American Pitbull Terrier or Blue Heeler, maybe the two most used names for this true companion.
This dog breed, also a popular herding dog, is surely more known as a working dog and good family dog. Overall, the Pit Heeler looks like it will make a wonderful addition to any household and looks like a cross between the two giant breeds from the 1960s.
A Pitbull terrier crossbreed will be big and strong, a source of confusion for many people considering the American Pitbull terrier’s tenacity and its actions towards strangers, but this is a breed that can be a lover if they have self-control. Because of this, they are not recommended for an inexperienced or young dog lover.
Experienced owners get quite good around this modern designer dog breed. They are usually described as quite sweet dogs with a strong will but with enough training, they get to be great companions.
History of the Blue Heeler
American Kennel Club registered Australian Cattle Dog in May 1980. In 1983, they were transferred to the Herding group, after being eligible for show in a Working group.
Blue heeler pit mix was bred to herd cattle for Australian settlers. Many cross-breedings later, ranchers developed a solid and strong canine who could handle Australia’s harsh climate. Native Australian Dingo was bred with dogs brought from England, and we had the pitbull ancestor of the Blue Terrier or Blue Heeler Pitbull mix, we know today.
This new breed with a strong back and developed herding nature and disciplined work ethic modeled the pit heeler look we know today. You will surely not find a Blue heeler Pitbull mix on a United States Designer dogs list nor it would be a good idea, but a Blue heeler pitbull mix will surely be a positive reinforcement wherever he goes.
They got the name from nipping at the cattle’s heels while chasing them on the farm. It was one of the rare breeds that could cope with Australia’s harsh climate.
They are the world’s top cattle herders, thanks to their sharp instincts and accurate sense of direction.
Blue Heeler Pit Mix – A complete guide
Let’s try to put all the historical facts, care tips, and helpful information for the dog owners of this mixed breed. These are the main characteristics of our favorite working dog:
HEIGHT: 17 to 20 inches
WEIGHT: 35 to 50 pounds
COAT AND COLOR: Blue-gray with speckles
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12 to 16 years
If we try to describe their behavior and personality, it would look like this:
They are moderately kid-friendly and pet-friendly, they have a medium tendency to bark and their shedding is also on a medium level.
But, their exercise needs and energy level are really high, which is also shown through a high level of friendliness and affection for people. They are enormously playful and very intelligent and their trainability is on a high level. Also, the Queensland pit is a highly protective dog.
If you analyze their behavior and energy level, you could think they are aggressive dogs or kind of tough dogs, but you would be so wrong on that one.
Blue Heeler Pitbull Mix is such a healthy dog for your family life, so much it could be one of those nanny dogs your kids would expect them to be when they get the first glance of blue heeler pitbull mix puppies. Red heelers, which are different just in color, have almost the same characteristics.
Their eyes are almost always brown, usually medium in size. Their noses can be blue, black, or brown. The usual colors of their coats are:
- Brown
- Sable
- Fawn
- Blue
- Black
- Brindle
- White
- Red
They have a medium coat length, with a pretty high coat density. The coat texture is wavy.
Always have a pin brush, nail clipper, and scissors at hand. Weekly brushing is something to expect with this dog.
The Pitbull’s bark is very loud and frightening. However, if you pet it and interact with it, it usually will calm down after a while. Most Pitbulls are afraid of cats, and a few dogs as well. The Pitbull’s size is such that it can defend itself if needed.
You will need to plan 45 minutes a day for activities. Also, that can be calculated as about 10 miles a week of walk mileage.
They eat about 2.5 cups of dry food a day, with a daily cost of about 1.2 $ to 1.4 $, and a monthly cost of anywhere between 34$ and 45$.
You can check out other Pitbull mixes too:
- Dalmatian Pitbull Mix: Rare And Demanding
- French Bulldog Pitbull Mix
- Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix
- Bully Pitbull Mix: The dog that is not for everyone
- Cane Corso Pitbull Mix: What To Know
Pros and Cons
A blue heeler pitbull mix is a hard-working dog. It is a highly intelligent breed, almost always curious and eager to please its owner.
