(Why Texas Heeler is Called Mixed Dog Breed?)
The Texas Heeler is a mixed dog breed working dog that is active and clever. Because these dogs are a cross between an Australian shepherd and an Australian cattle dog, they have traits from both parents. Their unique blue jackets are well-known.
The breed got its “Heeler” nickname from the Australian cattle dog since they’re commonly referred to as the Queensland Heeler or blue Heeler, which is where they’re most likely to be found.
These dogs thrive in games and canine sports because they are happiest when they have a job to complete. They’re also a committed and loyal family member.
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Dog Breed Texas Heeler History:
The Texas Heeler is a “designer dog” that was formed by crossing two purebred dogs. Lucy Guynes registered the Texas Heeler with the Animal Research Foundation in May of 1970, and the breed’s reputation as a working dog for farms and ranches in Texas swiftly rose.
However, even compared to many other designer breeds, the narrative of this breed’s origins is still relatively unique. Take a look at the traits of both the Australian cattle dog and the Australian shepherd dog to really comprehend the Texas Heeler. Because there isn’t a lot of knowledge about the Texas heeler’s exact beginnings, looking into the history of its parent breeds will help you better appreciate this wonderful companion and working dog.
The Australian cattle dog was formed in the 1800s by Australian settlers on big ranches as a robust working dog that could help herd cattle; they required a breed that could withstand Australia’s frequently harsh environment. Dogs that had been imported from England before weren’t proving to be up to the task of living on a ranch.
Ranchers began mixing English dogs with Australia’s native Dingo, and the majority of the canines developed a striking blue coat. Because the blue-haired species was in high demand, these dogs were dubbed blue heelers. Robert Kaleski began breeding blue heelers in 1893, and the breed was recognised by the American Kennel Club in 1980.
Today, the Australian Cattle Dog is still a breed that demands a lot of mental and physical exercise and stimulation; if left alone for too long, they can become destructive and unruly. They’re still commonly employed as working dogs, but they’re also popular with families. The breed is territorial and protective of its territory, as well as distrustful of outsiders. They are, nevertheless, affectionate and devoted to their family, and they build close ties with them. Though they are autonomous dogs, they want to spend as much time as possible with their owners.
In the same way, the Australian Shepherd Dog was developed to herd animals on farms and ranches. They are not, however, Australian-born purebred dogs; rather, they are American-born purebred dogs that got their moniker because many people worked on ranches and likely employed Australian dogs (such as collies) in the breeding of the Australian Shepherd.
Breeders intended to produce a hardworking, clever, and adaptable dog with herding qualities in the 19th century, thus they created the Australian Shepherd. Westerns and cowboy exhibits, as well as rodeos, helped popularise the breed, despite the fact that the AKC did not recognise it until 1993.
The Australian Shepherd is still a lively and clever dog, with a protective and domineering personality that needs early socialisation and training. The breed, like the Australian Cattle Dog, is highly loyal and makes an excellent family companion, yet it is suspicious of strangers.
Texas Heeler Personality
| Affection Level | High |
| Friendliness | Moderate |
| Kid-Friendly | Moderate |
| Pet-Friendly | Low |
| Exercise Needs | High |
| Playfulness | High |
| Energy Level | High |
| Trainability | High |
| Intelligence | High |
| Tendency to Bark | Moderate |
| Amount of Shedding | Moderate |
How to Care Texas Heeler Dog Breed:
Texas Heelers are regarded as excellent family dogs. These energetic dogs, on the other hand, thrive in environments with plenty of freedom to run and explore, therefore they’re best suited to those who live on a farm (or has a very big backyard). They’ll thrive in urban environments as well, as long as they receive lots of playing and exercise.
These dogs will need a lot of daily activity because they’re bred from two extremely active herding breeds. They like having a job to accomplish as a working dog and are very task-oriented. They’re great for jogging and cycling, but they’ll also like a range of activities that both physically and psychologically challenge them, such as hide-and-seek or fetch, or canine sports.
The Texas heeler is a very intelligent breed that is easy to teach and enjoys using his natural herding tendencies. They are incredibly loving with their family, yet they may also be quite protective of outsiders and wary of them. As a result, they are popular watch dogs (though they rarely bark until a stranger is around). Though they may be wonderful with children, this is a breed that has been known to nip or herd children on occasion, and they are not suggested for families with other pets.
Their coats are thick and double-layered, and they shed significantly most of the time despite having short to medium-length coats. The shedding might get thicker when they blow their undercoats in the spring shedding season (and occasionally even in the fall). Brush out your Texas heeler’s coat using a bristle or pin brush at least once or twice weekly to keep their coats as healthy as possible and prevent shedding.
Common Health Issued:
Texas heelers can develop hip and/or elbow dysplasia (a frequent ailment in bigger dogs), as well as a condition known as distichiasis, even if they are typically healthy. An eyelash or eyelashes develop on the inside of the eyelid, causing this unusual disease.
Progressive retinal atrophy, a group of incurable disorders that can lead to blindness, is another possible health risk related with Blue Heelers.
Food Plan and Nutrition:
Because Texas Heelers are prone to gaining weight, make sure your dog is eating a physiologically suitable diet that includes both protein and healthy fats. Look for formulations that include ground bone and vegetables, as well as vitamins and minerals that are vital for this breed’s health and performance.