A Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix dog has one German Shepherd Dog parent, and one Australian Cattle Dog parent. This is an incredibly intelligent and loyal hybrid. They are friendly and loving to their families, but wary of strangers and make great watchdogs. Positive training, plenty of exercise, supervision and companionship are essential to keep these active, energetic working dogs happy.
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Where Do They Come From?
This is a relatively new crossbreed, with a limited history. However, we can look to the parent breeds to learn more about these dogs. Both the German Shepherd and the Blue Heeler share a similar history. Both were bred to be herding dogs, primarily to be used on cattle ranches.
In the late 1800’s, a German named Captain Max von Stephanitz bred the original German Shepherd to be the best herding dog Germany had ever seen. He then spent the next 35 years refining the breed, while promoting it and forming the first German Shepherd club in existence.
As commercial husbandry took over, and the need for herding dogs declined, the German Shepherd retained its role as a working dog. It quickly became a top choice for law enforcement agencies, who appreciated the breed’s fierce loyalty, intelligence and agility.
The Blue Heeler was also bred to herd cattle, but this time in Australia.The breed was developed through a complex mix of breeds including Collie, Dalmatian, Black and Tan Kelpie, and even a feral breed known as the Dingo.
Blue Heeler German Shepherd Mix Appearance
Like any mixed breed, the Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix can take on more characteristics from either parent breed. Thus, you could end up with a mix that looks more like a German Shepherd, or more like a Blue Heeler – and anywhere in between!
There is always some variability with mixed-breed dogs like this, so keep that in mind. With that said, we can look at the details of the parent breeds to get a good idea of the general appearance and size that a German Shepherd Blue Heeler mix might take on.
The German Shepherd is a large dog, weighing between 50 and 90 lbs and measuring 22-26 inches tall. The Blue Heeler is short and stocky and generally smaller, at 35-50 pounds and a typical 17-20 inches tall.
Thus, you can expect your Australian Cattle Dog German Shepherd mix to be somewhere in the middle – around 40-80 pounds, and 19-25 inches tall. Again, this varies from dog to dog and is difficult to predict!
As far as their coats, both parent breeds have thick double coats to protect them from the elements. The GSD’s is a medium length, while the ACD’s is generally short.
Both dogs tend to shed a lot, particularly in the spring as they prepare for the warmer months.
Temperament Traits
The German Shepherd has a confident, intelligent and courageous temperament. On the other hand, the Blue Heeler has an alert, curious and watchful personality. Both are extremely loyal and protective.
These tendencies can be both positives and negatives at the same time. For instance, the mix’s tendency to guard and protect their family makes them great watchdogs, but can also make them very distrustful of (or even aggressive towards) strangers.
Their intelligence and confidence makes them able to accomplish incredible feats, but can also make them stubborn and difficult to train. In short, this mix needs an experienced owner.
If not properly trained and socialized, this breed can be aggressive and is prone to guarding tendencies. Early and frequent socialization is very important!
One need only to look at the purpose these dogs were bred for, and what they are used for today. Both breeds are herding dogs for large animals, designed to both herd and protect large groups of big animals. They are excellent at what they do, but these instincts can make them difficult to keep in domestic situations.
Do They Make Good Family Dogs?
This breed can make for a good family pet, for the right situation.
While they are generally okay around children, they should always be supervised. The Blue Heeler’s tendency to herd can lead to them nipping children as they run, and the GSD’s aggression can potentially cause problems.
That said, this mix can also make for a loving, and fiercely loyal, companion dog. When push comes to shove, they will not hesitate to protect their family, making them excellent watch dogs. For experienced owners, this breed can make for a good family pet.
Training
The Blue Heeler GSD mix is a very intelligent dog that can be taught to do just about anything. With that said, they are definitely not the easiest breed to train.
Training should start early, and be conducted often. Positive reinforcement training is the most effective way to train your dog.
Socialization is also important – both with other dogs, other animals, and with humans. This mix is not naturally outgoing. So, socialization is even more important than it is with many breeds.
Ideally your pup should be trained and socialized from a young age, for best results.
This is also a fairly high-energy breed that will need plenty of exercise. Aim for at least 2 long walks per day, and ideally mix in some higher-intensity exercise like running or hiking.
You should also seek to give your dog mental stimulation by giving them challenging tasks. The Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix loves to have a job to do!
Blue Heeler and German Shepherd Health
This mix is generally fairly healthy, with an expected lifespan of 11-14 years. Although, like any breed, some health concerns are possible.
The German Shepherd brings with it a high likelihood for back problems due to the intense slope of their back. You can visually see this in many GSD’s.
Hip and elbow dysplasia is also common in both breeds, as are certain eye problems and allergies.
Some of these conditions can be tested for, and some cannot. To maximize your chances of getting a healthy pup, try to source your dog from a reputable breeder, or adopt an adult dog.
