I am not a big fan of aggressive dogs with strong primal instincts, and the Blue Heeler is one of them. Blue Heeler, or also commonly known as the Australian Cattle Dogs, are primarily bred to herd in the cattle. They do have a strong primal instinct, so they might not be that suited for owners with children or around small dogs such as the Chihuahua. I really think the Chihuahua will just annoy the Blue Heeler. Anyways this article is not about the Blue Heeler but actually about the Blue Heeler Rat Terrier mix.
Blue Heeler Rat Terrier Mix
This is the first time that I have heard about the Blue Heeler Rat Terrier cross. If you are wondering about the Blue Heeler Rat Terrier mix temperament, I wonder the same! The Blue Heeler can have strong primal instincts, and the Rat Terrier can be a mini tyrant. So how does it work out for the Blue Heeler Rat Terrier mix? Let us take a deeper look at some of the characteristics of this unique cross.
Breed History and Origin
The Blue Heeler Rat Terrier Mix is a relatively new hybrid breed, with the exact origin of the mix still unclear. The Blue Heeler, which originated in Australia, was bred to be a hard-working herding dog capable of handling the rough terrain and harsh climate of the outback. The Rat Terrier, on the other hand, was originally bred in the United States as a versatile farm dog, excelling at tasks such as hunting, vermin control, and guarding the homestead.
How Does The Blue Heeler Rat Terrier Mix Look Like
Most of the time, the Blue Heeler Rat Terrier cross looks just like a miniature Blue Heeler. We have yet to come across other variants. As this breed is pretty unique, do send us an email should you know of other variants!
Moving on, the Blue Heeler Rat Terrier mix does have a single coat, and they actually no that shed that much at all. It has a snout, which of course aids in the dog’s keen sense of smell. Try scattering treats all over the yard and she will have no problem picking up every single piece of it!
The Blue Heeler Rat Terrier Mix typically weighs between 20-35 pounds and stands around 12-18 inches tall. They have a short, smooth coat that can come in a variety of colors, including blue, black, tan, and white. Their ears are usually perky and erect, and their tails may be either naturally bobbed or long and slender.
Blue Heeler Rat Terrier Mix Temperament
Since both of the dogs are strong and agile, you can expect a high energy crossbreed here. Also, given that the Blue Heeler does have a strong primal instinct, you have to be wary that the crossbreed might have some of this traits. This dog is known to have strong jaws and is mildly destructive. They are good around cattle, but not really that suited for smaller animals or even children.
The Blue Heeler Rat Terrier mix is pretty sporty too and they can perform a variety of task that you throw at it. All you need is to train them well!
They have very good stamina as well as high energy levels. The Blue Heeler Rat Terrier mix is known to be able to sprint for hours on end. Their strong legs allow them to have that extra speed as well as the extra strength to jump over most puppy gates or even fences.
If you are looking to reward your Blue heeler rat terrier mix, we suggest you to try using healthy treats!
Life Expectancy
The Blue Heeler Rat Terrier mix has an average life expectancy of 15 years. It’s sporty nature helps to keep themselves healthy. This is, of course, assuming that the dog does have space to run around.
Behavior Around Children Or Smaller Animals
As mentioned earlier, the Blue Heeler Rat Terrier mix is not suited if you have smaller animals or even children, to a certain extent, around. Indeed, the Blue Heeler Rat Terrier mix will probably terrorize the smaller animals more than anything else!
Training and Exercise
As with all dogs, training and exercise are crucial to the health and happiness of the Blue Heeler Rat Terrier Mix. They thrive on mental and physical challenges and excel at tasks such as agility training, obedience, and even herding competitions. Daily exercise in the form of walks, runs, or playtime is essential to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
Grooming and Health
The Blue Heeler Rat Terrier Mix has a short, low-maintenance coat that only requires weekly brushing and occasional baths. However, they are prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia, deafness, and eye problems, so regular check-ups with a veterinarian are recommended.
Conclusion
The Blue Heeler Rat Terrier Mix is a unique and lovable hybrid breed that combines the best qualities of the Blue Heeler and the Rat Terrier. They are intelligent, energetic, and fiercely loyal to their owners. However, proper training and socialization is essential to ensure they behave appropriately around children and other animals. With plenty of exercise, mental stimulation, and love, the Blue Heeler Rat Terrier Mix is sure to become a cherished member of your family.
9 comments
I just got a new puppy of this mix. Very trainable. At first I was disappointed because I was told it was a heeler, but Hank is turning into a good boy.
We have a blue heeler rat terrier mix, and she absolutely adores our cats. We got her when she was a 7 month old stray, so I don’t know if she grew up with them.
The only one our animals that she terrorizes is our 110 lb German Sheppard.
I wouldn’t have trusted her with the guinea pigs we used to have, though, because I’ve seen her go after gophers.
Ours adores our cats, but terrorizes our 110 lb German Sheppard.
Great dogs, for one person. Incredible companions. for one person. I loved mine to death loyal protective, smart,fast, and dangerous to anyone but me. They’re great dogs if you live out on a ranch in the middle of nowhere. But around people, children, other dogs, or cats.they are a bomb ticking.
Mine is a rat terrier and blue heeler mix, very intelligent and is very good around our cats and rabbits. We do notice if he does not get proper exercise he does become aggressive to our other dogs. As mad as he makes me I love him!
I’m looking for a puppy. Australian cattle dog mix rat terrier
My Australian a Shephard, Blue Heeler, Rat Terrier Mix is energetic, extremely fast, and kills at least 1 rabbit a week on our acreage. She terrorizes the neighbors kittens but is actually scared of them. She is so fast, she’s hard for us to catch and she runs right along side the 4 wheeler. She is trained well on a leash, but off leash she’s a hunter.
Felt this article was highly unfair to the heeler! My blue heeler is marvelous with other animals. I rehab wildlife & have plenty of rescues running around. He’s been around just about any animal, including in the hen house when I gather eggs. He welcomes all! Also, heelers are fine with people if people would use just a tiny bit of common sense & courtesy! I Also, have a rat terrier (my 2nd rat terrier) & she is just as adorable & loving as my heeler! It’s all in how you raise & work with them! I will say if you are fat & lazy & enjoy sitting a lot these are not your critters!
I have a Blue Heeler and Rat Terrier mix, 5 months old. She is a knockout. Beautiful, fast as lightening and very trainable. She loves my adult cat and is learning to socialize will most other animals. So far, she is wonderful with my granddaughters and adults as well because she takes direction very well for a youngster. Great personality and likes to talk back when she is feeling saucy. It seems like a good mix. She trails me, pulls my pant legs to direct my path and has the outstanding obsessive compulsive quirks that define the loyalty of her breed mix. Such a great addition our family.