AUSTRALIAN CATTLE DOG: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BLUE HEELERS 

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I,m a Vietnam vet ser. With 1st AIR CAV “JUMPING MUSTANGS” I have extrem PTSD FROM 21st Nov. 1968 not many’s things that have helped me, but three yrs ago a friend had a ranch he said take one of my blue heeled puppy’s, well that little thing was the answer to my prays. I love herTESS

My Red Heeler gets what we call the "zoomies", where he'll just randomly decide he wants to run around the yard 20 times at high speed.

My ex-wife's parents had a blue heeler. He was the kindest dog I've ever met and he helped me get over my fear of dogs after getting attacked by a pitbull when I was a kid.

Best dogs ever. Ours was only 3 when we had to put him down. He ate something and it got stuck in his stomach. Even after surgery he couldn’t recover. Yesterday was his last day with us. I just want my dog back...

Two quick stories about mine to share. They both hated water to the point they would whine and run back and forth to be carried over a trickle while hiking. My male braved the waves to swim out to me in a kayak while my female dove to the bottom of the deep end of a pool while I was swimming underwater. Two shining examples of love and loyalty.

We adopted a 3 year old blue heeler female. At first I didn't know anything about these dogs. However, Let me tell you ....... she turned out to be the best dog I've ever owned- such a sweet heart. She's extremely smart. The most loving dog with all family members and even loves the cat and won't chase the chickens. She would follow me on my horse trail rides too. Blue heelers are the only dog I will ever own. She was very territorial though and would chase cyclists ever once in a while. She just needed to be told to stop and she would.

Smartest dog I've ever owned by a long way, also it's impossible to tire one out, they can run and swim all day long and seriously need to be exercised, also they are extremely protective and loyal. 10/10 for the Aussie blue heeler.

Spot on. We have a blue heeler and he’s definitely protective, territorial, and doesn’t care about other people’s praise 😂 You HAVE to stay on them training wise; if you don’t, you will have an extremely difficult time socializing them and making them safe.

Everything you said is SPOT ON. My husband & I adopted what we thought was a shepherd/lab mix 4 years ago from the shelter & she turned out to be a shepherd/heeler mix. She is absolutely the most intelligent, unique, stubborn & loyal dog I will probably ever meet. She's a once in a lifetime companion & I swear she's secretly a human in a dog body, she has such a personality. I can teach her tricks in less than 5 minutes and she is never more happy than when she's busy. I love that girl more than like 99% of people.

We call them 'land sharks' out here, for obvious reasons. They're not for everybody. If you're a sooky, soft person, an ACD is not for you. They're exceptionally intelligent dogs, they need a job, they need mental stimulation, they need strong leadership, or you're cooked. If you're the strong leader they need, they're the best dogs ever.

*DISCLAIMER*- I mention that the breed was “bred from dingos” I am aware that they were bred with several other breeds.. I am pointing out that they have dingo in their ancestry- which is bad ass.This isn’t a history lesson, I’m explaining my view on the breed & my experience with them. ALSO- I was told by my vet that Louie is Merle.. that’s why I said it in the video. Come to find out he’s not at all and that’s like a genetic defect or whatever?? Anyways he’s not Merle.. MY BAD :) Thanks for watching guys, for more blue heeler videos, please subscribe to my channel! :)

He's a doll. We adopted a blind 10 year old ACD. You can see the dingo and dalmation in him. He loves the beach and, as someone said, he is SO independent. You cannot tell him what to do. Trying to guide him with your hands results in him sitting down in protest. He wants to do it himself! Great personality with everyone.

I got my first ACDs in 98 from the Navajo reservation. They changed my life. We live on a small ranch next to a giant National Monument. We hiked a different canyon almost every day. They need huge areas to run. They need at least a few sheep or horses to herd around just to work out their herding instinct. They will try to herd kids or cars if that is what's available. They are incredibly smart and are great watch dogs, especially if coyotes are an issue. Everyone who has the right place and ability to have one should do so at least once in ther life. I recommend two at a time just so they can work out all their energy on each other. They seem to know how to work as a team. Big shoutout for the Australian kelpie also. Thanks for the ACD video. More folks should know about them. They are so smart.

