Last Updated on February 16, 2023 by Becky Roberts
It is said that opposites attract, and this couldn’t be more true than with Blue Heeler Lab Mix. Blue Heeler Lab Mix. A Labrador’s friendly nature and training ability can be tempered by a Blue Heeler’s ferocious intellect to produce an animal that is smart enough to master anything, and sociable enough to desireto master it. It’s certainly a instance of two breeds coming together to create an attractive combination.
To comprehend the popularity in this Blue Heeler Lab mix, it is essential to understand the long background of the breed’s foundational. Labrador Retrievers as well as Blue Heelers might be different in their personality traits, but they have the same ancestry and have been devotedly supporting their owners during a tough working day for many years.
This means that the Blue Heeler Lab mix is not just the perfect working dog, but it is also an unwaveringly man’s best friend. Let’s examine each breed more in depth and then see the results when mixing them to create the Labraheeler.
Labrador Retriever
Contrary to what the name implies, Labrador Retrievers are not originated from Labrador in any way. They were breed in Newfoundland during the 1500s. They were originally called St. Johns Water Dogs and they were working on fishing vessels. Their task was to catch the fish from the trawl, and then pull it into the nets of fishing that were filled with fish. Their water-resistant coats were ideally suited to the long days of swimming in the cold North Atlantic waters. Their otter-shaped legs and tail were a great help to propel them along the ocean.
English Aristocrats started the rise of this breed in the early 1800’s , when they were spotted by British Dukes and Earls who were visiting Canada. They admired the breed’s powerful retriever’s instinct and calm manner to be the ideal traits to hunt fowl. The problem was that it was English who mistakenly attributed the origins of the dog with Labrador.
The dogs were referred to by the name of Labrador Retriever and the new name was affixed on that Newfoundlander breed. At the close of the 19 century century the English had honed the breed to the point that it was different of that of the St. Johns Water Dog and was considered to be a completely distinct breed.
The Labrador Retriever was officially admitted into The Kennel Club in 1903. The following year, it was a short time later that the Labrador Retriever made its appearance in the United States of America and gained popularity among hunters and farmers. The breed was incorporated to the American Kennel Club in 1917. Today Labrador Retrievers remain loyal companions for fishermen and hunters.
In 1991 in 1991, in 1991, the Labrador Retriever was ranked as the most popular breed of dog in America according to the American Kennel Club, and it has been on top of the chart since then, and with reasons that are well-founded too. Labs are known for their calm and jovial attitude. They are extremely adaptable and are easy to train. Labradors are also praised for extremely gentle, so kind that they can hold an egg that is raw inside their mouths without breaking it.
Their ability to train and their friendly nature make them an the perfect choice to work in public services. They are often employed by authorities for search and rescue, or for detection tasks. They also are a popular option for therapy dogs and service dogs. They are a very well-known breed that is mix together with different breeds frequently.
Blue Heeler
Blue Heelers, sometimes referred to by the name of Queensland Heelers or Australian Cattle Dogs, were created in the 1800’s- just as the English began to discover Labrador Retrievers. As Anglo-Australians moved further away out of the coastal region in Australia and discovered ideal land to raise cattle.
But the Smithfield Sheepdogs which were imported from Britain weren’t suited to the harsh temperatures, rugged terrain and the vastness of Australia. They were Smithfield Sheepdogs were crossed with Dingoes, a wild dog indigenous to Australia. This created a tough herding dog that is suited to the rough terrain.
But, Blue Heelers did not have their trademark appearance until after the brothers Harry as well as Jack Bagust introduced Dalmatians and Kelpies into the bloodline. Dalmatians provided Blue Heelers with their distinctive speckles and aptitude to work with horses, an essential characteristic for ranchers. Kelpies brought the black and tan marks as well as extreme intelligence and courage around large animals such as cattle.
It was the result of a tough and intelligent dog that who was able to work for long periods in the harsh climate of Australia. Blue Heelers played a key role in the growth of Australia’s cattle industry, which played a significant role in the early expansion of the economy of Australia.
The Blue Heeler wasn’t acknowledged as a breed by The American Kennel Club until 1980 , and it was not recognized as a member of The Kennel Club until 1985. In the present, Blue Heelers are still well-loved dogs on ranches and farms due to their dedication to work and instinct to herd. It is reported that the Pittsburg Zoo even trained two Blue Heelers to help herd elephants away from the Zookeepers to allow them to safely operate within the enclosure.
The official American Kennel Club Standard of the Australian Cattle Dog states that Blue Heelers should always remain alert and committed to their job. But their intellect and bravery could make it difficult for trainers to work with them. Blue Heelers are notoriously stubborn and can get bored quickly.
With these strong herding instincts Blue Heeler pups are susceptible to mouthy behavior and their instinct to protect makes them cautious of strangers, making early socialization is essential. Blue Heelers are most content when they’re at their humans’ side, however they may struggle with separation anxiety. But, with the right training there is no more loyal pet.
Mixing the Two
Although crossbreeding can result in a variety of outcomes in the dog’s temperament and behavior, the Blue Heeler Lab mix is certain to be a fiercely loyal to their family and work. A perfect Blue Heeler Lab mix will contain the best qualities of the two breeds. They’ll be smart and eager to please that will enable them to be taught to perform a variety of difficult tasks.
They’ll also be brave and vigilant and vigilant, keeping an watch on their families and displaying a relaxed attitude with strangers. Because Blue Heeler Lab mixes are typically brave and adaptable They be a great travel companion and can be able to adapt quickly to different surroundings and circumstances.
