Mixing two different breeds can result in an unpredictable personality. You might end up with more personality from a specific breed, but if you want to understand how the mix breed better, knowing more about their individual personalities can help you with the task.
The Blue Heeler Lab Mix (also known as Labraheeler) is the outcome of breeding a Blue Heeler (or also sometimes called an Australian Cattle Dog) and Labrador Retrievers. This wonderful mixed-breed is known for its cuteness, energy, lovability, and stubbornness.
In this article, we will tackle more about the Blue Heeler/Australian Cattle dog and Labrador Retriever mix, reasons why you should get one, reasons why you shouldn’t get one, its appearance, personality, and traits, grooming requirements, possible health problems, and more.
Blue Heeler/Australian Cattle Dog and Lab Retriever Mix
The origin of this hybrid is unknown, but it is a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Blue Heeler. They’re most likely bred to produce a dog with fewer health issues than its purebred parents while retaining their distinctive characteristics.
The Blue Heelers are known as herding dogs that can withstand both rough and hot climates. Outrageous stories have been told because of their resiliency in their work of herding farm animals.
The Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds in the US and is used by many as service and therapy dogs. This breed is known for its owner-pleasing personality and mellowness.
Some people adore the intelligent, athletic Blue Heeler, but they tried to combine a touch of the loyal, sociable Labrador Retriever into their mix, and the rest followed. The disadvantage of mixed breeds is that you never know what you’ll get because they might inherit a wide range of features from their parents, including looks and temperament.
This dog is a cross between a black Labrador, a yellow Labrador, or a chocolate Labrador and a Blue Heeler. A Labrador and a Red Heeler combination is also possible.
3 Reasons Why You Should Get a Lab Heeler Mix
- Both the Blue Heeler and the Labrador have loyal and protective characteristics, making them ideal family dogs. You can expect your Labrador Heeler mix to be an excellent family pet as well as a great companion for your youngsters.
The Blue Heeler Lab is a loyal and intelligent friend. You can count on them to be at your side no matter what family they’re in.
Blue Heelers and Labradors are noted for being loyal and intelligent, with Labradors being particularly well-known for their peaceful disposition.
- Because both breeds have tremendous levels of energy, they make a good companion for high-intensity activities. The Labrador and Blue Heeler mix, when combined, requires activities that allow them to vent their energy, such as running, walking, or even mountaineering. The breed is ideal for people who live a healthy lifestyle and want a pet who can actually deal with them.
- This mix is known for its efficiency at labor-intensive tasks. Given the breed’s energetic nature and heritage, the mix is an excellent choice for anyone who requires assistance with cattle herding.
Blue Heelers were bred expressly to assist in the raising of cattle, and when combined with the intellect of Labradors, the mix will make an excellent partner for your every day herding duties.
3 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Get a Blue Heeler Lab Mix
- Mixed-breed dogs’ characteristics are difficult to anticipate, and Blue Heelers have a demeanor that isn’t always appealing to most families. Labradors, on the contrary, have a variety of personalities that appeal to a wide range of people, and it’s difficult to predict which personality your puppies will have.
- A sedentary lifestyle is not recommended for individuals or families. Both the Labrador and the Blue Heeler are energetic dogs. They enjoy working, and because of their gathering drive, Blue Heelers are recognized for being active dogs. If bored, active dogs who do not have the opportunity to unleash their energy may engage in destructive activity.
- Especially in training, it necessitates a hard hand and discipline. Both dogs are clearly intelligent, but unless you have a strong stand or a big personality to train them, it may be difficult to get them to behave the way you want them to. Blue Heelers, especially, are stubborn and should only be entrusted to experienced dog owners.
Appearance, Personality, and Traits of Blue Heeler Lab Mix
| Height | Female: 16 to 24 inchesMale: 17 to 25 inches |
| Weight | Female: 12 to 32kgMale: 14 to 36kg |
| Amount of Shedding | Constant (Heelers) and Moderate to Seasonal shedding (Labradors) |
| Size | Medium to Large |
| Coat Color | Blue or Red (Heelers), Chocolate, Yellow, or Black (Labradors) |
| Coat Type | Blue or red speckled dark or cream marks (Heelers) or Short, thick, and weather-resistant undercoat (Labradors) |
| Temperament | Intelligent, Outgoing, Energetic, Responsive, Social, Loyal, and Playful |
| Life Expectancy | 10-16 years |
The appearance of Blue Heelers and Labradors differs. Labrador Retrievers are typically large dogs with a double coat of chocolate, yellow, or black fur. They can grow up to 24 inches tall and weigh around 80 pounds.
