Are you an active person who is looking for an active and intelligent furry companion too? A crossbreed between a beloved German Shepherd (GSD) and the tenacious Blue Heeler yields an intriguing result and could be one for you.
A Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix, like its parent’s German Shepherd and Blue Heeler, is a high-energy dog. It has a strong desire to be constantly moving and playing.
Due to its high level of energy, this crossbreed makes an excellent pet for an active family or those who enjoy spending time outside. An ideal owner would be physically active and has a regular exercise routine that this hybrid can join.
Dog breeds are so cute that it can be hard to choose one. A breed like the Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix might be interesting to you if you are an active and adventurous individual. Don’t worry, if you want this intelligent and loyal crossbreed, we got you covered.
In this article, we will provide all the needed facts and information about the Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix!
Where Did the Blue Heeler German Shepherd Originate?
The Blue Heeler German Shepherd is a newer crossbreed of the German Shepherd. Most experts agree that the hybrid was created around three decades ago. Like the German Shepherd, it has a long history. Both were bred for herding cattle.
As a guard dog or a livestock helper, Blue Heeler German Shepherd is clever, smart, determined, loyal and strong, and dedicated to the role it has been given.
Aside from that, it can be stubborn and unyielding. An intelligent canine that thrives best in the care of a strong and experienced pack leader is what this is all about.
The Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix, like other hybrids, will inherit the traits of both parent breeds. It has been described as “as kind and laid-back as the GSD, with the enthusiasm of the Blue Heeler.”
Breed Overview of Blue Heeler
Australian settlers used the blue heeler to herd cattle in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Because of this, the breed has been widely recognized for its role in helping Australian cattle ranchers grow their businesses.
The Blue Heeler is a strong medium-sized dog. It is also known as hard-working, smart, and loyal to its owner. Blue Heeler’s undercoat is made of a thick material and an overcoat that can withstand the weather is part of its dense double coat.
Loyalty makes them even better at their jobs. Even if you don’t work on a farm, you can still give your dog or cat a job they enjoy, like solving puzzles or getting their favorite toys.
| Group | Herding |
| Height | 17 to 20 inches |
| Weight | 35 to 50 pounds |
| Coat | Dense double coat |
| Color | Blue-gray or red with speckles |
| Life Span | 12 to 16 years |
| Temperament | Loyal, active, intelligent |
| Origin | Australia |
Blue heelers are known as “shadow dogs” because of their intense loyalty to their owners and their aversion to being apart from them. If you don’t give Blue Heelers something to do, he’ll get bored and start mischief.
Owners of Blue Heelers are advised to keep their canine companions mentally and physically fit by engaging them in work, sport, or other forms of regular exercise.
Breed Overview of German Shepherd
They are large dogs and are known for their noble, diligent, loyal, and highly intelligent personalities. German shepherds are known for these traits. Brown and black hair, as well as a lean, athletic frame, make them both powerful and agile.
German shepherds make excellent service dogs, such as guide dogs for the blind, despite their herding skills. They are also excellent working dogs, particularly in law enforcement and the military, and make excellent guard dogs.
German shepherd dogs, of course, make wonderful pets in the right environment.
| Group | Herding |
| Height | 22 to 26 inches |
| Weight | 60 to 100 pounds |
| Coat | Coarse, medium-length double coat |
| Color | Most colors are acceptable, such as bicolor, black and tan, black and cream, black and red, black and silver, solid black, gray, sable. Note that blue, liver, or white are unfavorable based on breed standards. |
| Life Span | 7 to 10 years |
| Temperament | Intelligent, courageous, alert, bold, loyal, protective |
| Origin | Germany |
Generally speaking, German shepherds have a protective, loyal, and friendly personality. In the United States, they are one of the most popular dog breeds because of their ability to be excellent family pets.
They care deeply about “their people,” but they can be wary of strangers and newcomers, and they thrive on the love and attention they receive from those closest to them.
The Blue Heeler German Shepherd Mix
For Blue Heeler German Shepherd crossbreeds, the dominant genes will determine how the dog will look. In terms of appearance, they can resemble either a German Shepherd or a Blue Heeler, depending on the breed.
Its long, lean frame is accentuated by broad shoulders and a well-developed muscular physique. With a medium to long, deep muzzle, they have a lean face.
Prickly ears adorn their erect form. They have a thick double coat that ranges in length from a short to a medium. The most popular color combination is a blend of blue and tan.
