Of all the countless dog breeds out there, few are quite as fascinating, unique and, let’s face it, downright adorable as the wonderful blue heeler mix breed.
Taking the blue heeler Australian cattle dog and cross-breeding it with boxers, border collies, and a whole host of breeds in between produces some remarkable results, ultimately giving you a loyal, enthusiastic canine companion beyond compare.
Whether you’re currently considering cross-breeding a blue heeler with another dog breed or simply want to spend some time getting to know these precious pups a little better, you’ll find everything you’re looking for in this guide as we share our favorite blue heeler mix breed pictures, characteristics, and facts.
Before we do that, however, let’s first introduce the beguiling blue heeler to anyone who may not be familiar with them.
What is a Blue Heeler Dog?
Often identifiable by the blueish coat that gives them their name (or at least part of it), blue heeler dogs are regarded generally as an intelligent, high-energy, and boisterous dog breed who today can make a perfect pal for anyone who has the time, energy, and attention to devote to them.
Not that they started out as pets though.
They originally started off as a working breed, first being developed in Australia back in 1840 by a man named George Elliot.
Elliot mixed collies and other traditional Australian herding dogs with the country’s native dingos to create a new breed that was super tough, had a super-strong work ethic and was easy to train.
These characteristics made them perfect for herding cattle, which they often did by nipping at their heels, hence the “heeler” part of their name.
The Blue Heeler Dog Breed: Quick Facts
Average height: 17″ – 20″
Average weight: 30 lbs – 50 lbs
Average lifespan: 12 – 14 years.
Origin: Australia
Alternative name: Australian Cattle Dog
Blue Heeler Characteristics:
- Loyal
- Protective
- Intelligent
- Hard-working
- Very active.
What’s the Difference Between a Blue Heeler and a Red Heeler?
The official name for this beautiful breed is the Australian Cattle Dog, a name they share with the similar red heeler.
The only difference between a blue heeler and a red heeler is, of course, the color of their coat.
Blue heelers have a blue/blue-grey coat while red heelers have -you guessed it- a red (or at least a reddish) coat.
In other words, while all blue heelers are Australian cattle dogs, not all Australian cattle dogs are blue heelers.
Are Blue Heelers Exclusive to Australia?
Not at all. Heelers are slowly becoming an ever more popular pet across the United States and around the world and are even owned by celebrities such as Owen Wilson and Matthew McConaughey.
That said, it’s more common to find a blue heeler mix breed than it is a purebred heeler in the United States.
Most Common Blue Heeler Mix Breeds
A popular mixed-breed dog, the blue heeler has been crossed with a huge number of different breeds over the years, but the top ten below tend to be the most common and popular varieties.
1. Aussiemo
Sometimes known as an Australian Eskimo, the only thing more unique than the Aussiemo dog breed’s name is its appearance.
A cross between a blue heeler and an American Eskimo dog, the Aussiemo is a mid-sized dog who inherits the soft, silky furs of the latter breed with the blue hues of the latter to create an ever-so-cute and friendly appearance.
Fortunately, this is one instance where looks aren’t deceiving. Once it’s welcomed into your family, the Aussiemo dog breed will prove itself to be a faithful and friendly companion and generally gets on well with children as well as other animals.
That said, this fiercely loyal and exceptionally intelligent dog is known to be wary around strangers. So, as much as they may make an ideal family pet, don’t be too surprised if they take a while to warm up to someone they’re not familiar with.
Just because Aussiemo’s can prove to be a welcome addition to your family, that doesn’t mean they’re the right pet for everyone.
As with most blue heeler mixes, their natural instinct is to be incredibly active and energetic, meaning you’ll need to invest a decent amount of time keeping them sufficiently exercised and mentally stimulated.
Aussiemo Dog Stats:
Average Height: 11″ – 19″
Average Weight: 24 lbs – 37 lbs (male) / 22 lbs – 35 lbs female
Average Lifespan: 12 – 15 years
2. Basset Heeler
As you’ve probably already worked out, the basset heeler is a hybrid of a blue heeler and the ever-popular basset hound.
Though it may seem like an unusual combination, baset heelers (sometimes known as Australian Battle Dogs) tend to be strikingly attractive, combining the usual look of a short-haired breed with a slender, muscular frame, of course, the blue tint of the Australian cattle dog.