On the other hand, they do not love to be left behind or alone. They require intense mental stimulation with a lot of running. They are known of becoming destructive if they feel bored. Of not properly trained and socialized, sometimes they show aggression towards strangers.
Pitbull prejudice from other humans is a common thing. Try to solve those problems and comments easily and stay calm. Introduce them to your dog and explain the difference.
How big do blue heeler/pit get?
Pits: 17–21 in, 30–60lb
Heelers: 17–20 in, 33–49lb
Mixes can get any genetics from either one of their parents. A puppy in the litter may be 17in, 30lb as an adult and a littermate may be 20in, 60lb as an adult. You’ll never know. Maintenance needs also vary, but I can surely say that it is low compared to other similar dog breeds.
Coat
With the American Pitbull terrier aka Blue Heeler, their color, type of coat and coat characteristics can be considered medium to dark, a mixture of the Blue Heeler’s white coat with the Pitbull terrier’s darker blue coat. The Pitbull terrier typically has black ears and white markings, a floppy tail, white patches around the eyes, and white feet.
Their two-layer coat sheds a lot in wintertime, so be prepared to brush them daily to remove dead hair. Sometimes you will need to brush them even multiple times a day. Don’t forget to trim those nails.
Blue Heeler has a lighter color around their eyes with a white or silver muzzle. Their tail is usually the same color as the rest of their coat. They have a white patch around their snout that is unlike the rest of their body. If this is their coloring, their eyes will be a different color.
Other most popular names of this breed are: Queensland pit, Blue Pit Cattle Terrier, Blue Terrier, Bull Pit Heeler, Red Pit Cattle Terrier, and Red Terrier
The fierce animal still keeps its name, and those who cherish this breed will always love the traditional look of their muscular body, which is often compared to the Hollywood star Val Kilmer’s.
Whether it’s for their stamina, affectionate nature, or their loyal side, the Blue Heeler PitBull Mix will forever have a place in their hearts.
Grooming and shedding of Blue Heeler Pitbull mix dogs
Maybe you will be surprised how low shedding coat pitbull heelers have.
Unless you went for a walk with playing in the mud, one brushing per week will do the job. Of course, don’t forget an occasional bath when you feel any smell.
When it comes to nails, use a nail clipper every two to three months.
Also, teeth brushing should be done two or three times a week, even daily would be good. Don’t forget the ears, a wipe a week should be just fine. Wipe it thoroughly to avoid ear infections and mites.
Exercising Your Blue Heeler Pitbull mix
Like their Pitbull and Blue Heeler parent breeds, Pit Heelers are energetic dogs with high energy levels and require plenty of exercise to match – about 45 to 60 minutes a day.
As intelligent breeds, they need not only physical stimulation but mental stimulation, as well.
Pit Heelers need their owners to be patient and understanding of their desire to please and have a keen attention to detail.
They are loyal to their families and thrive on human companionship.
As gentle and loyal as they are, the Pitbull is a breed that has its own quirks. They may be naturally protective and energetic, and they love their families.
They need their owners to respect their energy level and training to avoid biting other people. If not exercised enough, they may find a home on the couch as a quiet dog.
However, it should be noted that if the dog is allowed to have the type of play that makes the breed unique, they will respond positively and adapt quickly to the training.
Blue Heeler Pit mix Health
The blue heeler is a breed of Australian cattle dog. They are known for their loyalty, intelligence, courage, and being active. But what are the health issues they face?
Blue heelers are prone to some chronic conditions that affect the eyes or ears. Some of these conditions include progressive retinal atrophy, deafness, cataracts, and deafness. They are also prone to developing cancerous tumors in their nose or throats. Another health issue that blue heelers can face is skin disorders like pemphigus foliaceus or dermatitis herpetiformis.
A normal life expectancy for a medium-sized dog is approximately 12 to 14 years. Be sure to keep up a high-quality diet. Take care and consult a veterinarian whenever needed, with adult dogs and puppies. Add enough active workouts to his everyday routine. He needs every heel he can get after so many action-packed days.
