Blue Heeler German Shepherd Mix Facts
What do you get when you cross a German Shepherd (GSD), one of the world’s most loved pet, with the hardworking Blue Heeler? You get a one-of-a-kind hybrid!
The Blue Heeler German Shepherd is a relatively recent crossbreed. It’s believed that the hybrid was first developed about 30 years ago.
This is a working dog with lots of power. It’s canny, smart, determined, loyal, strong and dedicated to the role assigned to it, whether as a guard dog or a livestock helper. It also has a tendency to be willful and obstinate. It’s essentially an intelligent canine that thrives best under the care of a strong and experienced pack leader.
Like with other hybrids, the Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix will take on the characteristics of both parent breeds. For instance, this mixed offspring of the GSD and the Blue Heeler, which is also known as the Australian Cattle Dog (ACD), could be as kind and easy-going as the former with the enthusiasm of the latter.
However, you won’t be able to tell clearly if your pet will favor one parent over the other while it’s still young. What is certain though is that it will be healthier and smarter than its parents.
3 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Get a Blue Heeler German Shepherd
- They have a tendency to be neurotic and destructive. The Blue Heeler German Shepherd is blessed (or cursed) with the high energy levels of its parent breeds. It will require a lot of physical activities and mental exercises. Boredom will turn it into a neurotic and destructive canine with an extra helping of power.
- Grooming is a full-time job with this breed. It’s likely that this hybrid will require regular grooming, especially if it inherits the German Shepherd’s propensity to shed in spring.
- It requires supervision with young children and other pets. Blue Heelers have a poor reputation when it comes to small kids. Its mixed breed offspring can also be the same way. This dog’s high energy levels could lead to rambunctious play that small dogs and younger children can’t handle.
3 Reasons Why You Should Get a German Shepherd Blue Heeler
- It can be a great guard dog. Like its parent breeds, a German Shepherd Blue Heeler is loyal and very protective, especially when it comes to its family.
- It’s a quick learner. You will have no problems training this hybrid, as long as you have the experience and the leadership skills it needs in an alpha. It also helps if the owner is familiar with the ins and outs of positive reinforcement training.
- This dog is ready for anything. The German Heeler is always alert, adventurous, and energetic. It’s the ideal companion for someone who has an active lifestyle.
Other German Shepherd & Blue Heeler Mixes
Choosing the dog breed that aligns with your lifestyle is the most important decision you can make. Every year tens of thousands of dogs are abandoned or put up for adoption because the owner was irresponsible and didn’t do their research before choosing a dog that isn’t a great for their lifestyle.
Alpha Paw has conducted the most in-depth research into the most popular German Shepherd Mixes in America:
Best Dog Food for Blue Heeler German Shepherd Mix
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- Medium adult dry dog food formulated with precise nutrition specifically made for dogs 1–7 years old weighing 23–55 lb.
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- Palatable, medium breed adult dog food has an exclusive kibble design to encourage chewing.
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Appearance, Personality, and Traits of a Blue Heeler German Shepherd Mix
| Weight | 30 to 95 lbs (adult) |
| Height | 18 to 26 inches (adult) |
| Size | Medium |
| Coat Type | Double coat |
| Coat Color | Combination of black and light tan coloring with bluish specks |
| Amount of Shedding | Moderate to high |
| Eyes | Dark and round |
| Nose | Dark |
| Ears | Upright |
| Temperament | Smart, very energetic, loyal, protective, and stubborn |
| Life Expectancy | 7 to 16 years |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Kid Friendly | Older kid friendly but not for younger children |
| New Owner Friendly | No |
| Breed Recognition | No |
As a designer dog, the personality and temperament of a Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix will depend on which parent breed it will take after. You’d be able to understand your hybrid dog better by studying the original breeds.
German Shepherds and Blue Heelers are known for their bravery, strength, intelligence, athleticism, loyalty, and protectiveness. These traits make them great guard dogs. You can expect their hybrid offspring to show these same characteristics as well.
This makes the Blue Heeler German Shepherd cross a smart dog that’s perfect for playing and working. However, it’s also likely to dig holes in the yard, chew on furniture, and scratch the wallpaper if left to its own devices for an extended period.
A Blue Heeler German Shepherd cross will have a lean face and the typical upright ears of its parents. You should also expect a coat that’s a perfect blend of a Blue Heeler’s distinct blue hue and the German Shepherd’s black and brown fur.
This is a big dog with a solid build since it’s the product of two powerful canines. It’s hard to predict how big your German Shepherd Blue Heeler will be since the Australian Cattle dog is stocky while the GSD is taller and longer. Your hybrid dog will be anywhere from 18 to 26 inches tall and around 35 to 90 lbs heavy.
