Hey I'm looking for a new dog, my last two, a black lab and blue merle australian shephard are done at barely a year old(aussie was hit and I think the lab was wandering around and someone picked her up, 10 month female purebred no collar )
I've had several australian shephards and they're great dogs, I just want to try a different breed.
I've been interested in the Australian Cattle Dog/Queensland-Blue Heeler, preferably the 'blue'(grey with blak/brown color accents).
From what I've read they're aggressive/energetic, extremely loyal, protective, friendly/playful with other dogs, very smart/trainable and except for their once a year coat shedding like crazy the hair is pretty manageable. I understand that since it's a working class dog it needs to be trained and exercised(mentally and physically) pretty frequently.

Anyone out there own one of these dogs? I'd appreciate some feedback.

 

I have had blue heelers and catahoulas, along with a few aussies and border collies over the years. All of them were working cow dogs, and a few of the catahoulas we hunted lions with as well. RIght now I only have an old retired blue heeler ***** and a red heeler corgi cross pup. In my opinon the border collies are the best dogs for herd work, the curs are the most aggressive, and the aussies are great all around. The heelers are usually pretty aggressive and hard headed, but make good stock dogs. I have two friends that raise aussies,--In N. NV--so pm me and I'll get you their numbers if you want. Matt

 

I would suggest a Corgi...I have 2 and they are great dogs...But I have a friend with a heeler and he is a great do also. I think if you stick with a working dog you won't be dissappointed. Also alot of people have started going with corgis instead of heelers because of the heelers aggressiveness(sp)

 

i don't like how corgis look, just personal preference. and I'm looking for a more aggressive breed.
did a google on catahoula's, never knew about those dogs, seems like an awesome dog! I am out in the country but I think a catahoula would be a little too big/too much of a dog for the area as I have no cattle and I don't hunt much. I'm thinking about maybe getting a heeler and another australian shepherd.

 

I really prefer the catahoula over hounds for a hunting dog because they are a lot better around the kids. I finally got rid of my blue ticks because I was worried one of them was gonna kill one of my little guys. Kids are a little older now and we have been talking about getting a few hounds again, but catahoulas are awsome--I had one for 18 years--never hunted him, but he was a great cow dog.

 

well, would you suggest I don't get a catahoula if I'm not going to hunt regularly or herd with him? I'm looking for an active/smart/loyal truck/country dog. I'm not anywhere near being married or having kids so that's not much of a concern for me. I only know what I've read in 15 minutes, which is usually a lot different than the years you've seen with your catahoulas.

 

Blue Heeler = Extremely aggressive to people that are not suppose to be there, extremely loyal, extremely protective of THEIR people, and THEIR property, and wonderful with kids.

Thats all good, but you better be ready for their energy level. They never stop. They are always on go.

 

Ive had blue heelers since i was a kid. My wife has had australian shepards, they are good with little her brothers, they have a lot of energy and will be good gaurd dogs to keep other animals away.

 

I have had heelers ausie's etc, they all are great dogs very loyal and great natured. I have 9 red merel pups now .

 

In case I forgot to mention it in my previous post, Heelers have lots of energy and stay on go. If your going, he will want to be right beside you. The first two years are tuff. Once you get the puppy out of him, he will be perfect. I wish Ralph would hurry up and grow up.

 

oooh, red merel's are good looking aussies, that's what my first two were. My family has done a lot of aussie breeding and it seems that most of them like to run out in front of cars, trying to heard or something.

"Blue Heeler = Extremely aggressive to people that are not suppose to be there, extremely loyal, extremely protective of THEIR people, and THEIR property, and wonderful with kids.

Thats all good, but you better be ready for their energy level. They never stop. They are always on go."

That just about perfectly fits what I want for a dog right now. I'm getting back into riding my bike and running right now too so that would be good. BTW that's a great looking dog!

 

Thanks.
Thats the only way I have found to truely exercise Ralph, I ride the bike and he runs beside. You can throw a ball all day and he never gets tired.
They are also VERY smart, too smart for their own good as a matter of fact. The see you do things and can figure out how they can do it. Thats not good most of the time. They like as much mental excersise as they do physical.

http://www.cattledog.com/

 

In my opinion, working dogs need work----I have never been into welfare dogs, though I have an old blue heeler now that has paid her dues and no longer works. BTW she is an exception for a heeler---very quiet, very docile, but still pretty protective. Most get really possesive of their master. Of all the dogs mentioned on this thread I think an aussie would be the best "pet" I know there are other great breeds out there, and do not mean to offend any one by my personal opinions. Just pick your dog and spend lots of time with it, no matter what breed you decide on, most dogs are only as good as their master,trainer makes them. (just like kids or horses) Animals for the most part are not born with bad habits, they are taught. Good luck and have fun.-------Matt

 

We have three heelers 2 blues and one red. Smart dogs very protective and loyal cheeper than a home security system.

 

No offence taken here. I agree 100%. Working dogs need to work. Even if its just 1 hour a day throwing a ball or something and making him stay until you say "go get it". They need as much mental excersise as physical. I hat that I dont get to work with cattle with mine any more than I do, but we work plenty at home in the evenings. Remeber this about Heelers, "Hell has no fury like a bored Blue Heeler"
If he gets bored, you will know when he eats everything and I mean EVERYTHING. They will even eat metal objects if bored. Dont be scared of one as a pet, just understand that they need to work physically and mentally every day. It doesnt sound like much when you say it but after a month of excersising the Heeler, it gets to be a job. I taught mine some neat tricks and impress my friend and neighbors with them. Thats how he gets his mental excersise. He's got his comands down so good that I talk to him like he is a person like I make him stay and then walk away from him talking to him the whole time saying "dont move until I tell you to. When I tel you to come get this ball you can come get it but not till I tell you to do you hear me?" When he barks to the comand "do you hear me" I tell him "come get it" and the crowd is amazed.
Just a side note to, an obiedient Heeler is a BABE MAGNET. Dont ask me how I know