These high-energy dogs are a cross-breed between the Australian cattle dogs and the Catahoula leopards, well-known for their outstanding hunting skills over the past years.
They are also recognized as Queensland Heelers or the Australian Cattle Dogs.
If you’re searching for a life-companion pet, these Blue Heeler dogs make the best family dogs and work-mates.
There’s much more about Blue Heelers that we are yet to discover. Let’s dive in!
Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix Prices in the USA.
A Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix puppy for the commercial breeders costs $700-$1200. These dogs are bred to achieve specific characteristics and are well cared for until they meet their potential parents.
The price of Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix dogs in the USA differs from one city to another. This is majorly caused by the disparity in breeders’ location and reputability.
Getting a Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix dog from a rescue or shelter center will cost you little or no amount, as these dogs are available for re-homing and adoption.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix Dogs in the USA.
Breeder’s Reputability.
An experienced breeder is likely to price his offspring higher than amateur breeders. This is because the former is already highly trusted and rated for his excellent performance in the field.
Specialized breeders breed for the wellness of the offspring and are not after making profits.
While getting your Blue Heeler from the cheaper breeders might be saving, kindly buy from the reputable breeders for the certainty of your pet’s health and genes.
Quality.
If you desire to own a high-quality Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix dog, please prepare to dig deeper into your pockets.
This category offers the best attributes for the breed and is created to meet satisfactory standards. On the other hand, poor-quality Blue Heelers are likely to suffer from terminal illnesses.
Demand.
Demand for Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix dogs in the USA differs from region to region. The higher the demand for Blue Heelers in a particular city, the higher they cost compared to their counterparts.
Litter Size
Litter size refers to the total of puppies produced at one birth by a bitch. The smaller the litter size, the higher the cost of getting the puppies.
Age
Blue Heeler puppies are slightly priced higher than adults. This is due to the vaccination and registration costs that eventually affect the buying price.
While getting an adult Blue Heeler seems less demanding, please acquire your dog at its puppy stage for maximum socialization and companionship.
Registration and Bloodline Championship.
Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix dogs registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) will cost higher than their unregistered counterparts.
Registered dogs are healthier and are bred to meet the specified standards.
Also, if the puppy you desire comes from a lineage of champions; one or several of its ancestors participated and won a previous championship, you might be required to pay more for it.
About & History
These energetic Australian-American dogs were initially used to keep off opossums and rabbits. They also served as great herders in the company of their owners.
Blue Heelers are a cross-breed offspring between the Australian Cattle and the Catahoula Leopard dogs.
When the English immigrants landed in Australia and commenced cattle ranching, they required a dog that could operate on the harsh terrain and tirelessly control much livestock.
The available British imports didn’t befit the conditions, and hence they were recreated with other robust breeds.
Later on, the Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix was created. The new species was courageous, energetic, and sturdy, just like those desired by the immigrants.
Appearance
Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix dogs are strikingly stunning, with their appearance varying from one dog to another.
An adult Blue Heeler has a sturdy structure that is obvious for an aggressive super-energetic breed.
A full-grown female Blue Heeler weighs between 30 to 35 pounds with an average height of 20-24 inches; their male counterparts have an average weight of 40-65 pounds and 22-26 inches in height. These dogs typically live for 12-15 years.
According to the pure-bred parents, the coats of medium-large dogs come in different types and colors.
Their coats could be dotted with blue like the Australian Cattle Dog progenitor or spotted like his Catahoula Leopard Dog progenitor. The fur is either short or long for the same reason.
A Blue Heeler pup has a double coat with more shedding if he takes after his Blue Heeler parents. Due to the cross-breeding effect, these dogs’ ears are either pricked, flop, or combined.
Temperament & Character
Super-active, strong, protective, intelligent, and loyal- that’s what describes this magnificent breed. Your Blue Heeler darling requires constant physical activity and mental stimulation.
Being a high-energy dog, staying idle can trigger stress and anxiety issues in this breed.
Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix dogs are over-protective of their close family members and belongings. They will also detect any mistreatment with being unfriendly and secluding themselves.
If you want to leave your doggie for work or a trip, it’d be advisable to first drain his energy through exercises and games.
Otherwise, you might come home to overly-destroyed couches and a distressed dog.
A properly trained Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix performs well when it comes to children. Kindly tutor your kids on how to handle the dog to avoid minor accidents.
While training dogs seems like a strenuous task, it’s fun and undemanding with the Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix breed.
These dogs are brilliant, energetic, and curious, making them easier to handle during training. Blue Heelers score 4.5 out of 5 stars for exercise needs and trainability.
A tip: kindly commence your training sessions early, and you’ll thank me later. Basic obedience, clicker training, walking on a leash, crate training, and socialization are some of the lessons you can offer your Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix darling.
We’ve highlighted a few tips for you for fun and exciting training sessions.
- Kindly use positive reinforcement on your fur baby to keep him motivated.
- Ensure your training sessions are short and engaging.
- Carry along your doggy’s favorite treat to reward him if he acts accordingly.
- A consistent timetable is key to practical training.
- Ensure to stay engaged during sessions. (Don’t show divided attention).
Grooming your Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix dog determines how appealing he looks from the appearance and significantly impacts his general health.
Brushing his coat at least once or twice a week is essential. Kindly brush towards the fur growth using the best-quality brush that suits his skin needs well.
Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix dogs are aggressive shedders, especially during the shedding seasons. This is why investing in an excellent de-shedding tool is crucial. If you dislike fur all over your house, please do the brushing from outside.
A thorough bath at least once a month would be okay. Kindly use high-quality pet shampoo and conditioner to keep your four-legged friend’s skin healthy and moisturized.
Occasionally trim his claws to keep dirt and germs at bay; while cutting, be watchful not to get close to his flesh.
Brushing his teeth at least once a week keeps his mouth healthy and free from the foul odor.
We also urge you to clean your dog’s ears once a week with a clean, disinfected piece of cloth. This helps to prevent possible ear infections.
Facts Concerning Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix Dogs
Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix dogs aren’t hypo-allergic. These dogs shed more than several other breeds, particularly during the shedding seasons.
Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix dogs rely on protein-rich meals to supplement their high-energy requirements. Human food should not be part of their diet as they are difficult to digest and can trigger digestive issues such as bloating, vomiting, or diarrhea.
These dogs are prone to several common health issues such as deafness, hip dysplasia, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), allergies, glaucoma, blindness, elbow dysplasia, bloating, and cancer.
These beautiful dogs adapt well to most living conditions but require a spacious room due to their super-active nature. These dogs can live in both hot and cold climates.
Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix dogs are not suitable for novice or inactive owners. They are highly energetic and require much of their parents’ time and engagement to keep them stimulated and free from boredom. Blue Heelers may also try their hunting skills on strangers and children.
Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix is generally a hardy breed that requires much parents’ attention, love, and care.
If you think this is the breed for you, kindly be ready to sacrifice your time and money for his wellness. He will surely reward you with much love and companionship for the rest of your lives together.