Mini Blue Heeler – Mini Australian Cattle Dog [Explained]

If you’ve heard of Australian Cattle Dogs, you probably already know about the Mini Blue Heeler.

These Mini Heelers are smaller versions of the popular standard Heeler or standard Australian Cattle Dog, having the adorable look and toy size. They actually make wonderful pets for bigger houses, especially if you’re the energetic type!

But what else do you need to know about the Miniature Blue Heeler and where can you get one? I did all the research, so read on as I show you all about this cute breed!

What to Know About the Mini Blue Heeler

A Blue Heeler is a nickname for the Australian Cattle Dog. And as they began becoming more popular, people wanted to mix them with other breeds. This is to give owners different sized or colored Blue Heelers, which is where the Miniature Blue Heeler comes along.

Typically, this particular mix comes from both the Australian Cattle Dog and another smaller breed, such as the Chihuahua. However, some breeders also have full-blooded Blue Heelers bred by the smallest dogs from the litter, ideal for health purposes.

What else do you need to know about them? Overall, the Mini Blue Heeler is a smaller version of the more popular Australian Cattle Dog. Let’s take a look at the history of the Blue Heeler, and the characteristics of their miniature versions.

The Blue Heeler History

While the Mini Blue Heeler doesn’t have a vast history, the Blue Heeler does! These are actually mixed breeds themselves, coming from a combination of native Dingoes with herding dogs like Collies. The reason why they’re nicknamed Blue Heelers is because of their bluer coat version, though they’re also known as Queensland Heelers or Australian Heelers.

The Australian Cattle Dog (Blue Heelers) was developed in 1840 by George Elliot, loved by Australian cattlemen and ranchers for the breed’s work ethic and strength. Because of this, the Blue Heeler was instantly recognized as cattle herders.

Interestingly, this dog breed made important contributions to Australia’s beef industry, the vital component to the continent’s economy! These dogs were originally British imports from an old breed known as Smithfield, though Australians bred them to meet the Australian environment.

After being bred with different herding dogs, the Australian Cattle Dog was born, designed for work AND the continent’s weather conditions.

The “right combination” of the breed came from Jack and Harry Bagust, who bred Dalmatians with the Australian Cattle Dogs. The mix of the working ability and faithfulness became the perfect mix for the breed we know and love today.

While they’ve been around for so long, it wasn’t until 1980 that AKC admitted the breed. They then became charter members of the actually mixed breeds in 1983, the year the group was founded.

Characteristics of Mini Blue Heelers

Miniature Blue Heelers became as popular as they’re bigger, “original” versions of the breed for their toy size. However, this doesn’t change most of their characteristics, still having an amazing energy and work ethic as herding dogs.

What truly sets them apart is their size. Usually, these dogs are around miniature to toy size. Both male and female Mini Blue Heelers are 11-15 inches tall, weighing 12-25 pounds. Some breeders have the “ideal” idea of a Mini Blue Heeler, which is 13-15 inches tall, weighing 15-20 pounds.

As for their characteristics and temperament, expect them to be just as similar to the Blue Heeler. This dog breed is extremely energetic and highly-active. Because of this, they do NOT want to sit around for hours at home, but to play outside for play, exercise, or work!

Furthermore, they’re independent dogs and don’t need as much attention or cuddling as others. With that being said, they still love receiving positive feedback when doing a great job.

As a herding dog, they also have their natural instincts, sometimes nipping at the heels or “herding” people! They’re also quite protective, making great guard dogs who love and defend their owners from anything.

Why Get a Mini Blue Heeler?

So, what makes this dog breed such a delight to own? They make amazing pets for various reasons:

1. Quiet Yet Protective

One thing many will appreciate from the Mini Blue Heeler is how protective they are of their owners. Though small, they still have natural protective instincts and have the watchful eyes to protect and alert their owners. But even with their alertness, they only bark as needed, so you won’t have to worry about disturbing the neighbors or your sleep.

2. Energetic and Playful

If you’re the type who loves going out and playing, then the Mini Blue Heelers for you. They love adventure and spending their high energies on work or play, running around in open fields. This comes from their natural herding instincts, and because of that, you’ll experience a LOT of playtime and exercise with them.

3. Intelligent and Easy to Train

Another good trait about the Mini Blue Heelers is that they are just as smart as their bigger versions. They listen to commands carefully and as long as they’re well-trained, they will follow and not cause any destruction. Since they’re clever, you won’t find it too difficult to train them, just do so as easily as possible!

4. Low Grooming Maintenance

Not many people have time or would like to spend too much effort into grooming their dogs. Fortunately, they have the coated layer that protects them from the elements. This layer also has no odor or creates oily residue, making it quick and easy to clean and brush.

5. Loyal and Loving

While Mini Blue Heelers aren’t the most affectionate and would rather go out than cuddle, they’re very loyal. When well taken cared for, they show their love and appreciation in protection and security.