Since both the German Shepherd and Blue Heeler are working dogs, their offspring will also require lots of physical and mental stimulation to keep it happy. Boredom will turn this generally affable canine into a destructive force. It’s not a very vocal dog, but the Heeler Shepherd cross is notorious for barking when left alone for hours.
German Shepherd Blue Heeler Mix Puppies For Sale
It is good practice to find a legitimate breeder with a good reputation when purchasing any type of dog.
A reliable breeder will be more than willing to accommodate your request to meet and see if their German Shepherd Blue Heeler mix puppies are a good match for you and your family. What’s more, they can also let you meet the parent dogs.
This is a vital step in your search for a canine companion. You want to make sure that you check the health of both the parents and the litter. Look at how the breeder takes care of their dogs. Clean kennels, with plenty of space to romp around, is an indication that the breeder knows the business and has a soft spot for the animals.
You can search for a reputable and reliable breeder online. Look for one that has updated pictures, information, and prices of their Blue Heeler German Shepherd puppies.
Here are some breeders to start off your search:
Meanwhile, sites like Breed Your Dog and K9Stud offer listings of private and professional breeders that sell puppies and offer stud services.
Adopting is always a good option. Sites like Adopt-a-Pet and Keystone Puppies can help you in your quest to find the best pet for you.
You should also visit rescue organizations and your local animal shelter. They might have a German Heeler that’s up for adoption. Here’s where you can start your search –
- www.aspca.org
- www.aforeverhome.org
- www.texascattledogrescue.com
- www.milldogrescue.org
- www.pawsandprayers.org
Grooming Your Blue Heeler Mixed With German Shepherd
Grooming your Blue Heeler mixed with German Shepherd isn’t difficult. Despite having a double coat, it only needs minimal grooming. However, you might have to spend more time on brushing your dog’s hair if it inherited the GSD’s much longer coat.
This hybrid has a tendency to shed heavily when it loses its undercoat. If it takes after the German Shepherd, it might molt during springtime. Owners should take the time and effort to brush their dog daily during its shedding period. Use a bristle brush as this dog has sensitive skin.
Wait until your German Shepherd Blue Heeler mix is really dirty before giving it a bath. Frequent baths will only lead to dry skin. Some owners have even taken to using high-quality deodorizing wipes to ensure their dog’s skin is conditioned properly all the time.
You should also brush your dog’s teeth several times a week. Clean its ears once a week and make sure your dog’s nails are clipped regularly to prevent them from getting uncomfortably long.
German Shepherd Mixed With Blue Heeler Health Problems
A German Shepherd mixed with Blue Heeler is generally healthy and has a lifespan that ranges from 7 to 16 years. However, there’s always the risk that your mixed breed puppy will also be susceptible to the health problems that plague its parents.
Owners should be on the lookout for symptoms of the following:
- Bloat
- Elbow and hip dysplasia
- Eczema
- Epilepsy
- Blindness and other eye disorders
- Deafness
- Hemophilia
Of course, there’s also the chance that your dog won’t be afflicted with these conditions. It’s vital that you know its general health before you welcome it into the family. To ensure you select the best and healthiest puppy you can find, select one from a trustworthy breeder. You can also request that your chosen pup undergo DNA testing to know more about its heritage and any potential health problems.
Blue Heeler Crossed With German Shepherd Food Requirements
A Blue Heeler crossed with German Shepherd should be fed two to three times a day to keep it in good health. Make sure you provide it with two to three cups of premium dog food during each feeding. It’s also a good idea to supplement your dog’s diet with fish oil and other vitamins.
The right food will help nourish your dog and give it additional protection to fight back against certain illnesses. Here are the best dog food for your German Shepherd Blue Heeler cross:
- Hill’s Science Diet Large Breed Puppy Food
Hills has done extensive research on what kind of nutrients puppies of large dog breeds require. The company’s Large Breed Puppy Food is the result. Hills uses only high-quality ingredients that are enriched with vitamins and amino acids and have an excellent anti-oxidant profile.
- Taste of the Wild Grain-Free High Protein Dry Dog Food
This dog food lists meat, sweet potato, potato, and peas as its main ingredients. It reduces digestive problems caused by gluten and has enough vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to keep your pet healthy. Taste of the Wild asserts that their kibbles are a healthy approximation of what canines in the wild will eat.
- Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Healthy Weight Dog Food
This is the dog food owners who want to keep their pets at a healthy weight should pick. It uses lean meats, fruits, and vegetables. The company only uses natural sources of antioxidants like apples, spinach, and pumpkin. They also use the cold-press process to ensure that all the healthy goodness is preserved.