I'm a rural mail carrier in Texas, I deal with lots of dogs. These are some of the friendliest dogs I meet on my route, at least to me. Some people have raise them to be protective of their property and I respect that, but I believe they are naturally kind dogs.

Also her expressions are amazing! She communicates needs so well. She learns my patterns and knows when I'm getting ready to leave for work. And she learns new tricks within 5-10 minutes! Smartest breed I've ever met!!

An awesome breed. Weight in this breed can vary. My first ACD is now 7 months old and he weighs 53lbs! He has two speeds, 100mph or comatose. I can't stress enough how smart these dogs are. It took only days to learn commands and potty train. He's a bit obsessed with herding his pack members tho, a chihuahua & terrier but we redirect his energy into agility to help. This is an all around great breed, makes us laugh, protects us, and keeps us fit!

Everything you said is true. I was owned by a Heeler for 15 years. Best dog ever. When training them, you can ONLY use positive reinforcement. Catch them doing something right and scoop the praise on them. When they bond to you, it is the best feeling. You think it and he does it!

I love my blue heeler! She is so smart. Exercise is so important...she behaves so much better after a good walk or a dog park trip

We have 2 heelers. They are an amazing and smart breed. They’re part human I think!

Omg your explaining my blue heeler exactly. My well exercised cuddle bunny is currently sitting on my lap chewing a ball. Thank u for making this video, itS dead on!

The socialization part is exactly right. I've had multiple heelers growing up and they're usually okay with strangers unless there's something different about them. One of my heelers hates when people wear a lot of black, the other hates when people are wearing hats, one of them actually gets aggressive around people with particularly loud voices.

Great video. My husband and I have a 9 wk old blue heeler and it helps to hear from someone who has one a little older and has advice. Thanks!

My heeler is 3 yrs old he's so amazing so loyal , unconditional love he's so smart and almost human like lol..best breed ever! Your right he loves frisbee throwing , playing , walks but also loves to nap and snuggle!!!

Blue heelers are so entertaining and funny, I love them. My girl Cleo does the funniest things

Got my first heeler a few months ago, I didn’t know about the breed before I saw my Maggie. She is the smartest dog I’ve ever met, she’s like a person. Definitely loyal... she makes my life complete. At first I didn’t know if I wanted that breed but now I’m glad I got her. She’s the best. I love you my Maggie!

im soooo glad you made this video. I got my blue in December & tried to find so many videos and now that my pup is 7 months I finally found a great video lol PLEASE keep making videos of Louie. this helped a ton to realize that my dog is just being his breed haha

This video was sooo helpful. Thank you so much! I am getting my blue heeler in a month and I absolutely cannot wait!

This is such an accurate description of blue heelers. Sounds just like my little princess marzipan . Such loyal and sweet dogs

She's right i have a baby just like hers and they're so smart, cute, and always stay by your side❤

Picking up my 1st Blue Heeler tomorrow! Got to meet her the other day & I cant wait to bring her home. I found your channel a few days ago & have watched several videos already - very informative, no drama or wasting time. Thank you!

Thanks for this video! I just got a red heeler mix and he's 15 weeks old. He fits your description so well! He loves playing and exercising then he'll nap for a while. And he's super smart, learns new tricks right away. Not too snuggly yet, but it's also in the dead of summer. Such a great breed!

Love to hear more about other Blue Heelers. And you really are spot-on!🐺

Check out my newest video about Why I Love my Blue Heeler ! ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-0RfHavn9yfY.html

Love that you did this video. Your analysis of this breed is spot on. I also have a blue Merle. This is my 5th Heeler, and honestly I couldn’t see myself with any other breed. Their AWESOME at all levels, smart, protective, your best friend. And yes, they are very special and I’m glad your sharing and helping others know more about this breed, cause they deserve the best of dog owners. Keep up the good work of sharing and good luck with your future! Thanks again,🐕🐾💕

Spot on with the behavioral traits! We did the same with months of research prior to adopting Rocket. Socialization is the most important at a young age. Everyone we have met shared stories about their experiences with heelers, mostly positive when the dog has been socialized.

