Texas Heeler

also known as Aussie Shepherd Heeler

Pros Summary


The Texas Heeler is a crossbreed dog that is a mix between the Australian Cattle Dog and the Australian Shepherd. It is a medium-sized breed that is known for its intelligence, athleticism, and herding ability. It is generally good with children and makes an excellent family pet. The breed is not recognized by major kennel clubs, but it is gaining popularity as a companion pet and working dog. It is also known for its strong work ethic and ability to adapt to a variety of tasks and environments.

Breed Information


Type

Is Texas Heeler a purebred?

Cross Breed

Purpose

What were Texas Heelers originally used for?

Herding Cattle, Watchdog, Companion

Lifespan

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

13-15 years

The average Texas Heeler lifespan is somewhere between 13-15 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Texas Heeler Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Texas Heeler?

What is the average height of a Texas Heeler? How big is a Cross Breed Texas Heeler height? Texas Heeler dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 17-22 inches (43.2 - 55.9 cm) 9.5 inches (24.1 cm) 13.0 inches (33 cm) 16.0 inches (40.6 cm)
Female 17-22 inches (43.2 - 55.9 cm) 59.5 inches (151.1 cm) 13.0 inches (33 cm) 16.0 inches (40.6 cm)
What is the average weight of a Texas Heeler? How much should Texas Heelers weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 45-50 pounds (20 - 23 kg) 22.5 pounds (10 kg) 32.5 pounds (15 kg) 40.0 pounds (18 kg)
Female 45-50 pounds (20 - 23 kg) 22.5 pounds (10 kg) 32.5 pounds (15 kg) 40.0 pounds (18 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Texas Heelers get fat easily?

The Texas Heeler is a breed that has an average risk of becoming obese. Daily walks and a balanced diet of quality dry dog food can help maintain a healthy weight. An active lifestyle and monitoring weight regularly is recommended.

Hypoallergenic

Are Texas Heelers Hypoallergenic?

No

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

Temperament

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

Clever
Stubborn
Obedient

Shedding Level

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

Texas 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 Texas Heeler. This will remove loose hair and keep his coat growing in the same direction.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Texas Heeler dog?

The Texas Heeler dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, this breed will alert their owner.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Texas Heelers come from?

United States

Ancestry

What are Texas Heelers descended from?

Australian Shepherd and Australian Cattle Dog

Breed recognition

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

American Canine Hybrid Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Animal Research Foundation

Date of Birth

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

1970s

Texas Heeler Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Texas Heeler eyes?

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Texas Heeler nose be naturally?

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Texas Heeler coat be naturally?

Fawn
Blue
Black

Coat Length

How long is a Texas Heelers coat?

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

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Texas Heeler Coat?

Coat Texture

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

Straight

Litter Size

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

13-15 puppies per pregnancy

A Texas Heeler can have a litter of 13-15 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

Texas 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.

Texas Heeler Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Texas Heelers have a lot of health problems?

The Texas Heeler is a breed of dog that is known to have a higher frequency of health issues compared to other breeds. These issues can range from minor to serious, and regular check-ups with a veterinarian are essential in order to identify and address any potential problems as early as possible.

Major Concerns

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

Distichiasis
Elbow Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia
Osteochondritis Dissecans
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA)

Minor Concerns

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

Deafness
Cataracts
Epilepsy

Occasional Diagnoses

Osteosarcoma

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Texas Heeler breed?

Eye Examination
Blood Analysis
Hearing Tests
Full Body Physical Examination

Texas Heeler Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Texas Heelers have a lot of energy?

For those who lead a balanced lifestyle, Texas Heelers may be a good choice as they have an average energy level.

Social Needs

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

The Texas Heeler dog has below average social needs compared to other breeds. They are known to be independent and aloof, and they are content with spending time alone and not requiring as much interaction and companionship as other breeds.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Texas Heelers get?

The Texas Heeler dog requires a moderate amount of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. These breeds are ideal for people who have a moderate amount of time to devote to their pet and enjoy regular physical activity themselves. They also make great family pets as they have the energy to keep up with children and the temperament to be great companions.

Sleeping Need

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

The Texas Heeler breed is known for its moderate energy levels and normal sleep patterns, typically sleeping around 12-14 hours per day.

Drooling Tendency

Does a Texas Heeler drool a lot?

The Texas Heeler is known to be an average drooler among dog breeds. Drooling is the unintentional flow of saliva outside of the mouth and can be a normal characteristic of certain breeds or it can be a sign of a health problem. In the case of the Texas Heeler, it is a normal part of their physiology, however it is important to keep an eye on the amount of drooling and any changes in drooling patterns, as excessive drooling can be an indication of an underlying health issue and should be checked by a veterinarian.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Texas Heelers are known to bark very little or not at all. They tend to be very quiet and do not bark excessively. They may only bark in specific situations, such as when they need to alert their owner to something important or when they are in distress.

Territorial

Do Texas Heelers exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

These dogs are known for being extremely protective and make excellent guard dogs. They possess a strong instinct to defend their territory and owners and have a high level of vigilance and alertness.

Mouthiness

Are Texas Heelers mouthy?

Roaming urge

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

Prey Drive

Do Texas Heeler dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

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

Fetch, Road trip, Dog Parks, Shopping, Walk, Swim, Tug-of-war, Hide & Seek, Running, Training, Cuddles, Herding, Run, Walking, Cuddling, Tricks, Playdate, Run outside, Walks, Playing, Barking, Water, Digging, Eating Snacks, Bath time, Hiking, Snacking, Swimming, Learning tricks, Snuggles

Activity Level

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

High

Texas 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 Texas Heeler walk each week? How many miles should a Texas Heeler walk every week?

14 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Texas Heeler, it's at least 14 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

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

90 minutes

In general most Texas Heelers usually need at least 90 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 Texas Heeler?

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

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Texas Heeler?

Weekly

Texas 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 Texas Heelers?

Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Texas Heeler eat?

3 cups

For an average 45-50 pound (20 - 23 kg) Texas Heeler feed 3 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 Texas Heeler Cost Daily?

$1.70 - $2.00 / day

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

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Texas Heeler Cost Per Month?

$48 - $63 / month

The average per month expenses of a Texas 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.

Texas Heeler Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Texas Heeler?

Texas Heelers has average obedience intelligence. But, they're also independent thinkers. The Texas Heeler is a breed with an exceptionally high IQ and may get into mischief if left to their own devices.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Texas 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.

Affection Dependance

Are Texas Heeler dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

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

It's not recommended to keep the Texas 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. Texas Heelers living in apartments will need plenty of physical exercise and stimulation throughout the day to remain happy and well-behaved.

Child Friendly

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

Texas Heelers are average friendly dogs towards children.

Senior-friendly

Are Texas Heelers good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

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

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

Dog Friendly

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

Texas Heelers are average friendly towards other dogs. If they are raised with other dogs, they are likely to get along with them. And, if they are socialized properly from a young age, they will usually be great with other dogs.

Pet friendly

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

Stranger Friendly

Are Texas Heelers friendly with strangers?

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

Playfulness

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

Texas Heelers have an average level of playfulness. The Texas Heelers, like other dogs, like to play. But they are not the most playful dog breed.

Trainability

Are Texas Heeler easily trained?

Texas Heeler dogs are usually easy to train, but may require consistency to fully obey commands.