How Long Do Blue Heeler Dogs Live?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Australian Cattle Dogs have a lifespan of about

10 to 13 years

. Some of the major health concerns include progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), canine hip dysplasia (CHD), elbow dysplasia, deafness, and Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD).

Is a blue heeler a good family dog?

The Australian Cattle Dog: Family Dog and Intelligent Companion. Australian Cattle Dogs, also called Blue Heelers, are extremely alert, pleasant pups with keen intelligence and a fierce sense of loyalty. These faithful friends are not considered aggressive and

can be an excellent fit for families with kids

.

What health issues do Blue Heelers have?

Australian Cattle Dogs have a lifespan of about 10 to 13 years. Some of the major health concerns include

progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), canine hip dysplasia (CHD), elbow dysplasia, deafness, and Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD)

.

Can Blue Heelers live longer than 15 years?

The Australian cattle dog (also known as the blue heeler) has a long lifespan compared to other dogs its size. The oldest dog that ever lived was an Australian cattle dog, Bluey, that lived 29 years until 1939. This Australian breed

can commonly reach 16 years or older

.

How long do female Blue Heelers live?

A healthy Blue Heeler can live as long as

15 years

. Common health issues can include eye problems, hip dysplasia and deafness.

Are Blue Heelers high energy?


They have go-all-day-every-day energy

and love to run. And even though they’re working dogs, they are excellent family dogs as long as there is an outlet where these dogs can invest their energy. Training and socialization are essential for Blue Heelers to direct their energy levels into positive behavior.

Are Blue Heelers loyal?

The blue heeler is known as hard-working, intelligent, and

loyal to its owner

. Historically, these dogs were bred to work on farms as herders, and they still thrive when they have a job to do. Their fierce loyalty makes them even better workers.

Why does my Blue Heeler follow me everywhere?

These dogs were originally bred as herding breeds, and they take care of animals on the farm. This instinct makes them overly affectionate, and they want to protect their owners at all costs. That is why Blue Heelers follow you everywhere you go.

How much are Blue Heelers worth?

How Much is a Blue Heeler Puppy? A pet quality Blue Heeler puppy from a reputable breeder will average about

$500 to $525

. Puppies bought for breeding or “show quality” can cost quite a bit more. These prices range from a low of $1,800 up to over $5,000.

Can Blue Heelers live outside?

Australian Cattle Dogs do well in cold weather but can’t handle more extreme temperatures like some dog breeds. The ideal temperature for the breed is between 50 – 70F.

In temperatures between 40 – 50F, the dog can still do plenty of outdoor work but needs a warm, dry home or shelter.

Is 12 old for a cattle dog?


Many members of the breed are still well and active at 12 or 14 years of age

, and some maintain their sight, hearing and even their teeth until their final days.

Do Blue Heelers like to swim?


YES! Australian Cattle Dogs are GREAT swimmers

. They love the water and they love to swim!

Which dog has longest life?

Rank Name Age 1

Bluey


29 years, 160 days
2 Butch ~28 years, 0 days 3 Taffy 27 years, 211 days 4 Snookie ~27 years, 284 days

What dog has the shortest lifespan?

The

Dogue de Bordeaux

has the shortest lifespan of any breed on this list, living just five to eight years. Before even reaching adulthood, the breed is known to have a difficult start, with a higher stillbirth than most other dogs.

Are Blue Heelers smart?

Blue Heelers, also known as the Australian Cattle dog, is

the 10th smartest dog breed for obedience & working intelligence

. Not only are they extremely quick at learning commands, but they also have superb instinctive intelligence as they’re arguably the best cattle-herding dog.

What age do Blue Heelers calm down?

Most Australian Cattle Dogs will begin to calm down on their own

around 2 years of age

, and will be on their way to emotional maturity at about 3 or 4. Here are 5 things you can do to help your Australian Cattle Dog calm down.

How do Blue Heelers show affection?

Most dogs (especially blue heelers) tend to use their mouths like hands. When they’re excited, they may

nip or bite at you or your family

to show affection or enthusiasm. Puppies should be trained out of this as soon as possible. Some older blue heelers may do this because they haven’t been trained not to.

How big will a Labraheeler get?


Height (Male)


17 to 24.5 inches tall
Weight (male) 35 to 80 lbs., full-grown Weight (female) 35 to 80 lbs., full-grown

Are heelers protective?

But

if treated right by their owners, these beautiful dogs will give you many years of faithful love and protection

. They also love to play with toys, go for walks, and play in the parks. Why Are They Called “Heelers”? It is well known that a Blue Heeler will let anyone into a house, yet not let him or her out.

Do Blue Heelers have dingo in them?


Australian Cattle Dogs are descended from dingoes

The Dingo became domesticated and was eventually used for livestock control.) Later, the heelers were cross-bred with Dalmatians, Collies, and Kelpies, to lock in desired traits.

Why do Blue Heelers bite so much?

Nipping and biting are fairly common practices for Australian blue heelers. They are herding dogs, which means they nip and bite the flanks of other animals

to “herd” them in a particular direction

. Even so, you can’t have a dog who nips and bites people, so there are things your family can do to limit this behavior.

Do Blue Heelers like to cuddle?

However,

both heelers are very cuddly and affectionate to members of the pack and frequent visitors to our home

. If you’re looking for a guarantee that your Cattle Dog will be cuddly, you may want to consider a breed known to be more affectionate.

How often should you bathe a blue heeler?

The Australian cattle dog generally doesn’t need a bath more often than

every four to six weeks

; bathing more often washes away needed oils and can cause skin problems. However, if your dog likes to engage in activities that get his coat dirty, you may need to bathe him more frequently.

Do dogs pick a favorite person?

Just like their human pals,

dogs are likely to choose a favorite person based on a number of factors

. Some of these include the person’s demeanor, interactions with the dog, and how well the person helps meet their basic needs.

Why does my blue heeler follow me to the bathroom?

Why Does My Blue Heeler Follow Me Everywhere? Blue Heelers are known to be extremely loyal dogs, so

it is natural that your pup may follow you around if they have a strong bond with you

. Dogs are pack animals, and they view you as a part of their family. They want to spend as much time with you as humanly possible.

How much sleep do Blue Heelers need?

Generally, dogs need

12 to 14 hours

of slumber every day. However, this is the average amount of sleep and you don’t have to necessarily worry if your tail-wagger snoozes a bit more or less than this.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.