Texas Heeler|Breed Information, Pics and Care

The Texas Heeler is an energetic, hardworking mixed breed that has gained popularity over the years, especially among ranchers, farmers, and active dog owners. This intelligent and high-energy breed is a combination of two well-known herding dogs—the Australian Cattle Dog and the Australian Shepherd. Known for their distinct blue-tinged coats, they are often seen with bobbed tails or straight tails, adding to their rugged charm. While originally bred for herding, Texas Heelers are adaptable enough to thrive in family environments, making them a wonderful option for suburban families with large backyards or farm settings. They have a strong bond with their owners and can make excellent guard dogs when given the right training and attention.

From my personal experience working with Texas Heelers, I’ve seen how these dogs can bring joy to their owners while also excelling at canine sports and activities. If you’re looking for a loyal companion, they are more than just a working dog—they become a part of the family. These dogs are happiest when given a job to do, and their trainability makes them a good choice for owners ready to engage in daily activities to channel their energy. Whether it’s playing a game, herding, or just staying active, the Texas Heeler can be a wonderful companion for those who understand their needs.

Breed Overview

Texas Heeler Appearance

• Medium-sized: Typically stands 17 to 22 inches tall and weighs between 25 to 50 pounds.
• Athletic build: Built for herding, but pets may become less active and prone to obesity.
• Coat: Shorter than its Australian Shepherd ancestors, offering weatherproof protection. Coat colors include white, black, grey, brown, and blue.
• Tail: Most dogs are born with a bobbed tail, though some may have a natural tail.
• Ears: Floppy as puppies, becoming pointy and upright as they mature.
• Eyes: Typically bright brown eyes that enhance their expressive faces.
• Coloration: Can be speckled, solid, or blue merle, giving each dog a unique appearance.
• Active: Known for being active and loyal, making them great companions.
• Build: Retains the traits of its parent breeds (Australian Cattle Dog and Australian Shepherd), with agility and intelligence.
• Easy to care for: Medium-sized with short fur, making grooming simple while maintaining a stunning look.

Temperament and Personality

The Texas Heeler is an incredibly intelligent and active dog, making them perfect for families who lead an active lifestyle. These dogs thrive when they are put to work, whether it’s herding, training for agility, or simply being outdoors. However, their headstrong nature can sometimes make training a challenge. Without proper guidance and authority, they might become difficult to manage. The key to raising a well-behaved Texas Heeler is ensuring they are mentally and physically stimulated, as this helps curb any unwanted behavior. Because of their high energy level, they enjoy exercise and are happiest when they have a task to do.

Although the Texas Heeler is very loyal to their family, they can be wary of strangers and often alert their household with a bark. This instinctive protectiveness is rooted in their herding background, and they may try to herd unfamiliar people or pets. Early socialization is crucial to help them become comfortable with new situations, people, and animals. While they are playful and enjoy bonding with their family, the Texas Heeler will always prefer having something to do, whether it’s a training session or a task. If they aren’t kept busy, they can become unhappy or even bored. These dogs are great companions for those who can keep up with their high energy, but they may not be suitable for first-time dog owners unless they’re ready for a highly trainable and sometimes challenging breed.

Texas Heeler: History

Origin and Development

The Texas Heeler is a designer dog that was created by crossing two purebred breeds—the Australian Cattle Dog and the Australian Shepherd. While the exact history remains unclear, it’s widely believed that the breed started gaining attention in the 1970s when Lucy Guynes first registered the breed with the Animal Research Foundation. The demand for this hybrid breed grew as a working dog for farms and ranches in Texas, making them ideal companions for ranchers in need of a smart and energetic herding dog. The creation of the Texas Heeler came from breeders wanting a dog with the strong working abilities of the Australian Cattle Dog and the loyalty and trainability of the Australian Shepherd.

