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Border Heeler Information & Dog Breed Facts

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

Group Designer Dogs
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OriginEngland flagEngland Australia flagAustralia Scotland flagScotland Wales flagWales
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Cross Breed Border Collie and Australian Cattle Dog mix

Border Heeler Size and Weight

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

How big do Border Heeler get?

What is the average size of a Border Heeler?

LargeMedium
Weight
How much does the Border Heeler weigh? How much should a Border Heeler weight? What is the normal weight of a Border Heeler? How much does a full-grown Border Heeler weight?
30-62 pounds (13-28 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Border Heeler?
46 pounds (20.5 kg)
Height
How tall is the Border Heeler? Border Heeler height:
Male: 19-22 inches (48-56 cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46-53 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Border Heeler?
Male: 20.5 inches (52 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (49.5 cm)

Border Heeler Price and Availability

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

Where to buy a Border Heeler with a good pedigree?

$600-$800
If you choose to purchase the Border 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 Border Heeler for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Border Heeler gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Border Heeler? How many Border Heeler are there in the world?
Very frequent: The Border Heeler is quite easy to get. There is a risk of overbreeding, as it is an extremely popular breed.

Inbreeding is common because of its popularity. A new study suggests that inbreeding contributes to the incidence of disease and health problems.

So be careful, buy from a trustworthy place or kennel and seek the help of an experienced person, a professional, to make the right decision.

Border Heeler Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Border Heeler? Is the Border Heeler breed dumb or smart?
Outstanding: Border Heeler is one of the brightest dog breeds. They desire to learn tricks and commands often. The limit is your creativity. They understand and memorize new commands in fewer than 5 repetitions. This breed obeys the first command 95% of the time or better.

The Border Heeler is one of the best breeds in the dog intelligence ranking.

Trainability
Are Border Heeler dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Border Heeler?
Border Heeler dogs are easy to train. They find out the association between commands and actions quite quickly.
Watchdog Ability
Is Border Heeler good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Border Heeler dogs are one of the best watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're very consistent in their effort. The best vocal cords and sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're very territorial and protective about their property, so the Border Heeler dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Border Heeler dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Border Heeler dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. This breed doesn't hesitate to protect its territory so the Border Heeler can be a good choice if you want an excellent guard dog. Keep calm and the Border Heeler will take care of unwanted people or animals.

Border Heeler Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Border Heeler have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
EnergeticProtectiveAlertIntelligentResponsiveLoyalAggressiveTenacious
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Border Heeler sensitivity:
Sensitive: Border Heeler dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.

This breed's emotional level reflects their owner's feelings and they don't handle punishments well.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Border Heeler a good family dog?
Average to High: Border Heeler dogs are highly affectionate dogs. They like being involved in the family's life. This breed isn't considered an aloof dog.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Border Heeler need? Border Heeler social needs:
Border Heeler dogs are a social breed. They enjoy being around people or other animals. This breed doesn't tolerate being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Border Heeler to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Border Heeler roam?
The wanderlust potential of the Border 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 Border Heeler have high prey drive?
Border 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 Border Heeler dogs are aggressive. Better to keep this breed on a leash.

Border Heeler Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
The Border Heeler is a highly playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play.
Barking
Do Border Heeler dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Border Heeler bark?
Low to Average: The Border Heeler rarely barks. This breed could be a good choice if you're looking for a quiet breed. They don't bark unless there is a good reason.

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

Apartment Friendly
Is Border Heeler good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Border Heeler in an apartment?
It is not recommended to keep the Border 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 Border Heeler indoors by introducing daily routines.

Border Heeler Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Border Heeler dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Border Heeler be left alone? How long can you leave a Border Heeler alone?
Border Heeler 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.

Border Heeler Bite Characteristics

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

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Border Heeler bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Border Heeler measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of a Border Heeler is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Border Heeler bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Border 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 Border Heeler puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Border 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 Border 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 Border Heeler can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

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

Low 🔽

The Border 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 Border Heeler do?
Border Heeler dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Border Heeler dogs need to be taught a good attitude. We have compiled a list of Mouthy Dog Breeds.

Border Heeler Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Border Heeler dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
The Border Heeler is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Border Heeler breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Border Heeler breed? Most common health risks of Border Heeler:
Hip Dysplasia AllergiesProgressive retinal atrophy (PRA)EpilepsyDeafnessCollie Eye AnomalyOsteochondrosis Dissecans
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Border Heeler breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Border Heeler see the vet?
Average
The Border Heeler should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Border Heeler dogs live? How old can a Border Heeler be? What is the age limit of the Border Heeler? How many years can the oldest Border Heeler live?

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

How long is the lifespan of a Border Heeler?

11-15 years
The average lifespan of Border Heeler: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Border Heeler can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.

Border Heeler Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Border Heeler have? What is the activity level of the Border Heeler?
Border Heeler dogs are high-energy dogs. An active lifestyle makes them happy.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Border Heeler need? How much exercise do Border Heeler dogs require per day?

