If you love athletic, herding breeds, then you’ll love this mix.
The Australian Shepherd-Texas Heeler mix is the ultimate herding dog.
This unique designer breed inherits all the best qualities from its Australian Shepherd and Texas Heeler parents.
I’ve done extensive research on the Australian Shepherd and the Texas Heeler and am excited to introduce you to their mix!
Key Takeaways
- The Australian Shepherd-Texas Heeler mix is a brilliant and hardworking breed.
- Both parents of this mix have a rich history as working dogs.
- It is a medium-sized dog with a height range of 17 to 22 inches and a weight range of 30 to 60 pounds.
F1b Texas Heeler
The Texas Heeler is a mix between an Australian Shepherd and an Australian Cattle Dog. When you cross a Texas Heeler with an Australian Shepherd, you are backcrossing the Texas Heeler with one of its parent breeds.
This means that the Australian Shepherd-Texas Heeler mix is an F1b Texas Heeler.
This mix will have more characteristics similar to the Australian Shepherd, such as coat, colors, build, etc.
The Australian Cattle Dog genes will still have an influence but to a lesser degree.
History of the Parent Breeds
The Australian Shepherd-Texas Heeler mix is a relatively new breed, but its parent breeds have a rich history.
The Australian Shepherd was initially bred in the United States as a herding dog, while the Texas Heeler is a mix between the Australian Cattle Dog and the Blue Heeler.
Both parent breeds are known for being excellent working dogs, and this mix is no different.
Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds are an energetic and intelligent breed first bred in the Western United States in the 19th century.
Despite their name, they are not actually from Australia.
According to the American Kennel Club, Australian Shepherds were originally bred to herd livestock on ranches in the American West.
They are known for their agility, loyalty, and intelligence.
Texas Heeler
The Texas Heeler is a relatively new breed created by crossing the Australian Cattle Dog with the Australian Shepherd.
Texas Heelers were intentionally bred in the 1970s to blend the best traits of their two parent breeds.
The breed was named after the state where they are most commonly bred: Texas.
Texas Heelers are also known as Blue Heeler-Australian Shepherd mixes. They are known for their loyalty and work ethic.
They are often used as working dogs on ranches and farms and excel at herding, guarding, and hunting.
Texas Heelers are known for being shy around strangers but fiercely loyal to their owners.
Appearance
In this section, I will discuss the appearance of this mix, including its coat type and colors.
Coat Type
The coat of an Australian Shepherd-Texas Heeler mix can vary depending on which parent breed they take after more.
Generally, their short to medium-length coats can be smooth or slightly wavy.
This type of coat will likely require grooming since both parent breeds are shedders. The overall grooming will be similar to grooming a Texas Heeler.
Coat Colors
The coat colors of an Australian Shepherd-Texas Heeler mix are diverse and unique.
They can come in a variety of colors and patterns thanks to both the Australian Shepherd and Texas Heeler.
Colors:
- Blue Merle
- Red Merle
- Black
- Red
- Liver
- Brown
- Blue
- Blue Speckled
- Red Speckled
Patterns/Markings:
- Solid
- Bi-color
- Tri-color
- Merle
- White Markings
- Tan Points
- Copper Points
- Speckled or Mottled
- Mask
- Patches
Some dogs may also have tan or white trim on their feet and legs.
Their coat color can be solid or have a mix of colors, making them visually striking dogs.
Size
The Texas Heeler-Australian Shepherd mix is a medium-sized dog.
In this section, I will discuss the height and weight of this hybrid breed.
Height
The Australian Shepherd-Texas Heeler mix typically stands between 17 and 22 inches tall.
This height is similar to that of both parent breeds, as the Australian Shepherd stands between 18 and 23 inches tall, while the Texas Heeler stands between 17 and 22 inches tall.
Weight
The weight of the Australian Shepherd-Texas Heeler mix can vary greatly depending on the genetics of the individual dog.
However, on average, they weigh between 25 and 50 pounds.
This weight range is similar to the parent breeds, as the Australian Shepherd weighs between 40 and 65 pounds, while the Texas Heeler weighs between 30 and 50 pounds.
It’s important to note that the size of an Australian Shepherd-Texas Heeler mix can be influenced by their diet, exercise routine, and overall health.
Temperament
The Australian Shepherd-Texas Heeler mix is intelligent, loyal, and energetic.
They are hardworking dogs that thrive in environments where they can be active and engaged.
These dogs are known to be affectionate and loving towards their owners but can also be wary of strangers and protective of their territory.
They have a strong herding instinct, which can make them natural protectors of their family and home.
Due to their high energy levels, they must receive plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
They enjoy activities such as hiking, running, and playing fetch.
It is important to note that these dogs may not be suitable for first-time dog owners or those who need more time or energy to provide them with the exercise and attention they need.
Socializing with them from a young age is vital to preventing potential behavioral issues.
Overall, the Australian Shepherd-Texas Heeler mix is a loyal and hardworking dog that can make a great companion for those willing to provide the exercise and attention they need.
Health Issues
As with any breed, the Australian Shepherd-Texas Heeler mix can be prone to specific health issues.
It’s important to be aware of these potential issues so that you can take preventative measures and seek treatment if necessary.
One of the most common health issues in this mix is hip dysplasia.
This is a genetic condition where the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, leading to pain and mobility issues.
It’s essential to have your dog screened for hip dysplasia and to maintain a healthy weight to reduce the risk of developing this condition.
Another potential health issue is eye problems.
Both Australian Shepherds and Australian Cattle Dogs are prone to eye issues such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy.
Regular eye exams can help catch these issues early and prevent them from worsening.
Other health issues that may affect this mix include:
- Allergies
- Epilepsy
- Deafness
- Cancer
It’s essential to work closely with your veterinarian to monitor your dog’s health and to address any issues as soon as they arise.
By staying proactive and taking preventative measures, you can help ensure that your Australian Shepherd-Texas Heeler mix lives a long and healthy life.
Lifespan
On average, this mix can live anywhere from 12 to 15 years.
The lifespan of an Australian Shepherd-Texas Heeler mix can vary depending on several factors such as genetics, diet, exercise, and overall health.
