The Blue Heeler is a popular dog for a few different reasons. Known for his incredible intelligence and beautiful coat, and also for his relation to wild Dingos, the Blue Heeler has been a steadily rising star in the canine kingdom over the last few decades.
Blue Heelers are also still commonly used as working dogs, especially in Australia. They are often considered one of the most efficient herding dogs for the Australian climate and terrain.
This is no surprise, considering these dogs were bred for such tough work, but as purebreds they can be overwhelming for the novice dog owner.
And this is where blue heeler mix dogs come in! Today we are talking about 12 different Blue Heeler Mix dogs you might want to consider if you’re considering getting a new dog.
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But First, Let’s Meet The Blue Heeler
Blue Heelers are some of the most intelligent dogs in the world.
Also Known As: The Australian Cattle Dog
Height: 17 to 20 Inches
Weight: 30 to 50 Pounds
Temperament: Intelligent, Work-Oriented, Protective, Independant
Best Suited For: Experienced, Active Dog Owners
Health Issues: Canine Hip Dysplasia, Elbow Dysplasia, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Deafness, Osteoco=hondrosis Dissecans, Cataracts, Lens Luxation, Von Willebrand’s Disease, Ear Infections, and Persistent Pupillary Membrane
Lifespan: 10 to 13 Years
Blue Heeler Overview:
Also commonly known as the Australian Cattle Dog, the Blue Heeler is a clever herding dog specifically designed for herding cattle and sheep through the rough terrain of Australia. Originating during the 19th century, there were several key players who took a role in the Blue Heeler’s creation, breeding and overall perfecting.
There were also a number of different breeds that helped turn the Blue Heeler into the dog we know and love today.
Some of the breeds that make up a Blue Heeler include Collies and Dalmatians, but perhaps the most interesting canine in the Blue Heeler’s DNA is Australia’s famous wild Dingo.
The Blue Heeler has long been one of Australia’s most important working canines, but he wasn’t recognized by the American Kennel Club as a breed until 1985.
Today, he is a popular dog for active, experienced dog owners. Blue Heelers make excellent companions for families with older children, though they can have strong herding instincts and are known to try and herd youngsters around the home by nipping at their ankles and heels. These dogs are also highly energetic and work-oriented, which means they are happiest with a job to do.
LIke all dogs, Blue Heelers require plenty of time and commitment when it comes to training, exercise, mental stimulation and socialization. However, due to their past and breeding history, they are especially focused and can become easily bored, destructive and even territorial if their needs are not met. This means that the Blue Heeler as a purebred may not be the best dog for everyone.
Luckily, there are plenty of Blue Heeler mix dogs to choose from! Of course, crossbreed dogs like Blue Heeler mixes come with their own set of pros and cons.
So, before we dive into our favorite Blue Heeler hybrids, let’s first discuss the crossbreed controversy.
What Is A Blue Heeler Mix And What You Should Know About The Crossbreed Controversy
Crossbreeding is an age-old practice, but it is still somewhat controversial.
As you’ve likely gathered from the term “Blue Heeler Mix”, a Blue Heeler Mix is a cross between a purebred Blue Heeler dog and another purebred dog of any other kind.
Although crossbreeding is an age-old practice, (and while the Blue Heeler himself is a result of crossbreeding), the trend has exploded in popularity over the last two decades. This has led to a bit of controversy and debate surrounding the topic, and whether or not it’s a good idea to breed and sell first, second and third generation crossbreed dogs like the Blue Heeler mix.
This is because it can take generations of breeding and perfecting for a dog to become considered a purebred. Take the Blue Heeler, for example, who was not recognized as his own breed in the United States until 1985. This is most likely when the AKC decided the breed had established standards that were predictable including coat color, temperament, health and lifespan.
For newer generation hybrids like a Blue Heeler Mix, determining many of these traits can be left up to chance. Coat color, health issues and even temperament will rely greatly on genetics.