In the 1800s, Australian settlers in Australia crossed the English dogs with the native dingo to create the Australian Cattle Dog, which was known for its blue coat, earning it the nickname blue heeler. These dogs helped herd cattle in the challenging climate of Australia, and the breed was formally recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1980. Over time, the Texas Heeler emerged as a natural cross between these two breeds, although unofficial and likely occurring for many years before breeders officially took it on. Despite the popularity of the Texas Heeler, some have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups.

Texas Heeler Health

Texas Heelers are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. Some common health problems to be aware of include:

• Hip/Elbow Dysplasia: These orthopedic conditions are prevalent in the Texas Heeler breed. The condition leads to joint problems in the hips or elbows, causing discomfort and limited mobility. Texas Heelers share these issues with their parent breeds, the Australian Shepherd and Australian Cattle Dog.
• Eye Conditions: Texas Heelers are susceptible to progressive retinal atrophy, collie eye anomaly, cataracts, and distichiasis, where eyelashes grow on the inside of the eyelid. These conditions can affect the eyes, and in severe cases, lead to blindness.
• Epilepsy: Like many other breeds, Texas Heelers can develop epilepsy, which results in seizures that require proper management by a vet.
• Hereditary Deafness: Some Texas Heelers are born with congenital deafness, leading to signs like a lack of response to sounds. This is common in blue heelers and other related breeds.
• Obesity: Texas Heelers are very active and require plenty of exercise to avoid becoming obese. Without proper exercise, they may gain weight, which can lead to other health problems.
• Multidrug Sensitivity (MDR1): This inherited condition makes them sensitive to certain medications. It’s important for veterinarians to be cautious with drug prescriptions to avoid severe neurological effects.
• Overheating: As an active, high-energy dog, Texas Heelers can overheat easily, leading to hyperthermia. This can happen on hot days when they are playing or running for too long without proper rest.

Additionally, Texas Heelers can be prone to traumatic injuries, such as cranial cruciate ligament tears, which are similar to ACL injuries in humans. These injuries are common in active dogs that run and play often. If your dog shows signs of limping, swollen joints, or reluctance to walk, it’s crucial to take them to the vet for an evaluation.

By maintaining a high-protein diet, ensuring regular exercise, and scheduling routine veterinary check-ups, Texas Heelers can enjoy a long, healthy life, typically ranging from 12 to 15 years. Proper care can significantly reduce the likelihood of these health problems developing.

Diet And Nutrition

When it comes to feeding your Texas Heeler, it’s crucial to provide them with the right balance of protein and healthy fats. Being high-energy herding dogs, they need a diet that supports their active lifestyle. A medium-sized breed like the Texas Heeler thrives on nutrient-rich food, including protein-rich meals sourced mainly from meat rather than plant proteins. You’ll want to ensure that their food contains essential vitamins and minerals, which help with both their health and performance. Avoid overfeeding, as these dogs can gain weight easily, especially if they’re not getting enough exercise. I always recommend sticking to a feeding schedule and giving smaller meals twice a day to keep them energized without overloading them with treats.

Texas Heelers require about three to four cups of food daily, split into two feedings, along with plenty of fresh water. It’s essential to provide them with high-quality food free from fillers and harmful ingredients. Some pet food brands are more transparent about their ingredients, so it’s worth doing some research before choosing the right food. As an active breed, Texas Heelers need a premium diet rich in animal proteins. Dog Food Advisor offers great reviews to help owners make an informed decision. Be cautious about giving them scraps from your plates, as tailored dog food is always a better option for their health.

Grooming Your Texas Heeler

Texas Heelers have short-medium-length coats that are thick and double-layered, so they shed moderately throughout the year. During the spring and fall, they tend to blow their undercoats, which leads to heavier shedding. To keep their coats healthy, brush them once or twice weekly using a bristle brush or pin brush. Regular brushing helps minimize excessive shedding and keeps their coat in top condition. In addition to brushing, be sure to maintain a regular grooming routine that includes teeth brushing, ear cleaning, and nail trims. If you’re unable to handle this yourself, consider visiting groomers. Due to their moderate shedding, Texas Heelers aren’t ideal for people with allergies but their coats are easy to groom, and a good brushing every few days should be sufficient.

