Everything You Need To Know About Caring For This Adorable Breed
If you are looking for a smart, loyal, and energetic dog then you can’t do much better than a herding dog.
However, we understand that a lot of people are put off from herding dogs because they can be quite big and extremely strong. This is the reason why we want to introduce you to a miniature shepherd dog breed today – the mini Blue Heel (also known as the Miniature Australian Shepherd).
Today, we are going to talk you through everything you need to know about the breed and how to look after them.
Introduction To The Breed
Also known as Australian Heelers, Mini Australian Cattle Dogs, and Queensland Heelers. They are all the same breed.
Mini Blue Heelers are small dogs but they are not to be confused with lapdogs – they are shepherding dogs and will therefore need a lot of exercise and entertainment.
Mini Blue Heelers are created by breeding Australian Cattle Dogs with smaller breeds like Chihuahuas. The smallest dogs from multiple litters are then bred to create the mini breed.
Australian Cattle Dogs (or Blue Heelers) are native to Australia and were created by breeding Collie dogs and the native wild dog, the Dingo.
The dogs were first bred in 1840 by a farmer called George Elliot. Elliot’s ethics and breeding methods were very popular and these dogs soon became the dog of choice for farmers around Australia.
The breed wasn’t recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) until the 1980s – despite the breed being popular in countries like Australia, New Zealand, and the UK.
While they are still not hugely popular outside of these countries, thanks to their beauty and the newer miniature variety – Blue Heelers and Mini Blue Heelers are only getting more popular.
Blue Heeler Characteristics
Now, let’s talk a little bit about how Mini Blue Heelers are expected to look.
They fit into the size classification of “miniature to toy dog” – with sizes varying slightly depending on the bitch. Both genders are typically the same size – both males and females are around 11–15 inches tall and weigh 12–25 pounds.
They are similar in size to Corgis and other miniature breeds.
They get their name from the blue coat. They may also have patches of white and brown in their fir. Like Blue Heelers, it is very common for Mini Blue Heelers to have heterochromia. They typically have one brown eye and one ice blue eye. Or they may have two blue eyes.
Blue Heeler Personality
These dogs are strong-willed and independent. They have after all been bred to be working animals.
They like to play and they are very smart to you will want to keep them entertained so they stay out of trouble. They will also need a lot of walking – at least 2-3 hours a day.
Once they have set their heart on doing something, it can be very hard to change their mind. They also do not like to be talked down to.
As independent dogs, they do not regularly ask for affection. They’re not cuddlers. However, they are fiercely loyal and love to be told they are doing a good job.
If they are out with a group of people or with other dogs, you will notice that they start herding people in the direction they want to go in. They may even give someone a nibble on the hand to get them to hurry up.
While these dogs won’t cuddle you, they will love you and look at you like you are the brightest star in the sky. They will be excited to see you and spend time with you. They make good guide dogs and can be very protective of their owners.
Preparing Your Home For A Mini Blue Heeler
When your Mini Blue Heeler comes to stay, you will want to make sure that you have puppy-proofed the home.
Move anything off the floor that they could bite into and destroy. You may want to put child locks on any cabinets that they could reach – they are after all, very smart.
What To Feed A Mini Blue Heelers
Mini Blue Heelers – like many other cross-breeds – do not typically have allergies or breed-specific health issues.
So, you can feed them any dog food – we recommend something that is nutritionally rich and light.
They like to eat because they burn a lot of energy. However, you should carefully monitor how much food they are eating, as you do not want them to overindulge.
