The Red Heeler Rat Terrier mix is one of those aggressive dogs with strong primal instincts. Herding cattle is the primary function of Red Heelers or also known as Blue Heelers or Australian Cattle Dogs.
Blue Heeler or Red Heeler Rat Terrier crossbreeds are adorable dogs, and they make wonderful family pets because of their positive attributes.
The Red Heeler or Blue Heeler Rat Terrier is a mixture of the Heeler and the Rat Terrier. Each of these breeds is known to have a unique personality quirk. They come in a variety of bright colors and have bright facial markings.
Dogs of this size can weigh up to twenty pounds. A game of fetch is a must-do activity for these energetic pups! In a short period, you can teach them a lot of new skills.
Find out more about Red Heeler Rat Terrier mix in this article. Learn about its difference from Blue Heeler together with its temperament, behavior, health, and life expectancy.
Also Read: Blue Heeler Jack Russell Mix: A Complete Guide To The Cattlejack
Red Heeler or Blue Heeler Rat Terrier? What’s The Difference
There is no difference between the two breeds, apart from color. Cattle dogs with blue coats are known as Blue Heelers, and Red Heelers are Australian Cattle Dogs that have red coats.
Since of its Blue Heeler heritage, the Achiever Terrier is sometimes referred to as an Achiever Rat Terrier mix rather than a Rat Terrier as is more commonly known.
In addition to their official name, Australian Cattle Dogs are commonly been referred to as Blue Heelers, Red Heelers, Queenslander Heelers, and Halls Heelers for 200 years ago.
Even though individual dogs may have different temperaments or personalities, their color has no bearing on this. If you’ve ever heard of one, you’ve probably heard of the other.
In other words, apart from their color, Red and Blue Heelers Rat Terrier are the same breed. At night, their distinctive blue color and dark coat allow them to go unnoticed and avoid attacks from horses or cattle.
Heelers are distinguished from dingos by their red color and white spot, but dingos are notoriously dangerous and can be shot at any time.
Breed Overview of Red Heeler (Australian Dog or Blue Heeler)
The blue heeler is an Australian medium-sized herding dog. It has a thick undercoat and a short, weather-resistant overcoat. Hardworking, intelligent, and loyal, the blue heeler is. Originally bred to work as herders on farms, these dogs still thrive when given a job.
| 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 |
Breed Overview of Rat Terrier
The Rat Terrier is a cute, little, digging terrier that is feisty, funny, energetic, lively, vermin-chasing, and incapable of boredom. They are stubborn and don’t like to be pleased, but their friends and family love them.
| Group | Terrier group |
| Height | The standard rat terrier is between 13 and 18 inches tall. |
| Weight | 10 to 25 pounds |
| Coat | Smooth, shiny, and short coat |
| Color | comes in pied patterns; common colors include black and white with rust, tan, lemon, blue, red, chocolate, or orange |
| Life span | 12 to 18 years |
| Temperament | Intelligent, inquisitive, affectionate, lively, alert, loving |
| Origin | United States |
The Red Heeler Rat Terrier Mix
The Blue Heeler or Red Heeler Rat Terrier crossbreed is maybe one of the crossbreeds you haven’t heard or seen of. The Blue Heeler Rat Terrier mix temperament is what dog owners and lovers want to know more about.
Choosing to adopt a Red Heeler Rat Terrier mix has many benefits. In addition, you have a constant companion to lean on.
The only time you should be concerned about your new dog is if he gets into something he shouldn’t, because this mix doesn’t dig or bark very much.
One drawback of these dogs is their proclivity for hunting large game. Dogs of this type are easy to train, but many owners caution against keeping them full-time because they tend to chase small prey. This is a trait unique to this breed of dog.
Features
The Red Heeler or Blue Heeler Rat Terrier cross looks a lot like a small Blue Heeler most of the time. It does have a single coat, but they don’t shed that much. It has a snout, which helps the dog’s sense of smell. As for the weight, it can go up to about 20 to 25 pounds.
Temperament
You can expect a high-energy cross between this crossbreed because they are both strong and agile. Given that the Blue Heeler is known to have a strong primal instinct, it’s important to keep an eye out for the crossbreed.
This dog has a reputation for being a bit of a handful and a bit of a nuisance. In general, they’re great with cows, but they’re not so great with smaller animals or children.
As for the Blue Heeler Rat Terrier mix, it’s a bit sporty as well, and it can handle a variety of tasks. They have excellent endurance and a high level of energy.
In the Blue Heeler Rat Terrier mix, sprinting is a common ability. They can jump over most puppy gates and fences due to their strong legs and increased speed and strength.
Life Expectancy
The average lifespan of the Blue Heeler Rat Terrier mix is 15 years. Its athletic nature helps them maintain a healthy lifestyle. If the dog has a lot of room to run around, then this is a reasonable assumption to make.
Behavior
You can’t help but fall in love with the Blue Heeler Rat Terrier Mix! Dogs are generally friendly with children and other animals, but they can become jealous if another dog is brought into the mix.
Blue Heeler Rat Terrier mix pets are great for newbies to the world of dogs because they are easy to train and sociable. Most Blue Heeler Rat Terrier hybrids get along well with children due to their outgoing and caring personalities.
However, not all dogs are easy to train. Blue Heeler Rat Terriers should only be kept in the safest of homes, especially those with small children, due to their protective and loving nature.
For those who have smaller animals or even children around, the Blue Heeler Rat Terrier mix is not recommended.
Your new puppy will behave in the same way as it does during training to keep you and other people away from it if you adopt a Blue Heeler Rat Terrier mix. They can’t become obedient pets in a classroom setting because of their inherent nature.
Health Risks
Some health issues can affect Blue Heeler Rat Terrier Mixes. They are prone to malignant eye tumors, known as Heeler Eye tumors.
If you’re thinking about adopting a blue rat terrier mix, keep in mind that the risk of eye tumors increases with age.
Throughout their lifespan, they should be examined regularly and given yearly exams. The Red Heeler or Blue Heeler Rat Terrier dogs, like any other breed, can suffer from the same issues as any other type of dog. Ear infections, skin problems, and allergies are all possibilities for them.
They must also engage in regular physical activity to maintain their health. The Blue Heeler needs a responsible owner just like any other breed.
Additionally, they may be at greater risk for weight loss or obesity because of their smaller size For the best chance of avoiding health and temperament issues, you must choose the best possible Blue Heeler Rat Terrier mix, breeder.
Doing so ensures a long and healthy life for your dog. The Blue Heeler is a unique breed, and it’s important to know everything you can before purchasing one.
Conclusion
Finding the right dog for you and your lifestyle and personality is the most important part of the process. Many people are looking for a loving, playful, and protective dog, and the Blue Heeler Rat Terrier mix fills that need beautifully.
If you’re looking for an outwardly friendly dog, a Blue Heeler Rat Terrier mix could be the answer.
Canine companions can enjoy the company of a Blue Heeler Rat Terrier mix, which is affectionate and easygoing.
Last but not least, the Blue Heeler Rat Terrier mix has both good and bad characteristics. It’s possible to find mixed breed dogs with desirable traits and vice versa, but each dog in this particular breed is unique.