Texas Heelers have a mixed coat that may be black, blue merle, or blue ticked with shades of white or fawn. They inherit characteristics from their Australian Cattle Dog and Australian Shepherd parents. Their less dense coats aren’t suitable for extreme cold climates, so you’ll likely need to provide a coat in winter and use dog sunscreen on areas like the ears and nose. It’s important to brush their coat regularly, especially if your Heeler has inherited the longer hair from the Australian Shepherd. Regular nail trims are necessary as their nails grow fast, and paw irritation can be avoided by making this a routine. As active dogs, Texas Heelers require daily exercise, and regular walks will prevent them from becoming overweight or destructive. Regular grooming ensures that your Heeler remains in great shape and is ready for any outdoor adventure.

Texas Heeler Training

Training your Texas Heeler is an exciting journey due to their intelligent nature, which makes them easy to train. They are known to be affectionate with their families but can also show protective behaviors, especially towards strangers. While they are often great with kids, you might need to keep an eye out for their herding instincts, which may cause them to nip or herd from time to time. It’s essential to raise them around other pets from a young age to avoid them using their natural herding instinct on smaller animals in the household. If you’re looking to modify their herding behavior, it’s important to be clear about your goals—whether you’re keeping their herding instincts intact or focusing on different training like obedience or agility.

The Texas Heeler responds best to positive reinforcement, as they are not receptive to negative reinforcement like hitting or pushing. These methods can undermine the trust between you and your dog. Although they may seem hyper and hard to manage at times, they simply have a lot of energy and love spending time with their owner. By using firm commands and offering treats as rewards, you’ll have an eager learner who enjoys the process. As with any dog, patience is key, but rest assured, this breed is known for being a fast learner. Make sure to avoid giving them too many treats—no more than 10% of their diet—to maintain a healthy balance. Lastly, socializing your puppies early is crucial for a well-adjusted dog, whether through a kennel or at home. This training foundation will help your Texas Heeler become a fantastic companion for both families with children and homes with other pets.

Texas Heeler Exercise

The Texas Heeler is an energetic dog bred from two very active herding breeds, meaning they need lots of exercise every day to stay healthy and happy. This breed thrives on physical activities like running, hiking, or even cycling, and they are perfect companions for people who enjoy being outdoors. A simple daily walk won’t be enough for them. They need at least 1½ to 2 hours of exercise to burn off their energy. If they don’t get enough activity, they may develop destructive behaviors like barking or chewing, and you could see signs of separation anxiety. Texas Heelers love to play, and they excel in games like fetch, hide-and-seek, or even canine sports. They have an innate drive to herd, so activities that allow them to use this instinct, like agility training or obedience training, will keep them mentally and physically stimulated.

This breed isn’t a good fit for apartment living or small city spaces. They prefer a large backyard or even a farm where they can run freely. It’s important to always keep them on a leash when walking outside, as their herding instinct can kick in at any time. Texas Heelers can also be sensitive to the heat, so make sure to monitor them closely on hot days and ensure they stay cool, hydrated, and don’t overexert themselves. Whether you’re running, hiking, or doing some fun doggie dancing, the key to keeping your Texas Heeler happy and healthy is to provide them with plenty of daily exercise and interaction.

Where to Adopt or Buy a Texas Heeler

When looking for a Texas Heeler, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $1,000 for a puppy from a breeder. The Texas Heeler is considered a designer breed, meaning it’s a mix of an Australian Shepherd and an Australian Cattle Dog. To get one of these loyal and energetic dogs, it’s best to work with a reputable breeder who can provide health and vaccination records for both parents. It’s important to ensure the breeder has a track record of healthy litters, as this ensures the long-term health of your new furry friend.