However, there are some positives that come with investing in a hybrid dog like a Blue Heeler mix. Hybrid vigor, for example, means that you may wind up with a dog that has less of a chance of suffering from genetic health issues from one parent over the other thanks to their widened gene pool.
Of course, this is a concept that has yet to be widely accepted by everyone, and naysayers still point out that Blue Heeler Mix dogs, and any hybrid mix for that matter, are still susceptible to suffering from any of the same genetic health issues as both their parent breeds, which may even give them a longer list of health issues to contend with.
Still, many people consider this to be splitting hairs, and when it comes to investing in a Blue Heeler mix, the good news is that the Blue Heeler is generally a hardy dog anyway.
So, without further ado, let’s talk about 12 Blue Heeler Mix dogs you might consider investing in!
12 Blue Heeler Mix Dogs We Love
There are so many different combinations you can make when it comes to a Blue Heeler mix, but these are our favorites.
We’ll be honest – the possibilities are endless when it comes to Blue Heeler mix dogs you can choose from. Hundreds upon hundreds of dogs can be part of this hybrid, in fact.
With that said, our below list is based on a few factors we think you’ll love and we hope that somewhere in this short list is a dog that catches your eye.
So, which dogs did we choose to highlight when talking about Blue Heeler Mixes? Take a look!
- The Chi Heeler (The Chihuahua x Blue Heeler Mix)
- The Husky Heeler (The Siberian Husky x Blue Heeler Mix)
- The Labraheeler (The Labrador x Blue Heeler Mix)
- The Cattle Doodle (The Blue Heeler x Poodle Mix)
- The Pit Heeler (Blue Heeler x Pitbull Mix)
- The Dalmatian Heeler (Blue Heeler x Dalmation Mix)
- The Border Heeler (Border Collie x Blue Heeler Mix)
- The Corgi Heeler (Corgi x Blue Heeler mix
- The Aussiemo (The Blue Heeler x American Eskimo Mix)
- The Jack Heeler (The Blue Heeler x Jack Russel Terrier)
- The Shepherd Heeler (Blue Heeler x German Shepherd Mix)
- The Beagle Heeler (Blue Heeler x Beagle Mix)
If you’ve already found a specific dog above that you’re interested in, scroll down to that dog’s designated number. Otherwise, keep reading because we’re going to go through this list dog by dog and discover what makes each of these Blue Heeler Mix hybrids so special!
1. The Chi Heeler (The Chihuahua x Blue Heeler Mix)
This unique mix is a combination of sass and brains. He may not make the best dog for first time dog owners, however.
The Chi Heeler is perhaps one of our most unique and surprising Blue Heeler Mix dogs on this list!
A combination of the purebred Chihuahua and the purebred Blue Heeler, Chi Heelers can range greatly in size and their coats can be short, long, spotted, solid, or any variety of colors.
For the most part, Chi Heelers are active dogs that are small to medium in size. They are lightly shedding dogs with spirited temperaments that are best suited for homes with active owners and older, more respectful children.
Chihuahuas in particular have a reputation for being impatient with youngsters, and combining this temperament with the already energetic and somewhat bossy temperament of an independent Blue Heeler could be problematic with young kiddos in the home.
However, older children can do well with a Chi Heeler dog, and families that enjoy being outdoors with their dog will love this mixed breed’s zest for life.
2. The Husky Heeler (Siberian Husky x Blue Heeler Mix)
The Siberian Husky Blue Heeler mix has a wild, wolf-like appearance.
One of the things we find most fascinating about the Blue Heeler is his relation to wild Dingos. And while a Husky looks nothing like a Dingo, this Husky Blue Heeler cross does tap into that wild appearance that can be so alluring to some people.
The Husky Blue Heeler Mix also makes for a friendly, athletic companion and is ideal for active owners who enjoy being outdoors.
As most dog-loving people know, Siberian Husky dogs in particular are especially high-energy and do best with owners who have time to commit to training and exercise.
This temperament can be exasperated when it’s combined with the genetics of a Blue Heeler, which is a dog that is already highly driven, focused and work-oriented.
