Red heeler
The red heeler, or Australian cattle dog, has a high energy level. They were bred to herd cattle for thousands of miles, so they need a lot of exercise. There are really only two different types. The red heeler and blue heeler only have different colorings.
Breed Profile
Height
Males: 18-20
Females: 17-19
Inches
Weight
35-50
Pounds
Life Span
12-16
Years
Health
health
Glaucoma
What is it?
Glaucoma happens when your pup’s eye cannot drain fluid properly. Because of the fluid, there is increased pressure on the eye, which can harm the optic nerve.
Clinical signs:
Receded eyeball, dilated pupil, vision loss, cloudiness in the eye, redness in the white of the eyes, blinking.
Treatment:
Medication, freeze cells that produce the fluids, draining fluid, surgery in extreme cases, removing the eye.
Other risks:
Unknown
Eligible vet bill
$3,500
*Hypothetical reimbursement examples illustrate reimbursement of an eligible vet bill at the noted reimbursement rate, assuming the annual deductible had already been satisfied and the annual coverage limit has not yet been met. Annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit and coverage limits, and exclusions may apply. Eligibility may vary. Visit https://www.spotpetinsurance.ca/sample-policy for full terms. For Canada enrollments only, reimbursement rate is based on the pet's age.
health
Hip Dysplasia
What is it?
Hip dysplasia results when the ball and socket of the hip joint become malformed, causing the joint to grate.
Clinical signs:
Swaying gait, avoids climbing stairs or jumping on furniture, lameness in the hind end, limping/stiffness, grating in the affected joint, smaller range of motion and activity, pain.
Treatment:
Supplements, surgery, joint fluid modifiers, restricting exercise, weight loss, anti-inflammatory medication, glucosamine.
Other risks:
Deterioration causing loss of function in the joint. Complications during surgery.
Eligible vet bill
$6,000
*Hypothetical reimbursement examples illustrate reimbursement of an eligible vet bill at the noted reimbursement rate, assuming the annual deductible had already been satisfied and the annual coverage limit has not yet been met. Annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit and coverage limits, and exclusions may apply. Eligibility may vary. Visit https://www.spotpetinsurance.ca/sample-policy for full terms. For Canada enrollments only, reimbursement rate is based on the pet's age.
health
Hypothyroidism
What is it?
When an inflamed thyroid gland produces less thyroid hormone than usual, it affects your dog’s metabolism and causes hypothyroidism.
Clinical signs:
Sleepiness, reproductive issues, obesity, heat-seeking (get cold easily), coat and skin problems, drooping face.
Treatment:
Lifelong medication.
Other risks:
Ear infections. Skin infections
Eligible vet bill
$300
*Hypothetical reimbursement examples illustrate reimbursement of an eligible vet bill at the noted reimbursement rate, assuming the annual deductible had already been satisfied and the annual coverage limit has not yet been met. Annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit and coverage limits, and exclusions may apply. Eligibility may vary. Visit https://www.spotpetinsurance.ca/sample-policy for full terms. For Canada enrollments only, reimbursement rate is based on the pet's age.
Personality
Loyal
Australian cattle dogs aren’t the most affectionate family pets, but they are loyal and love their owners.
Disciplined
These herders are courageous and determined dogs.
Hard Working
Heelers should be able to have a job to do so they can be occupied
Mischievous
They have a tendency to be mischievous, especially if their active nature isn’t directed properly.
Active
If this herding breed doesn’t get enough exercise, they might start racing around the house or finding another indoor activity to do.
Lifetime Care
Coat
Red heelers have a smooth double coat.
Colors
Red mottled, red speckled.
Hypoallergenic
No, red heelers are not hypoallergenic.
Grooming
Monthly or bi-weekly brushing to help remove dead hair, teeth brushed, nails trimmed and ears checked regularly.
Training
Teach dogs that their herding instincts are for certain times and places.