Taking good care and helping your dog stay safe is what every responsible dog owner wants. If you also want to be one, make sure you opt for best dry dog food, for instance, Wellness Core Dog Food, Dog For Dog Food, or Nutra Thrive dog food supplement. Don’t go anywhere near the worst dry dog food as it’s not good for your pup’s health. If your dog is a bit older, try to get any product from the best senior dry dog food list that will help extend their lifespan. Puppies have a bit different food requirements and you can find the top-quality food for your little munchkins in the best puppy food brands list.
If you need more ideas for your pup’s diet, go through best dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food, and see if any will grow to your dog’s liking. You should discuss any change in the diet plan with your vet.
German Shepherd Mixed With Blue Heeler Exercise Requirements
Like its parents, a German Shepherd mixed with Blue Heeler is a dog with extremely high levels of energy. It loves to remain active and play all day. As a responsible owner, you should make sure that you can provide it with the necessary physical activity and mental exercises it needs to stay healthy and happy.
The exercise needs of this mix will depend on which parent breed it takes after more. If you’re fortunate, your German Heeler mix will favor its German Shepherd side. While the GS needs considerable exercise, it pales in comparison to the massive amounts of activity that the Blue Heeler requires.
The energy levels of the German Shepherd Blue Heeler make it a good pet for a physically active owner or families who love the outdoors. An ideal owner is one who’s also physically active and has a regular exercise routine that this hybrid can join. While this dog that loves doing different activities, running along its owner as they jog or ride a bike is a favorite.
Older kids will undoubtedly appreciate all the games they can play with this dog, but its enthusiasm might make them too rough for younger children.
Your mixed breed will need a minimum of two walks a day. Aside from that, it will also need ample space to run around and play to release its seemingly boundless energy. Playing a game of Tug of War and Frisbee will bring happiness to your dog and strengthen your relationship as well.
There are three types of toys that are ideal for your Blue Heeler German Shepherd cross – puzzles, chew toys and tug toys.
Here are some of the best toys for your dog:
- Kong XXL: The classic chew toy from the company that specializes in sturdy dog toys since the 70s. The Kong XXL will easily satisfy your dog’s chewing needs. Plus, it comes in a variety of sizes for your dog to try out.
- Tether Tug Dog Toy: Save your arm muscles from agony with the Tether Tug. Place the pole in your yard and watch your dog tug and play with the attached rope. It’s good for small yards and helps keep your dog entertained while you’re out.
- Busy Buddy Twist ‘n Treat: Puppies will love this puzzle specifically designed for growing dogs. Watch your little buddy spend hours twisting and turning this toy to reach the treats. This isn’t a toy for adult dogs or puppies that are strong chewers.
- Chuckit! Ultra Ball: This virtually indestructible toy can be used for both outdoor and indoor play. Chuck it and watch your dog leap and run after it. It’s bouncing also gives the toy the extra momentum to evade your dog and keep it interested.
- HDP 18 ft. Dog Training Tunnel: If you have a large yard, a training tunnel is a good investment. Made from strong steel spring and intertwine wove oxford Dacron, it will challenge your dog’s mental faculties while keeping it active and moving.
Blue Heeler German Shepherd Training
A Blue Heeler German Shepherd can be likened to a sponge. It’s quick-witted and intelligent like its parents. It will simply soak up knowledge, making it easy to train. While this dog will learn commands easily, its innate stubbornness means it should be trained early.
Without the right training and exposure to other people and dogs, your German Heeler puppy will not learn to obey commands. In time, their protective, defense-based personality could hit extreme levels.
Your hybrid dog’s intelligence is unquestionable, but the downside is the destructiveness it can create if it ever becomes boring. This is a pet that won’t lie around the house the whole day. It needs consistent, solid training and a lot of activities to exercise its mind and body.
If you’re absolutely sure that you want a German Shepherd Blue Heeler in your life, these training tips can help you:
- Use clear and simple commands. Too many words or complex sentences will only lead to confusion on your dog’s end and frustration on yours.
- Positive reinforcement is the way to go. They say you catch more flies with honey, and that’s certainly true with this mixed breed. Use treats and praises during training. Harsh words and punishment-based strategies will only make the Blue Heeler German Shepherd aggressive.
- Be a strong leader. You need to step up and give your dog the leadership it needs. Be firm and authoritative if you want it to obey the rules you’ve set.
Proper training and socialization will lead to a well-adjusted and happy German Shepherd Blue Heeler puppy. A new dog owner might not be up to the task of meeting this dog’s physical demands, mental needs, and training requirements. But this crossbreed will thrive if placed in the capable hands of an experienced owner who has already dealt with strong-willed working dogs.
