Is An Australian Shepherd The Same As A Blue Heeler? [5 Hidden Facts]

If you’re considering getting a new family pet, you might wonder if an Australian Shepherd and Blue Heeler are the same.

Here is the quick answer,

Is An Australian Shepherd The Same As A Blue Heeler? No, an Australian Shepherd is different from a Blue heeler dog. Despite that they both are excellent herding dogs, they differ in size, weight, and fur. 

While technically, anyone who knows them would know that they’re both shepherds of sorts, these two canines come from different breeds and have key differences. 

Blue Heelers are also known as Australian cattle dogs. Because of the name, people get confused between Australian shepherds and Australian cattle dogs. 

Both the blue heelers and the Australian Shepherd are intelligent and active dogs. They both are peace-loving dogs and are a lot affectionate. 

But if you are buying a dog among them, you must consider many factors. The factors like socialization skills and temperament will decide which will be best for your house. 

But do not forget that bringing a dog is fun and a responsible job. As an owner, you have to put a lot of effort into taking care of your dog and his diet. You also have to train them to listen to you when they get old.

Table of Contents

• About Australian Shepherd And Blue Heeler
  • Australian Shepherd
  • Blue Heeler
• Difference Between Blue Heeler And Australian Shepherd  
• Can You Train Blue Heeler? 

About Australian Shepherd And Blue Heeler

Australian Shepherd

The Australian Shepherd has been bred to be a working dog for farmers. Their qualities include being high-energy, intelligent, and independent. Additionally, the Australian Shepherd is strong and muscular, all hallmarks of a working dog. 

They have a thick, short coat usually found in red, black, or blue merle; the merle coloration can sometimes have white markings on their chest or face.

 Because these dogs are so agile and intelligent, you’ll only find them with longer coats in colder climates like Minnesota or Canada. They range from 20 to 23 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 45 to 60 pounds. 

Blue Heeler

The Blue Heeler is not a purebred but a mix between Australian Cattle Dogs and Jack Russell Terriers. These dogs are herding tools and great companions; they’re loyal, energetic, and very protective of their owners. 

They too have short, thick coats that range in colors like blue, merle, or red. While they may be similar in size to the Australian

Shepherd, usually between 15 to 20 inches at the shoulder, their bodies are a little stockier, an asset for herding jobs. 

Additionally, these puppies are considered easy-care dogs because their coats don’t shed as much as other dogs. 

Both Australian Shepherds and Blue Heelers make lovely companions for families. Blue Heelers weigh between 35 and 50 pounds, and like the Australian Shepherd, their coats are also easy-care with minimal shedding. Both dogs have a lot of energy but need plenty of exercises to stimulate them mentally.  

Difference Between Blue Heeler And Australian Shepherd

Different breeds of dogs have different temperaments and traits, so their canines will also vary. These breeds are distinct in one way or another. 

• Size And Weight

The difference between Blue Heeler and Australian Shepherd is that the Blue Heeler is medium-sized, weighing around 20-30 pounds, while the Australian Shepherd weighs approximately 65 lbs. The Blue Heeler is much smaller than the Australian Shepherd at about 16 to 22 inches tall. 

The blue heeler has a long, flowing mane reaching its hocks or ankles, while the Australian Shepherd sports shorter hair and markings. These two dogs also share similar traits, such as friendly-heartedness and intelligence.

• Regular Exercise 

Australian shepherds are less active than blue heelers, making them less demanding to exercise than the blue heeler breed. 

The Australian Shepherd is a breed that is well known for its confidence. They tend to bond quickly with their owners. In addition, blue heelers tend to be more obedient and trainable since they are excellent with children.

• Characteristics

The owner-dog relationship is a crucial factor for blue heelers and Aussies. Australian shepherds have a quieter demeanor than the Blue Heeler, which has an uncanny ability to have an off-the-chart bark that cannot be compared even with other dogs of the same breed. 

However, the Blue Heeler is also described as being mischievous. 

The most distinctive trait of a blue heeler is its intelligence and trainability compared to other dogs of the same breed. Because blue heelers can be trained easily, most dog owners prefer them over Australian shepherds. 

• Aggressive Level

Many people, including many dog breeders, are interested in finding which dog is more aggressive. Unfortunately, this can be difficult since many different behaviors are associated with aggression. 

One way to measure a dog’s propensity for aggression would be through genetics and personality types. Still, there is an entirely different answer you might find surprising if you ask who is more aggressive among Blue Heelers and Australian Shepherd dogs. 

The main difference between the two breeds is that the Australian Shepherd is a herd guard dog. Both breeds of dogs have very high activity levels and seem eager to please their owners. 

However, both breeds have tempers that flare up quickly when someone tries to take them from the leash or disturb them on the property. Unfortunately, most people do not realize what good watchdogs are. 

That is why you find most Australian Shepherds more aggressive than Blue heelers. Because of their herding instincts, the Australian Shepherd would rather chase a stranger away from their territory than let them see their dog. 

That is why you will find that many people use Aussies as guard dogs because of their fierce and territorial personalities.

The Blue Heelers, on the other hand, although not as aggressive as a lot of other guard dogs, have very high levels of activity, much like the Australian Shepherd dog. They are also good watchdogs because they don’t like being in the yard without a purpose. 

• Good Family Dog

Many factors decide whether one breed of dog is better than the other as a family dog. Some key points include size, temperament, smell, and even the owner’s preference. 

But according to the data and experts, Blue Heeler or the Australian cattle dog is considered the best family dog.

There are reasons why you should go for them as a family dog.

1. Independent – When you take on a pup from the Blue Heelers, you are not required to treat them like royalty. You do not need to buy any unique clothes or food for them or pay extra money for training. You will have to take it easy and allow them their space and time, which is another helpful thing about Blue Heelers. They are very independent dogs and know what they need at all times.

2. Better in the case of children – Blue Heeler also gets along well with children, whereas Australian Shepherd tends to be more reserved. Blue Heeler is friendly and playful with children and can even be friends with other pets, including rabbits. 

3. Loyal and excellent watchdog – They are also known for their loyalty to the family and are great for watching over the house. Blue Heelers are very protective animals and are a friendly breed. They love being around their owners but might bark at strangers near a household.

4. Adaptive dogs – Can adapt very well to many situations, including city or farm life. Blue Heeler dogs are also very athletic and intelligent, and you can make them learn quickly to do tricks or just simple tasks around the house. Many people who have a Blue Heeler consider themselves their best friends. 

The average male Blue Heeler dog height is about 17-23 inches tall, with males being larger than females. 

Because of their height, these dogs are good for apartments and houses, mainly indoors. In addition, blue Heelers have short hair, which requires little grooming and maintenance. 

Can You Train Blue Heeler?

The answer is yes. They responded well to the training. One of the most amazing things about Blue Heelers is how easily they train. Their intelligence means you can teach them in just a few short weeks.

They may be small dogs but take after their larger counterparts to be super smart. Since Blue Heelers are quite independent, training should start as early as possible since they can quickly become stubborn if left alone too much by their owners. 

Blue Heelers are loyal, bold, friendly, and courageous, making them the perfect watchdogs. Originally, Blue Heelers were used as shepherds, and Australian farmers used this breed to protect sheep from predators. 

Most Blue Heelers are used in police, military, and search and rescue due to their high activity levels. They are easy to train, independent, and loyal, making them an excellent choice for the type of family dog that loves the great outdoors. 

In addition, you can train them to follow a specific person or animal’s scent. The only problem with this is that they can be a bit too active- but again, because of their high levels of trainability, they’re excellent watchdogs.