Bravery, strength, and intelligence are just a few of the qualities that German Shepherds and Blue Heelers have to offer.
They are excellent guard dogs because of these characteristics. It is reasonable to assume that the offspring of these two species will exhibit similar traits.
| Group | Herding |
| Height | 118 to 26 inches (adult) |
| Weight | 30 to 95 lbs (adult) |
| Coat | Double coat |
| Color | Combination of black and light tan coloring with bluish specks |
| Life Span | 7 to 16 years |
| Temperament | Smart, very energetic, loyal, protective, and stubborn |
| Origin |
Because it is the offspring of two large and powerful dogs, this dog is massive and well-built. The Blue Heeler German Shepherd’s size can’t be predicted because the Australian Cattle dog is stout and the German Shepherd is tall and lean, making it difficult to predict.
To keep their offspring happy, German Shepherd and Blue Heeler puppies must be given plenty to do both physically as well as mentally.
That generally friendly dog can transform into a destructive force if it becomes bored. The German Heeler crossbreed is known for its barking when left alone for long periods, despite its low bark volume.
Temperament of Blue Heeler German Shepherd Mix
The German Shepherd is a fearless, confident, and intelligent dog. The Blue Heeler, on the other hand, is a watchful, curious, and alert dog. Both are fiercely loyal and protective of one another.
The Blue Heeler German Shepherd Mix make excellent watchdogs, but they can also be aggressive toward strangers due to their tendency to protect and guard their families.
They are capable of incredible things thanks to their intelligence and self-assurance, but they can also be difficult to train due to their stubbornness.
This breed has the potential to be aggressive and possessive if it is not properly socialized and trained. The importance of early and frequent socialization cannot be overstated.
Herding dogs for large animals, these two breeds are designed to protect and herd big herds of animals. This can be a problem in a domestic setting because of their strong instincts. When your dog is around your child, you must keep an eye on them.
Food and Diet Requirements of Blue Heeler German Shepherd Mix
Two meals of high-quality dry food per day are recommended, each containing 1.5 to 3 cups. As a result, a dog’s diet needs to be tailored to its specific needs.
While a lazy dog doesn’t need much food, a more active one requires far more. At least 18 percent of the protein in the diet of a Blue Heeler German Shepherd Mix would be required for muscle growth and maintenance. Protein should come from meat for these individuals.
Grooming of Blue Heeler German Shepherd Mix
It’s not difficult to take care of your Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix. The double coat requires only minimal grooming. When it loses its undercoat, this hybrid has a propensity to shed a lot of hair. It may molt in the spring if it resembles a German Shepherd.
During the dog’s shedding season, owners should spend the time and effort necessary to brush their dogs daily. Because of the dog’s sensitive skin, use a bristle brush.
Bath your German Shepherd Blue Heeler mix only after it has gotten thoroughly dirty. If you take too many baths, you’ll end up with dry skin.
Brushing your dog’s teeth weekly is also recommended. You should clean your dog’s ears at least once a week and trim its nails regularly to avoid them becoming too long.
Health Risks of Blue Heeler German Shepherd Mix
The lifespan of a German Shepherd mixed with a Blue Heeler is between 7 and 16 years. Mixed-breed puppies, on the other hand, may be susceptible to the same health issues as their parent breeds. Owners should keep an eye out for the following symptoms:
- Bloat
- Elbow and hip dysplasia
- Eczema
- Epilepsy
- Blindness and other eye disorders
- Deafness
- Hemophilia,
Of course, it’s possible that none of these conditions will affect your dog. Preparation is essential before bringing a new member into the family. Selecting a puppy from a reputable breeder is the best way to ensure that you get a healthy puppy.
If you’d like to learn more about your dog’s ancestry and potential health issues, you can have him or her submit to DNA testing.
Exercise Requirements of German Shepherd Blue Heeler Mix
Exercise requirements vary depending on which parent breed this cross most closely resembles. Chances are good that your German Heeler mix will inherit a German Shepherd. The German Shepherd requires moderate exercise, but not nearly as much as the Blue Heeler.
The Blue Heeler German Shepherd is a high-energy dog that is ideal for an active or outdoor family. The ideal owner is someone who is physically active and regularly exercises with this hybrid.
This dog enjoys running or cycling around town with its owner. Older kids will love this dog’s games, but younger kids may find them too rough.
