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Texas Heeler Breed Info: A Friendly Farmhand From The Southwest

Dog Health
To breed the Texas Heeler, Australian cattle dogs are bred with Australian shepherds.  Although this breed is a mixed breed, its pedigree classifies it as a collie.

The dog, from Texas, was raised to help farmers and ranchers care for their livestock.  Today, they are used off-farm as guard and service dogs.

They are similar to cattle dogs in many ways, including size and general appearance.

This highly intelligent breed is ready and willing to help.  They are at their best and happiest when they have a job to do.

texas heeler is easier to train and care for than other working dogs.  They will integrate into any family that keeps them active and hard working.

Overview: Hybrid.
Purpose: Grazing.
Weight: 25-50 pounds.
Size: 17 to 22 inches.
Temperament: warm-hearted, diligent and ready to help others.
Texas Helle exterior
Hiller, Texas
While there is no true breed standard, high heels have some key characteristics.

The breed should have the build of an Australian cattle dog, and the colour and facial structure of an Australian Shepherd.

They had to be muscular but lean enough to do farm work effectively.  Their powerful legs are designed to run across acres of farmland.

As puppies, their ears will be broken, but as they age, their ears will start to go up.

Height and weight
Both male and female heels were between 17 and 22 inches tall and weighed between 25 and 50 pounds.

Colors and Coats
The variety of colors is its most distinctive feature.

The black and brown of the parent breed have a mottled or mottled pattern with spots on the face and muzzle.

They can even inherit the blue meteorite pattern that Australian shepherds are famous for.

Your puppy's color will depend on luck, but may be more predictable if you pay careful attention to genetic inheritance.

texas heeler usually has a short, smooth single coat with a thick coat.  Sometimes they inherit the longer coat of Australian shepherds.  The loss is very slight and you only need to brush your teeth once a week.  Shedding may increase during spring and autumn, but not more than moderate amounts.

4 Interesting facts about the texas heeler
These natural athletes dominate agility and jumping competitions and can compete in any sporting event that accepts crossbred dogs.
The breed has wild Australian dingo ancestry, as the first Australian cattle dogs originated from dingo crosses.
Both the texas heeler and the Australian Shepherd originated in the southwestern United States.  One of them lives up to the name, the other does not.
The name Blue Heel is often mistaken for the texas heeler.  In fact, Blue Heels are grey Australian cattle dogs.
Texas Shearer's character and temperament
Texas High Heels
One important thing to remember about texas heeler is that they are working dogs through and through.

Getting things done is his priority every day.

These dogs are not overly affectionate or lovable dogs, and you may find your dog a bit aloof and aloof when they have no work to do.

They need something to stand on their feet without a real job.  They are very energetic and playful in their home environment.  If you like to lie on the sofa, this is not the best breed for you.  They will appreciate an active host for engaging them in long hours of work and play.

When engaged on a daily basis, they will learn to respect you as their leader and your relationship will be based on this mutual respect.

Compared to other working breeds, they are very quiet and bark only when startled.

Heller dogs are not naturally friendly, so socialization can be a bit difficult.

Be very careful when introducing your dog to other animals (including dogs) - they tend to see other pets as livestock that need grazing.

Aggressive behavior is uncommon, but not unheard of.  As guardians of the family, they can sometimes become a little too defensive.

Is the texas heeler a good family Dog?
This is a great family dog for a family with only one pet.  Their loyalty and desire to please will immediately win the hearts of your family.

Like their distant dingo offspring, they are very group-oriented.  They will see each member of your family as a group member worthy of respect.

Take care of texas heeler
Texas Helle puppy
Collies are usually a very maintenance breed, but this one is surprisingly easy to care for.

This dog is ideal for a first time working dog.

If you live in an area with a lot of outdoor space, your puppy will make a great companion for all your adventures.

They are great therapy animals for the elderly and disabled, but they also need to be taken for long walks every day.  They are easy to manage because they are very willing to work with you.

If you keep them exercising and socializing, you'll have a very happy high heel.

Exercise requirement
Your dog needs at least 90 minutes of exercise and an open environment each day