Herding Pups – Buy Blue Heeler Breeders and Puppies For Sale (2024)

FAQs

How much should I pay for a Blue Heeler puppy? ›

Midwest: In states such as Ohio, Illinois, and Michigan, the cost for these puppies may hover between $500 and $1,000. West: On the West Coast, in places like California, Oregon, and Washington, prospective owners can expect prices ranging from $800 to $1,200.

The Guinness Record for the oldest dog is held by a heeler. In general, these medium-sized dogs live to anywhere from 12 to 15 years old. However, they can live much longer!

Blue Heelers Are Adept Herding Dogs

Australian Cattle Dogs (and by proxy the Blue Heeler) were bred to herd and watch cattle for large beef producing ranches. In homes with children, Blue Heelers have been known to “herd” toddlers as well.

The breed is naturally alert, and their ears help them hear predators and strangers approaching. While standing ears are part of the breed standard, if a Blue Heeler's ears are not standing, it is not a serious issue and only a cosmetic concern.

A purebred Blue Heeler puppy can cost between around $600 to $1,000, with some premium lineages costing sometimes over $2,000. If you're considering a Blue Heeler as your next canine companion, read on.

Characteristics of the Blue Heeler

They can be affectionate with their family, although they are often cautious around strangers. If well-socialized, they generally also get along well with other household dogs and dog-friendly cats.

When do Australian Cattle Dogs stop growing? Medium-sized dogs like Blue Heelers typically stop growing around 12 months old. Your puppy should be close to full-weight by their first birthday, but most pups will continue filling out their chest for a bit longer until they reach maturity between 18 and 24 months of age.

He even claimed to have developed the blue heeler breed. "Now we'd always been told by Australia's great dog authority of the late 19th and early 20th century, Robert Kaleski, that it was a cross between a dingo and a collie," Hull said.

Aggression (especially towards strangers) is the number one behavior problem we hear about from cattledog owners. Usually this begins when the dog reaches adolescence (8 months to 2 years). If not addressed, this behavior will get worse and worse as the dog learns to practice it to make unwanted people go away.

Rough Collie

Rough collies are some of the most gentle dogs you can find. Initially used for herding sheep, this type of collie is eager to please its owners and is highly trainable, which might be why you see this beautiful dog in dog shows all across the world.

Do Blue Heelers like to cuddle? ›

While Australian Cattle Dogs are not always known as traditional lap dogs, many enjoy cuddling. Their preference for cuddling can depend on their personality, early experiences, and training.

Cattle dogs should not be left alone or confined for long periods of time. If you work during the day, you may want to see if a dog sitter, friend, or family member can visit the dog while you're at work. You might also consider coming home during your lunch break.

Key Takeaways. Adopting a puppy is usually significantly cheaper than buying a puppy through a breeder or pet store. In comparison, the cost to adopt a puppy is usually around $150 while the cost to buy a puppy is $1,000 or more.

Beyond having an unwavering work ethic, blue heelers become intensely devoted to their owners and dislike being separated from them, which is why they are known as "shadow dogs." This is an extremely active dog that will happily become your next running or hiking buddy.

When choosing a blue heeler puppy, it's essential to assess their health and temperament. A healthy puppy should have bright eyes, clean ears, a shiny coat, and a good appetite. They should be energetic and playful but not overly aggressive or fearful.