Your mixed breed needs two daily walks. It will also need lots of room to run and play to let out its seemingly limitless amount of pent-up energy.
Tug-of-war and Frisbee are great ways to bond with your dog. Blue Heeler German Shepherd cross loves puzzles, chew toys, and tug toys.
Training of German Shepherd Blue Heeler Mix
In some ways, the Blue Heeler German Shepherd crossbreed is like a sponge. Like its parents, it is quick-witted and intelligent.
It will be a breeze to train because it will simply absorb information. This dog is intelligent and eager to please, but it needs to be socialized and trained from a young age because of its inherent stubbornness.
The most effective way to train your dog is to use positive reinforcement. It’s critical to get your dog used to being around other dogs, other animals, and even people. This means that socialization is more critical than it would be for most breeds.
Your pup’s chances of success are greatly improved if you begin training and socializing with him at a young age.
This is a high-energy breed that requires a lot of physical activity. If possible, incorporate some form of high-intensity exercise like running or hiking into your daily routine. You should also challenge your dog’s mind by giving them difficult tasks to complete.
To help you train your German Shepherd Blue Heeler, here are some things to look out for:
- Commands should be easy to understand and follow. Your dog’s confusion and your frustration will ensue if you use too many words or complex sentences.
- There is no substitute for positive reinforcement. As the saying goes, honey draws more flies. This mixed-breed dog is no exception. During training, use rewards and compliments to motivate your students. The Blue Heeler German Shepherd will only become more aggressive if you use harsh words and punishment-based strategies.
- Be an effective leader. It’s time for you to step up and be the leader your dog needs. If you want it to follow the rules you’ve established, you need to be firm and authoritative.
Does Blue Heeler German Shepherd Mix Make A Good Family Dog?
If the circumstances are right, this breed could make an excellent family pet. Although they are generally safe around children, they should always be monitored.
GSD’s aggression and the Blue Heeler’s herding tendencies may lead to nipping incidents when children are running.
That being said, this breed can also make a devoted and devoted companion. They are excellent watchdogs because they will not back down in the face of danger. If you’re an experienced dog owner, this breed can be an excellent addition to your family.
Disadvantages of Getting Blue Heelers German Shepherd Mix
- They are prone to being irrational and self-destructive. High energy levels from its parent breeds are a blessing (or a curse for the Blue Heeler German Shepherd). To succeed, you’ll need a lot of physical and mental activity. Because of boredom, the dog will develop into an even more neurotic and destructive creature.
- This breed’s grooming demands a full-time commitment. Even if it doesn’t inherit the German Shepherd’s propensity to shed in the spring, this hybrid is likely to require regular grooming.
- Young children and other pets should be under adult supervision at all times. When it comes to children, Blue Heelers have a bad reputation. The same can be said for the offspring it produces through hybridization. Because of this dog’s high level of energy, small dogs and younger children may not have the ability to play with this dog safely.
Advantages of Getting a German Shepherd Blue Heeler
- It makes a good watchdog. A German Shepherd Blue Heeler, like its parent breeds, is devoted and protective, especially of its family and its human companion.
- It’s quick to pick things up. As long as you have the experience and leadership abilities required to train this hybrid, you won’t have any issues. It also helps if the dog’s owner has some experience with positive reinforcement training.
- This dog is prepared for any situation. Heelers are always on the lookout for new and exciting things to do. It’s the perfect companion for those who lead a more active lifestyle.
Getting A German Shepherd Blue Heeler Mix
When purchasing any dog, it is a good idea to find a legitimate breeder with a good reputation.
A trustworthy breeder will gladly meet you and your family to see if their German Shepherd Blue Heeler mix puppies are a good fit for you and your family. Furthermore, they may be able to introduce you to the parents’ dogs.
This is a crucial step in the process of finding a canine companion. You’ll want to make sure that both the parents and the litter are in good health.
Take a look at how the breeder treats their dogs. Clean kennels with plenty of room to run around show that the breeder knows what he’s doing and cares about the animals.
Conclusion
Having a Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix is a great option if you have the time and patience to properly care for and train them.
For these reasons, we would only suggest this breed to an experienced dog owner who is prepared to put in the effort necessary to care for and train a dog with such a high prey drive.
To sum up, those who lead an active lifestyle, have plenty of space in their home and have experience with confident dog breeds should seriously consider this breed.