Blue Heelers are usually medium-sized and have red or blue fur. Blue Heelers are smaller and more lightweight than Labradors, standing 20 inches tall and weighing 50 pounds on average. Labrador Heeler mixes will most likely feature color and pattern characteristics of both breeds.
It’s safe to assume that when it comes to the personality of Blue Heeler Lab mixes, you may expect a positive conclusion. Labradors are known for having pleasant personalities that are sociable, affectionate, interested, and agreeable, especially when they are around children.
They have a pleasant, laid-back demeanor, enjoy working, and are incredibly bright.
The Blue Heeler has a disposition that rivals that of Labradors, and they are extremely devoted, intelligent, and protective. A Labrador Heeler mix’s personality may be a mix of tenacious and laid-back.
Grooming Your Blue Heeler and Lab Retriever Mix
One thing is certain: Blue Heeler and Labrador Retriever mixes shed a lot, which is why you need to pay special attention to their washing, brushing, and grooming needs.
Any healthy dog needs a great grooming routine, and their exterior appearance is frequently an indicator of their internal health.
It’s simple to groom your Blue Heeler Lab mix, and here’s how.
- Brush your dog’s coat on a regular basis to eliminate old hair and promote fresh hair development. Furthermore, this will avoid excessive shedding, which is frequently a major hassle.
- Bathe the coat at least once every two weeks to keep it clean and eliminate odors. A proper bath aids in the maintenance of a healthy coat and skin.
- To avoid needless scratching events, especially on children’s nails, they should be trimmed. Brush them on a regular basis to remove loose fur.
Grooming your furbaby has numerous advantages, and its look reflects how well you care for them. A dog with complex and gorgeous coat color, such as a Labrador Heeler mix, requires regular grooming.
Labrador Heeler Mix Possible Health Problems
Blue Heelers live longer than Labradors, with a lifespan of 12-16 years for Blue Heelers and 10-12 years for Labradors. Your Heeler Labrador mix’s life expectancy will most likely be in the range of 10-16 years.
Both the Labrador and Blue Heeler are generally healthy breeds with few congenital health concerns in common. A Labrador Heeler mix’s health, despite being a healthy breed, can be unpredictable.
Understanding the particular health issues of their parent dog is required in order to determine what the Labrador Heeler Mix’s health would be like.
Obesity is common in Labradors, which can lead to various health issues such as diabetes, arthritis, and thyroid issues. Blue Heelers, on the other hand, are more likely to have joint and bone problems.
Here are some health concerns to be aware of.
1. Lymphoma
This is one of the most frequent tumors in dogs, and it usually affects dogs in their medium to late years of life. The condition is typically accompanied by a thickening of the lymph nodes, and even most dogs do not display any symptoms.
You should be aware of the following symptoms that may occur as a result of the condition:
- Breathing difficulty
- Extreme weight loss or anorexia
- Inflammation of the body and severe fever
- Excessive urine and abnormal thirst
2. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
This is prevalent in dogs that are medium to large in size, and the Labrador Heeler mix falls into this group.
Fortunately, Dysplasia can be avoided by providing your dog a particular bone-building food. Most significantly, you must include exercise programs for the Labrador Heeler mix, which should not be a problem given the breed’s innate hyperactivity.
3. Congenital Sensorineural Hearing Loss
A genetic mutation causes nearly half of all dogs with these diseases, which is why the disease is so common in mixed-breed dogs. It’s nearly inescapable, that is why you should research your puppies’ backgrounds and purchase them from a reputable breeder.
4. Muscular Dystrophy
This sickness is frequently passed down through the generations and can be noticed in puppies. The easiest approach to find out if your dog has this ailment is to do a complete examination of their health and look for any of the symptoms listed:
- Swayback or hunched back
- Excessive drooling or vomiting
- Intolerance to exercise; this is unusual for Blue Heeler Lab Mix breeds because they are known for their active and hyper lifestyle
Heeler Lab Mix Food Requirements
Feeding your Labrador Heeler mix the proper amount of excellent dry dog food is one of the greatest methods to keep them healthy. You want to strike the right balance because giving minimal food might lead to nutritional deficits in your dogs.