German Shepherd Blue Heeler and Families
When it comes to families, a German Shepherd Blue Heeler crossbreed will blossom under someone who has the proper training and experience in handling large and powerful working dogs. This is an athletic dog that will be happy to either help out with ranch and livestock duties, or to go hiking, camping, and exploring the great outdoors with its human.
This is a pet that’s better suited for families with older children who can provide leadership. Newbie dog owners and families with young children will find the Blue Heeler German Shepherd too much to handle. This pet needs a lot of space to exercise in so it won’t do well in apartments or homes with limited space.
If you want the industriousness and easygoing personality of a German Shepherd and the enthusiastic and affectionate ways of the Blue Heeler, then their hybrid offspring is the perfect dog for you.
This is a great companion for someone who leads an active lifestyle and wants a pet that’s both loyal and smart. This dog will likewise be happy in families with older children and those who live in homes with enough space to run around. If you think you have room in your life for this unique dog, you have to step up and be the strong alpha it needs. You should make sure you can provide it with the love and attention, as well as the physical and mental care it needs. In return, you’ll have a loyal and loving pet that will love to be part of your adventures.(FAQs) about Blue Heeler German Shepherd Mixes:
(FAQs) about Blue Heeler German Shepherd Mixes:
(FAQs) about Blue Heeler German Shepherd Mixes:
What is a Blue Heeler German Shepherd Mix?
A Blue Heeler German Shepherd Mix, also known as a German Shepherd Blue Heeler Mix, is a crossbreed resulting from the mating of an Australian Cattle Dog (Blue Heeler) with a German Shepherd. This mix combines the traits of both parent breeds.
What is the size and appearance of Blue Heeler German Shepherd Mixes?
Blue Heeler German Shepherd Mixes are typically medium to large-sized dogs with a sturdy build. They may inherit the Blue Heeler’s distinctive coat color and markings, along with the German Shepherd’s strong physique.
What is the temperament of Blue Heeler German Shepherd Mixes?
These mixes are known for their intelligence, energy, and herding instincts. They may exhibit a loyal and protective nature, combining the German Shepherd’s guarding qualities with the Blue Heeler’s working dog instincts.
How much exercise do Blue Heeler German Shepherd Mixes need?
Blue Heeler German Shepherd Mixes are generally active and require regular exercise to keep them physically and mentally stimulated. Daily walks, playtime, and activities that engage their intelligence are important for their well-being.
Are Blue Heeler German Shepherd Mixes good with children and other pets?
When properly socialized, these mixes can be excellent family pets. They are typically good with children and may get along with other pets, showcasing their adaptable and protective nature.
What is the grooming routine for Blue Heeler German Shepherd Mixes?
Grooming requirements can vary, but Blue Heeler German Shepherd Mixes may have moderate grooming needs. Regular brushing, occasional baths, and attention to ear cleaning are essential for their overall well-being.
Do Blue Heeler German Shepherd Mixes have specific health concerns?
Like any mixed breed, Blue Heeler German Shepherd Mixes may inherit health issues from both parent breeds. Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial for preventive care, and potential concerns may include hip dysplasia and certain eye conditions.
How trainable are Blue Heeler German Shepherd Mixes?
Blue Heeler German Shepherd Mixes are generally intelligent and trainable, but they may have a strong independent streak. Positive reinforcement methods, consistency, and early socialization contribute to their well-behaved nature.
What is the lifespan of Blue Heeler German Shepherd Mixes?
The average lifespan of Blue Heeler German Shepherd Mixes is typically around 10 to 14 years, with proper care, nutrition, and regular veterinary attention.
What are some considerations for potential Blue Heeler German Shepherd Mix owners?
Prospective owners should be prepared for an active and versatile companion. Understanding the needs of both parent breeds, including exercise requirements, grooming, and potential health issues, is crucial for providing a happy and suitable home for a Blue Heeler German Shepherd Mix.
References:
- Madhusudhan, H. S., et al. “Estimation of Maintenance Energy Requirements in German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever Dogs in Bangalore, India.” Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, vol. 102, no. 1, 26 Apr. 2017, doi:10.1111/jpn.12709.
- Cho, D. -Y., et al. “Neuronal Ceroidosis (Ceroid-Lipofuscinosis) in a Blue Heeler Dog.” Acta Neuropathologica, vol. 69, no. 1-2, 1986, pp. 161–164., doi:10.1007/bf00687053.
- Mendoza, Mark. Blue Heeler Training Secrets. Publisher Not Identified, 2014.
- Coile, D. Caroline. German Shepherds for Dummies. Hungry Minds, 2003.
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_Shepherd
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Cattle_Dog
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