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Texas Heeler Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Texas Heeler so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank213
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Texas Heeler dog profile picture
OriginUnited States flagUnited States
Other Names
What other names does the Texas Heeler have?
Aussie Shepherd Heeler
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Cross Breed

Texas Heeler Size and Weight

Size
Is a Texas Heeler small, medium or large dog?

How big do Texas Heeler get?

What is the average size of a Texas Heeler?

Medium
Weight
How much does the Texas Heeler weigh? How much should a Texas Heeler weight? What is the normal weight of a Texas Heeler? How much does a full-grown Texas Heeler weight?
25-50 pounds (11–23 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Texas Heeler?
37.5 pounds (11–23 kg)
Height
How tall is the Texas Heeler? Texas Heeler height:
17-22 inches (43–61 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Texas Heeler?
19.5 inches (43–61 cm)

Texas Heeler Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Texas Heeler puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a Texas Heeler in the United States? How much money is a Texas Heeler?

Where to buy a Texas Heeler with a good pedigree?

$200-$400
If you choose to purchase the Texas Heeler, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Texas Heeler for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Texas Heeler gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Texas Heeler? How many Texas Heeler are there in the world?
Average: The Texas Heeler is a commonly available dog breed. There is less risk of overbreeding compared to the very popular dogs.

Of course, they may be more popular in some countries, and inbreeding may occur, so be careful.

Texas Heeler Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Texas Heeler? Is the Texas Heeler breed dumb or smart?
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. They understand and remember new commands after an average of 25-40 repetitions.

The Texas Heeler ranks average in the intelligence ranking of dogs.

Trainability
Are Texas Heeler dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Texas Heeler?
Texas Heeler dogs are quite easy to train. Sometimes they can be challenging, but if you're consistent in teaching new commands they will obey for sure.
Watchdog Ability
Is Texas Heeler good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Texas Heeler dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, they will alert you, but observation isn't considered their main job.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Texas Heeler dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Texas Heeler dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. This breed doesn't hesitate to protect its territory so the Texas Heeler can be a good choice if you want an excellent guard dog. Keep calm and the Texas Heeler will take care of unwanted people or animals.

Texas Heeler Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Texas Heeler have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
StubbornObedientClever
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Texas Heeler sensitivity:
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. Soft punishment affects them emotionally. Texas Heeler dogs don't tolerate irregular daily routines, noisy households, and frequent guest visits really well.

They are receptive to their owner's emotions and make wonderful family companions.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Texas Heeler a good family dog?
High: Texas Heeler dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Aussie Shepherd Heeler need? Texas Heeler social needs:
Texas Heeler dogs are kinda antisocial. This breed doesn't like being around people all the time, they tolerate being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Texas Heeler to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Texas Heeler roam?
The wanderlust potential of the Texas Heeler is strong enough to escape from home. They have a strong desire for exploring the world. Safer to walk them on a leash unless you teach them how to get back to you on command.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Texas Heeler have high prey drive?
Texas Heeler dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. Cats or any other small animals might be in danger. It's a natural instinct, doesn't necessarily mean that Texas Heeler dogs are aggressive. Better to keep this breed on a leash.

Texas Heeler Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
Average: Texas Heelers, like any other dog breed, like playing. Sometimes they bark in excitement for playing, but they are not the most playful dog breed.
Barking
Do Texas Heeler dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Aussie Shepherd Heeler bark?
Low: The Texas Heeler barks none to minimal. Perfect choice if you prefer a quiet breed.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is Texas Heeler good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Texas Heeler in an apartment?
It is not recommended to keep the Texas Heeler breed in the home. It does best in the garden, but if you do want to keep it indoors, it should be exercised thoroughly with long daily walks, so you can keep the Texas Heeler indoors by introducing daily routines.

Texas Heeler Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Average: Texas Heeler dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Texas Heeler be left alone? How long can you leave a Texas Heeler alone?
Texas Heeler dogs handle alone time quite well. They are not prone to have separation anxiety.

Texas Heeler Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Texas Heeler has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a Texas Heeler? How much bite force does a Texas Heeler have? How strong is a Texas Heeler bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Texas Heeler bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Texas Heeler measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of a Texas Heeler is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Texas Heeler bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Texas Heeler bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train a Texas Heeler puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Texas Heeler, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the Texas Heeler bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, a Texas Heeler can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Biting Potential
Do Texas Heeler bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Aussie Shepherd Heeler? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Texas Heeler? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The Texas Heeler has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Texas Heeler do?
Texas Heeler dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Texas Heeler dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

Texas Heeler Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Texas Heeler dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
Texas Heelers tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds. Regular vet check-ups are needed.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Texas Heeler breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Texas Heeler breed? Most common health risks of Texas Heeler:
CataractsDeafnessEpilepsyProgressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Texas Heeler breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Texas Heeler see the vet?
Frequent
The Texas Heeler should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Texas Heeler dogs live? How old can a Texas Heeler be? What is the age limit of the Texas Heeler? How many years can the oldest Texas Heeler live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Texas Heeler?

How long is the lifespan of a Texas Heeler?

13-15 years
The average lifespan of Texas Heeler: 14 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. Dogs with a double coat of fur have a layer of fur that insulates their skin and helps protect them from the cold and the heat.

Texas Heeler Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Texas Heeler have? What is the activity level of the Texas Heeler?
Texas Heeler dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Texas Heeler need? How much exercise do Texas Heeler dogs require per day?

Do Texas Heeler dogs need a lot of exercises?

