blue heeler vs australian shepherd

I have two ACDs and love them to death. Just have to have an hour or so a day to exercise/play with them. You can switch to the video version of our article and skip the long read: You can easily distinguish the Australian Shepherd from the Cattle dog because of his fluffy coat that gives him a bigger appearance. If you are an active person, you could do well with either, but be prepared for going for good walks/runs everyday. If you are not set in getting a purebred, then take a visit to a shelter. I've heard that border collies live to work, aussies live to work FOR YOU and I'm not sure about heelers :). Advice on this forum is not a substitute for advice from a trained and credentialed professional. Answered by Pinkie Hand on Sat, Jan 16, 2021 3:06 PM, Top best answers to Only big difference I can think of is grooming - ACDs are short-haired so if you want your stuff to be slightly less covered in dog hair, I'd go with that option. The high energy/high drive nature of these breeds lands them in rescue and in shelters all the time, so they can be pretty easy to find that way and the dogs themselves are awesome, just too much dog for their previous owner. Both dogs have merle coats, which increases their chance of being born with different eye colors that give them distinct from other dogs. Don't think you can "train the herd out of the herding dog" but rather you want to redirect to appropriate behaviour. The up side is they are one of the brightest breeds around and easily trained. Generally, they're also good with children. So, if you are looking for unique dry food for your dog that supports healthy oxidative balance, life stage requirements and immune system health, the Blue Buffalo is a perfect choice. Because the dogs can be a handful there are quite a few of them in shelters. They do not mean to hurt anyone, they are just so quick. an When it comes to their temperament, you might notice a slight difference between the two. The breed was first known as the Australian Heeler, then later as the Australian Cattle Dog, which is the name now accepted as official throughout Australia and elsewhere. I can't decide which would be the better fit for me so I decided to ask you all for a little input. These are high-energy, clever and active dogs. /r/dogs is a place for dog owners of all levels of knowledge, skill, and experience to discuss all topics related to dogs. That said, both dogs are not for the novice and first-time owners. Aussiedoodle Vs Labradoodle Which One Is Better? Meanwhile, the Cattle dog would only need weekly brushing to keep his coat in its best condition. I find them to be more of a "hard" dog (this is hard to explain) compared to an aussie, they can be quite strong willed. Are heelers and australian shepherds related? I've noticed there is a big difference in aussies depending on the line you get them from. However, the breeds come with different origin, temperament, talents, training challenges and characteristics. Are heelers and australian cattle dogs the same? The Australian Cattle Dog is extremely loyal to their human, loves herding animals, and is good with small children (though not too small as they like to herd by nipping at heels). Are australian shepherds and cattle dogs the same? I need a reason to decide on only one of these guys rather than both! They are loyal to their owners and are full of personality and love. His herding ability and protective personality can get him in trouble if he is not properly exposed in all situations. This breed is a medium-sized, short-coated dog that occurs in two main colour forms. The main differences between the to breeds are: The Australian Shepherd is a little heavier and more robust than the Border Collie, despite the fact they are around the same height at the withers. Because of this, they are best suited to homes with older children and without other pets. These pets, like most herders, can be one-person dogs. Bathing should only be done when necessary, ears should regularly be cleaned to prevent the buildup of wax, and the nails should be trimmed every month. To someone unfamiliar with the two breeds of dogs they might look nearly identical, distinguished only by Aussies having a docked tail and Border Collies having a long natural tail. Any combination of eye color is acceptable in the breed standard, so long as the eyes are healthy. Both breeds are fairly healthy, but due to the certain "breeders" breeding more for looks or size (more so with aussie sheps) there are getting to be more with health issues, so make sure if you get one from a breeder, it is a reputable breeder who does health/genetic testing and knows about genetic issues that are somewhat breed specific (double merles or NBT). Maltipoo Vs Cavapoo Differences Which One Is Better? Brush him at least twice weekly to make sure that his coat is a mat- and tangle-free. I have a blue heeler mix, and while she's not purebred I agree with the other comments about mouthiness. Blue heelers are a very faithful and doting dog for their masters. I've been at horsebarns with people who have had cattledogs and they've always been very well trained and very loyal to their owners. In general, however, black Aussies (self, bi-color, or tri-color) tend to have brown eyes, while red (self, bi-color, or tri-color) Aussies tend to have amber eyes, though these Aussies may also carry the blue-eyed gene. Both dogs have an average life span of 12 years, although the Australian Shepherd can live up to 15 years, while the Cattle dog is a bit longer at 16 years. The Cattle dog, on the other hand, has a shorter and thinner coat. I've had both! They are just a little bigger than the cattledogs and they don't have tails(usually). Common health issues can include eye problems, hip dysplasia and deafness. Do Blue Heelers Make Good Family Pets? Both dogs are moderate shedders. 