We’re about to dive headfirst into the world of the Texas Heeler-Blue Heeler mix, or as I like to call it, the “Double Heeler Deal.”
If you thought one Heeler was a handful, get ready to double down on this dynamic canine concoction!
Picture the endless energy of a Texas Heeler, with its inherent knack for herding and the intelligence to boot.
Now, blend that with the raw tenacity and piercing gaze of a Blue Heeler, a breed that’s never heard of the word ‘quit.’
What do you get?
A whirlwind of fur, a spark of genius, and a whole lot of “heel” in the form of the Texas Heeler-Blue Heeler mix.
It’s like the Superman of herding dogs, or maybe it’s more like Clark Kent: mild-mannered on the surface, but underneath that calm exterior, there’s a Superdog ready to save the day.
Or, at the very least, herd your kids or cats with utmost dedication.
Let’s explore the ins, outs, and hilarious quirks of this double-dose of Heeler.
F1B Texas Heeler
The offspring of a Texas Heeler (F1) and a Blue Heeler (one of the original breeds) would be considered an F1B generation.
In general, “F1B” refers to a backcross in which an F1 hybrid is crossed back with one of the parent breeds.
So if you breed a Texas Heeler (a mix of a Blue Heeler and an Australian Shepherd) with a Blue Heeler, the resulting puppies would be an F1B Texas Heeler.
It is 75% Blue Heeler and 25% Australian Shepherd.
This is often done to emphasize or reinforce certain traits of one of the parent breeds, such as the color patterns of the Blue Heeler in this case.
Breed Summary
History of the Parent Breeds
Both the Blue Heeler and the Texas Heeler are breeds developed for their herding ability and high energy levels.
They are both highly intelligent and trainable breeds that excel in obedience and agility competitions.
Blue Heeler
I’ve researched the Blue Heeler, and I found out that it originated in Australia in the 19th century.
The breed was developed by crossing the Dingo with various herding dogs, including the Collie and the Dalmatian.
The resulting breed was called the Australian Cattle Dog or Blue Heeler because of its blue coat and ability to nip at the heels of cattle to move them.
The Blue Heeler was bred to be a hard-working dog that could handle the harsh conditions of the Australian outback.
The breed is known for its intelligence, loyalty, and high energy levels.
It is also a highly trainable breed that excels at obedience and agility competitions.
Texas Heeler
The Texas Heeler is a relatively new breed developed in the United States.
It is a cross between the Blue Heeler and the Australian Shepherd.
The breed was developed to create a dog with the herding ability of the Blue Heeler and the intelligence and trainability of the Australian Shepherd.
The Texas Heeler is a medium-sized dog known for its high energy levels and ability to work long hours.
The breed is also brilliant and trainable, making it a popular choice for obedience and agility competitions.
Appearance
As a mix between the Australian Cattle Dog (Blue Heeler) and the Australian Shepherd, the Texas Heeler inherits physical characteristics from both parent breeds.
This results in a unique appearance that can vary from dog to dog.
Coat Type
The Texas Heeler has a double coat that is medium in length and weather-resistant.
The undercoat is thick and soft, while the outer coat is straight and coarse.
This allows the dog to stay warm in cold weather and cool in hot weather, making it suitable for various climates.
Coat Colors
The Texas Heeler can come in various colors, including blue, red, black, and white, and can have markings such as speckles, patches, and spots.
The coat color and pattern depend on the genetics of the parent breeds.
Coat Colors
- Blue Merle
- Red Merle
- Blue Tick
- Red Tick
- Black
- White
- Brown
- Blue
- Red
Coat Patterns
- Solid: The coat is a single color with no spots or ticking.
- Bicolor: The coat has two colors, usually with the second color appearing as points or patches.
- Tricolor: The coat features three colors.
This includes a base color, points in a second color, and ticking or spots in a third color. - Merle: This pattern presents as mottled patches of color on a solid or piebald coat.
- Ticking: Small spots of color on a white coat, often found on the legs and muzzle.
- Spots or patches: Larger areas of color on a different base color.
- Speckled: Numerous small spots of color on a white or lightly colored background.
When it comes to coat maintenance, the Texas Heeler is relatively low-maintenance.
Regular brushing and occasional baths are enough to keep their coat healthy and clean.
Size
The Texas Heeler-Blue Heeler mix is a medium-sized dog with an athletic build.
Height
The height of a Texas Heeler-Blue Heeler mix can vary depending on genetics and gender.
Generally, they can grow up to 20 inches tall, with males slightly taller than females.
Weight
The weight of a Texas Heeler-Blue Heeler mix can also vary depending on genetics and gender.
These dogs usually weigh between 35 and 50 pounds, with males slightly heavier than females.
It’s important to note that each individual dog can have its own unique size and weight, even within the same breed.
Proper nutrition and exercise can also significantly affect their overall size and weight.
Temperament
The Texas Heeler-Blue Heeler mix is an energetic and intelligent dog with a friendly temperament.
They are loyal and loving to their owners but can be wary of strangers.
These dogs were bred for herding, so they have a strong work ethic and high energy levels.
This means they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
They are not suitable for apartment living and require a home with a yard to run around in.
One thing to keep in mind is that these dogs can be stubborn at times, especially if they sense that their owners are not confident or consistent with training.
It is important to establish yourself as the pack leader early on and use positive reinforcement techniques to train your dog.
Health Issues
As with any dog breed, the Texas Heeler-Blue Heeler mix may be prone to certain health issues.
These include:
Hip Dysplasia: This is common in many dog breeds, including the Blue Heeler.
It occurs when the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, leading to arthritis and other joint problems.
Deafness: Both the Blue Heeler and the Australian Shepherd are known to have a higher incidence of deafness than other breeds.
You must check your dog’s hearing regularly, especially if you notice any signs of hearing loss.
Eye Problems: Both parent breeds are prone to eye problems such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy.
Regular eye exams can help detect these issues early on.
Allergies: Some Texas Heeler-Blue Heeler mixes may be prone to allergies, which can cause skin irritation, itching, and other symptoms.
If you notice any signs of allergies, such as excessive scratching or redness, it’s important to have your dog evaluated by a veterinarian.
By being aware of these potential health concerns and taking preventative measures, you can help ensure that your Texas Heeler-Blue Heeler mix lives a long and healthy life.
Lifespan
The Texas Heeler-Blue Heeler mix typically has a lifespan of 12 to 15 years.
However, this can vary depending on diet, exercise, and genetics.
To ensure your dog lives a long and healthy life, providing them with a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs is important.
Regular exercise is also crucial to maintaining their overall health and preventing obesity, which can lead to other health issues.
