The Blue Heeler American Bulldog Mix, is a mixed breed dog resulting from breeding the American Bulldog and the Blue Heeler. Is it more like the Bulldog or the Blue Heeler? With the Blue Heeler being in the mix, this dog might just start to herd you around the house. Those are the questions we will try and answer below. Continue reading below to see pictures, videos, and learn more about the beautiful Bulldog Mix. While we really recommend that you acquire all animals through a rescue, we understand that some people might go through a breeder to get their Blue Heeler Bulldog Mix puppy. That is, if they have any Blue Heeler Bulldog Mix puppies for sale. If you are interested in helping animal rescues raise money, please play our quiz. Each correct answer donates to help feed shelter animals.
All hybrid or designer dogs are tough to get a good read on as there isn’t much history to them. Breeding specific dogs like this has become common in the last twenty years or so even though I am sure that this mixed breed found it’s share of dogs to the shelter due to accidental breeding. We will take a closer look at the history of both parent breeds below. If you are looking at breeders for new, designer dogs please beware of Puppy Mills. These are places that mass produce puppies, specifically for profit and don’t care at all about the dogs. Please sign our petition to stop puppy mills. Bulldog History: The original intent of the bulldog was that they were bred to help butchers control livestock. It is a very old breed and by the 15th century, in addition to catching and herding horses, cattle, and boars in legitimate farming use. The very cruel and barbaric “sport” of bull-baiting was created. The intent of this was where dogs would latch onto a tethered bull’s nose and not let go until the dog had pulled the bull to the ground or the bull had killed the dog. If you can believe it, this lasted for a few centuries until this activity was banned in 1835. Being that this is such a violent activity, they were bred for aggression. After this ban, the more aggressive tendencies were not necessary and one might wonder why they would even stay a breed. Well, they are very faithful and loyal companions and are the official mascot for nearly 50 schools and five times as many secondary schools. They are also the unofficial mascot for the U.S. Marine Corps. They probably aren’t going anywhere. Blue Heeler History: Australians owe a great debt to all the persons involved in the development of the Australian Cattle Dog or the Blue Heeler. The beef industry would have really struggled without them. The legend has that in 1840, George Elliott, in Queensland, was experimenting with Dingo-blue merle Collie crosses. These dogs were excellent workers. Cattle men started buying these dogs as they were very impressed with their working ability. Two brothers, Jack and Harry Bagust, got their hands on some of these dogs and started improving them. Their first step was to cross a bitch with a fine imported Dalmatian dog. This cross changed the merle to red or blue speckle. They are extremely alert, hardworking, and clever. This is an extremely high energy dog and needs lots of exercise. They can be very stubborn and will start herding the kids, the cats, or anything else if there isn’t anything else around to be herded. Like all dogs he also needs to be socialized when he is young or he can become shy and fearful.
Bulldog Height: 12 - 16 inches at the shoulder Weight: 40-55 lb. Lifespan: 8-10 years Blue Heeler Height: 17 - 20 inches at the shoulder Weight: 31 - 35 lb. Lifespan: 13 - 15 years
Like all hybrids, you have to look to the parents to get a good read on how they will likely behave. This could have obviously make for a very powerful dog that might try to herd you and anything else that moves. They might be an alpha with a strong personality and needs a strong owner with experience who can set themselves as pack leader. They should get along well with other animals if exposed and socialized properly as well. They are somewhat capable of independence, or alone time when the house is noisy or full. She responds well to positive reinforcement, like all dogs. She should be rather affectionate and enjoy spending lots of time with you. Don’t plan on leaving her alone for long periods as he won’t do well alone. She wants to be with the “pack.”
All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems as all breeds are susceptible to some things more than others. However, the one positive thing about getting a puppy is that you can avoid this as much as possible. A breeder should absolutely offer a health guarantee on puppies. If they won’t do this, then look no more and don’t consider that breeder at all. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition. The mixed with the Bulldog might be prone to cardiac and respiratory disease, hip dysplasia, cherry eye, and other concerns. Highly prone to heat problems. Note that these are just common problems in both breeds.
What are the grooming requirements? This will be a moderately shedding dog. But will depend a lot on which one of these dogs it takes after. Be prepared to brush them a few times a week. Either way, get ready to invest in a good vacuum if you want to keep your floors clean! Give them baths as needed, but not so much that you dry out their skin. Never tie your dog up outside - that is inhumane and not fair to him. What are the exercise requirements? This could be a very high energy dog as the Heeler has a ton of energy. Plan on exercising them daily to keep their energy level down. A tired dog is a good dog. Never tie your dog up outside - that is inhumane and not fair to him. What are the training requirements? It will need a strong, firm handler that is consistent and won’t let this dog take advantage of them. All dogs respond best to positive reinforcement. So make sure to praise her when she does well. She is an intelligent dog who loves to please, and loves a physical challenge. The more exercise she gets the easier she will be to train. Proper socialization is imperative to all dogs and puppies. Make sure to take her to the park and doggy day care to get her around as many people and dogs as possible.
A lot of times diet is done on a per-dog basis. Each one is unique and has different dietary requirements. Most dogs in the U.S. are overweight. A mix like this one that is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia should really be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible.
Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia.
A good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background.