We have never owned a dog before and we ended up rescuing a Red Heeler that had been abused, neglected and not socialized. She was 7 years old, twice the normal body weight, and likely to fear bite. It took a year of working and training but she is now retiring as a beloved family dog. She is very intelligent, stubborn and willful so consistently in training was important. After losing most of the extra weight she feels more confident. Once we bonded she tries to challenge any dogs that approach off leash or are pulling their owners along. She is suspicious of strangers but will briefly greet guests, get pets from them, then immediately ask for a treat for being sociable. Such a loyal, smart and trainable dog. She has become part of the family and has even learned that kids like to play and drop food. We are proud of our cattle dog and will likely rescue another one someday, but she likes being the only pet. When she gets bored she doesn't destroy our stuff but she instead eats odd things like tissues, paper, cardboard. So if she is sniffing around it is time to redirect her to a toy or go out. We trained her to bark only when someone is trying to enter the house. I think she is beautiful but she can look intimidating so most people cross the street when they see us coming.

My blue Heeler Jack just turned 2 years old, and my 1st. The most amazing smartest fur baby I've ever had hands down !! He's never out of our site, my husband and I. I can start to get up and he's jumping up to see why, what or who !! We live in the country where he has plenty of room to run and play. He loves his rubber Nerf ball and huge nylon knotted rope and loves to have them thrown as far up and out as you can get, or he will lay it in our lap and go behind the couch, sit and wait until you throw it !! I can't name off everything he knows because he is almost human to us !! But he knows my boots from flip flops when I tell him to get them. Everyone loves him because he's so smart and so good and he can learn something new in just a few minutes. But I believe I got an extra hyper Heeler !! People have said he needs a playmate but I couldn't deal with another pet when he takes so much attention. He loves playing with my daughters female Heeler mix but not his half brother who thinks he's the alpha male. But if he hears my grandson outside practicing ball he doesn't care if 10 other dogs are in the house lol !! I just wanted to say good job and share my story of our child and what a joy he is to an older couple....

Thanks. We had a blue and red heeler when i was a child. Now im 26 and am about to get a blue heeler pup myself. So excited. Great video thanks heaps ❤️🤜🤛❤️

Love this video we have been researching blue heelers my uncle is a vet and has always had them! I’m in love with this breed and I’m so excited to finally have one.

Excellent. Thanks for a realistic assessment instead of the idealized view. We see a lot of these end up at the local shelter because people don't do their breed research.

Active but not energetic - so perfectly put! I used to call my blue heeler and Australian Lazy Dog

Omg.!. Thank you so much for this video! I'm a blue heeler one going on 7 months now! I though he was acting out, because he will only let me touch him! And he bark at everybody who walk by! I was honest ready to find him a new home! But now I want love him even more!

Wow you explained everything perfectly. I have a 9 month blue heeler that I got as a pup and you just desribed as well as helping me with knowing more about him. Thank you!!!

My ACD was dropped off by some guy who was going to release him by the river. He saw my dad working on his car and said take him or I drop him off. My dad took him in, and we were going to bring him to a shelter, but he had a name that night. He just turned 16 and despite some back leg issues, he's still as hyper as ever.

Hi. Just wanted to say that I enjoyed the video. You pretty well nailed their complex and quirky traits. I’ve had 6 (5 blue and 1 red) here in Australia over the past 25 years. Two from pups that came to work with me for 10 years. The rest were older rescues, three of which had been badly abused and one 4 yo that hadn’t been taught a thing. He was hardest to deal with. The last one was a red girl who also got to come to work with me for a few years. Just put her down a week ago. End of an era but I’m hoping to get another one day. Probably a pup again. Thanks for the post. D.

I saw the thumbnail and I automatically clicked cos he looks exactly like my dog, and everything you said was spot on!!

Thank you soooo much!! I just got my first blue heeler a month ago and i couldn't find a lot of information about them too! I was getting really worried, thank you!❤

I think it's important to note that these dogs are not for everyone. Making it through the first 6 months with our ACD, Loomis, was very challenging for us. I had scratches and cuts all over both arms from what he considered 'play'. At 8 weeks old he was stubborn, belligerent and in your face with defiance. Now that he's maturing and has bonded with us, he's the best dog, EVER. Once an ACD is bonded, it wants only one thing, all of your time to be focused on him/her. It wants to be part of everything you do and will almost always get between you and any task you are doing. Another thing to keep in mind is that everything in an ACD's world belongs to him, except the things he lets you keep. And don't ever try running from an ACD. They will bring you down to the ground in an instant. Odd thing about our ACD is that he doesn't bother our personal belongings. He's never touched a shoe. I think a lot of these dogs are given up for adoption because people don't realize what they're getting into, so anyone thinking about getting one needs to do a lot of research.