Basset heelers tend to be fiercely devoted to their family, and while that’s generally a good thing, it does mean that you’ll need to exercise caution around anyone your basset doesn’t recognize as they can become very guarded and occasionally even aggressive.
Combine this temperament with their strength and abundance of energy, and it’s easy to see why this breed is a good contender for using a no-pull dog leash while out on walks, though don’t take all this as a sign that they should be ruled out as a pet.
As long as the right training is provided from an early age, the basset heeler can make for a devoted and protective companion.
Basset Heeler Dog Stats:
Average Height: 16” – 18″
Average Weight: 33 lbs – 40 lbs
Average Lifespan: 10 – 15 years
3. Blue Tzu Heeler
Regular readers will know that we’re big fans of large dogs here at Canine Weekly, but even we can’t resist the utter adorableness of the Blue Tzu Heeler. Seriously, even the name sounds cute!
An Australian Cattle Dog/Tibetan Shih Tzu hybrid, the Blue Tzu Heeler may not grow to be very tall, but what he lacks in structure he more than makes up for with his playful energy and bags of enthusiasm.
Recognizable by the blue heeler’s long, blue fur and the Shih Tzu’s big, beautiful eyes, this snappy little furball is at his best when given lots of open space to run around in. On the downside, he can also become a little destructive when bored or ignored for too long, so be sure to pay him lots of attention and keep him mentally stimulated.
Blue Tzu Heeler Dog Stats:
Average Height: 11″ – 17″
Average Weight: 11 lbs – 35 lbs
Average Lifespan: 10 – 14 years.
4. Box Heeler
A boxer/blue heeler mix breed, the box heeler is well-known for its admirable loyalty.
While all dogs that carry the heeler genes tend to be strongly protective of their family, the box heeler tends to also look out for other pets, making them one of the more devoted dog breeds you’ll come across.
Though strong, powerful, and often one of the larger blue heeler hybrids (growing to up to 25″ in height), you won’t need to worry too much about them overpowering you as they respond remarkably well to obedience training and as long as they get plenty of exercises to burn off some of that wealth of energy, their boisterous nature tends to be kept under wraps.
Box Heeler Dog Stats:
Average Height: 17″ – 25″
Average Weight: 50 lbs – 80 lbs
Average Lifespan: 10 – 15 years.
5. Border Heeler
As anyone familiar with border collies will no doubt attest to, they’re one heck of a hyperactive breed and require a lot of stimulation to keep them from becoming bored and destructive.
Add the already high-energy nature of the blue heeler breed, and what you’ve got with the border heeler hybrid is a dog that’s going to be best suited to those with the time and energy to keep up with it.
Sure, buying some good quality dog toys can help keep Fido entertained, but really, the border heeler will require lots of walks and plenty of opportunities to run around as they tend to thrive in outdoor spaces.
If you’ve got that to offer, then you’ll find that the border heeler makes for a wonderfully loving and loyal pet who will dote on you as much as you dote on it.
Appearance-wise, while most of these cross-breed tend to display the typical blue heeler fur, it’s not completely uncommon to find border heelers whose fur is a unique patchwork of both parents’ fur types.
Border Heeler Dog Stats:
Average Height: 18″ – 23″
Average Weight: 30 lbs – 45 lbs
Average Lifespan: 13 – 17 years
6. Cattle Collie
Energetic and eager, this cross between a blue heeler and a collie is said to have originated as a result of the designer dog trend to eradicate health issues and create stronger, healthier dogs.
To that end, it was mostly successful. These highly active breeds tend to have very few health concerns and make for highly attractive pets, often combining the size and physical features of the shetland sheepdog type of collie with the soft, velvety blue fur of the blue heeler.
As with most dogs of this type, cattle collies tend to prefer a lot of room to use up those exceptionally high energy levels, meaning they’re not a good option for an indoor dog.
Cattle Collie Dog Stats:
Average Height: 22” – 24”
Average Weight: 41 lbs – 65 lbs
Average Lifespan: 13 – 15 years
7. Dalmatian Heeler
Dalmation heelers are undoubtedly one of the more unique-looking blue heeler mix breeds you’re going to come across, mixing the blue fur with the dalmation’s slender frame distinctive coating.
While this can make them an attractive option for would-be pet owners, introducing a dalmation heeler into your family is not a decision to be taken lightly.