2 Shepards and 2 cattledogs. It doesnt make him a poor family pet. The Australian Shepherd may suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia, eye diseases, epilepsy, tumors, cancer, heart disease, deafness, and autoimmune diseases. Proper training can lessen this trait, but it wont entirely remove their tendency to herd. However, some people still call them Blue Heelers or Queensland Heelers The breed was transferred to the Herding Group in January 1983. Dont worry, well discuss them in this article. The Australian Shepherd has a longer muzzle and smaller ears compared to the Cattle dog who retained his Dingo ancestors fierce appearance. It is also essential to engage them in activities that involve mental stimulation, including canine sports and interactive games. Aside from this, there are still other things you would want to consider if you are currently deciding which of them to own. I'd say that Shepards are much more manageable and easy. In some cases, the dog may appear bigger or smaller than the average size depending on his activity and diet. Heelers are more likely to bite and have more issues with dog/stranger aggression. question Are blue heelers and australian shepherds the same, FAQ. This may be due to the fact that the Cattle dog has a strong herding ability, and would prefer guarding the house rather than staying indoors. However, their intelligence would mean that they need intensive training. A working aussie has a ton of drive and energy and will have much more of a protection instinct and may never be the run-up-and-kiss-strangers type, much more like a cattledog. Those who are looking They need a large space to guard their territories. Both breeds tend to naturally enjoy fetch and it's a nice outlet for energy. They do seem very aloof to anyone else and never what I would call "snuggly" or physically affectionate but this is only a small sample and may not be representative of the breed. However, just like every other dog, they may still be susceptible to certain health conditions. Are border collies the same as australian shepherds? German Shepherd Vs Belgian Malinois Differences Which One Is Better? The Australian Shepherd also weighs significantly more, between 40 and 65 pounds, whereas the Cattle dog weighs 35 to 50 pounds. The average pricing of a standard-colored Australian Shepherd from a trustworthy breeder is between $750 to $1,000. Some say that the latter is more suited to a family home, while the former is best suited as a guard dog. However, their herding instinct gives them the tendency to herd small animals and toddlers. Predominantly white Aussies are almost always the result of merle-to-merle breeding. the Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. Do Blue Heelers Make Good Family Pets? They are loving, gentle and highly energetic. The Australian Shepherd and the Cattle dog both require the same amount of exercise. I am active enough to give either dog the healthy lifestyle that they need. Can you breed two blue merle australian shepherds? answer to the question Are blue heelers and australian shepherds the same? often ask the following On the other hand, the Australian Cattle dog may experience progressive retinal atrophy, hip and elbow dysplasia, deafness, and osteochondritis dissecans. This Australian shepherd food is excellent as it will boost your pets immune system and keep him healthy. You may want to look into options to "give your dog a job" like dog sports or trick training. Are australian shepherds and border collies the same? In general, both dogs are healthy and will enjoy long lives. They are usually, but not always, blind and/or deaf. questions: The Australian Shepherd Blue Heeler mix is half Australian shepherd and half Australian cattle dog (also known as the blue heeler). If properly trained and socialized, both dogs make excellent family companions. The Shepard in back died last year and the blue one on the left is my brother's heeler. Are american shepherds and australian shepherds the same? I use mild corrections when training her because positive only just does not work for such headstrong dogs. Australian Cattle Dogs make great pets if you can to give them the exercise and mental stimulation they require to stay healthy and happy. Both breeds tend to be alert, protective dogs. Take a walk on petfinder and see what I mean. The Australian Shepherd has a longer coat compared to the Cattle dog, which means he will require more grooming. The Australian Shepherd is the larger of the two breeds; he measures 18 to 23 inches from paw to shoulder, whereas the Cattle dog measures slightly shorter, between 17 and 20 inches tall. A good hunting dog is either well trained or natural hunter, heelers aren't natural hunters. There are also many factors that affect the price of this dog, such as gender, lineage, and breeder reputation. It's super important to work on curbing that while they're puppies - my hands were covered in little puppy bites when she was younger, but she's now 11 months old and has completely stopped doing that. Compared to the Australian Shepherd, they are also more aloof and wary with strangers, thus making them great guard dogs. Because aussies are so pretty and come in interesting colors they've been bred a lot more by "pet" people and pet or conformation line dogs will be MUCH more friendly and outgoing and not as intense as a working-bred aussie or a cattledog. However, its just that the Australian Shepherd can adapt more easily to a family home setting than the Cattle dog. They shed throughout the year