With all of that being noted, the Blue Heeler Husky Mix is going to be best suited for committed, experienced dog owners with large, securely fenced yards and plenty of time on their hands.
3. The Labraheeler (The Labrador x Blue Heeler Mix)
The Labraheeler is the mix between the friendly Labrador Retriever and the hard working Cattle dog.
If you’re looking for a more family-friendly Blue Heeler Mix, look no further than the Labraheeler. This mix combines the family-oriented Labrador and the devoted Blue Heeler into a mix that is clever, affectionate, outgoing and energetic.
Labrador Retrievers on their own are already considered the United States’ most popular dog, according to the American Kennel Club. This is likely due to their amazing temperament and how well they do with youngsters, strangers and other animals like dogs and cats.
However, Labrador Retrievers can be especially energetic in their early years, and this can lead to a hyper Blue Heeler Mix if you’re not careful about expending all that energy.
If you do invest in a Labraheeler, keep in mind that this is a breed that is going to need plenty of routine exercise each and every day. The Labraheeler is also one of the most intelligent dogs on our list, and as such this is a hybrid that is going to require consistent mental stimulation, training and socialization throughout his lifetime.
4. The Cattle Doodle (The Blue Heeler x Poodle Mix)
The Cattle Doodle is a popular mix between the Poodle and the Cattle dog.
Maybe you adore Blue Heeler dogs but you’re allergic to their shedding fur. If that’s the case, you’re in luck and you should totally take a look at the Cattle Doodle. This unique take on a popular Poodle hybrid combines two clever canines into one with one super unique twist – these dogs have the potential to be hypoallergenic!
Of course, because Blue Heeler mix dogs are hybrid dogs and many characteristics and traits can be left up to chance, remember that a hypoallergenic coat is not always going to be guaranteed.
If you do want to get a Blue Heeler Poodle cross that is hypoallergenic, it’s best to either go through a breeder who specifically breeds later generation Cattle Doodle dogs, or to adopt an adult Cattle Doodle whose coat has already been established.
We should also remind you that while doodle dog hybrids are some of the most popular designer dogs in the United States, Cattle Doodles are still relatively new. You may have to take extra time to find this adorable canine through a breeder or shelter, but once you do we are sure it will be worth it!
5. The Pit Heeler (Blue Heeler x Pitbull Mix)
The Pit Heeler is a clever, devoted dog who does well with experienced dog owners.
Blue Heeler dogs are already considered incredibly loyal, and when you combine this breed with the highly devoted Pitbull, you’re going to get a companion for life. This Blue Heeler mix makes for an energetic, affectionate, family-oriented dog who can do well with families and children.
However, due to the Blue Heeler side, the Blue Heeler Pit may be wary of strangers coming and going around his property. His Pitbull side may mean that he’ll have trouble with strange dogs if he is not expertly trained and socialized at an early age.
Sadly, we should also note here that many Pitbull breeds and mixes have been banned in regions throughout the United States. Before you decide to invest in one of these unique Blue Heeler mix dogs, we suggest looking into the breed laws and specifications of your area to ensure you are going to be allowed to keep your dog without incident.
6. The Dalmatian Heeler (Blue Heeler x Dalmation Mix)
The Dalmatian x Blue Heeler mix makes a stunning hybrid you have to see to believe.
As we discussed briefly above when going over the Blue Heeler’s history, this is a breed that already has some Dalmatian in its DNA. In fact, this is what led to his piebald coat and that gorgeous speckled pattern many of these dogs sport.
If you’re a major fan of spotted dogs and you’re obsessed with the Blue Heeler, why not consider a Blue Heeler mix crossed with a Dalmatian?
Because Blue Heeler’s are already related to Dalmatians, you have a higher chance of coming up with a Blue Heeler mix puppy with a distinctly spotted coat, as is shown in the image above.
Outside of appearance, the Blue Heeler Dalmatian Mix makes a wonderful dog for experienced dog owners committed to training and socialization.