This dog breed is very alert and makes great guard dogs in the house because of it, looking after the entire family. And even if they don’t cuddle a lot, they love to play and receive pets from their owners!

However, you do have to take note that they are not for every household! If you’re the type who hates going out for exercise and want a lapdog, Mini Blue Heelers aren’t for you. They’re energetic, love to play, and aren’t as cuddly as other dogs!

Tips on Where to Get Mini Blue Heeler Puppies

Now that you’re familiar with how the dog breed is like, where can you get one? Blue Heelers are usually easy to find, though their miniature versions require some research. Being specially bred, finding Mini Blue Heeler puppies for sale might be a bit difficult.

However, it’s still possible to find one! Here are some tips to follow:

1. Search Online

The first place to check is online, with many breeders posting advertisements or owning websites for their bred dogs. Some breeders specialize in breeding Miniature Blue Heelers, so make a quick search to find them. Be sure to do further research on their reputation and ask for more photos and details about their puppies available.

2. Search Locally

I also recommend that you search around your area for any breeders of Mini Blue Heelers. Asking your local animal organizations or people you know who owns this dog breed helps.

Gather information and select breeders based on positive feedback and contact the ones you narrowed down. The breeders should be accommodating to your requests and meet you in their home for you to check on the pups!

3. Be Ready For Meetings

Like mentioned, you should be able to meet the breeder and the puppies, along with their parents. That way, you know how they were bred and if they truly are Mini Blue Heelers according to their size and looks. It’s also best to meet with the breeder in person to talk about any terms and agreements.

4. Settle Any Terms and Agreements

Once you’ve chosen a breeder to buy the puppies from, sit down and negotiate, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Inquire about any issues, certifications, as well as terms on returns just in case of health problems beyond your control. It’s recommended to have a written agreement to ensure that these terms are followed through.

5. Prepare Your Home

If you have shaken hands, negotiated, and gave your money, it’s time to get your puppy! Prepare your home with the adequate toys and equipment to give your new pet the home they deserve. After that, it’s time to begin focusing on their health and training for the long haul!

Extensive Guide on Caring For Mini Blue Heelers

You know about the dog breed and where to buy them, how can you care for Mini Blue Heeler puppies? The way you take care of dogs varies from one breed to another. For the Mini Blue Heeler, here are some important points to follow:

What’s Their Diet?

You want to feed your dog the best, so you should give them high-quality dog food. You can either purchase commercially manufactured ones or make your own dog food.

There’s no special diet required and you can feed them any food suitable and highly nutritious for dogs. However, if they do have underlying health issues, you can ask their vet for any food recommendations.

Because these dogs are highly energetic and athletic, expect them to eat more if they move around a lot. They’ll need more food and calories to make up for the energy burned from training, playing, or exercising.

Exercise and Training

As I mentioned before, these dogs are quite energetic and clever. Because of this, you’ll need to take them out more, and short walks don’t cut it. For those who have Mini Blue Heelers as home pets, you’ll want to go out to run with them every day.

It’s best to spend his energy well, giving him an outlet for it to prevent him from getting frustrated. This leads to destruction and him trying to chew on things around the house!

As for training, it’s best that you start early, from socialization and obedience training. You’ll need to continue training him in terms of agility, herding, and obedience to ensure that he doesn’t become bored. It’s also best to work his mind for a happy, clever pet!

Grooming and Maintenance

Fortunately, Mini Blue Heelers don’t need to spend hours at the groomer for their coat. With their low maintenance fur, you just need to brush it quickly once a week. It’s best to bathe them only occasionally, about once a month or as needed.

However, do keep in mind that they shed their undercoat twice a year. During their shedding seasons, they’ll require thorough brushing every few days to remove all dead hair.

Use a short-bristled brush when doing so, also combing it down right after. Besides brushing their fur, make sure that you trim their nails regularly. Also, clean their ears and brush their teeth every few days.

Health Matters

Mini Blue Heelers have similar health risks as Blue Heelers, such as deafness, retinal atrophy, and hip dysplasia. Because of this, you have to make sure that they go through evaluations and tests to know their current condition. This can also prevent any of their conditions from worsening or to avoid them from getting it.

Besides this, routine veterinary checkups are required to maintain good health. Also, keep them updated with their shots, especially when you plan to have them socialize with other dogs!

Wrapping It Up

For those who want a hyper and unique dog for their home, then you’ll love Mini Blue Heelers. With their alertness and intelligence, they also make sure to protect you when in need.

The Mini Hellers truly are the working breeds of all the different dogs out there, making them a great pet to own. Hopefully, this article on the Mini Blue Heeler helped you out! So don’t wait any longer and get one yourself now.

If you have any questions or want to share your own tips and experiences with this dog breed, then comment below. Your thoughts are much appreciated!

Last Updated on 10/01/2024 by Karen Snow