Characteristics:
- A medium-sized to large dog
- The height ranges from 17 to 23 inches at the shoulder
- It weighs between 40 and 60lbs.
- A wide range of coat colors, however most often red, yellow blue, or black.
- A wide range of coat patterns, including speckles, patches, black and Tan markings
- It can have either floppy ears or pointed ears. any combination of them.
- The average lifespan is between 10 and 15 years.
Exercise
Because both Labrador Retrievers as well as Blue Heelers are energetic dogs and are highly energetic, a Blue Heeler Lab combination is likely to require plenty of exercising every day. Both breeds were designed to endure long hours of work, and are notorious for their destructive behavior when they are stuffed with energy. If you’re seeking a dog who can sleep all daylong, this breed isn’t the one for you. The Blue Heeler Lab mix will be the most content when they have an occupation.
Regular, intense, and consistent exercising is essential to ensuring a tranquil family. In the early years of their lives the Blue Heeler Lab mix should be exercising for at least two hours every day. Fortunately that a Blue Heeler Lab mix could be interested in a wide range of activities based on the traits they acquire from their parents.
Certain Blue Heeler Lab mixes will play endless fetch or swimming, and certain breeds will show more herding instincts. These breeds are great farm dogs, as well as an accompanying dog for hunters or hikers.
Tips on Keeping Your Blue Heeler Lab Mix Fit and Happy
- Divide the two hours of workout in brief, intense sessions during the course of your morning. Blue Heeler Lab mixes are able to recover quickly So, even when you wear your dog out early in the day you can expect them to be excited again later in the afternoon.
- Utilize these sessions to benefit you. Exercising your Blue Heeler Lab mix prior to when you go to work in the morning can aid in reducing separation anxiety and destructive behavior that is a result of pent-up energy. Exercise prior to a session can help settle your dog’s mind so that they are able to focus on the commands you give them. Doing a workout prior to bedtime will aid in settling them to sleep.
- Participate in canine sports with your dog. Blue Heeler lab mixes could be a success in any dog sport or activity, like flyball or agility and nose-work, obedience dock jumping, rally. These activities aren’t just an enjoyable way to wear out your dog, but they can also boost the confidence of a dog and build a stronger relationship between dog and the owner.
- Meet fitness goals and conquer them together. Blue Heeler Lab mixes make great biking or running companions! Get two birds in one stone by working out your dog while achieving your fitness goals for the day simultaneously.
Training
The possibilities for the potential of a Blue Heeler Lab mix is virtually limitless. They are smart enough to master anything and are energetic enough to keep pace with the most hectic of household. But, these powerful active dogs can benefit from early socialization and obedience training. Their intelligence is high, which can lead Blue Heeler Lab mixes to be bored and destructive.
Therefore, even though physical activity can exhaust their bodies but training is essential to exhaust their minds. The mixes may inherit a severe determination due to their Blue Heeler origins and could often test their boundaries. They will recall a time in their lives where they could to do something without consequence and it is essential to ensure that the training process is constantly strengthened.
Intelligent dogs can get bored when they are doing the same thing often, which is why training at short intervals, several times throughout the day can keep an Blue Heeler Lab mix from getting distracted from their work. Engaging in a variety of activities can help to keep Blue Heeler Lab mixes mentally engaged and build a strong bond with their owners.
Socialization is crucial to reduce any instincts of protection that Blue Heeler Lab mixes might have acquired. The most important time for socialization in the puppy’s first 7 weeks between 7 weeks and 4 months. In this period the puppy needs to be exposed to a broad range of people, locations and animals, in order that the puppy is at ease in any environment. But, they can benefit from socialization at any time.
With understanding, patience, and the guidance of a seasoned dog trainer, dogs that did not get the privilege of being socially supervised as puppies can be well-rounded members of any family.
Health
When the breed is thoroughly screened for genetic predisposition diseases and genetic conditions, it is likely that the Blue Heeler Lab mix should be a healthy dog overall. The ailments that Labrador Retrievers are risk of are usually eliminated when they are mixed with the more robust bloodline from Blue Heelers. Blue Heeler. They are also less susceptible to obesity because of the Blue Heeler’s higher metabolism.
Two conditions to which Blue Heeler Lab mixes particularly are susceptible to:
- hip Dysplasia is an underlying skeletal disorder in which the hip socket does not completely cover the ball portion of the thigh bone’s upper portion. The condition is more prevalent in giant and large breeds of dogs, however, it is also seen in smaller-medium size dogs too. The hip Dysplasia can cause the joint to gradually deteriorate as time passes until the dog ceases to the function of the joint completely. It is a genetic condition which can be controlled through genetic screening.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a degenerative condition which can eventually cause blindness. There is an early-onset form that is seen in puppies aged between 2 and 3 months as well as a late-onset type that is seen between 3 and 9 years old. Similar to Dysplasia the hereditary disorder can be controlled through genetic screening.
Grooming
It is a Blue Heeler Lab mix is easy to groom. They have a double-layered coat that requires only brushing every two weeks during the shed seasons. An occasional bath can help to lessen any smell that they get from running in the sun. When their ears appear pointing, they’ll require a regular cleaning of their ears since their ear canals are not shielded from dirt. As with all dogs, their nails must be cut regularly and their teeth must be cleaned to prevent dental decay later on in the course of their lives.
Final Thoughts
Blue Heeler Lab mixes are robust, active dogs that can thrive in a work environment. They’re highly skilled and are able to handle many different tasks, however they need lots of physical and mental stimulation to keep them entertained.
Blue Heeler Lab mixes would be an ideal companion for those who love the outdoors. With the right training, they’ll be a loyal and dedicated pet for the family.
