When you cross a Border Collie with a Blue Heeler, what do you get? The Border Heeler

Blue Heeler Border Collies are medium-sized, mixed-breed herding dogs. The Australian Cattle Dog (ACD) is a crossbreed between the purebred Border Collie and the purebred Australian Cattle Dog (ACD).

Sometimes it’s called an

1. Aussie Herder,
2. Border Heeler,
3. Collie Heeler Cross,
4. Collie Heeler,
5. Queensland Heeler mix,
6. Hall’s Heeler,
7. Australian Cattledog,
8. Australian Heeler,
9. Or an Australian heeler collie.
10. Australian Shepherd,
11. Border Collie Heeler mix,
12. Blue Heeler Border Collie mix,
13. Australian cattle dog (ACD),
14. Queensland Heeler Collie mix,

The Blue Heeler Border Collie mix combines intelligence, loyalty, and working dog instincts from both parent breeds. A strong and alert dog with a high energy level, this dog would be a great companion or family dog, but would do best in an active household. When properly socialized, it can be fun-loving and caring.

There is a lot of energy and happiness in the Border Collie mix puppy.

Border Heeler Breed History

Border healers have a rich history as working dogs and herders. During the Roman invasion of England in the first century, the Border Collie parent breed was born. These invaders introduced their own large shepherding breeds into the country. Highland farmers from Scotland, England, and Wales used these dog breeds for herding and working. Later, when the Vikings pillaged, they, too, brought their own herding dogs. They bred their spitz-like breeds to the shepherding breeds already in place in the United Kingdom and began producing the work-a-holic breed we know today as the Border Collie. It has a dense coat that keeps it warm in the colder weather in highland areas, bringing high energy and focused alertness to the bio gene pool.  The Australian Cattle Dog can be traced back to the early 1800s in Australia when ranchers and farmers used a variety of collie-type breeds to manage their herds. They began breeding collie-type breeds with dingos to create a breed that was focused and “no-nonsense” in its work ethic. What resulted was a high-alert, energetic, and dedicated dog who is both intelligent and loyal. This dog breed, too, boasts a water- and weather-resistant coat.

Meet the Offspring

Blue Heeler Border Collies are hybrids of Blue Heelers and Border Collies. Since both parents have different appearances and coat colors, it would be difficult to predict the exact appearance of the Border Collie Heeler puppy until it is born.

In inland Australia and now elsewhere in the world, this Blue Heeler mix breed is highly regarded for its compact, muscular, and resilient body, making it an excellent herding dog. The Border Collie has the best traits of both the Blue Heeler and the Border Collie, making it a loyal, strong, and smart herding dog.

In some cases, it is even capable of outsmarting its owners, as well as the animals in its charge. Combined with a master’s guidance, a dog’s hard muscles and athletic build enable it to run, chase, and herd effectively.

Due to its supple gait, the Blue Heeler mix can maneuver around other moving animals. Given its boundless energy levels and desire to please, this Blue Heeler mix is an ideal running companion even today.

What Are the Main Characteristics of a Border Collie Blue Heeler Mix?

It is not as easy to predict the Blue Heeler Border Collie mix’s temperament as its appearance. Both parent breeds are hardworking, loyal, courageous, and trustworthy. These traits are almost certainly inherited by their Collie Heeler offspring.

Blue Heeler Collie Mix characteristics reflect the genetics of each parent breed, the environment, and the quality, type, and amount of training and socialization.

It is inevitable that each mix-breed dog will have a different personality and appearance.

Coat for Border Collie Blue Heeler Mix Dogs

The coats of Blue Heeler or Border Collide mixes have coats similar to Border Collies with medium-length, fine coats that shed a lot or Blue Heelers with a short-haired, double coat that sheds less. Double coats of short hair are likely to be inherited.

Those with allergies to dog hair or unable to keep a heavy-shedding dog should not consider the Blue Heeler mix. There are many possible coat colors from both parents, including Blue, Blue Mottled, Blue Speckled, Red Mottled, Red Speckled, and even Merle.

Loyalty and Companionship

In addition to being loyal and protective, the Border Collie Blue Heeler mix will also be trusting and devoted to its owner and family members. Families with active kids are the perfect companions for it, since they can devote time and attention to it.

