Do you want a special breed of dog that is affectionate and devoted? If so, a Blue Heeler Pitbull mix might be something you want to consider getting.
This designer dog is a result of crossing the American Pitbull Terrier to an Australian Cattle Dog, or Blue Heeler.
Blue Heeler Pitbull mixes are energetic, affectionate, and loyal mixed breed dogs that are usually intentionally bred by crossing the two purebred parents. However, sometimes, Pit Heelers can also be a result of accidental matings.
Nevertheless, when these two popular parent breeds are crossed, their pups exhibit the same degree of quickness and vigor, which, depending on who will handle them, can either be admirable or intimidating.
So, before you start looking for local breeders, it would be in your best interest to carefully read this article to gain more insight into this hybrid.
Keep reading to find out about its appearance, temperament, energy level, health issues, exercise requirements, and more.
As mentioned earlier, Blue Heeler Pitbull mixes are non-purebred dogs. They are hybrids of the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Australian Cattle Dog or Blue Heeler.
You may anticipate this designer dog to be a hard-working and active herder since both of its parent breeds are known to be herders.
This dog breed also goes by the names Bull Heeler, Pit Heeler, Blue Pit Cattle Terrier, Red Pit Cattle Terrier, Red Terrier, Blue Terrier, Queensland Pit, Bull Pit Heeler, and Australian Cattle Dog Pitbull mix.
In addition to being superb working dogs, this hybrid dog is renowned for its power and loyalty, making them wonderful family pets as well as individual companions.
They do, however, function best when paired with an owner who can train them and control their energy.
The Blue Heeler Pitbull mix isn't exactly the simplest dog to handle. Thus, it's not advised for first-time dog owners.
They require ongoing mental stimulation, which can be difficult, particularly if one is not versed in handling high-maintenance pets.
History and Origin
There isn't a clear record of when or where the Blue Heeler Pitbull mix was initially discovered because it's a relatively new designer dog breed.
It's possible that their parent breeds had mated naturally in the past, but our canine historians were not able to record this occurrence. Therefore, we are left to assume that they were purposefully crossed at the turn of the century.
However, even if there is a bit of a gap in the Blue Heeler Pitbull Terrier mix's history just like other mixed breed dogs, we may still examine the parents' lineage to learn more about the potential motivation behind creating this hybrid.
Australian Cattle Dog (Blue Heeler)
According to the Australian Cattle Dog Club, the Blue Heeler is a working dog breed that is also a hybrid breed all on its own.
British working dogs and indigenous wild Dingos were used to breed the Australian Cattle Dog in the Australian outback.
The goal of crossing the two breeds was to produce a canine that would be obedient to its owner and able to survive in the unforgiving, frequently hostile terrain of the outback.
These resilient dogs have a strong work ethic that can survive long distances and inclement weather. They are playful, smart, and protective canines that any dog lover would adore, as any owner of the breed is likely to agree.
They have a compact, muscular body that is double-coated in water resistance. They stand between 17 to 20 inches and can weigh anywhere from 30 to 50 pounds.
The Australian Cattle Dog was accepted into the AKC in 1980 and was one of the original members of the AKC Herding Group when it was formed in 1983.
American Pitbull Terrier
American Pitbull Terriers originated with the British. It started out as a cross of the Bulldog and Terrier breeds, which were historically used as fighting dogs in the UK.
This breed was developed by mating a variety of terrier breeds, such as the Black and Tan Terrier, White English Terrier, and Fox Terrier, with an English Bulldog to produce a canine that possessed the qualities and alertness of both parent breeds.
The American Pit Bull Terrier, also known as Pitty or Piitie, is a powerful and tough dog that is well-known for its violent past involving blood sports like dog fighting, as well as bear and bull-baiting.
Because of their physical prowess, people in those days exploited them and made them aggressive dogs while, in reality, they were loving, heartwarming friends.
Thankfully, these activities were made illegal, and by the middle of the nineteenth century, immigrants started bringing Pitbulls to the United States.
From the ring, they were hired as farm dogs before becoming pets. Due to their kindness toward youngsters, they are also referred to as nanny dogs.
This dog is perhaps best known for its grin, stocky physique, and short legs. They can reach a height of 21 inches (53 cm) and a weight of 85 pounds (38 kg).
However, just because they are naturally friendly doesn't mean that they can't also be harmful. With a 235 PSI bite force, you wouldn't want to provoke this tough dog.