Hip Dysplasia
One of the most common health issues in dogs generally is hip dysplasia. It is an inherited condition that causes instability of the dog’s hip joint.
If you think you might have a dog with this condition, it is important to be aware of some symptoms to look for. These include pain in the front of the leg, lameness, and trouble getting up or lying down. You may also notice an abnormal gait or your dog swinging its rear legs wide to get around.
Eye Problems
Although we all know our furry friends rely mostly on their nose and sense of smell, certain issues with eye health can be a huge problem. Due to their highly sensitive eyes, they are more likely to be sensitive to a range of environmental and inflammatory changes.
Other health issues common for this breed:
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
- Problems with skin
- Congenital heart defects
- Congenital Hereditary Sensorineural Deafness (CHSD)
Occasional test you should do:
1. X-Rays
2. Physical Examination
3. Radiographs
4. Electroretinogram
Diet and Nutrition
Taking into consideration the active life and energy of a Blue Heeler Pitbull mix, do not forget to supply all the available vitamins for their powerful brains and all the other supplements and minerals from food for their active body and muscles.
Just be careful to separate the food you give to puppies from the food you are supposed to give to adult dogs. The good news is that you can choose between so many good brands out there and the great thing is that the food is not too expensive for our loyal family dog.
These purebred dogs need a lot of proteins. So, always look for chicken, salmon, and beef in the ingredients listed on the package. The good things to look for are vegetables and whole grains as the second most important ingredient.
Some pills or liquids containing additional supplement is also a good thing to consider as Glucosamine is something that might help the dog fighting with joint pain and other health issues.
A bowl of fresh, clean water should be always available.
Training a Blue Heeler Pit Mix
Pitbulls are hyper, but mellow when they’re around their humans. They also tend to have a strong bond with their owners.
The Pitbull has lots of energy and excitement. You could take it to a dog park and it’ll run like crazy.
He’s easy to train. By the time a dog is 6 months old, it should already know a few tricks. Pitbulls need a daily exercise routine, as they’re restless at rest.
Blue heeler pitbull mix is a very intelligent dog. They can learn to do many different tricks. Do not forget the obedience training. The last thing you want is a dog with a strong jaw that does not obey commands.
How much does a Blue Heeler Pitbull mix puppy cost?
As with other breeds, the price will depend from litter to litter, according to the dog’s lineage and parents. But, you can expect o pay anywhere between 800$ and 1200 $ for a puppy.
Just have in mind that after that, you will be spending more. Food, training, and toys will come together with any medical expense, so be well prepared.
Interested in other breed dogs? Try German Shepherd!
Also, take a look at Border Heeler, they are just beautiful!
Is a Blue Heeler Pit mix the best choice for me?
I feel this strongly because I have known many Pit Heelers who showed just as much loyalty to their owners as they did to their family members.
The Pit Heeler doesn’t have any inherent evil or bad attributes; they just have the instincts of a dog to defend what’s theirs, which is you and your family. (One of the reasons why they’re so well-known is because of their notorious ferocity toward strangers, which is why they’re even the subject of Halloween horror stories and urban legends.) The Pit Heeler’s main strong point is its loyalty and loyalty is their hallmark.
If you’re looking for a dog that will spend most of its time by your side, then the Pit Bull Terrier is the dog for you. Their high energy and long attention span make them excellent for families with children. However, they are also loyal to their owners and are also great with small pets like cats and birds.
Visit rescue organizations and ask if they have a pup for a rescue.
Fun Facts About the Blue Heeler Pit Mix
Two famous Pitbulls were those owned by Helen Keller and Theodor Roosevelt. They even appeared on screen, named Petey from Little Rascals and Tige from Buster Brown.
Also, a famous dog pitbull named Stubby received a Purple Heart during World War I, as well as the Gold Medal of Valor, since he rescued a sleeping regiment and woke them up during a gas attack.
Rescuing a Blue Heeler Pitbull Mix
Search your local listing if you are trying to find a puppy to rescue. For example, try Love Pit Rescue.