They typically require a wealth of attention and affection which may be more than many dog owners can handle. What’s more, their sense of loyalty can make them pretty aggressive towards anyone they don’t know and they do have a tendency to nip.
Sure, this might make them a good fit if you’re looking for a new family guard dog, but keep in mind that dalmation heelers are really a dog that’s best left to more experienced owners to handle.
Dalmatian Heeler Dog Stats:
Average Height: 19″ – 24″
Average Weight: 38 lbs – 60 lbs
Average Lifespan: 13 – 16 years
8. Golden Cattle Dog
Of all the different types of golden retriever, the golden cattle dog hybrid is absolutely one of the most endearing.
Combining the retriever’s usual penchant for playfulness with the Australian Cattle Dog’s usual rambunctious personality makes for a breed that is cute, coy, and loves to have fun.
You can easily spot them as they’ll combine the golden retriever’s unmistakable shape and facial features with the blue heeler’s prominent coat.
If you love the idea of a blue heeler breed but find their hyperactive nature is a bit too much, the golden cattle dog may be a good option as the golden retriever side does tend to mean they’re a little calmer.
That’s not to say they’re overly chilled. They’re still an energetic breed and they still love human company but they are, in general, just a little easier to manage.
Golden Cattle Dog Stats:
Average Height: 21″ – 25″
Average Weight: 40 lbs – 65 lbs
Average Lifespan: 12 – 17 years
9. Pit Heeler
Bold, strong, and muscular like your average pit bull but with the blue heeler’s trademark coat and bags upon bags of energy, pit heelers are strikingly beautiful pets that crave interaction and get on well with kids and even other pets.
However, given their power and remarkable energy, you’d be wise to think carefully before bringing one home.
After all, while a sturdy no-pull harness can help keep them under control, the last thing you want is for your prized pit to be dragging you off your feet if you don’t have the strength to keep up with them.
On the plus side, they’re incredibly high IQ makes them very receptive to training while their proud loyalty means they’ll be first to their feet to protect you and your loved ones whenever necessary.
Pit Heeler Dog Stats:
Average Height: 17” – 24”
Average Weight: 30 lbs – 60 lbs
Average Lifespan: 12 – 15 years
10. Texas Heeler
Last but by no means least we meet the friendly Texas heeler, a good-natured dog whose name is something of a curiosity.
The breed is a cross between the Australian Cattle Dog and the Australian Shepherd, so with two Aussie breeds coming together, you’d be forgiven for wondering where the Texas part comes from.
The truth is that despite sounding like they come from a land down under, Australian Shepherds were first bred in the Lone Star State.
A smart, hard-working companion, this one-of-a-kind hybrid is perfectly suited to following you around on your farm or simply and will be just as at home roaming free across a large backyard.
Texas heelers do get on well with children, which could make them a good family pet, though it’s fair to say that sometimes these pups don’t know their own strength and can be a little overly-playful, so you may be wise to exercise caution around younger children and not leave them unsupervised.
Texas Heeler Dog Stats:
Average Height: 17” – 22”
Average Weight: 25 lbs – 50 lbs
Average Lifespan: 12 – 15 years
The Final Word on Blue Heeler Mix Breed Dogs
If you’ve read this far then you’ve likely noticed that there are a few characteristics that just about all blue heeler mix dogs have in common.
For one thing they’re all full of energy and require a lot of exercise and attention to keep them physically and mentally healthy. This makes them better suited to anyone with an active lifestyle who has the time to take them out for walks or for playtime. If you only take one thing away from this guide, let it be this as failing to give your blue heeler mix adequate opportunity to burn off that excess energy can leave them bored, restless, and possibly even destructive.
You’ll also notice that they’re all fiercely loyal dogs, making them a great choice if you want the peace of mind of knowing that any intruders to your property will be swiftly and properly dealt with. The only downside to that, of course, is that some heeler hybrids can be cautious around strangers and may be somewhat aggressive with anyone they haven’t met before.
However, the good news is that most heelers are very smart -meaning they’re one of the easiest mix breeds to train- incredibly loving towards those they know well and tend to get on well with kids, making them a very popular option for a devoted family pet.
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Forrest is a lover of dogs, the wild outdoors, deep mysterious conversations… and coffee. He is the owner of several websites, including Canine Weekly. He resides in Austin, Texas.