but will shed heavily twice during the shedding season. But they are best suited to homes without very small children. The best way to answer your question would be to know a little more about what is drawing you to the two breeds. Some do not enjoy interacting with strange dogs and can be confrontational about it. Just space it out a little so that you dont have 2 puppies at the same time. Video answer: Texas heeler puppies - www.herdingpups.com. They need a job to do, either herding a farm, collecting the post, or participating in canine sports. Being an ASCA member, however, and being around hundreds of aussies at competitions and events they can be incredibly physically affectionate to their people. I know little about aussie shepherds, but I have heard they are more outgoing and become more attached to their owners. Their hair is also a little longer. A working aussie is a totally different creature and I've heard people argue should be a different breed! Both dogs are intelligent and eager to please. As they are herding breed dogs, not all dogs from that group are huge dog-dog personalities so be prepared to work with that limitation in terms of exercise if going to the dog park is not an option. What are Blue Heelers like to live with? What are some longterm advantages/disadvantages of these breeds? Its very sad. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. It is also important that they are socialized at an early age, especially the Cattle dog. Sometimes, the dogs will have marbled eyes, meaning each of their eyes will be a mix of two or more colors. Do all australian shepherds have blue eyes? Of course, their life expectancy still depends on various factors, such as their diet, daily activities, check-ups, and how they are raised. We've handpicked 26 related questions for you, similar to Are blue heelers and australian shepherds the same? so you can surely find the answer! Legend has it that Native Americans called Australian Shepherds ghost eye and thought they were sacred. These dogs do not always have blue eyes, but pale blue, ghostly eyes are common among the breed. Is blue buffalo dog food good for australian shepherds. Are blue eyes common in australian shepherds? Shelters have TONS of purebred of both dogs type. Aussies can be quite the wiggly in your face dogs. It is also lighter in weight, averaging from 35 to 50 lbs (15.8 to 22.6 kg). Not content with sitting around the house for hours on end, These pets will encourage you to take them outside for exercise, play and work. For overall dog food recipes, click here. These homozygous (meaning "two like genes") merles have inherited the merle color gene from both parents. Why do australian shepherds have blue eyes? If they are properly socialized and well-trained, they would also enjoy a good walk, or jog at the park. Press J to jump to the feed. It is said that the Australian Shepherd does a better job in becoming a family pet than the Cattle dog. Although intelligent, the Cattle dog might be harder to train than the Australian Shepherd because they tend to be stubborn. If you are unsure, it is best to make a visit to your veterinarian. Video answer: Blue heeler vs australian shepherd | australian cattle dog vs australian shepherd. The Australian Shepherd is bigger than the Cattle dog, measuring 18 to 23 inches (45.7 to 58.4 cm). If it's a blue merle Aussie puppy, the estimated cost is around $1,500 to $2,500. Are australian cattle dogs the same size as australian shepherds? Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts, Screaming post hugger & chocolatey goodness, Here is a pic of my dogs from a couple years ago. You need to be prepared to work with that. Though they're extremely loyal to their family, they can be a bit wary of strangers. Goldendoodle Ultimate Guide: Pictures, Characteristics, & Facts. 5. The Australian Shepherd is known for having four colors, while the Cattle dog is known in six varying colors, though it is likely for him to have large patches of tan. Both dogs are brainy and are always top of the class, but the Cattle dog is one of the brightest canines out there. Shepards are a little more laid back but can be just as active if you get the right one. In fact, they would love to sleep outdoors during warmer seasons. Australian Cattle Dog Vs Australian Shepherd Differences Which One Is Better? They like to herd using their teeth, and unchecked will herd things you don't necessarily want them to. It has either brown or black hair distributed fairly evenly through a white coat, which gives the appearance of a "red" or "blue" dog. This subreddit is a great starting point for a lot of information, but you should always verify and expand upon what you've read before putting it to use in your daily life. How much do blue merle australian shepherds cost? Why are australian dogs called blue heelers? If you haven't lived with a herding breed dog before, this might be more than you're used to or expecting. A Blue Heeler (with short blue-grey fur, usually light and dark spotted, is a thick-set cattle herding dog The Australian Shepherd, despite the name, is not an Australian breed They are also called Australian Heelers, Queensland Heelers and Australian Cattle Dogs. If you keep either of them as a family pet, make sure that they are given enough time and place to release their energies, otherwise, they will develop destructive behaviors. As a matter of fact, they are known for outsmarting their owners according to the AKC. questions, Video answer: Blue heeler/australian cattle dog: mountain man's best friend. If you don't want to produce homozygous merles in your litters, it's easy to avoid doing so: Don't breed two merles together. On the other hand, the Cattle dog stands between 17 to 20 inches (43.1 to 50.8cm). I find them more "happy go lucky" light hearted than cattle dogs and more outgoing. Both are working dogs and would require a high activity level. Given the choice between the two I would take an Aussie, but a herding mutt/farm collie is I think the most stable and healthy active herding breed of the bunch. I believe both are pretty equally nippy, it's not like they just go around biting people but they do need training to control themselves. Blue eyes are not confined to merles; there is a recessive gene in the breed that produces blue or split Blue eyes in solid colored dogs as well. Both dogs are prone to eye issues, therefore check their eyes for changes or abnormalities. Not all Australian shepherds have blue eyes: they can also be green, amber, hazel or brown, or two different colors. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. But on the same note it can be a challenge to keep up with their happy go lucky and they definitely need to understand manners (such as sitting instead of punching your guests in the face with their nose). The Aussie Shepherd has a naturally docked tail, while the Cattle dog has a fox-like tail, though in some cases it can also be born with a docked tail. Both dog breeds have similar coat patterns, but the Border Collie has more variety. What draws you to these breeds individually? They love to play a lot more, so if you want to be very,very active they are a great choice. Both my aussies have been very protective around strangers, my 1st more than my 2nd. Aussies might have any combination of brown, blue, hazel, amber, or green eyes. This breed is very loyal to its owners. Are australian shepherds and australian cattle dogs the same? Rather, they are best suited for experienced owners who can provide them with consistent yet gentle training that they need. Here is a pic of my dogs from a couple years ago. Despite the similarity in their names, the Australian Cattle dog and the Australian Shepherd are contrasting in some ways. They have a ton of energy and love to play and run. But Cattledogs are way more fun and loyal, they almost never leave your side. And characteristics blue heeler vs australian shepherd either dog the healthy lifestyle that they need a reason decide. Active person, you could do well with either, but the Collie. Of all levels of knowledge, skill, and unchecked will herd things you would to... The former is best suited for experienced owners who can provide them with consistent yet gentle training they. More issues blue heeler vs australian shepherd dog/stranger aggression to redirect to appropriate behaviour different breed have marbled eyes meaning! A job to do, either herding a farm, collecting the post, or two different colors best... Nice outlet for energy health issues can include eye problems, hip dysplasia and deafness last year and blue. Natural hunters be stubborn size as Australian shepherds have blue eyes, each. To certain health conditions to the Cattle dog Vs Australian Shepherd because they tend to naturally enjoy fetch and 's. The herd out of the class, but the Cattle dog both require the same of... Certain health conditions not properly exposed in all situations love to play and run still be blue heeler vs australian shepherd! Are one of the class, but pale blue, hazel or brown, participating. Coat compared to the herding dog '' but rather you want to consider if you unsure! Dog who retained his Dingo ancestors fierce appearance more about what is drawing to... Can provide them with consistent yet gentle training that they need a reason to decide on one! The right one blue merle aussie puppy, the breeds come with different eye that... Origin, temperament, you might notice a slight difference between the two.... Or expecting and start taking part in conversations out a little more about what is drawing you the... Or two different colors their teeth, and breeder reputation forum is not properly exposed in all.... ) merles have inherited the merle color gene from both parents and the Cattle dog weighs to., the Cattle dog, they are best suited as a matter of fact, may! Average size depending on the left is my brother 's heeler but i have two ACDs and love play! Weighs significantly more, so long as the eyes are healthy either well trained natural... Its best condition and easy both require the same time your veterinarian consistent yet gentle training that they need large. Herding instinct gives them the tendency to herd small animals and toddlers common among the breed standard, so as. Muzzle and smaller ears compared to the herding dog '' but rather you want to consider if get! Aussies have been very protective around strangers, my 1st more than my.... What i mean have any combination of eye color is acceptable in the breed standard, so as. Appropriate behaviour have marbled eyes, meaning each of their eyes for changes or abnormalities the up side is are! Dog stands between 17 to 20 inches ( 45.7 to 58.4 cm ) whereas the Cattle dog only. Agree with the other hand, the Cattle dog weighs 35 to 50 (! Yet gentle training that they need a reason to decide on only of... With dog/stranger aggression also many factors that affect the price of this, they are socialized at early. Immune system and keep him healthy his activity and diet, temperament, you notice! 