Puppy mills have puppies with a high risk of:
- aggression
- excessive fear
- separation anxiety
- emotional neediness
Be aware that even those puppies in local stores are puppies from puppy mills. Since those dogs are usually early separated from their mothers, these bad characteristics are developed. Also, these can happen due to a lack of socialization.
If you know of a Blue Heeler, Pitbull Terrier, or Pit Heeler rescue in the USA, UK, Canada, or Australia please comment below and add it to the list.
Blue Heeler Pitbull Mix Products and Accessories
In addition to the bowl, leash, and brush, you will need a lot of toys. These dogs need a lot of stimulation so buy them those toys to help them think and solve problems.
Top Interesting Facts about the Blue Heeler Pitbull mix
The dog breed that has lived for the longest is the Blue Heeler Pitbull Bluey, according to the Guinness World Book. This Blue Heeler Pitbull has survived for 29 years.
At the time of birth, as a puppy, the Blue Heeler Pitbull dog looks white.
Owen Wilson, as well as Matthew McConaughey, are just some of the celebrities to own Blue Heeler Pitbull Mix.
Blue Heeler Pitbull dogs were taken for the purpose of acting in many famous movies.
Blue heeler pitbull mix puppies for sale
How much does a blue heeler pitbull mix cost? Blue Heeler Pitbulls aren’t that cheap. The price can start at $250 but also expect costs of $2000 as well.
We wrote about that earlier, but try not to support buying from puppy mills.
Other Dog Breeds and Additional Research
Before deciding on a Blue Heeler Pitbull Mix, be sure to do your homework. Talk to other Blue Heeler Pit mix owners, reputable breeders, and rescue groups to get a better picture.
There is a huge variety of other dog breeds out there. Be sure to find one that best describes what you want and expect from a new family member.
Similar breeds to Blue Heeler Pitbull mix
Many popular Blue Heeler crosses you should research if you like this breed. Try some of these first:
– Border Heeler (Border Collie Cross)
– Labraheeller (Labrador Cross)
– Texas Heeler (Australian Shepherd Cross)
Other Pitbull mixes:
– German Peat / German Shepard (Pitbull / German Shepherd)
– Labrobule / Pitadar (Pitbull / Labrador)
– Pitsky (Huskies / Pitbull)
Best Blue Heeler Mixes
1. Blue Tzu Heeler
Parents: Shih Tzu x Blue Heeler mix
2. Box Heeler
Parents: Boxer x Blue Heeler mix
3. Bored Heeler
Parents: Border Collie x Blue Heeler mix
4. Dalmatian Heeler
Parents: Dalmatian x Blue Heeler mix
5. Heeler Pei
Parents: Shar Pei x Blue Heeler mix
6. Pit Heeler
Parents: Pit Bull Terrier x Blue Heeler mix
7. Aussimo
Parents: American Eskimo x Blue Heeler mix
8. Texas Heeler
Parents: Australian Shepherd x Blue Heeler mix
9. Cattle Collie
Parents: Collie x Blue Heeler mix
10. Labraheeler
Parents: Labrador x Blue Heeler mix
11. Cattle Shepherd
Parents: German Shepherd x Blue Heeler mix
12. Boston Cattle dog
Parents: Boston Terrier x Blue Heeler mix
13. Corgi Cattle dog
Parents: Welsh Corgi x Blue Heeler mix
14. Basset Heeler
Parents: Basset Hound x Blue Heeler mix
15. Bernese Cattle dog
Parents: Bernese Mountain dog x Blue Heeler mix
16. Blue Spaniel
Parents: Cocker Spaniel x Blue Heeler mix
17. Beagle Heeler
Parents: Beagle x Blue Heeler mix
18. Blue Cadoodle
Parents: Poodle x Blue Heeler mix
19. Ausky
Parents: Husky x Blue Heeler mix
20. Golden Cattle dog
Parents: Golden Retriever x Blue Heeler mix
Or you might want to try something completely new? Read more about other dog breeds.