Louise says
I adopted a dog from San Antonio, TX. They said she was a “shepherd mix” and she does look like a shepherd. But she has some blue heeler markings on her face and she is small for 5 months (maybe 27 pounds). I had her DNA done and it said 50% Blue Heeler, 25% German Shepherd, 17% Australian shepherd and 9% Husky. She is very passive. Loves all people and all other dogs. No aggression in her at all. I hope she stays that way. She is super high energy – I’ve never seen anything like it in my life which makes it difficult to train her. We did a puppy class and learned about half. She jumps on everyone with loving enthusiasm but people really hate that so I’m going to hire a private trainer. She does chew on me (will stop when I say “no biting”) but never actually bites in anger or frustration. I’ve always had giant breeds that were mellow. She’s a real challenge but very sweet. I hope she doesn’t get aggressive later!!!
Gina Cornell says
We adopted a German shepherd from San Antonio too and our vet said the same mix!
Mary says
Hello,
Just adopted an adorable heeler and we think he might be mixed with GSD. He is wild. We have never owned a dog before and we have set ourselves up for a challenge. He is 4 months ago and bites and nips at everything. We have tried everything from distraction methods to sound reinforcement—nothing seems to work. We have contained the bites and nips to him not drawing blood and for the most part he knows when he’s taking it too far with his bites. He’s very energetic and playful. He loves attention and belly rubs. He’s adorable, but the mouthy bites are the biggest challenge with this breed. Good luck everyone 😇
Jenna says
We adopted our German shepherd / blue heeler / white Swiss shepherd puppy about a year ago. He was definitely a challenge to train – very stubborn. But with a ton of patience and repetition, we are through it and he is so delightful. So smart, so well trained, and so sweet. He absolutely loves all people (including our 1 year old niece) but can get a little over excited and does have some pretty bad leash aggression with other dogs. Such a lovable dogs, he wins everyone over.
Ashley D Zuras says
My puppy is about 9 1/2 weeks old now and her mom is a German Shepard with long hair and her dad is a red heeler. Alice looks like a red heeler with a lot of that red brown all over her back and sides. She shows traits from both parents. I’ve noticed more biting and aggressive sounding growls when I pick her up and she’s trying to bite or chew on my hand and I tell her NO. she will settle down after a few minutes of being crazy. Our kids (1.5 & 3) are not allowed to run or move quickly around her because of the herding and nipping. We use a house line (leash) on her to make it easier to get a hold of her around the children. Other then that she’s a great dog, clever and alert. She isn’t afraid of anything but rather quietly alert in new situations. While we walk she likes to walk around me, like a cattle dog. I encourage her to walk in a heel position sometimes. So far she’s doing great and it’s not too hard to handle her. I used to have Alaskan Malamutes, Danes/Akitas, and small dogs too. She has been the easiest puppy in my 10 years of owning/training/fostering dogs of all sizes and ages.
Kara says
I acquired a mix from a rescue by accident. The listing was from a rescue here in CT, but did not mention anything about the two possible mixes, just said Sheppard mix. Well, we just did an EMBARK test and ours is 50% German Shepard, 24% poodle (not a chance, we do not see any traits), 24% Australian cattle dog and 1% wolf. She was found on Christmas day 2019 in Mission, TX. We finally got her in our love home on February 1st.
Lou says
We got one at 12 weeks old. He is half/half. He already had two owners and had some anxiety around new people. He is very smart but aggressive. Drawing blood and hard to control. He can be cute of course and gets command pretty fast but he is not crate trained and he is stubborn as you describe. My husband’s had dogs before no problem but we are a bit exhausted and challenged with this dog.
We are tryin positive training but he is stubborn and bites so hard we have to challenge his alpha-ness. Do you have specific exercises we can try with this breed to train him properly without going to the hospital for stitches? We have already seen a trainer and got general suggestions but not specific to the breed.
Thank you!
Dustin Altwein says
I have a 6 month old GSD and ACD mix.. very loving, smart , eager to learn, learns quickly and loyal but has shown some nipping tendencies of running children.. doesn’t try and hurt them by any means but can cause tripping Hazzards.. great companion dog up for anything and loves the water.
Dustin Altwein says
Oh and I’m in San Antonio Texas we adopted him.
Brandy says
Hope this isnt too weird. Saw your comment about your heeler/Shepard mix.
What state do you live in? I am trying to find where these cities might be located
Kara says
we acquired ours in Mission, TX
Atiny says
I have a GSD/Heeler. He’s got quite the personality. The only way to notice that he’s not a purebred shepherd is that he has light brown eyes and no tail. He’s quite interested in learning new tricks. He knows quite a few so far. I’d love to get him to catch a Frisbee. Too bad we can’t post pics in our comments
Barb Roudabush says
We have a purebred mix male. Best dog we ever owned and we have had some excellent German shepherds from Europe. We just purchased a female blue healer and plan on breeding. Pups will be quarter shepherd 3/4 heeler
Nat says
My dog Is 3/4 cattle dog and 1/4 German Shepherd. He’s good natured and loyal and we socialized him early so he likes dogs and people. He is smart and stubborn and can tend to nip my son when he gets excited. He loves walking in the bush and is good off the lead. I know I need to train him more and often feel guilty as we can be out all day. He’s an excellent guard dog, but it’s hard to calm him down sometimes.