Pit Heeler

also known as Red Terrier, Bull Pit Heeler, Bull Heeler, Queensland Pit, Red Pit Cattle Terrier, Blue Terrier, Blue Pit Cattle Terrier

Breed Information


Type

Is Pit Heeler a purebred?

Cross Breed

Purpose

What were Pit Heelers originally used for?

Companion

Lifespan

How Long Do Pit Heelers Live? What is average life expectancy for a Pit Heeler? How long can Pit Heelers live?

11-15 years

The average Pit Heeler lifespan is somewhere between 11-15 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Pit Heeler Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Pit Heeler?

What is the average height of a Pit Heeler? How big is a Cross Breed Pit Heeler height? Pit Heeler dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 17-24 inches (43.2 - 61 cm) 9.5 inches (24.1 cm) 13.0 inches (33 cm) 17.0 inches (43.2 cm)
Female 17-24 inches (43.2 - 61 cm) 9.5 inches (24.1 cm) 13.0 inches (33 cm) 17.0 inches (43.2 cm)
What is the average weight of a Pit Heeler? How much should Pit Heelers weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 30-60 pounds (14 - 27 kg) 22.5 pounds (10 kg) 33.0 pounds (15 kg) 38.5 pounds (17 kg)
Female 30-60 pounds (14 - 27 kg) 22.5 pounds (10 kg) 33.0 pounds (15 kg) 38.5 pounds (17 kg)
Hypoallergenic

Are Pit Heelers Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the Pit Heeler is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is a Pit Heeler personality? What are Pit Heeler dogs best known for?

Active
Stubborn
Clownish
Protective
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Obedient
Loyal
Strong
Willed
Aggressive
Hard working
Resourceful

Shedding Level

Are Pit Heelers heavy shedders? How Much Does a Pit Heeler Shed?

Pit Heeler dogs are not heavy shedders, but they will lose a significant amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your Pit Heeler. This will remove loose hair and keep his coat growing in the same direction.

Breed History


Ancestry

What are Pit Heelers descended from?

Blue Heeler and American Pit Bull Terrier

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Pit Heeler breed?

DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.

Date of Birth

When were Pit Heelers first bred? How old is the Pit Heeler breed?

Unknown

Pit Heeler Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Pit Heeler eyes?

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Pit Heeler nose be naturally?

Blue
Black
Brown

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Pit Heeler coat be naturally?

Blue
Black
Brindle
White
Red
Fawn
Sable
Brown

Coat Length

How long is a Pit Heelers coat?

The coat of a Pit Heeler dog ranges in length from short to medium.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Pit Heeler Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Pit Heeler?

Wavy

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Pit Heeler have in a litter? How many puppies can a Pit Heeler have in her first litter?

5-8 puppies per pregnancy

A Pit Heeler can have a litter of 5-8 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Pit Heeler dogs generally adapt well to changes in lifestyle and different living environments, but it is considered as an average level of adaptability compared to other breeds.

Pit Heeler Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Pit Heelers have a lot of health problems?

The Pit Heeler is generally considered to be healthy. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues and it is important to keep an eye out for them and address them with your veterinarian as needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Pit Heeler?

Hip Dysplasia

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Pit Heelers?

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Occasional Diagnoses

Congenital Heart Defect

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Pit Heeler breed?

X-Rays
Physical Examination
Radiographs
Electroretinogram

Pit Heeler Needs and Activities


Social Needs

Do Pit Heelers need socialization? How social are Pit Heelers?

Pit Heelers have average social needs compared to other breeds. They are known to be less active and independent than other breeds, and they are content with spending time alone and with their human family.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Pit Heeler have? Do Pit Heelers sleep a lot?

Pit Heelers dogs are tend to sleep less than other breeds, but they still require adequate sleep to maintain good health.

Mouthiness

Are Pit Heelers mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Pit Heeler running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Pit Heeler dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do Pit Heelers enjoy doing? How do I keep my Pit Heeler busy?

Playdate, Play, Run, Chase, Kayaking, Go to Beach, Bike ride, Boat ride, Walk, Fetch, Hike, Swim, Enter show, Go on Vacation, Hide & Seek, Dog Parks, Sleeping, Attention, Nose work, Wondering, Cuddling, Car rides, Eating Snacks, Walking, Tug-of-war, Napping, Socializing, Tummy rubs, Shopping, Walks

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Pit Heeler? How much energy does a Pit Heeler have?

High

Pit Heelers are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Pit Heeler walk each week? How many miles should a Pit Heeler walk every week?

10 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Pit Heeler, it's at least 10 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Pit Heeler should exercise a day? How much activity does a Pit Heeler need?

45 minutes

In general most Pit Heelers usually need at least 45 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Pit Heeler?

The Pit Heeler is a breed of dog that does not require extensive grooming.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Pit Heeler?

Weekly

Pit Heeler should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Pit Heelers?

Pin Brush
Scissors
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Pit Heeler eat?

2.5 cups

For an average 30-60 pound (14 - 27 kg) Pit Heeler feed 2.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Pit Heeler Cost Daily?

$1.70 - $2.00 / day

The average cost of a Pit Heeler is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Pit Heeler Cost Per Month?

$48 - $63 / month

The average per month expenses of a Pit Heeler is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Pit Heeler Characteristic


Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Pit Heeler dog?

This dog breed is more sensitive than others and easily overwhelmed by new surroundings and people. They need gentle handling and a calm, stable home environment with positive reinforcement training.

Apartment Friendly

Do Pit Heeler do well in apartments? Are Pit Heelers good indoor dogs?

It's not recommended to keep the Pit Heeler in an apartment, but this breed make good apartment dogs as long as they get to spend a good amount of time outside of the apartment. Pit Heelers living in apartments will need plenty of physical exercise and stimulation throughout the day to remain happy and well-behaved.

Child Friendly

Are Pit Heelers good with kids? Are Pit Heelers good around children?

Pit Heelers are average friendly dogs towards children.

Senior-friendly

Are Pit Heelers good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Pit Heelers good with cats? How friendly Pit Heelers are toward cats?

Pit Heelers are below average friendly toward cats. But with the right training and socialization, Pit Heelers can be good with cats,

Dog Friendly

Do Pit Heeler dogs get along with other dogs? Are Pit Heelers OK with other dogs?

Pit Heelers are below average dog friendly dogs. Pit Heeler dogs may not always get along well with other dogs they have not been raised with,

Pet friendly

How do Pit Heeler dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Pit Heelers friendly with strangers?

Pit Heelers are average friendly around strangers. They can be wary around strangers and a little standoffish. Early socialisation is key.

Playfulness

Do Pit Heelers like to play? Are Pit Heelers playful?

Pit Heelers are known to be highly playful dog. So if you're not up for all that, think about adopting a slightly older Pit Heeler for a mellower experience.

Trainability

Are Pit Heeler easily trained?

Pit Heeler dogs are known for their ease of training and ability to learn quickly, making them a popular choice for pet owners and trainers alike.