One of the most interesting dog breeds in the world is the Queensland Heeler. A working dog, the Queensland Heeler is full of energy and spunk. If you have ever had the pleasure of being around one of these dogs, you will understand why they are so popular! Today we are going to learn more about this breed and what makes them so special.
Temperament
The Queensland Heeler is a powerful breed that loves to show its dominance. This breed was developed for herding cattle, sheep, and other animals larger animals, which means they are used to being in complete control. Anyone planning to own one of these dogs will have to be very assertive. If you don’t show them who is boss, they will likely try to walk all over you.
They need a lot of attention and should be trained at an early age. Queensland Heelers may show aggression towards other dogs and may have a tendency to chase other animals, especially cats. If they are going to be around other animals, they will need to be properly socialized at a young age. Queensland Heeler puppies should be worked with as soon as possible.
Not a Fit for Cities
If properly trained, these dogs do well as a family pet. They need a lot of exercise and can become restless if they don’t get enough. This is certainly not an apartment dog and they also may not do well in large cities. The dog breed may have issues with chasing cars which can be very dangerous. They also have been known for nipping at peoples legs, which can be a problem for those with small children.
Size
When it comes to size, a male Queensland Heeler weighs around 35 pounds and has a medium frame. A female Queensland Heeler is very close to the same size as a male and weighs around 30 pounds. The height of an average male is 20 inches and a female of the same breed is about 17 to 19 inches. As you can see, both the male and female of the breed are quite similar. While this is the standard size and weight for the Queensland Heeler, some dogs can be much larger. Some males can weigh as much as 75 pounds while others can be much smaller.
Health and Lifespan
A Queensland Heeler has an average lifespan of around 15 years. While the breed is considered a very sturdy one, they do have some medical issues that you will need to be aware of. Just like many working dogs, this breed can have health issues such as Canine Hip Dysplasia, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, and deafness. These are all common problems that you should keep an eye out for especially as your dog starts to grow older.
Feeding Chart
You might be wondering how much a Queensland Heeler should be fed. Basically, this all depends on the age of the dog and how active he or she is. For puppies, you will need to be feeding them at least 3 to 4 times a day starting at 3 to 4 months old. Queensland Heeler puppies need, on average, 993 calories per day. You will need to continue feeding them at this rate until they reach the age of one year. After your puppy has reached the one year mark, you should cut back to feeding only 2 times daily.
More Activity, More Calories Needed
More Activity, More Calories NeededAs the dog gets older and becomes more active, they will need more calories. A highly active dog that weighs around 35 pounds or more will need at least 1212 calories per day. This may vary depending on the dog and you may need to feed him or her a little extra. But, keep in mind that these dogs, just like any other, can become overweight.
Puppy Food for Puppies
When it comes to the type of food, you will need to feed your younger dogs puppy food. A good puppy food that is rich in protein and a lot of nutrients like calcium and phosphorous is needed to help them grow. Adult dogs will also need a good dog food brand that is high in protein with nutrients that can help them stay active. Avoid dog foods that have a lot of fillers like soy and other byproducts.
As your dog ages, you may also need to change their diet and feed them a dog food that is designed for [amazon link=”B007B2SWIW” link_icon=”amazon” /]. Depending on your older dog’s weight you may need to feed them a diet that will help them maintain a healthy size. Keeping your older dog in shape will help them avoid many of the health issues that are known to be common in this breed. Remember that the less active your older dog is, the more weight they may put on.
Variations
The Queensland Heeler comes in two different color variations. Red and mottled blue Heelers are both very common. A Queensland Blue Heeler will be either spotted blue or speckled blue. Also, the Blue Heeler may have black or tan markings that are blended in with the rest of the coat.
A Red Queensland Heeler will have speckled red markings and spots that are mixed with black or tan markings. These dogs look very similar but one has red speckles while the other blue. Other than markings there are also miniature Queensland Heeler dogs. These canines have the same color patterns as the rest of the breed but their size is of course much smaller.
Now that you know more about this beautiful dog breed, you just might want to bring one home. But remember that they require a lot of attention and are highly active. If properly trained, they make great working dogs as well as pets. They are a very dominant breed that will need to be worked with at a young age. If you have fallen in love with the Queensland Heeler, but do not have the right living space to have one, you might want to consider getting a Cuddle Clone!