Being overweight and other health issues may come from overfeeding them. This is also true if you feed your dog among the worst dry dog food products we discovered on the market.
You should avoid overfeeding a breed like the Blue Heeler Lab Mix because it is prone to dysplasia and is medium to large in size. Instead, choose the finest dry dog food for tiny dogs or the best dry dog food for large breeds, depending on your dog’s size, and you can rest easy knowing they won’t gain weight.
Unfortunately, there is no specific formula for determining how much to feed their pets, and it is largely dependent on what they are fed. Here are a few questions to ask yourself for a quick guide:
- What kind of food do you plan on feeding them? A serving guide is normally included with most items to assist you.
- How often do you intend to feed them throughout the day? Some people feed their dogs thrice or four times per day. On average, most adult dogs consume at least two meals per day, whereas puppies need three or more.
- How much exercise do they receive per day?
- What are your dog’s weight and metabolic rate?
What we recommend is that you select the food based on the dog’s age. Whelps require more fat because they burn it more quickly owing to increased physical activity and growth, thus choosing some of the top puppy food brands is the way to go.
Dogs should consume more protein and fewer fats as they get older, which is precisely what these best senior dry dog food products give.
Most active medium breeds demand calorie-rich and high-protein food to maintain their energy, so trying to feed a medium to large size dog like the Blue Heeler Lab mix needs specific attention in their diet.
Foods rich in important Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, as well as other fatty acids, are often a good starting point when it comes to their nutrition. Here are some guidelines to follow while trying to feed your Blue Heeler Lab mix.
- Feed them high-quality, breed-specific dog food. You can also start feeding them a raw diet, which will be better for them in the long term.
- Keep an eye on your dog’s energy levels; a high level of energy needs more frequent feeding.
- Keep an eye on your dog’s weight and alter the amount and frequency of your feedings accordingly.
If you believe your dog is lacking in macro- or micronutrients, consult your veterinarian to see if a dietary supplement may be beneficial.
Lab Heeler Mix Exercise Requirements
The Labrador Heeler mix is a high-energy dog that requires a lot of exercise and activities to burn off its excess energy. Because the breed has herding characteristics, you’ll have to give your pup extra activities if they take on the Heeler’s behavior.
Failure to provide them with the necessary energy may lead to a collapse of some of your belongings, which no one desires.
Bring your dogs along for a short gallop rather than a brisk walk. The breed demands more than just an exercise, and it’s better to expose them to dogs with whom they can play and tire themselves out.
Furthermore, exposing your puppies to other dogs is a good idea to help them interact and develop their instincts.
If you don’t have time to take your dog to activities, ensure you have a large yard in which they may run around. If not, take advantage of their characteristics and involve them in an activity or project around the house.
Lab Heeler Retriever Mix Training
The Heeler Retriever Mix has been known to be used for work, such as herding sheep on farms. If you do not intend to provide them with a job, you must provide them with an exercise that will contribute to their happiness and overall well-being.
A brief walk will not suffice for the Heeler Retriever Mix; they require additional physical activity, such as jogging, to release their energy.
Training your Labrador Heeler Mix is necessary to correct any undesirable personality traits they may have, as well as to establish a positive relationship with them. Here are some things you can do to teach your dogs:
- To familiarize them with various behaviors, expose them through socializing with other people and pets. Socialization is also an important part of teaching your pups how to control their independence, toughness, and stubbornness.
- When training your puppies, especially if they are Blue Heelers, be firm and positive. Because Blue Heelers are known for their stubbornness, having a hard and commanding hand will aid their training.
- Activate their natural instincts in addition to obedience instruction. Rather than training them to be loyal dogs, focus on their best qualities, such as herding skill and agility. This aids in the promotion and preservation of their inherent tendencies.
- Maintain consistency during training and ensure that they are rewarded for positive behavior or accomplishments. Your puppies would want to impress you, which is a good thing. However, if you lose interest in them or if they don’t feel adequately appreciated for their efforts, they may become obstinate.
Conclusion
As long as proper training is offered, the Heeler Retriever mix has the potential to be a fantastic companion for active families. If you’re thinking of having a Heeler Retriever Mix, be prepared for a bundle of pleasure to arrive at your door.