Do Border Heeler dogs need a lot of exercises?

Border Heeler dogs need a lot of exercises. Long walks should be on a daily schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Border Heeler breed need?
Border Heeler dogs don't need too much sleep. They are energetic and desire to live active life. If you think naps are overrated, this breed can be the best choice for you.

Border Heeler Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Border Heeler need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Border Heeler breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Border Heeler? How much food should I feed my Border Heeler?
1.5 to 2.5 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? Border Heeler risk for obesity:
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Border Heeler's weight, he can easily gain weight. More than one daily walk 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 Border Heeler weight regularly.

Border Heeler Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Border Heeler have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
DenseFeatheredStraightShortModerately Long
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Border Heeler coats?
BlackTan Red Blue Sable Brindle SpeckledMottledLilacGold Seal White & RedSlateSable Merle Black & White Tricolor Blue merleBlue merle-tricolorSlate merleRed merleSaddleback SableWhite & BlueWhite & Blue MerleWhite & Red MerleWhite TickedWhite & GoldWhite & SableWhite & Seal
Grooming
How to groom the Border Heeler and how often? How often should I take my Border Heeler to the groomer?
Easy to groom: The Border Heeler doesn't require a lot of 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 regularly to avoid infections. Border Heeler is a good choice if you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of a high-maintenance dog.

Recommended for beginners.
Shedding Level
How much do Border Heeler dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Border Heeler? Do Border Heeler dogs shed a lot?
Border 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 Border Heeler need a bath? How often should you give a Border Heeler a bath? Can I bathe my Border Heeler every day?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. According to a study, 56% of pet parents don’t bathe their dogs as frequently as they should, and 60% use the sniff test when deciding when it’s bath time.

Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.

6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.

For example, short-haired dog breeds can go a very long time in between baths. These short-haired breeds shed regularly and that shedding works to naturally remove excess dirt and oil. So unless your weenie dog got into the garbage can, you can probably hold off on a bath for a while.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Border Heeler breed hypoallergenic?
No
Border 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?

Medium

The Border Heeler has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Border Heeler drool?
The Border Heeler is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. If you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, the Border Heeler could be a perfect choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool minimum compared to others, just like the Border Heeler.

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

Border Heeler Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Border Heeler dogs get along with other pets? Are Border Heeler dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Border Heeler dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Border Heeler temperament with other people:
Border Heeler dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Child Friendly
Are Border Heeler dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Border Heeler temperament with children:
Border Heeler dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. This breed enjoys being surrounded by children.
Cat Friendly
How well do Border 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 Border Heeler breed live with a cat?
Border Heeler dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Is Border Heeler good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Border Heeler dogs get along with other dogs?
Border Heeler dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Border Heeler breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Border Heeler breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Border Heeler dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Border Heeler dogs good office canines? Do Border Heeler dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Border Heeler is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Border Heeler dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Border Heeler temperament with senior people? Are Border Heeler dogs good for elderly owners?
Border Heelers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Border Heeler As a Working Dog

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

Yes

This breed makes good 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).

Border Heeler breed is a good choice for service purposes.

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

Yes

This breed makes a perfect 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.

Border Heeler breed is a good choice for therapeutic purposes.

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

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work. 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.

Border Heeler breed is a good choice for detection purposes.

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

Yes

This breed would make an excellent 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 in locating missing people.

The Border Heeler breed is a good choice for SAR purposes.

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

Not really

Border 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 Border 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.

Border Heeler is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

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

Not really

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

Border Heeler Reproducibility

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

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Border 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 Border Heeler have in a litter? How many puppies can the Border Heeler breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Border Heeler have? How many puppies can a Border Heeler give birth to?
4-8 puppies

Border Heeler Recognition

AKC Group
Is Border Heeler recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group
Is Border Heeler recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Not recognized by FCI.

Border Heeler Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Intelligent Rank: Outstanding: Border Heeler is one of the brightest dog breeds.
  • Trainability: Border Heeler dogs are easy to train.
  • Grooming: Easy to groom: The Border Heeler doesn't require a lot of grooming.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Border Heeler is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
  • Watchdog Ability: Border Heeler dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
  • Adaptability: Border Heeler dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
  • Child Friendly: Border Heeler dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Border Heelers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Border Heeler dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
  • Service Dog: This breed makes good as a service dog.
  • Therapy Dog: This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
  • Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog: After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
  • Search and Rescue Dog (SAR): This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Cons
  • Hypoallergenic: Border Heeler dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Apartment Friendly: It is not recommended to keep the Border Heeler breed in the home.
  • Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity: Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Border Heeler's weight, he can easily gain weight.
  • Mouthiness: Border Heeler dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: The wanderlust potential of the Border Heeler is strong enough to escape from home.
  • Tolerates Being Left Alone: Border Heeler 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.
  • Office Friendly: Border Heeler is not the best dog breed for office environment.

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