Texas Heeler dogs have an average exercise need. This breed is satisfied with short walks every weekday and a long ones on weekends.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Texas Heeler breed need?
Texas Heeler dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Texas Heeler Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Texas Heeler need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Texas Heeler breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Texas Heeler? How much food should I feed my Texas Heeler?
1 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Texas Heeler risk for obesity:
Average: The Texas Heeler has an average risk for obesity. Daily walks should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Texas Heeler weight regularly.

Texas Heeler Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Texas Heeler have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
DenseSmoothDouble
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Texas Heeler coats?
Black Blue White Brown
Grooming
How to groom the Texas Heeler and how often? How often should I take my Texas Heeler to the groomer?
Effortless: The Texas Heeler requires minimal grooming. Seasonal flea treatment is needed, but cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't necessary.

Ears and eyes should be cleaned sometimes to avoid infections. Texas Heeler is one of the best choices if you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of a high-maintenance dog.

Highly recommended for beginners.
Shedding Level
How much do Texas Heeler dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Aussie Shepherd Heeler? Do Texas Heeler dogs shed a lot?
Texas Heeler dogs shed moderately. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair that sheds. It mostly depends on their health status and breed type.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Texas Heeler need a bath? How often should you give a Texas Heeler a bath? Can I bathe my Texas Heeler every day?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. While a good bath every now and then is a great way to keep your buddy from becoming overly smelly, be mindful about overbathing.

Bathing will wash away your dog’s natural oils, while a simple brushing every few days should keep them clean.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Texas Heeler breed hypoallergenic?
No
Texas Heeler dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Low 🔽

The Texas Heeler has a low chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Texas Heeler drool?
The Texas Heeler is an average drooler. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Texas Heeler Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Texas Heeler dogs get along with other pets? Are Texas Heeler dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Texas Heeler dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Texas Heeler temperament with other people:
Texas Heeler dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Child Friendly
Are Texas Heeler dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Texas Heeler temperament with children:
Texas Heeler dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Cat Friendly
How well do Texas Heeler dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Texas Heeler breed live with a cat?
Texas Heeler dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Is Texas Heeler good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Texas Heeler dogs get along with other dogs?
Texas Heeler dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Texas Heeler breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Texas Heeler breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Texas Heeler dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Texas Heeler dogs good office canines? Do Texas Heeler dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Texas Heeler is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Texas Heeler dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Aussie Shepherd Heeler temperament with senior people? Are Texas Heeler dogs good for elderly owners?
Texas Heelers are commonly okay with elderly people.

Texas Heeler As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Texas Heeler be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Texas Heeler is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Texas Heeler be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Texas Heeler be an emotional support animal?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Texas Heeler is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Texas Heeler be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Texas Heeler is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Texas Heeler be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Texas Heeler is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Texas Heeler be a boat dog?

Not really

Texas Heeler breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Texas Heeler be a drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Texas Heeler is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Texas Heeler dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Texas Heeler Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a Texas Heeler pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Texas Heeler breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Texas Heeler: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Texas Heeler have in a litter? How many puppies can the Texas Heeler breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Texas Heeler have? How many puppies can a Texas Heeler give birth to?
4-6 puppies

Texas Heeler Recognition

AKC Group
Is Texas Heeler recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group
Is Texas Heeler recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Not recognized by FCI.
Breed Recognition
What kennel clubs and organizations recognize or register the Texas Heeler breed?
Dog Registry of America Inc.Animal Research FoundationAmerican Canine Hybrid Club

Texas Heeler Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Grooming: Effortless: The Texas Heeler requires minimal grooming.
  • Stinkiness: The Texas Heeler has a low chance of bad smell.
  • Tolerates Being Left Alone: Texas Heeler dogs handle alone time quite well.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Texas Heeler dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Cons
  • Health Issues: Texas Heelers tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
  • Hypoallergenic: Texas Heeler dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Apartment Friendly: It is not recommended to keep the Texas Heeler breed in the home.
  • Mouthiness: Texas Heeler dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: The wanderlust potential of the Texas Heeler is strong enough to escape from home.
  • Cat Friendly: Texas Heeler dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
  • Office Friendly: Texas Heeler is not the best dog breed for office environment.

Texas Heeler History

The History of the Texas Heeler

Although now it has become a very important dog breed in certain parts of the US, its reputation is far behind compared to its parents’ fame. We might as well say that this breed is relatively unknown. The Texas Heeler is a mixed breed dog, it’s a cross between the Australian Cattle dog and the Australian Shephard and inherited most of the best qualities from both of their parents.

The name Texas Heeler refers to the American state – Texas – where it is most likely to be found. Occasionally, there can be confusion about the name because some believe that the Texas Heeler is a nickname of the Australian Cattle Dog which is incorrect. The Australian Cattle Dog has a nickname though, it can be also found as Queensland Heeler or Blue Heeler while the Texas Heeler also runs by the name Texas Cattle Dog.

This breed is now quite popular, however, the exact origin is quite unclear because unfortunately there isn’t much-documented history about this hybrid dog. Most likely, some breeders in the US wanted to bring Australian herding dogs to Texas. They needed dogs with natural instincts to herd sheep and cattle effectively and because both parents are used almost exclusively for herding in Australia, they seemed to be an excellent choice for the breeding process. The result was a smart, hybrid, and highly energetic dog that is suited for the role of the pet as well as a working dog. One interesting fact about these dogs is that they have some Dingo blood in them as a result of the breeding of the Australian Cattle dog. In order to increase the toughness of the dogs, they were bred with the native Dingo.

It was first registered as a breed in the early 1970s to the Dog Registry of America by Lucy Guynes. But because it is a crossbreed and does not meet the standards that pure breeds must meet it is not recognized by any major Kennel Club in the US.

Remember, this is a mixed-breed dog, therefore you can find them in shelters as well. Consider adopting instead of shopping.

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