Texas Heeler Dog Breed

The Texas Heeler is a companion dog no matter what lifestyle they live. They come from two working breeds that often are herding, hunting and farm dogs. These guys make the best match with owners that are active and athletic, however, they can adapt to any household as long as they get daily outdoor exercise.

Pros

• They are friendly towards other pets.
• Texas Heelers are gentle and playful with children.
• These dogs make great exercise buddies.
• They are somewhat submissive, highly intelligent and trainable by a first time owner.
• Their coats are low maintenance and they have few health issues.

Cons

• Daily outdoor exercise is a requirement for this breed.
• They display little to no protective instincts.
• Fenced yards are a plus for them.
• Merle coats may come with an increased risk of being born deaf.

Texas Heelers, as hybrid dogs, will inherit characteristics from both parents but not always equally. We recommend prospective owners read up on the traits of both Australian Cattle Dogs (Blue Heelers) and Australian Shepherds before adopting one of these guys. The following information for the Texas Heeler breed can be supplemented by visiting our parent breed pages.

Members of this breed are very intelligent, plus they have natural herding instincts that will not require much training to hone. The Australian Shepherd temperament will help balance the dominance of the Blue Heeler to produce an extremely bright, loyal dog that can be trained by a first time owner.

These dogs are very adaptable to your lifestyle, so although they will make excellent companions for farmers, ranchers and hunters, they will make equally great pals for an active, athletic individual. Although they are intensely loyal, they do not typically display protective instincts and may remain aloof (but not aggressive) towards strangers. Texas Heelers are known to be friendly with other pets and gentle playmates for children.

This dog is energetic and active and daily outdoor activity is a must. Although they like to live indoors with their families, it is ideal if they have a fenced yard to spend time in here and there. They can easily keep up with you, whatever your routine is, and they enjoy herding, hunting, swimming, biking, running and long walks.

The Blue Heeler Australian Shepherd mix produces a medium sized dog that will stand 17-22 inches at the shoulder and weigh 25-50 pounds. Although not as common, Mini Australian Shepherd x Blue Heeler crosses are possible and will usually produce a smaller Texas Heeler.

The coat of this breed will also vary from individual to individual, depending upon the genes inherited from each parent. The length will vary from short to medium length (1-3 inches) and although many are smooth and straight, some will be rougher or wavy. Coloration of the coat will be interesting; it will be blue ticked with white or tan trim, black, tri-color, or blue merle.

Additional differences among puppies include the possibility of a naturally long or naturally docked tail, as well as the ear carriage may be pricked or folded.

This hybrid is the perfect mixture between the more dominant Australian Cattle Dog and the submissive Australian Shepherd. The Texas Heeler temperament, therefore, will be somewhat submissive and highly trainable. They are endlessly loyal yet social dogs and are known to be gentle, sweet playmates for children.

Members of this breed are, first and foremost, companions that need to be around their owner or family the majority of the time. Whether you are a rancher, farmer, hunter, athlete or just the average person on the go-- these dogs can adapt to your lifestyle. They will require daily outdoor exercise and enjoy hiking, running, biking and swimming. Ideally, they will have a fenced yard but they can and will live happily indoors if you can give them sufficient exercise.
If your Texas Heeler inherits more Australian Cattle Dog characteristics, they may have some watch dog or protective instincts but, for the most part, they will be more submissive and quiet.

Texas Heeler dogs should be healthier than the parent breeds, especially first generation crosses. Choosing a reputable breeder, combined with routine trips to your veterinarian, can help prevent some issues. It is recommended you read up on all possible health issues of both parent breeds before adopting one of these dogs. Typically, this breed will live from 12-15 years with few problems.

Although Texas Heeler Puppies are usually healthy, those with merle coats run an increased risk of being born deaf. Also, eye issues such as Cataracts and Progressive Retinal Atrophy, along with epilepsy are ones to watch out for.