Texas Heeler Dog Breed Information

What is the history & origin of the Texas Heeler?

The Texas Heeler is a hybrid dog. The parent breeds are the Australian Cattle dog and the Australian Shepherd dog. Which makes you wonder, if this dog is bred from Australian breeds, how did it end up being named Texas Heeler?

Well, we didn’t say that the love story took place in Australia, only that it involved an Australian Cattle dog and an Australian Shepherd.

The actual origin story is unknown, but the first Texas Heeler dates to the 1970s when breeders in Texas began breeding the Australian Cattle dog and Australian Shepherd to create the perfect herder. Thus Texas Cattle dogs.

As both the Australian Shepherd dog and Cattle dog are purebreds, technically the Texas Heeler is a designer dog. However, the Texas Heeler is simply considered a hybrid or mixed breed.

What is a Texas Heeler breed?

The Texas Heeler breed shares similarities with the Blue Heeler, also known as a Queensland Heeler, but is an independent breed.

Blue Heelers are purebred dogs, and the Texas Heeler is a mixed breed.

Being bred from the Australian Cattle dog and Australian Shepherd dog the Texas Heeler can be:

• Black
• Blue Merle
• Chocolate
• White

Some Texas Heeler puppies are born with a bobbed tail like the Australian Shepherd.

There are three different types of Texas Heelers:

• Mini Texas Heeler
• Standard Texas Heeler
• Labraheeler

The Texas Heeler is not recognized by the American Kennel Club. However, it is a recognized breed by the:

• Animal Research Foundation (ARF)
• Dog Registry of America (DRA)
• American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC)

Who is a Texas Heeler best for?

They’re a great choice for cattle farmers.

But, in case you haven’t gotten around to purchasing cattle stock yet, these dogs may still be a great addition to your home.

The Texas Heeler breed is a good family dog, but that is not to be confused with meaning this breed is the best option for first-time dog owners.

Texas Heelers need a family that understands them before bringing them home. Texas Heelers are fine with children but prefer to be with adults and older kids (such as teens) – those who are experienced with dogs.

Also, Texas Heelers are fine with other dog breeds and other animals in general, including cats. However, Texas Heelers love to herd cattle and if they don’t have any cattle then your other pets will do just fine.

The biggest factor in all of this is early training and early socialization. It’s best to introduce Texas Heeler puppies to other animals and children and allow them to grow up together.

This is not a breed for apartment dwellers. Texas Heeler’s demand space and room.

Texas Heeler Grooming & Shedding

As far as dog breeds go, this is a very easy breed when it comes to grooming. Let’s face it. These dogs weren’t bred to win shows. These are tough and sturdy dogs with a body and a coat to stand up to nature.

These are medium-sized dogs with short-haired rugged coats. They will do just fine if brushed down once a week.

Texas Heelers shed only moderately and a grooming glove is all that’s needed to keep things tidy.

Other than that, keep their teeth and ears clean and monitor their nails, trimming when required.

Do Texas Heelers bark a lot?

Keep in mind, that this is a herding dog. Thus, it doesn’t bark or howl without cause.

Generally speaking, the Texas Heeler is relatively quiet. However, you need to consider the situation in which you will be placing your dog.

They are very alert, so if you live in a very urban setting in which strangers are going to be passing by all the time, your dog is going to announce the intruder.

What is the average weight & height of a Texas Heeler?

This is a medium-sized breed and Texas Heelers generally grow to the same size regardless of gender.

Height

The Texas Heeler size can reach 56 cm in height.

Weight

Both males and females can reach 23 kgs when fully grown.

Are Texas Heelers easy to train?

As these are herding dogs, they are highly trainable. These dogs are very intelligent and this is a very active breed.

As such, they are a great breed for use as service dogs and dog sports.

How do Texas Heelers behave? A look at their temperament and personality

The Texas Heeler temperament is as unique as the dog itself.

Most mixed breed dogs tend to adopt the personality and temperament of one of their parent breeds. And from which parent can differ between individual dogs.