It is believed that the American Pit Bull Terrier and Blue Heeler were crossed to create a powerful working dog that can keep up with the demands of an active owner.
This objective is clearly met because the crossbreed exhibits agility and activity that are reminiscent of the characteristics of its parent breeds.
Appearance
The Pit Heeler has a lengthy, brawny body that is longer than it is tall. Like their Pitbull ancestor, it has a rounded head and a robust, muscular neck.
As a mix of two medium-sized working breeds, the Blue Heeler Pit bull has a height that reaches 17 to 24 inches and weighs 30 to 60 pounds. Male Pit Heelers are usually five to ten pounds heavier than females, and about one inch taller.
There are times when a Pitbull and Heeler cross turns up with more Pitbull traits than Heeler traits, or vice versa.
Given that they are mixed breed dogs, it is difficult to determine which of their parents' genes will predominate.
However, the Pit Heeler typically has a rounded head and face similar to a Pitbull. Their almond-shaped eyes are typically brown to dark brown, and their pointed ears are high on their heads.
This hybrid breed, like the Blue Heeler, has a broad, deep chest, big hindquarters, and round paws with short toes.
Some Pit Heelers, like the Pitbull, may have shorter loins or a narrower chest near the tail. Their seats have a slight curvature to them that becomes thinner or tapers near the end. Owners of Pit Heelers never dock the bottoms of their pets. As a result, these dogs are able to hold their tails at a somewhat low level.
The Pit Heeler has a short, dense, wavy coat. It is available in a range of base colors with greasy, striped, spotted, stained, or blue-speckled markings. These hues consist of:
White
Brown
Blue
Red
Gray
Brindle
Sable
Fawn
Pit Heelers need to be kept cool in warm weather because of their thick coat.
Temperament
Blue Heeler Pitbull mixes are not purebred dogs. So, just as they can inherit any of their Pitbull and Blue Heeler ancestors’ physical appearance, they can also inherit their temperament.
However, this can also be influenced by the environment they grew up with, as well as socialization. And not to worry, since any negative behavior can be corrected with training, especially at an early age.
Generally, a Pit Heeler is an energetic dog, which is expected since its parents are both working dogs. They are also intelligent dogs and they love pleasing their owners. So, you can expect that they can be easy to train.
The Pit Heeler has a reputation for being a devoted family dog because of its gentle, loving, and protective character. And because of their innate brilliance and vigor, they require regular mental and physical stimulation to keep them occupied.
While some dogs may be more sociable and livelier, others may be more devoted and protective. Without proper socialization, some Pit Heelers could become more reclusive, wary of strangers, and possibly even hostile.
We don't advise them for houses with small children because they naturally nip and bite. And though they don't bark a lot, you should keep an eye on them around pets or other small animals because they have a moderate to strong prey drive. If raised with dogs and cats, they can get along well with them.
However, since they could desire to assert their dominance, it would not be a good idea to let them live with a canine companion of the same sex.
And in case you're concerned about how they'll act when you take them on a stroll, they don't typically attack strangers and are rather fairly friendly. Just be cautious to secure them with a leash so they won't playfully go after them and eventually get lost.
This designer dog is not hypoallergenic, and its low-shedding coat still requires an occasional brushing. Its coat could be maintained with weekly brushing and the occasional bath unless, of course, your dog has had a really nasty outdoor play session or is starting to smell!
If your pet doesn't wear his nails down naturally, it's essential to cut them every two to three months for sanitary purposes.
You should also brush his teeth at least twice a week, but ideally every day. Make sure his ears are clean and dry each week to prevent ear infections and mites.
Common Health Issues
Blue Heeler Pitbull mix is a generally healthy dog. And given that there aren't many hereditary problems, you may anticipate the Pitbull Heeler mix to live a long life—between 12 and 14 years—as long as they're kept active, fed, and well-cared-for.
Nonetheless, there are still health problems that they can inherit from either or both of their parents. And as a dog owner, it’s your responsibility to look out for the symptoms. If you are still looking for a potential pup, make sure to only get it from a reputable breeder.
Below are the common health issues that a Pit Heeler can acquire from its parents:
Canine Hip Dysplasia
This hip issue is one of the primary health concerns for Blue Heelers. Some of the typical symptoms of CHD are lameness, decreased activity, and bunny hopping.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Blue Heelers are more likely to develop Progressive Retinal Atrophy than Pitbulls are. This illness causes the photoreceptor cells in dogs to degenerate, which can eventually result in blindness.
Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV or Bloat)
The symptoms of GDV, also known as canine bloat, can include your dog seeming restless, salivating, and retching. Due to the predisposition of Pitbulls to this illness, mixed pups may also exhibit this related health issue.
Hypothyroidism
Dogs with this thyroid problem have a slower metabolism, which in turn affects nearly all of their organs. You should keep an eye on your Cattle Pit mix just in case they have inherited this condition since Pitbulls frequently suffer from it.
When your Pit Heeler displays any sign of the following diseases, do not delay in taking him to the doctor. It's best if your dog gets regular checkups to remain on top of any medical issues he may have. Physical examinations, electroretinograms, radiographs, and X-rays should all be included.
Pit Heelers, like their Pitbull and Blue Heeler parents, have tremendous levels of energy and need a lot of exercises, roughly 45 to 60 minutes per day.
They require mental as well as physical activity because they are intelligent breeds. So, instead of just taking your dog for a walk around the neighborhood or to the dog park, teach them new things. You can give him a boost by allowing him to participate in dog sports!
And as for their living environment, they're not suited for apartment living given their size and degree of energy.
As mentioned earlier, due to their innate tendency to nip and bite, they are not suitable for homes with young children. Also, the fact that they have a moderate to strong prey drive should be taken into consideration while around pets or other small animals.
Diet & Nutrition
The Pit Heeler, like many other dogs, needs a diet strong in animal protein and fat to support its muscular build and active, high-energy lifestyle. They require 2.5 cups of premium dog food on average.
No matter what kind and brand you choose, be sure to feed your pet according to his age, weight, metabolism, and general health.
To support optimal musculoskeletal health, their diet should be rich in vitamins, minerals, glucosamine, and chondroitin. Puppies of the Pitbull Blue Heeler mix require three meals each day with a minimum of 22% protein and 8% fat.
A minimum of 18% protein and 5% fat must be included in the diet of adult Pit Heelers. They also require three meals every day, however, if they are not working or busy dogs, you may only need to feed them two meals per day.
Training
The Blue Heeler Pitbull mix is a playful and energetic dog, not to mention that it is also strong and muscular. Hence, it’s important that your pup has proper training and socialization at an early age.
To avoid boredom, which could result in antisocial conduct, play should be combined with training. These dogs are best trained using positive reinforcement techniques because they adore their owners.
And as established earlier, Pit Heelers love to please their owners and they are highly intelligent. So, they can also be trained easily. Remember, though to assert authority, and you should be firm and confident while teaching your pup.
You can look for a Blue Heeler Pitbull mix puppy in a number of locations across the United States.
If you're interested in buying this wonderful family dog, get in touch with knowledgeable breeders in your neighborhood to save the bother of shipping your puppy.
And if you do locate one, make sure the breeder is reliable by conducting your research and seeking recommendations and opinions from friends, breed clubs, or neighborhood veterinarians regarding where to buy Blue Heeler Pitbull mix pups.
You can, however, choose to adopt. Purebreds and mixed breeds of Australian Cattle Dogs and Pitbulls are available for adoption through rescue organizations.
Price
You should anticipate spending between $800 and $1200 if you wish to welcome a Pit Heeler into your home. But just like other breeds, the price will also be determined by the parentage and ancestry of the dog.
Also, this fee does not include things like prescription drugs, food, training, toys, and other extras. Thus, be sure that you are fully capable of accepting responsibility before making the decision to purchase a new canine companion.
Conclusion
The Pit Heeler is a loving, and protective dog that is devoted to its family. They are lively, obedient, and strong-willed and are not suitable for novice dog owners or households with small children. This isn't the kind of dog you can leave in an apartment either, because he or she will become lonely, bored, and upset.
This designer dog breed has low to moderate grooming care but has high levels of exercise to make up for it.
They are working dogs, just like their parent breeds, and they require mental and physical stimulation to lead happy lives.
Although they are not naturally violent, they still require the right training and socialization to prevent their protective instincts from taking control of them.
In the end, you can be sure that you have a new best friend if you're prepared to put in the effort to become the proud owner of this special designer dog.
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He is a seasoned writer who has more than 10 years of experience in creating engaging and optimized content for various platforms and audiences. He has worked on diverse projects ranging from articles, social media posts, newsletters and ebooks, covering different topics and niches.
