality time with your pet and choose interactive toys that will keep him busy when you are away.
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Grooming Requirements
If you’re asking ‘Do Border Heelers Shed?’
you need to know that they are not hypoallergenic and have moderate shedding tendencies which are common with both parent breeds.
Fortunately, you can reduce their shedding by brushing their coat once or twice per week.
These dogs will only require bathing when absolutely necessary. Bathing them too frequently can reduce the natural oil in their coat.
When not bathing your dog, you should use deodorizing wipes for dogs to help keep their coat clean and smelling fresh.
You should also clean their ears every week especially if they love the outdoors most as they may collect a lot of dirt.
Another major concern is maintaining your dog’s oral health. You need to brush their teeth several times every week. Your vet can teach you how to brush your pet’s teeth the proper way. Also You should clip their toenails once a month to prevent them from getting too long
Finally, make sure to check the condition of their eyes, and if you are in any doubt about their overall health and wellbeing, be sure to consult your vet.
Diet and Feeding
Feeding your Australian Cattle Dog Border Collie Mix to fuel their energy will require a high quality dog food.
Feed your Border Heeler around 2 to 2.5 cups of dog food twice per day. However, this amount may increase or decrease to some extent, depending on your dog’s age, size, weight and activity level.
High quality kibble formulas rich in protein are generally recommended. To maintain their joint health, the ingredients list should also include glucosamine and chondroitin.
For a healthy skin, and a smooth and shiny coat, invest in a kibble formula rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.
Nonetheless, chances are your dog’s food is still not complete when it comes to nutrients.
That’s why it’s best to supplement your dog’s diets with vitamins and supplements. One of the best choices is Alaskan Salmon Oil, which is packed with Omega-3 fatty acids, necessary to keep your dog’s coat and skin healthy.
To improve the health of your dog’s liver and kidney, add probiotics to his diet as well. Also, frozen carrots make great chew toys for dogs while helping to improve their dental health. Moreover, carrots are a great source of vitamin A, fiber and potassium.
Giving your dog fresh water is also important as it helps to digest food and absorb the nutrients while keeping your pet cool and hydrated at all times.
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Border Heeler Health Problems
The Blue Heeler Boxer Collie Mix is a relatively healthy pup. With genes inherited from two different breeds, this designer dog is prone to health issues from both parents, so let’s take a brief look at what they might inherit:
The Border Collie and Blue Heeler, like most medium to large-sized dogs are vulnerable to hip and elbow dysplasia.
They are also prone to as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) and congenital deafness. The Border Collie parent is also prone to neurologic disorders like epilepsy.
Make sure that both parent dogs have been cleared from major health tests such as elbow and hip checks, ophthalmologist, and DNA tests.
Border Heeler Lifespan
So how long do Border Collie Blue Heeler Mixes live?
Well, the Blue Heeler Border Collie Mix enjoys an average life expectancy of around 13 to 17 years. Following a healthy diet and exercise regimen can help prolong your pet’s lifespan.
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Finding Border Heelers for Adoption
There’s nothing more satisfying than adopting or rescuing a puppy or a mature dog.
Many dogs, especially crossbreeds, get abandoned for various reasons. However, you can still give one of these adorable pups an opportunity to be part of your family.
Start by searching at your nearby animal shelters or rescue centers. Let them know that you are searching for a Blue Heeler and Border Collie Mix and to contact you if one becomes available for adoption.
You can also visit certain breed-dedicated sites and ask them if they have a Blue Heeler x Border Collie for adoption.
So How Much Does a Blue Heeler Border Collie Mix Cost?
On average, the price of a Blue Heeler Border Collie Mix for sale is anywhere between a couple hundred and a thousand US dollars.
Apart from the cost of buying a puppy, you want to factor in food costs, vet fees and pet products like the MidWest Folding Crate for Intermediate dogs and the Furhaven Orthopedic dog bed from reputable retailers like Amazon.
Finding a Blue Heeler Border Collie Puppies For Sale
In order to find a healthy Australian Cattle Dog Border Collie Mix for sale, you need to do your research well.
These dogs are quite rare compared to many other designer dogs, and you need to find a reputable breeder who can show that the parent is actually a Blue Heeler and not his Red Heeler sibling.
Make sure to visit them, and meet the parent dogs in person. Also, make sure to ask to check the parent dog’s heath certificates.
You should also ask for recommendations on social media or try to find reviews and comments left online by other customers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are Border Heelers good family pets?
Yes! Border Heeler dogs make great family pets in the right home environments. They are intelligent, loyal and affectionate.
Are Border Collie Blue Heeler Mixes Easy to Train?
Yes! Being intelligent and obedient, Border Heeler dogs are relatively easy to train compared to many other dog breeds.
Are Blue Heeler Border Collies High Maintenance?
No. Blue Heeler Border Collie Mixes are low maintenance dogs. They have a short to medium-length coat that is quite easy to maintain. Brushing their coat twice a week is enough to maintain the fur in tiptop condition.
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Conclusion
Also known as the Border Heeler, the Blue Heeler Border Collie Mix is a loyal, active and intelligent designer dog who deserves proper care and attention.
As one of the smartest breeds around, he is not the kind of pup to lie around in a small space all day long without exercise.
He needs a large space where he can exercise and something to keep him mentally stimulated or he will become bored and develop behavioral issues.
Hopefully, after reading this comprehensive guide to the Border Heeler, you understand that this dog needs to be exercised and kept busy in order to stay healthy and happy.
If this is something you can provide your pooch with, then the Border Heeler can be a great companion for you.
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