The Reputation of Border Heeler

A Border Collie and a Blue Heeler are both intelligent, active, and keen herders. The person has a strong work ethic, is nimble on their feet, and follows instructions well.

It is common for them to appear aloof and wary of strangers, although they are not aggressive. Due to their experience driving cattle across the country, they may have a hard time breaking this instinct around children and small animals. At all times, they should supervise children.

Because they are energetic and have a wanderlust habit, it’s important to keep them fenced and teach them to walk on a leash as soon as possible. You will need to keep this Border Collie mix occupied or it will become mischievous and destructive.

Popularity of Border Heeler

Among the most popular dogs in the United States, the Border Collie ranks 33rd and the Australian Cattle Dog, 55th according to the American Kennel Club (AKC).

Despite being a relatively unknown hybrid dog, this mixed breed is becoming more and more popular.

Trainability

In addition to being highly intelligent, the Collie Heeler is also very easy to train. In its puppy years, it will require socialization and obedience training as an energetic herding dog.

It is best to reinforce this puppy with positive reinforcement, firm yet gentle commands, as well as a variety of activities. Dogs who are eager to please will also enjoy small treats based on food.

Since this Blue Heeler mix gets bored easily, it needs challenging work that combines mental and physical stimulation.

Socialization of Border Heeler

Border Collies mixed with Blue Heelers will have courage, agility, and a desire to stay active. As a result, it may not accept all strangers or new situations and may inherit herding and protective instincts.

In order to get used to the exciting “non-herding” world around it, the puppy needs to be exposed to as many different situations and people as possible when he or she is a puppy.

Any crossbreed dog that is energetic, strong, and has a wanderlust drive deserves early socialization and discipline. Playing and charging around is expected, but small children should be supervised as it may get overexcited and bite them!

Purpose

An active family will enjoy the Blue Heeler and Border Collie mix’s athleticism and outdoor herding skills. If trained, it will be loyal and obedient, and it will want to protect the family.

It will enjoy the challenges and tasks it has to complete.

Behavior of Border Heeler

It is likely to be stubborn and strong-willed, so obedience training should begin early as a highly intelligent dog mix. Barking or chewing may occur when it is bored or lonely.

When it is active, it will behave well as long as it runs and chases or goes jogging with you. It may get into mischief or try to herd something if left alone for long periods of time or bored.

Leash training is necessary as it needs to learn to control its exuberance at an early age.

Border Heeler Breed Appearance

It is possible for the Border Heeler’s appearance to reflect traits inherited from either or both of the parent breeds.  Most seem to inherit the speckled or mottled color of blue or red from their Australian Cattle Dog parent. They also inherit a combination coat from their Border Collie parents. There is about the same difference in height and weight between them. They have strong, sturdy, and compact bodies that are longer than they are tall. A medium-sized ear can be pricked and pointed, medium-sized with tips falling forward or outward to the side, or medium-sized held erect or semi-erect. The feet can be compact, oval in shape with strong, deep pads and moderately curved, close-together toes with moderately long, strong nails, or they can be round with short toes, well arched, and close together with strong, short nails.

Temperament of Border Heeler

Due to its hybridization with the Border Collie and the Australian Cattle Dog, the Border Heeler can take on the temperament of either or both parent breeds. The traits your pet has could include aggression, alertness, energy, intelligence, loyalty, protection, and responsiveness. There is a possibility that he may bark frequently or occasionally, depending on his level of sensitivity. With a moderate hunting drive and a tendency to wander, he might be in the moderate to considerable mouthiness range (nips when playing). Your Border Heeler will be comfortable with kids and relatively comfortable with strangers and other dogs and cats. There is no doubt that both parent breeds contribute a high level of intelligence to this hybrid dog breed, but to prevent boredom and unacceptable behaviors which can accompany it, it is essential to keep this hybrid dog breed mentally and physically challenged. 

Border Collie Blue Heeler Mix Physical Characteristics

Collie Heelers are tough, athletic, and delicate prowlers bred for survival in inland Australia’s harsh terrain.

Size	Medium-sized breed
Height	Females are 17-19″ (43-48cm), males 18-20″ (46-51cm)
Weight	Up To 35-50 lb (16-23kg)
Lifespan	13-17 years

Eyes: Dark brown to hazel, or blue

Ears: Triangular, erect, and large, set high on its head

Coat: Depending on the parenting mix, the coat will likely be short, double-coated, shed moderately, and not hypoallergenic.