Dalmatians were originally bred as hunting and carriage dogs, so they can have some naturally protective instinct. The Blue Heeler has similar characteristics as well, so owners should be diligent in raising one of these mixes to ensure they are properly trained and socialized at an early age.
7. The Border Heeler (Border Collie x Blue Heeler Mix)
The Blue Heeler and Border collie Mix combines two of the world’s most intelligent canines.
Border Collies are some of the world’s most famous herding breeds thanks to their beautiful appearance and unbelievable intelligence. And since the Blue Heeler is another famous dog for similar reasons, it’s no surprise we would mention the Border Collie Blue Heeler mix.
This hybrid meshes two herding temperaments, leading to a wildly intelligent, clever and energetic canine.
Furthermore, it’s also noted that Border Collies and Blue Heelers share some heritage, so this combination may not change a Blue Heeler’s temperament too much.
With that being said, this Blue Heeler Mix dog’s appearance will vary depending on which parent breed he takes after most. You should also note that this is a dog that can be prone to some unique eye issues like cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy and Collie Eye Anomaly.
The Border Collie Blue Heeler Mix may also be prone to suffering from depression and anxiety if he is not given enough mental stimulation and exercise each and every day.
For that reason, we would only recommend this hybrid dog to more experienced dog owners.
8. The Corgi Heeler (Corgi x Blue Heeler mix)
The Corgi Heeler is a unique combination of two very clever herding dogs.
The purebred Corgi is another dog that was bred for herding, so when it comes to this unique Blue Heeler mix you’re again going to wind up with a clever, work-oriented hybrid that is a devoted and spirited member of the family.
Like the Blue Heeler, Corgis are also known to occasionally nip at the heels of small children, and these herding instincts will likely need to be worked with while your Blue Heeler Corgi mix is still a young puppy.
We should also note that there are two different types of Corgi dogs, including the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. Both of these Corgi dogs come with their own unique set of personality treats and physical traits, so it’s important to consider this when looking for which type of Blue Heeler mix you really want.
9. The Aussie Heeler (The Blue Heeler x Australian Shepherd Mix)
Blue Heeler Australian Shepherd mix dogs are clever, athletic and work-oriented.
While the Australian Shepherd’s name does hint that this dog might be from Australia, he is truly considered an American dog at heart. Still, while the Blue Heeler and the Australian Shepherd aren’t both considered Aussies, they do have a few things in common.
Both breeds are highly intelligent and work oriented herding dogs, and as such their hybrid offspring is going to be quite the workaholic.
The Blue Heeler Aussie Mix is a cross that will do best in homes with experienced and active dog owners, and owners who are able to commit to ensuring their dog is properly exercised each and every day.
10. The Jack Heeler (The Blue Heeler x Jack Russel Mix)
The Blue heeler Jack Russel Terrier mix is a funny, quirky canine.
Jack Russels are famous for their quirky temperament and fun-loving nature. These tiny, spirited dogs make excellent family companions and they get along well with children and other pets.
Combine this type of dog with a Blue Heeler and you get a Blue Heeler Mix that is packed full of personality and charisma!
When properly raised, trained and socialized the Jack Russel x Blue Heeler mix is a family-friendly and people oriented pup who enjoys being around his family. However, his playful spirit could make for a somewhat stubborn canine, and training a Jack Russel Terrier Blue Heeler Mix could be challenging if you don’t approach it correctly.
11. The Shepherd Heeler (Blue Heeler x German Shepherd Mix)
The Shepherd Heeler is an experienced dog owner’s dream, though this isn’t the dog for everyone.
A cross between the German Shepherd and the Blue Heeler, a Shepherd Heeler is a mix of two herding dogs with naturally protective and devoted instincts. They are happiest when they have a job to do around the home and are very family-oriented.
The German Shepherd in particular tends to bond most closely with one person in the family, and he is ideal for an owner looking for a common companion to be with him as often as possible.