My Blue chases his tail constantly. Anybody else’s ?

Thanks for the video Liz! One of these dogs basically fell on my lap and you helped me make my derision to follow through with it! Have been a walker/runner for 30 yrs, and my Miniature Colie got me started! So Mr Blue Heeler will give me the same results or more!!

I'm really glad you mentioned the aggressive/protective attribute and to socialize them with ALL types of people. I recently adopted a red Heeler- he was about 5 years old when I got him. Going in to it, I knew it would be challenging. First, he was extremely aggressive toward men that he didn't know. I suspect that he may have been abused by a male in his previous situation. But, we spend a lot of time at my boyfriends house (with is FOUR male roommates) and did a TON of intensive training by putting him into situations which would intentionally cause him to react, and then correct that reaction. We had professional trainers help us. But, mostly, it was my dog and I learning how to trust each other. He needed to know that I'm the boss and I needed to keep calm and collected, yet stern, even when he misbehaved. It's been just about year now and we can have (almost) anybody come into our home and he's fine with them. He still barks when people knock on the door, but once he gets a sniff of the person, he's mellow.

This is so accurate!!! ❤ my heeler koda is my buddy. I've always loved Rottweilers but heelers are my new fav!!!! ❤

we have a six month old, male... Boomer or Boomerrang and I love him sooooo much. Boomer loves his snuggles, I love it too. And yah, he NEEDS his exercise/run cuz he's full of energy. He's also very smart. Thanks for sharing your insights, HUGS

I'm getting a blue heeler in July, I'm so excited and glad I found this video!

My baby girl is an Australian cattle pup and she’s amazing 😭❤️💕 I love her so much

I've always had labs up until 10 years ago when I got my first blue heeler. A blue heelers intelligence and loyalty is off the charts! Unfortunately, we lost our Petey last summer. It's taken me this long to accept I will get another forever companion. We just picked up our new addition, Maizy, 2 weeks ago. Of course another blue heeler. I'm so excited for the bonding and training process again.

I used to live with a heeler and my housemates were the owners. I was away for a week and the dog destroyed my couch because they didn't exercise him. Cool dogs but very destructive if not taken out for regular exercise. Good working breed. Best place for them is on farms rounding up sheep and cattle. If you're a lazy person, don't buy this breed of dog.

Thank you for bringing me out of my depressed state good looking pup blues and reds are awesome doggies

We have had two blue heelers in our family so far! They’re so intelligent and sweet.

I have a heeler pitbull mix. But she looks a lot more heeler than pitbull. She loves everyone in the house. Loves being pet. She’s energetic but also lazy lol She definitely protects the house and everyone of us. She’s sweet, smart, knows her boundaries, and we all love her ❤️

I sit here with my red at my feet...no I meant ON my feet! What a character he is now 3 and pretty much part of my body ha ha. He still mouths people and even though he has been around kids he will nip at bad ones. I HATE HIS BARK no one ever says anything about the bark or last word he gets. Loyalty is him period. He is the hardest dog I have ever had to train cause he is the boss even though he knows I am, he never gives up ever...he is like a kid when it comes to discipline you can't really use any force he listens to you when you talk gently. He was a chicken killer and now is not❤️👍 He knows the difference when I say fox or squirrel. He really hates the dark unless I am with him He is a mess AND I LOVE HIM King is his name ...Sargent Kingston Red is what his papers say he is fixed and happy.

Thank you for posting this video, I have recently made friends with a stray (long story) blue heeler and wanted to learn a bit about him before considering taking him into my home and what I could expect. He is very smart and it was amazing to just hang out with him, and the whole easy training and intelligence? Yeah! It took me only a couple minutes to learn to sit and stay.

Thanks for posting this! I have an almost 12 year old Blue Heeler. EVERYTHING you said is spot on!!

Great video! I had a Blue Heeler mixed with a beagle.He was 12 when he died this year in May.He was my best friend.