Red Heeler: Dog Breed Information Guide
Are you someone who likes to take long hikes through the forest? Do you have a farm with animals that need herding? If you answer yes to either question, the red heeler might be the pup for you. Read on to learn more about them.
The red heeler is a relatively new breed of dog. They are officially known by the American Kennel Association as the Australian cattle dog — not to be confused with the Australian shepherd. You might also hear them referred to as the Australian heeler or the Halls heeler. As you’ve probably guessed by now, these pups are from Australia.
Although they were herding cattle, Australian cowboys and ranchers had trouble finding a dog that could keep up with them over the rugged terrain. To correct this problem, they began to breed herding dogs like border collies with the Australian dingos, which are basically Australian wild dogs.
After many years, and with some other breeds mixed in, the Australian cattle dog came into being. These hardy and active dogs got their nickname from their method of herding. To get the cows moving in the direction the dogs wanted, they would nip at the heels of the herd.
Understanding your pup’s breed history can help you get an idea of what they need to be happy and healthy. At Spot Pet Insurance, we know that it’s difficult to keep track of your pet’s needs, especially if you have multiple fur babies, so we’re trying to give you the helpful resources you may need.
A working dog like the Australian cattle dog requires a lot of careful thinking before you can adopt one. If you’re a first-time pet parent, Australian cattle dogs can be a bit of a handful since they have big personalities.
Are you ready to learn more about these pups? Let’s go.
What are the two types of red heeler?
There are really only two different types. The red heeler and blue heeler only have different colorings.
One of the two true variants of the red heeler dog is the original cattle dog, the first type of Australian cattle dog. These pups are from New South Wales, an area in Southeast Australia.
The other type of heeler is the Queensland heeler, from an area in the Northeast of Australia. Both dogs are officially considered Australian cattle dogs, but they still have their own histories.
How to care for an Australian cattle dog
What is a red heeler’s coat like?
Red heelers have a smooth double coat. The dense undercoat is coupled with a stiff outer coat.
Red heeler coat colors:
Red mottled
Red speckled
Are red heelers hypoallergenic?
No, red heelers are not hypoallergenic.
What are the grooming requirements for a red heeler?
Red heelers need monthly or bi-weekly brushing to help remove dead hair.
They will also need to have their teeth brushed, nails trimmed and ears checked regularly.
How to be the best pet parent for a red heeler
Basic training and behavior etiquette for your dog
Red heelers tend to be independent and mischievous. You need to be able to teach them and guide them with a firm hand. Let them know that you are in charge.
They need to learn basic commands like sit, stay, come, heel and so on. You should also teach them other tricks and commands to keep them occupied.
Heelers should be able to have a job to do so they can be occupied, whether it be going on hikes with you, herding cattle, or working on agility training.
Because these dogs were bred to be able to run long distances, even over rough terrain, they need space to run around in. However, they shouldn’t be outside a fenced-in area without a leash.
It’s important to teach them that their herding instincts, like nipping or being overly territorial, are for certain times and places.
What type of foods should a red heeler never eat?
Human foods can frequently be toxic for dogs, although there are some they can eat. However, it’s important to be aware of what your pup can or cannot eat. We’ve written about both kinds of human foods on our blog here.
Sometimes your pup might also have allergies to certain foods. We can’t really determine that here, so if you notice that your dog is showing signs of food sensitivity, you should take them to the vet to have them evaluated.
Some foods that your pup cannot eat, even if they aren’t allergic, are:
There are many other foods that your dog absolutely cannot have, so it’s important to look into it further.
Exercising tips to keep your dog to stay fit and healthy
Australian cattle dogs have a high energy level. They were bred to herd cattle for thousands of miles, so they need a lot of exercise. Fortunately, you can do plenty of things with your pup to keep them healthy and active.
As we’ve mentioned before, hiking would be a great activity for you and your pup to do together. You could also just go for a long walk or a jog. You could also play games with them, like fetch or tug-o-war.
Red heeler life stages
Puppy: 0 – 12 months
Adult: 1 - 10 years
Senior: 10 – 16 years