Color: Blue, blue speckled, or blue mottled is likely to be the coat color

If You Aren’t Using a Professional Trainer, Here Are Some Tips:

1) Develop your basic command words: Use words like Stop, Sit, Down, etc. consistently.

2) Crate – Purchase a crate and practice sleeping in it. At first, the cage must be locked so the animal knows it can sleep inside and be transported inside.

3) Potty training – difficult for new puppies that get excited easily and lack control, although mats and odor sprays are available to help the puppy get to the same spot each time. It will eventually become apparent to the puppy where to go and where not to go with your guidance.

Walking on a leash – this puppy is energetic and can walk a long distance. It is therefore important for this active puppy to practice voice commands and be aware of road safety.

Health Problems and Health Issues of Border Heeler

There is no evidence that crossbreed dogs, such as the Collie Heeler, have a greater risk of inheriting health problems than purebred dogs; in fact, they may even be stronger than purebred dogs.

Is it possible for a Border Collie Blue Heeler mix to suffer from hereditary health problems?

Hip Dysplasia – There is a degenerative growth abnormality common in both parent breeds of dogs called Hip Dysplasia. Hip dysplasia occurs when the ball at the top of the limb does not fit into the socket properly, and the ligaments that attach it are weak. It allows the fitting to move excessively, causing stiffness and pain over time.

Elbow Dysplasia – occurs when the elbow joint grows abnormally and weakens, causing malformation and breakage.

A veterinarian may prescribe pain medication and anti-inflammatories to help manage the condition.

PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) – If left untreated, PRA can cause vision loss as the retina in the eye degenerates.

Collie Eye Anomaly – a condition in which the choroid is underdevelope and can even result in retinal detachment; very common in Border Collies and Border Collie mixes.

Hearing problems and ear infections – untreated ear problems can cause deafness.

How Do You Care for a Collie Heeler?

Exercise Needs

Aside from being energetic and clever, it can easily become boring. Dog training needs to start early.

It must get at least 60 minutes of exercise and playtime every day; such as chasing, fetching, throwing Frisbees and other throwable toys, swimming, and even chasing other furry friends in animal-friendly parks.

Feeding of Border Heeler

Feed like a medium-sized dog with a big appetite and a high level of activity. Daily two to two and a half cups of dry formulated food, divided into two portions to prevent bloating (gas).

Here are some of our dog food guides:

1. Best Organic Dog Food Reviews
2. Best Dog Food For A Sensitive Stomach
3. Best grain-free dog food
4. Best Dry Dog Food Guide
5. Best Senior Dog Food Guide

Grooming of Border Heeler

A Border Collie Blue Heeler mix puppy will require grooming twice a week since both breeds have double coats that shed moderately.

Bathing

Washing their coat would strip their natural oils, so bathing them only when necessary is recommende. There are certain dog shampoos that have a double effect of cleaning its coat while protecting it from fleas and insects.

Cleaning Teeth, Nails, and Ears of Border Heeler

It is important to brush your teeth regularly in order to prevent plaque buildup. You should use soft toothbrushes, bare-bones chew toys, and toothpaste that breaks down plaque. Once a month, trim its nails and check its ears for debris that could cause infection, as nails grow quickly.

Blue Heeler Border Collie Mix Breeds: How Do They Live?

Lifestyle

The more active and energetic the better! It will be a pleasure to run and play with this dog or jog with you. A trustworthy family dog, it enjoys company. In return, it will offer loyalty and companionship.

This is not a dog for someone who is inactive or who is away from home for long periods of time. Having a fenced area for it to run around would make it unsuitable for apartment living.

The Pros and Cons of Owning a Border Collie Blue Heeler Mix

Positives

1. A Loyal and fun companion for active families
2. A smart, easy-to-train mix of dogs
3. Child and dog friendly
4. Not aggressive, but alert
5. Eager to please and adaptable

Negatives

1. Very high energy level demand
2. Has a wanderlust
3. Likes company, destructive if lonely
4. Bores easily, will bark and chew things
5. Needs space (fenced) to release energy
6. Not hypoallergenic

FAQs