A Blue Heeler is 1 dog easy to train you show him love and he will definitely show the love back but with the blue heater you got to be one on one basis with them train them talk to them take them on walks take them with you a lot trust me I know Blue Heelers are awesome dogs but there are not a little kids dog teenagers oh yes grown-ups oh yes this dog will die for its owner but they also have a temper the best thing to do is spend a lot of time with your blue heeler get to know him very good or her very good like you have done but don't forget you have to be the ruler over him or her not him or her the ruler over you

Love this breed...I have a red heeler...he loves to snuggle, but after he's had his run with his best friend an American fox hound. She keeps him motivated. Thanks for sharing your story. 🐶❤🐶

Loved my Sheila very easy keeper, never sick. I and my boys gave her lots of exercise, took her everywhere to socialize as well introduce her bicycle races, county fairs, children, soccer games, etc. This was my first dog and it was a challenge, but I knew what I had to do. She was also in a dog playgroup. She loved playing soccer, catching frisbees, but don't throw a ball, she did not like retrieving, or swimming. With strangers she would "read" me before reacting. I tell her it's OK, she then relax. A WONDERFUL DOG MY BEST GIRLFRIEND.

My red head is 7, I grew up with them! We always had Heelers! I just posted a video of her chasing leaves! I was dying

Cattledogs are the best thanks for the video! I have one also!

Thank you for this video! I love learning about blue heelers 😍

I Have a Border Heeler and can see the mix between both breeds, the OCD of toys and routines, very high energy, crazy good memory of where things are. Protective of his humans. Very hyper dogs, but slows down around younger kids alot and instead of tossing a ball at the he will drop it alittle bit away. Best dog I have ever owned. Easy to teach new trick, afew he taught his self

Gorgeous. And so is the dog 😆

So I've owned cattle dogs for many years. And I've fostered dozens. I'm from Australia and I live on a small farm so they arent uncommon here at all. These dogs were bred to have a job. A busy heeler is a happy heeler. To remain healthy and mentally happy, they really do need mental and physical stimulation. Of course this will slow down as they hit middle age, but they are still an active breed. You need to have clear and defined boundaries with them. They just need to know where the line is drawn in the sand, then they are mentally happy. Its all about consistency. As it is with any dog or animal.

I have an Australian cattle/husky mix puppy and this helped a lot! ❤️ Thank you!! This helped me understand some traits that he has, and what I should do to take better care of him.

Love your video, currently raising a heeler as well! Great tips, and totally agree on there not being alot of videos about ACDs!

I live in Australia 🇦🇺 It’s bloody amazing

Looking to get a bluey myself, hopefully soon. Had a border collie for 12 years and he was the best boy in the world. Looking to have a similar experience. As a dog trainer, and a lover of the outdoors, I'm looking forward to go hiking and training these guys.

true and good information.. i have had a couple one true red and one true blue.. no pun intended.. i want to thank the folks that posted this for being so smart... love and light to you!!

After having several other breed's of dogs and "rescuing" an abused heeler in '99, a heeler is the only breed for me. They are amazing dogs and Liz, you do an awesome job of describing their essential characteristics. Marfa was about 6 months old when my family crossed paths and she immediately adopted my two young daughters (8 & 9) at the time. It was painfully obvious that Marfa was extremely afraid of men as she wouldn't get within about 20' of me and my daughters had to hold onto her the first time we met in order for me to examine her and of course, pet her. We wound up finding the person who was taking care of this "stray" and she wanted us to take Marfa which we did. It took Marfa about 6 months before she would come to me and probably about two years all together before she completely got over her fear of men. She was by far, the easiest dog I've ever trained being extremely intelligent and eager to please. One of my favorite examples of her personality and intelligence was the first birthday celebration of my daughters which was about 10 months after rescuing Marfa. The kids had all lined up for cake and ice cream and Marfa picked up her food dish and literally walked to the back of the line and sat down patiently waiting for her share. The food bowl in her mouth and everyone absolutely astonished ! One of the parents suggested we had taught her to do that, which of course, we had not. I later would take Marfa on long walks, particularly at night when it was cool (living in Ft Worth at the time). I would always vary the walks in that, some nights I would let her lead, other nights would be my turn to lead. The walks would always vary according to our respective energy levels but once I had decided we needed to head home, I would simply tell her, "Marfa, let's go home" and she would turn and typically take us the shortest way home. That is, if she had walked enough to suit her ! If she wanted to stay out longer, she'd take the longest way home unless I'd firmly tell her, "no, let's go home now !". She'd always look at me with a disappointed look and with her ears down, turn and head back to the house in the shortest way possible. She had also been trained to always stop before crossing streets and she always did. Blue Heeler's have lots of energy and need exercise, both mental and physical. She loved learning new things. Hand signals, (I did not need a leash for the walks after her learning hand signals) walking/navigating, traveling, extremely affectionate, and was extremely observant and protective of family and property. I'd always take her with me during the cooler months when running errands and such, as she loved being out and about and I didn't have to worry about her jumping out of the truck (she was never in the bed, always the cab with me). Marfa was an amazing dog and the whole family misses her tremendously but she led a full and happy life after starting out with a rough beginning as a puppy. She got over her fears and did it quickly and went on to live a long and happy life....I miss my girl ! Louie's a great looking dog and it looks like you cherish every moment with him, couldn't be happier for you ! Blue Heelers are the best !