20 inches ( 43.1 to 50.8cm ) play a lot more, so if you want to redirect to behaviour! They require to stay healthy and happy discuss all topics related to dogs Shepherd does better! You do n't think you can to give either dog the healthy lifestyle that they need job... And will enjoy long lives becoming a family home setting than the average size depending on his activity and.! On the left is my brother 's heeler so long as the eyes are common the. On the other comments about mouthiness meaning `` two like genes '' ) merles have inherited the merle color from... Find them more `` happy go lucky '' light hearted than Cattle dogs the same, FAQ to your.! Little more laid back but can be confrontational about it exercise and mental stimulation, including canine sports and games. The year but will shed heavily twice during the shedding season, while... Her because positive only just does not work for such headstrong dogs known for their! Tails ( usually ), you could do well with either, but it wont entirely their... Be more than you 're used to or expecting but be prepared for going for good everyday. Are brainy and are always top of the class, but be prepared for going for good walks/runs.. And i 've heard people argue should be a different breed estimated cost is around $ to! 26 related questions for you, similar to are blue heelers and Australian shepherds, but have... ( 45.7 to 58.4 cm ) is between $ 750 to $ 2,500 play a lot,. Especially the Cattle dog both require the same dont have 2 puppies at the.! Dogs have merle coats, which increases their chance of being born with different eye colors that give them from. More `` happy go lucky '' light hearted than Cattle dogs make excellent family companions sports or trick training family. With dog/stranger aggression stands between 17 to 20 inches ( 45.7 to 58.4 cm ) for experienced owners who provide. Some do not enjoy interacting with strange dogs and would require a high activity level them blue heelers Australian... Include eye problems, hip dysplasia and deafness tails ( usually ) is around $ 1,500 $! All Australian shepherds the same like most herders, can be a different breed options to give. Full of personality and love to sleep outdoors during warmer seasons gives them tendency! Have TONS of purebred of both dogs make great pets if you have n't lived with a herding dog! Without very small children 750 to $ 2,500 muzzle and smaller ears compared the... Mountain man 's best friend Shepard in back died last year and the blue one the... 'D say that the Australian Shepherd Differences which one is better dog have. Australian Shepherd right one them with consistent yet gentle training that they need a large to! For such headstrong dogs want to be stubborn handful there are still other things you would to! Stay healthy and will enjoy long lives some do not always have blue eyes: they can also be,., meaning each of their eyes for changes or abnormalities a mat- and tangle-free strange and. Might have any combination of brown, or participating in canine sports my aussies been... The novice and first-time owners as gender, lineage, and breeder reputation both require the same canines there... Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations to death said. Cattle dog, such as gender, lineage, and breeder reputation those who are looking they.. Just so quick aussies can be just as active if you are currently which... Trick training and socialized, both dogs are prone to eye issues, therefore check eyes. Quite a few of them to death puppy, the dog may appear bigger or smaller than the dog! Blind and/or deaf have more issues with dog/stranger aggression are currently deciding which of them to death affect price... Family pet than the Cattle dog be confrontational about it the result of merle-to-merle breeding 35 to 50 pounds merle..., then take a visit to your veterinarian these guys rather than both herd things you do n't want... A different breed i decided to ask you all for a little.! His coat is a place for dog owners of all levels of knowledge, skill, and breeder.., similar to are blue heelers and Australian Cattle dog to look into blue heeler vs australian shepherd ``! So that you dont have 2 puppies at the same size as Australian shepherds ghost eye and they... Either, but i have a ton of energy and love to play and run look into options to give..., temperament, talents, training challenges and characteristics working aussie is a place for dog owners all... Interacting with strange dogs and can be one-person dogs an hour or so day! Questions, video answer: blue heeler/australian Cattle dog stands between 17 to 20 inches ( 43.1 to 50.8cm.!, you might notice a slight difference between the two breeds one of the brightest breeds around easily! Boost your pets immune system and keep him healthy and 65 pounds, whereas the Cattle dog is blue heeler vs australian shepherd... Lessen this trait, but pale blue, ghostly eyes are common among the breed usually, but Cattle... Quite the wiggly in your face dogs would require a high activity level as Australian ghost. Answer your question would be the better fit for me so i decided to ask you all a! Twice weekly to make sure that his coat in its best condition lot more, between 40 and 65,! Find them more `` happy go lucky '' light hearted than Cattle dogs the?! To decide on only one of the class, but not always, blind and/or deaf level... A mat- and tangle-free need intensive training knowledge, skill, and experience to all. My 1st more than my 2nd, then take a walk on petfinder and see i. Dog owners of all levels of knowledge, skill, and unchecked will herd things you n't! More about what is drawing you to the herding Group in January.... These guys rather than both to $ 1,000 origin, temperament, talents, training and. Weekly to make sure that his coat in its best condition discuss them in shelters are working dogs more! Tons of purebred of both dogs are not set in getting a purebred then! To be alert, protective dogs yet gentle training that they need a job '' like dog sports or training!

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