Blue Heeler Poodle mix puppies, also known as Blue Cadoodles or Cattle Doodles, simply bring you the best of both worlds! They combine a Poodle’s hypoallergenic traits and lower shedding rates as well as a Blue Heeler’s energy, agility, and unique coloring.
Because not many people are familiar with the appearance, temperament, and mannerisms of these puppies, I decided to give you a hand. After hours of research to gather all the information you may need about this breed, I’m prepared to share my knowledge with you.
In this article, I’ll go through the Blue Heeler Poodle mix’s physical traits, behavior, and health concerns. I’ll also give you a few tips on how to take care of this special furball!
Are you ready to dive in?
Blue Heeler Poodle Mix Physical Characteristics
Because the physical appearance is the first thing you’ll see in a Blue Cadoodle, let’s go through each tiny detail under this category. Starting at the size and all the way to the remarkable coat coloring, you’ll notice how every detail about this pooch adds to his cuteness!
Size and Weight
Quite surprisingly, Blue Heeler Poodles don’t come in one size, and the reason behind this makes sense. Because Poodles are available in several sizes, Standard, Miniature, and Toy, the offspring of each version will end up with a similar size or weight.
For example, Standard Poodles that breed with Blue Heelers usually give birth to pups that can weigh at least 40 pounds once they reach adulthood. Their height will be proportionate with that of their Poodle parent, too, which can be taller than 15 inches.
On the other hand, Miniature and Toy Poodles mate with Blue Heelers to make a crossbreed that typically weighs from 15 to 35 pounds. As for the height, you can expect it to be significantly less than 15 inches.
However, you should keep in mind that breeders rarely match a Toy Poodle with a Blue Heeler. Due to its tiny size, it can be extra hard for the dog to bear the offspring of the bigger Heeler.
Therefore, you’ll mostly find a Blue Candoodle with a Standard or Miniature Poodle parent.
Coloring
Cattle Doodles are as adorable as they come!
They have slightly ruffled hair —courtesy of their Poodle side, that’s almost always black and white, dark gray and white, or different shades of brown and, yes, white!
Sometimes, the puppies will inherit their Blue Heeler parent’s coloring. In other words, their light coloring will have a distinctive blue tint, almost like you’re looking at a black-and-white dog through blue or purple-tinted glasses.
Blue Heeler Poodle mix dogs also have the tough bones and strong physique of the Australian Cattle Dog. They combine that with a Poodle’s softly-shaped outer appearance, making them one of the most cuddle-worthy crossbreeds out there!
Coat Type
It’s easy to fall in love with this dog breed simply by looking at the coat alone.
Blue Heeler Poodle mix dogs have a double coat that’s coarse and short. It’s even waterproof to allow the pup to enjoy hours in the rain without being completely soaked!
This dog doesn’t shed as heavily as other dogs do, but you might notice a few hairs on your furniture or carpet when the weather is warm.
Blue Heeler Poodle Mix Personality and Temperament
Now that you’re familiar with how this good boy looks, it’s time to get to know his temperament better.
Intelligent and Ready for Training
One of the most fascinating things about Blue Heelers is their intelligence, which impacts how fast they’re able to learn various commands. Thankfully, the same goes for Poodles!
As a result, their offspring will also have this advantage, so your Blue Heeler Poodle mix should be excited about learning new tricks at any moment of the day.
All you’ll have to do is repeat your commands, give him praise or a treat when he does what you want, and soon enough, you’ll find him fully trained!
Because Cattle Doodles are considered easy to train, they can be a great option to adopt for first-time pet owners.
Just keep in mind that Blue Heelers can be aggressive by nature if they’re not properly trained early in their lives. This is why training and socialization should be your priority once you take your puppy home.
Gentle, Caring, and Protective
Another beneficial personality trait that you’ll soon notice in your Cattle Doodle is his loving nature. He’ll always be open to hugs or cuddles on the couch, not to mention that he can be the perfect dog to keep with kids.
This dog has so much energy to spend playing with your children. What’s better, he’ll always be on his guard to protect his family when necessary. Again, this is due to the Australian Cattle Dog’s heightened sense of loyalty and protectiveness.
Very Energetic
Both Poodles and Blue Heelers are known for their enthusiasm and high energy levels. This makes their offspring a suitable fit for a person with an active lifestyle.
If you like to go for long walks, hikes, or beach runs, your Blue Heeler Poodle mix dog will definitely enjoy joining you on your adventures. These activities will allow him to use up his energy where it will benefit you both.
Keep in mind that this pup can’t handle long hours of doing nothing. He’ll need consistent exercise to get out all of his pent-up energy, so be prepared to offer your dog plenty of physical and mental stimulation.
If this dog doesn’t find an outlet for his enthusiasm, he might resort to destructive behavior, like:
- Chewing on shoes, pillows, clothes, etc.
- Destroying furniture
- Eating inedible objects
Blue Heeler Poodle Mix Lifespan and Health Concerns
Blue Heeler Poodle mix puppies are generally healthy, but they might be prone to some health concerns, just like their parents. But before I dive into those, let me give you an idea about their lifespans.