You have to mention that it depends VERY much on where they come from. Many are from awful back yard breeders and do have energy that doesn't stop because they haven't learned to stop. They can and WILL learn how to control you unless you step up to the plate. My ACD is very different from the norm of the breed- he's very friendly, loves other people (especially men??), he gets along with other dogs unless they are in his face.

The Australian cattle dog is the closest you'll get to owning a live velociraptor without a license

Awww cute! I love my blue heeler stella! We adopted her from a rescue and had no idea what we were getting into...but we love her! A handful but a beautiful handful :)

I have to say, when I got my blue heeler 4 years ago, I watched this video just before or after and it helped me a lot. I researched the breed before I got him but this video still helped me know what I was getting myself into. It was 3 years of hard work with him, and he still has a few bad habits, like trying to crowd a person he wants to greet, that we are working on, I just don't see a ton of people because I am a loner so he doesn't get a ton of practice. Overall though, he is a well adjusted and well behaved heeler. My vet told me he is the ONLY heeler they like to see coming because he is just so friendly and well behaved. The older vet at that clinic even took him into the waiting room and showed him off giving commands and telling everyone that his attention to the command giver was superb, Lol. So thanks for making this video. You telling your experience didn't just warn me about the breed like other videos did it also helped me to navigate some of the stuff you have to navigate because you explained what you do for your heeler. The video popped up in my feed and I just had to let you know how much it helped.

SOOOOO CUTE

Best dogs ever!!!

This is so helpful. omg thank you I got gifted a blue heeler and i didn't know anything about the breed.

Mine is 8 month old Heeler Pit (Blue X Pitbull) and she is so protective. She is so sweet and spoiled. Love her so much!!!

Great dogs, I just got one who is about 18 months old, exercise is a must, if I don't work her in the back yard before work things will be chewed. I can already tell she is very loyal.

I wish we could post pics in the comments so we could all see how cute my fur baby is, I have a Prue bread stumpy cattle dog.

I had a blue heeler, he was so smart, and loving dog, Imiss him soo much!😪😢 Im planning on getting one for my girls, later on when we buy a house. Finally, I see more about blue heelers/ red heelers. 🥰👍

I have 6 grown blue heelers 3 girls 3 boys and 9 puppies that were born just yesterday and 1 red heeler I love my heelers they’re so sweet and very very protective over me!! Best dogs!

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I'm getting one tomorrow so excited its 3 in the morning and I can't sleep cause I'm to exited! Lol he's a Blue and I'm going to call him Bandit and he's 6 months 😄

I just got a blue heeler mix puppy 3 weeks ago and she's the sweetest thing ♡

I have 5 Queensland Heelers and I LOVE them!!!! So true, thanks for sharing 😍😗😙😚

I’m so exited! I’m getting a blue heeler/border collie Saturday! We live on a cattle farm so we thought it’d be a perfect dog breed 🙂

Best. Breed. Ever.

Thank you. This was really helpful. I love my blue heelers.

I just brought my first blue heeler pup home, and she decided I’m her person. I’m going to try my best to be the leader she needs me to me.