If you’re considering adopting instead of buying, check shelters or breed-specific rescues like the Texas Cattle Dog Rescue. Since the Texas Heeler is a mixed breed, it can sometimes be harder to find a breed-specific rescue. However, many rescues for Australian Shepherds or Australian Cattle Dogs also take in mixes. Aussie And Me Animal Rescue is one example, and they may be a good place to start. It’s important to work with the right people—whether a breeder or a rescue—because getting a dog from someone who truly cares can save you time, effort, and potentially expensive medical bills down the road. Always ask breeders about the health of the puppy’s parents and whether any medical conditions could be passed on, and check online reviews to ensure you’re dealing with a trusted source.

Deciding on a Texas Heeler

A Texas Heeler can make a wonderful family pet because of their intelligent and hard-working nature. These dogs are easily trainable and can be great companions if you’re active and enjoy spending time outdoors. However, they do require a lot of daily exercise and mental stimulation, so they aren’t the best choice if you’re away from home for 9-10 hours a day or live in a small apartment. Without enough exercise or attention, they can become destructive and may get nervous around strangers.

If you have a sizable yard and the time to take them for long walks and play, a Texas Heeler might be the perfect dog for you. These dogs thrive when they have room to roam and can really enjoy their work when given tasks to do. It’s also important to ensure you can afford regular vet visits or invest in pet insurance to cover potential health needs. If you’re ready for an active, loving, and hard-working dog, the Texas Heeler could be an excellent choice.

Is a Texas Heeler a Good Family Dog?

Yes, a Texas Heeler can be an excellent family dog. Known for their intelligence, trainability, and loyalty, they make great companions for active households. Their hard-working nature and love for play make them suitable for families with large yards or those who enjoy outdoor activities. However, it’s important to note that they require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy. If you’re an active family who enjoys walks, games, and plenty of outdoor time, a Texas Heeler will thrive in your home. But if you’re away for long hours or live in a small apartment, this breed may not be the best fit due to their need for space and attention.

What 2 Breeds Make a Texas Heeler?

A Texas Heeler is a mix between an Australian Shepherd and an Australian Cattle Dog. This combination brings together the intelligence, energy, and strong herding instincts of both breeds, making them excellent working dogs. The Texas Heeler inherits the best traits of each parent: the Australian Shepherd’s trainability and the Australian Cattle Dog’s resilience and focus. This hybrid breed is highly active and needs a lot of physical and mental stimulation, making them ideal for owners who are looking for a dog that enjoys tasks and outdoor activities.

What is the Difference Between Texas Heeler and Blue Heeler?

While both the Texas Heeler and the Blue Heeler (another name for the Australian Cattle Dog) are strong herding dogs, there are a few key differences between them. The Texas Heeler is a mixed breed, typically a cross between the Australian Shepherd and Australian Cattle Dog, while the Blue Heeler is a purebred Australian Cattle Dog. As a result, the Texas Heeler can have a broader range of physical traits and temperaments due to the mix of genes from both parent breeds. Additionally, the Texas Heeler may have more intelligence and trainability from the Australian Shepherd, while the Blue Heeler tends to be more focused and independent in their work. Both breeds are great for herding and require plenty of exercise, but the Texas Heeler may be a bit more versatile in terms of appearance and temperament.

Do Texas Heelers Make Good Service Dogs?

Yes, Texas Heelers can make excellent service dogs. Due to their intelligence, trainability, and strong work ethic, they can be trained to perform a wide variety of tasks for people with disabilities. Their herding instincts can translate into tasks like guiding, fetching, or providing support. However, it’s important to consider their need for mental stimulation and physical exercise. Texas Heelers are best suited to individuals who have an active lifestyle and can provide the dog with the attention and care they need. While they may not be as commonly seen as service dogs as some other breeds, they certainly have the potential to excel in the role when properly trained.