Australian Cattle Dog VS Blue Heeler, what’s the difference? Well, there is no difference, except possibly color.
Australian Cattle Dogs and Blue Heelers are exactly the same dog. The term Blue Heeler refers to Australian Cattle Dogs that are blue in color. Australian Cattle Dogs that are red in color are called Red Heelers.
This is an explanation including a pictorial guide of all possible colors and variations.
When an Australian Cattle Dog has black hair instead of brown hair he is also known as a Blue Heeler.
Australian Cattle Dog VS Blue Heeler-What’s the Difference?
The official name is Australian Cattle Dog but they are also known as Blue Heelers, Red Heelers, Queensland Heelers, and 200 years ago, were known as Hall’s Heelers.
Although there is always a temperament or personality difference possible between individual dogs, it has nothing to do with their color. Australian Cattle Dog VS Blue Heeler: Whatever is said about one applies to each.
Australian Cattle Dog VS Blue Heeler or Red Heeler-What's the difference? Let's go back to the beginning
During the early 1800s, on the Hall family stations in Australia, the emphasis was on raising good working dogs that were helpful to the drovers.
They turned out to be whatever color was genetically carried by those drover dogs used as breeding stock:
“British working dogs were bred for function, not for appearance. From what we know of the Halls Heelers descendants, all that can be said of their British ancestor(s) is that it was a blue mottled, bob-tailed working dog, a drovers dog of some kind.” Noreen Clark
What color is an Australian Cattle Dog
Robert Kaleski (1877-1961)
Robert Kaleski was an Australian writer and dog breeder in the late 1800s. He is credited with writing the original description of the Australian Cattle Dog that turned out to be the official breed standard. Until then, nothing existed as far as conformation or color requirements.
His explanations of correct conformation and acceptable colors are still pretty much intact today and promoted by the Australian Cattle Dog Club of America, the American Kennel Club and other prominent breed associations around the world.
Breed associations also have some requirements for “acceptable and unacceptable” colors and patterns in regards to showing. Be sure to check those associations out if that is your interest.
The colors that Kaleski described are:
- Blue
- Blue Speckle
- Blue Mottle
- Red Speckle
Australian Cattle Dog VS Blue Heeler-What’s the Difference?
Australian Cattle Dog Colors
Australian Cattle Dog VS Blue Heeler: All puppies are born solid white with the exception of dark spots which may be around the eyes, ears, or on the back and even the tail.
The dark spots will be black on a Blue Heeler and brown on a Red Heeler.
As they get older, the Blue Heeler puppy will start to get black hair growing in among the white hair. This is what gives the appearance of the blue color. Their blue will seem to be either lighter or darker depending on the amount of black hair that grows in. The Red Heeler puppy will have Brown hair grow into the white.
BLUE: Black hair has grown into the white hair.
Spader Faithful Frost is a beautiful example of the Blue Heeler’s black and white hair coat showing a black mask around the eyes. Credit Brett Spader at k9cowboys.com
BLUE SPECKLE: Black hair with clusters of small, irregular groups of white hair. (gives the appearance of having more black than white)
Silverbarn Ulfi is a beautiful Blue Heeler example of a Blue speckle coat pattern. He is a champion from Switzerland. Credit: Eva Holderegger Walser.
BLUE MOTTLE: Very small black spots throughout the white background. (gives the appearance of having more white than black)
Gravan Silverpark Blue du Shuunka Takan, a stunning Blue Heeler example of a Blue Mottle coat pattern. Credit Eva Holderegger Walser
RED SPECKLE: Brown hair has grown into the white.
Willowpark Whiz Kid, is a beautiful example of the Red Heeler color. Credits: Brett Spader, K9cowboys.com and Belinda Carter, Erudite Australian Cattle Dogs.
No matter what color they are, Australian Cattle Dogs are known to go through a super hyper stage that can be SO AGGRAVATING. If you are thinking about getting a Heeler puppy, or if you have one already and are ready to pull out your hair, check out this link to see how to help him calm down.
Color Variations
Australian Cattle Dog VS Blue Heeler
BODY SPOTS: Body spots of the respective color will usually be found around the eyes (Mask), on the back or sometimes on the tail. A Blue dog will have black spots and a Red dog will have Brown spots.
THE BENTLEY: The Bentley, Bentley spot or Bentley Star is the name given to the small white spot located on the forehead between the eyes and ears.
TAN: Tan colored hair can usually be seen under the chest, up around the lower neck and lips and running up the lower legs.
If you would like some more technical information on color genetics HERE is a link to Genetics of Coat Color and Type in Dogs
Australian Cattle Dog VS Blue Heeler
Blue Heeler and Australian Cattle Dog Characteristics
- Colors: Blue or Red
- Height: 17-20 inches
- Weight: 35-45 pounds
- Life span: 12-15 years
- Body style: muscular
- Group: Herding
- Very high energy
- Alert
- Active
- Curious
- Tireless
- Courageous
- Independent
- Tenacious
- Loyal
- Affectionate
- Mouthy
- Intelligent
- Intense
- Playful
- Cautious
- Protective
- Sturdy
- Tough
Australian Cattle Dog VS Blue Heeler: Regardless of color, Blue Heelers and Red Heelers are both officially called Australian Cattle Dogs.
Australian Cattle Dog VS Blue Heeler:
