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Blue Heeler vs Australian Shepherd Comparison – Which dog is better Australian Cattle Dog or Little Blue Dog?

"Find similarities and differences between Blue Heeler vs Australian Shepherd" Compare Blue Heeler and Australian Shepherd. Which is better: Blue Heeler or Australian Shepherd?
 
 
 
Name Blue Heeler Australian Shepherd
OriginsAustralia flagAustralia United States flagUnited States
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank51817
Reviews27
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for Blue Heeler and Australian Shepherd. What other names are these breeds known by?
Australian Cattle Dog
Cattle Dog
Queensland Heeler
Red Heeler
Little Blue Dog
Aussie
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between a Blue Heeler and an Australian Shepherd. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Purebred Purebred

Blue Heeler vs Australian Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a Blue Heeler or an Australian Shepherd? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Medium Large
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a Blue Heeler and an Australian Shepherd. Which breed is heavier?
30-62 pounds (13-28 kg) Male: 50-65 pounds (25-29 kg), Female: 40-55 pounds (18-25 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
46 pounds (20.5 kg) Male: 57.5 pounds (27 kg), Female: 47.5 pounds (21.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Blue Heeler or Australian Shepherd? Is a Blue Heeler taller than an Australian Shepherd?
Male: 17-20 inches (43-51 cm), Female: 17-19 inches (43-48 cm) Male: 20-23 inches (52-58cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46–53 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 18.5 inches (47 cm), Female: 18 inches (45.5 cm) Male: 21.5 inches (55 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (46–53 cm)

Blue Heeler vs Australian Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a Blue Heeler and an Australian Shepherd. Which breed costs more?
$400-$800 $600-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Blue Heeler or Australian Shepherd?
Rare: You may rarely see each other in everyday life, but you might catch a glimpse of each other at dog shows.
Very frequent: The Australian Shepherd is quite easy to get.

Blue Heeler vs Australian Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a Blue Heeler or an Australian Shepherd? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
Smart: The Blue Heeler dogs have great intelligence.
See more.
Smart: The Australian Shepherd dogs have great intelligence.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a Blue Heeler or an Australian Shepherd? Compare training requirements.
Blue Heeler dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Australian Shepherd dogs are very easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a Blue Heeler or an Australian Shepherd? Compare alertness levels.
Blue Heeler dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Australian Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a Blue Heeler or an Australian Shepherd? Compare territorial behaviors.
Blue Heeler dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
Australian Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

Blue Heeler vs Australian Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a Blue Heeler and an Australian Shepherd. How do their temperaments differ?
Active
Protective
Alert
Intelligent
Hard working
Resourceful
Active
Loving
Protective
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Good-natured
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Blue Heeler vs Australian Shepherd?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Sensitive: Australian Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Blue Heeler vs Australian Shepherd?
Slightly Below Average: Blue Heeler dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.
See more.
Average to High: Australian Shepherd dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
See more.
Social Needs
Blue Heeler vs Australian Shepherd social needs comparison:
Blue Heeler dogs are kinda antisocial.
See more.
Australian Shepherd dogs are a social breed.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Blue Heeler vs Australian Shepherd?
The wanderlust potential of the Blue Heeler is strong enough to escape from home.
See more.
Australian Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Blue Heeler vs Australian Shepherd? Which can be better for hunting?
Blue Heeler dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.
Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

Blue Heeler vs Australian Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a Blue Heeler or an Australian Shepherd? Compare vocalization tendencies.
Low to Average: The Blue Heeler rarely barks.
See more.
Low to Average: The Australian Shepherd rarely barks.
See more.
Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a Blue Heeler or an Australian Shepherd? Compare play drive and energy.
The Blue Heeler is a highly playful breed.
See more.
The Australian Shepherd is a highly playful breed.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a Blue Heeler or an Australian Shepherd? Compare living space needs.
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Blue Heeler breed.
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Australian Shepherd indoors.

Blue Heeler vs Australian Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a Blue Heeler or an Australian Shepherd? Compare adaptability levels.
Average: Blue Heeler dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Australian Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Blue Heeler or Australian Shepherd?
Blue Heeler dogs handle alone time quite well.
Australian Shepherd dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Blue Heeler vs Australian Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: a Blue Heeler or an Australian Shepherd? Compare biting tendencies.

Low 🔽

The Blue Heeler has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Australian Shepherd has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a Blue Heeler or an Australian Shepherd? Compare mouthing behaviors.
Blue Heeler dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Which has a stronger bite: a Blue Heeler or an Australian Shepherd? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Blue Heeler bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Australian Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Blue Heeler vs Australian Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a Blue Heeler or an Australian Shepherd? Compare average lifespans.
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Blue Heeler: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Australian Shepherd: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a Blue Heeler or an Australian Shepherd? Compare climate tolerances.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Australian Shepherd can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between a Blue Heeler and an Australian Shepherd. Which breed is healthier?
Blue Heelers are commonly healthy dogs.
The Australian Shepherd is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Blue Heeler vs Australian Shepherd?
Rare
The Blue Heeler should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Average
The Australian Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Blue Heeler vs Australian Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Blue Heeler vs Australian Shepherd health problems comparison:
No data available Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Deafness
Drug Sensitivity
Elbow Dysplasia
Distichiasis
Collie Eye Anomaly
Detached Retina
Nasal Solar Dermatitis
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Persistent Pupillary Membranes

Blue Heeler vs Australian Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: a Blue Heeler or an Australian Shepherd? Compare activity levels.
Blue Heeler dogs are high-energy dogs.
Australian Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Blue Heeler vs Australian Shepherd exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Blue Heeler or Australian Shepherd? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Blue Heeler dogs need a lot of exercises.
Australian Shepherd dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Blue Heeler or Australian Shepherd?
Blue Heeler dogs don't need too much sleep.
Australian Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.

Blue Heeler vs Australian Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a Blue Heeler or an Australian Shepherd? Compare obesity risks.
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Blue Heeler's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Australian Shepherd's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: a Blue Heeler or an Australian Shepherd? Compare daily food needs.
1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Blue Heeler vs Australian Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a Blue Heeler or an Australian Shepherd? Compare allergy friendliness.
No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Blue Heeler and Australian Shepherd? Compare breed colors.
Blue
Red speckled
Blue speckled
Blue Mottled
Red Mottled
Black
Red
Blue
Merle
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a Blue Heeler or an Australian Shepherd? Compare maintenance needs.
Effortless: The Blue Heeler requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Average: The Australian Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a Blue Heeler or an Australian Shepherd? Compare drooling amounts.
The Blue Heeler is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Australian Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: a Blue Heeler or an Australian Shepherd? Compare natural smell levels.

Medium

The Blue Heeler has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Australian Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between a Blue Heeler and an Australian Shepherd? Compare fur types.
Dense Feathered
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a Blue Heeler or an Australian Shepherd? Compare bathing frequencies.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Blue Heeler or Australian Shepherd? Do Blue Heeler dogs shed more than Australian Shepherd dogs?
Blue Heeler dogs shed moderately.
See more.
Australian Shepherd dogs shed moderately.
See more.

Blue Heeler vs Australian Shepherd Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a Blue Heeler or an Australian Shepherd? Compare kid-friendliness.
Blue Heeler dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Australian Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Blue Heeler dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Australian Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Blue Heeler or Australian Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly?
Blue Heeler dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Australian Shepherd dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Blue Heeler or Australian Shepherd?
Blue Heeler dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Australian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Blue Heeler or Australian Shepherd? Can a Blue Heeler and an Australian Shepherd be friends? Do Blue Heeler dogs get along with Australian Shepherd dogs?
Blue Heeler dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Australian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Blue Heeler vs Australian Shepherd?
Yes
Blue Heeler dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Australian Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Blue Heeler is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Australian Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Blue Heelers are not the best breed for elderly people.
Australian Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Blue Heeler vs Australian Shepherd As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a Blue Heeler or an Australian Shepherd? Compare service capabilities.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: a Blue Heeler or an Australian Shepherd? Compare therapy capabilities.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: a Blue Heeler or an Australian Shepherd? Compare scenting abilities.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential
Which is better for search and rescue: a Blue Heeler or an Australian Shepherd? Compare SAR abilities.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Which is better on boats: a Blue Heeler or an Australian Shepherd? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

Blue Heeler breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Australian Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: a Blue Heeler or an Australian Shepherd? Compare draft work capabilities.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.
Military Service Background
Compare military history between Blue Heeler and Australian Shepherd. Which has stronger military background?

Not really

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

Not really

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

Blue Heeler vs Australian Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Blue Heeler and Australian Shepherd. Which has larger litters?
1-7 puppies 6-9 puppies, average 7
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Blue Heeler and Australian Shepherd breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Blue Heeler and Australian Shepherd. Which needs longer recovery?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Blue Heeler vs Australian Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Blue Heeler and Australian Shepherd. Which groups do they belong to?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1991 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Blue Heeler and Australian Shepherd. Which groups are they in?
Not recognized by FCI. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Blue Heeler and Australian Shepherd. Which is more widely recognized?
No data available American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Australian Shepherd Club Of America

Rate This Comparsion - Blue Heeler vs Australian Shepherd

Reviews

  • Bob R

    Apr 26, 2024, 5:59:36 AM:

    Excellent information