However, every Texas Heeler has a split personality. Even though these dogs tend to always have an even and predictable temperament, it depends upon whether they are in family mode or working mode.

This breed is always:

• Highly Intelligent
• Very Loyal
• Extremely Active
• Energetic
• Protective

When in working mode:

• Laser-focused
• Tenacious
• Alert
• Aware
• Fearless

When in family mode:

• Quiet
• Gentle
• Friendly
• Animated

Does the Texas Heeler have any common health issues?

As this is a mixed-breed dog, it is generally a healthy breed. However, some health issues need to be watched for.

The most serious health concerns are:

• Hip Dysplasia: A genetic condition where the hip joint doesn’t fit snugly into the hip socket, potentially leading to arthritis and pain.
• Elbow Dysplasia: Similar to hip dysplasia, this condition affects the elbow joint and can cause lameness and discomfort.
• Collie Eye Anomaly: A hereditary eye condition that can lead to vision impairment or blindness.
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy: A degenerative eye disease that causes vision loss over time.
• Cataracts: Clouding of the eye lens that can affect vision and may require surgical intervention.
• Distichiasis: An abnormal growth of eyelashes that can irritate the eye and cause discomfort.
• Congenital Deafness: A condition where the dog is born without the ability to hear, which can impact training and communication.
• Epilepsy: A neurological condition that can cause seizures, requiring management and treatment.
• Heart Problems: Various heart conditions can affect overall health and longevity.
• Hereditary Cancers (Lymphoma is Most Common): Certain breeds may be predisposed to specific cancers, including lymphoma, which can be serious.

However, much of this can be mitigated with the dog’s diet, exercise, and vet visits.

What is the lifespan of a Texas Heeler?

Texas Heelers have an above-average life span which is greatly influenced by the dog’s diet and adequate exercise.

You can expect them to live up to 15 human years, or the ripe age of 89 in dog years.

How much does a Texas Heeler need to be fed?

These are hardy and active dogs and require a diet that will sustain their daily activity. The good news is, that they will generally eat anything.

On average, adult dogs need approximately 400 grams of high-quality dog food a day.

Their dog food should be fortified with nutrients to help prevent the various health issues they may deal with. Specifically, they need:

• Omega-3 fatty oils
• Glucosamine
• Calcium
• Phosphorous
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C
• Fibre

In addition, these dogs need to have protein-rich dog food. At least 20% of the calories should be from various animal proteins. The best sources are:

• Chicken
• Fish
• Beef

It’s best to give them a variety of protein sources, and raw dog food is a very good option for this breed.

How much can you expect to pay for a Texas Heeler in Australia?

This breed is a very utilitarian breed and a mixed breed so it is far less expensive than either a purebred dog or a designer breed of dog.

If you use a reputable breeder, you can expect Texas Heeler puppies to cost between $400 and $850.

Keep in mind, the purpose of the breeder. This is a very good dog breed for use as a service animal and that will increase the price of the puppies if that is who the breeder is marketing to.

In that case, a Texas Heeler puppy can even exceed the $850 mark.

Texas Heeler FAQs

What’s the difference between a Texas Heeler and a Blue Heeler?

Though both are herders, the biggest difference between them is pedigree. The Blue Heeler is a purebred breed, while the Texas Heeler is a mixed breed of dog. The Blue Heeler is also a much larger dog. Finally, the Texas Heeler is a much less talkative canine.

Are Texas Heeler dogs ideal for first-time dog owners?

These are not entry-level dogs and are not the best choice for first-time dog owners. These dogs require a lot of time, attention, and patience until they settle into their own routine. They can be a bit aggressive in certain scenarios, and only owners with experience can prevent these issues.

Do Texas Heelers like to swim?

Are Texas Heelers hard to get into the water? The answer is no. These are outdoor dogs and not only love swimming, but they love to climb, run, jump, hunt, and chase. They are full of energy and need to be active. And they will the very second an opportunity provides itself to them.