Thankfully, these dogs can live for as long as 12 to 15 years. They tend to be much healthier than their parents throughout their lifetimes, but there’s always the possibility that they’ll inherit one condition or another.
Due to their parents’ tendency to end up with the issues, Cattle Doodles might be susceptible to:
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow and knee joint issues
- Hearing problems that might lead to hearing loss
- Osteochondritis Dissecans
Since we’re talking about health, it’s important to mention that Blue Heeler Poodle mixes are hypoallergenic. In other words, they’re safe to adopt for people who have allergies because they almost don’t shed or spread dander.
Tips on Taking Care of a Blue Heeler Poodle Mix
After getting to know his temperament, physical characteristics, and health concerns, allow me to give you some general guidelines on how to care for the Cattle Doodle.
I’ll be discussing everything from the pup’s dietary needs to his grooming requirements, and all the way to the best exercises you can offer him.
Let’s get to it!
Food and Diet
Your dog’s diet will depend on his age and weight because puppy food is very different from adult meals. This is why you’ll need to visit the vet for recommendations regarding food type, proportions, and frequency.
As a general rule, the bigger the dog is, the more food he should be getting. Since the Cattle Doodle is a medium-sized dog with plenty of energy up his sleeve, he needs meals that are packed with nutrients to keep up with his body’s demands.
Your vet will most definitely design a diet that’s high in protein and carbs to meet the pup’s needs. They’ll also likely suggest you feed your dog two to three meals a day, followed by any form of physical activity an hour after each meal.
Keep in mind that this dog breed is susceptible to bloats, which will affect the type of food you give him. In addition to that, the Blue Heeler Poodle mix should steer clear of obesity to prevent the development of future problems in his joints.
Grooming
Because this dog doesn’t shed his coat, you’ll be responsible for maintaining a strict grooming schedule to ward off parasites and get rid of matted hair.
In moderate weather, when he’s less likely to shed, make sure to brush the puppy’s coat twice a week. When things get warm and he starts to leave a few hairs here and there, you should brush him every day.
Don’t forget that this dog’s hair is coarse, making it easy to become tangled without routine brushing. Then, every ten to 12 weeks, you should give your dog a haircut so that his coat doesn’t get out of hand.
Yes, grooming sounds like a big deal, but that’s the price you’ll have to pay for having a hypoallergenic dog!
Exercise
As I mentioned earlier, your Blue Heeler Poodle mix will need so much exercise to match his energy levels. Fortunately, it’s not so hard to come up with activities to get your pup moving while also having fun!
For example, you can:
- Walk your dog on a daily basis
- Go for hikes or beach runs
- Play with your dog for at least 30 minutes every day in a fenced backyard (fetch, tug of war, hide and seek, etc.)
- Encourage your pup to climb stairs
- Take your doggo for a swim (make sure he actually likes swimming first as not all dogs do)
The coolest thing about those activities is that they’ll be enjoyable for both you and your furry friend. Plus, the more time you spend with each other, the stronger your bond will be, and don’t we all want that?
Socialization
Look, Blue Heeler Poodle mixes are generally social dogs, but only if you adequately socialize yours as a puppy.
If not, his Blue Heeler side’s natural aggressiveness might win over because Australian Cattle dogs are usually wary of unfamiliar dogs, animals, and people. That’s simply because of their protective nature and their instincts as great watchdogs.
Let’s not forget that Heelers are herding dogs, so they tend to nip at the heels of their owners on occasion in response to their inner urges.
So, how to properly socialize your Cattle Doodle pup?
- Begin your socialization exercises at the age of eight to 12 weeks
- Take your puppy to parks, preferably dog parks, and allow him to get used to having people and other dogs around him
- Introduce your dog to different situations, locations, and settings
- Keep your pooch on a leash at all times (at least until he’s properly trained)
- Let your pup be a part of your everyday routine (car rides, beach walks, garden chores, etc.) to build his confidence and expose him to various scenarios
- Do this on a regular basis without overdoing it (over-socializing can be more harmful than beneficial)
To Wrap It Up
Getting a Blue Heeler Poodle mix will surely be rewarding whether you’re a long-time dog owner or a first-timer. This adorable dog breed is loving, loyal, protective, and a breeze to train, all thanks to his intelligence and affectionate nature.
Now that you’ve read my guide, you know everything from how Blue Heeler Poodle mixes look and behave to their food and exercise needs.
With all of this in mind, your next obvious step is to head over to a reputable breeder and take a cute Cattle Doodle pup home!
FAQs
Is the Cattle Doodle recognized as a breed?
No. The Cattle Doodle is a crossbreed, so it hasn’t been added to the AKC like other pure dog breeds. However, both of his parents have AKC profiles.
The dog isn’t recognized by designer dog registry clubs either, but he might be in the future if he’s in high demand.
When was the first Blue Heeler Poodle Mix dog born?
Blue Heeler Poodle mixes are a fairly new breed, the first one of this kind being born in the 1980s.
Around that time, there was a rise in designer dog breed production in response to demands for dogs that were hypoallergenic, mild-tempered, and healthier than their parents.