When properly trained and socialized, the German Shepherd Blue Heeler Mix can get along well with children and other pets, and has the potential to make a wonderful and loyal family dog.
We do recommend considering puppy obedience school early on and ensuring you begin training and socialization with your German Shepherd Blue Heeler Mix as early as puppyhood.
12. The Bernese Cattle Dog (Blue Heeler x Bernese Mountain Dog Mix)
Bernese Cattle Dogs are energetic and people oriented.
Last on our list of Blue Heeler mix breeds is the affectionate and devoted Bernese Cattle Dog. This hybrid is a cross between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Blue Heeler, and as such this is a loyal, family-oriented canine.
The Bernese Cattle dog is highly intelligent and typically bonds most closely with one particular family member. They are eager to please and easy to train, but Bernese Mountain Dogs in particular can struggle with serious separation anxiety if left on their own for too long.
Hopefully a Bernese Cattle Dog mix will be more independent, but until you’re sure it’s important to work with your Bernese Cattle dog mix to get him on a schedule and to ensure he is properly exercised and kept mentally stimulated while you are away.
This will help to reduce anxiety, depression, and other behavioral issues down the road.
Is A Blue Heeler Mix Right For You? Here’s What You Should Know
Blue Heelers and Blue Heeler mix dogs make great companions for the right owners and families.
While all the Blue Heeler mix dogs on our above list have their own unique quirks, temperamental traits, physical traits and needs, they do have one thing in common – the Blue Heeler.
If you are considering a Blue Heeler mix, it’s very important to do your research on both parent breeds and understand which characteristics, temperamental traits, physical traits and health issues each one has.
Remember, early generation crossbreed dogs can come with a variety of traits from either parent, and may be more like one parent breed over the other in a few different ways.
It’s also important to remember that Blue Heeler’s in particular are high energy and intelligent dogs. They are typically best suited for homes with large, securely fenced backyards and owners who are willing and able to commit time to training, socialization, exercise and mental stimulation.
Of course, these needs could vary on a case by case basis, and will certainly be dependent on which other breed your Blue Heeler mix is crossed with.
If you have your heart set on a Blue Heeler mix, we suggest making sure you go through reputable sources when it comes time to obtain this dream dog.
If you choose to go through a breeder, be sure to do plenty of research. Avoid backyard breeders, uncertified online sellers, or breeders attempting to sell puppies at a much lower or much higher price than you know them to be worth.
Keep in mind that reputable breeders will be able to provide you with health certificates proving their dogs have been screened and cleared of any serious health issues.
Also remember that most puppies should not be taken away from their mother until they are at least seven weeks old.
If you prefer to rescue a Blue Heeler mix, you’re in luck! There are plenty of shelters and breed associations that specialize in these dogs to help ensure they find good forever homes.
When you do adopt a Blue Heeler mix, make sure to ask plenty of questions. On average, adopting a Blue Heeler mix costs between $250 and $500. This fee typically includes an initial vet exam, and there are hidden savings if you adopt an adult dog that has already been spayed or neutered, and perhaps even microchipped.
Whichever route you choose to take when it comes to getting your hands on a Blue Heeler Mix dog, we encourage you to take your time, be patient, and enjoy the journey.
Now it’s your turn to share with us! Which of the above Blue Heeler Mix dogs stole your heart? Tell us below in the comment section.
Jen Jones is a professional dog trainer and behavior specialist with more than 25 years of experience. As the founder of ‘Your Dog Advisor’ and the ‘Canine Connection’ rehabilitation center, she applies a holistic, empathetic approach, aiming to address root causes rather than merely treating symptoms.
Well known for her intuitive and compassionate approach, Jen adopts scientifically-proven, reward-based methods, encouraging positive reinforcement over punishment. Jen specializes in obedience training, behavior modification, and puppy socialization. Her innovative methods, particularly in addressing anxiety and aggression issues, have been widely recognized. Jen has worked with many of the world’s leading dog behaviorists and in her free time volunteers with local animal shelters and rescue groups.