Border Heelers

My report is about Border Heeler dogs.

The Border Heeler breed is a mixture of two breeds: Border Collie and Blue Heeler, also known as an Australian Cattle Dog.

Size and Appearance

Border Heelers look long and tall but they do not weigh much. This is because they are so active that they hold little body fat. They usually weigh between 30 and 50 pounds.

They are usually 20-22 inches in height and have long tails and medium-sized ears. They come in many different colors. Even their eyes come in different colors, sometimes blue.

Skills and traits

A cross like this will be a very intelligent dog as both Border Collie and Blue Heelers are herding dogs. Herding dogs are considered some of the smartest breeds of dogs[1]. In fact, a Border Collie was reported to have learned 1,022 words[2].

Herding dogs are easily trained to keep hundreds of cattle and sheep in a straight line when moving from place to place. They know what to do by listening to their master’s voice or whistle.

They are able to do the work of three humans when herding animals. That number increases to five or more in vast arid areas like the Australian Outback[3].

Ownership

Border Heeler dogs need lots of mental and physical stimulation because they were bred to herd animals over long distances. They are extremely active. If they aren’t given something to do they will find something to do that maybe you won’t like[4].

The best home for this type of puppy would be on a farm or to someone that was interested in competing in agility, obedience, or working trials. In working trials, animals perform tasks while music is playing. They love to play catch and other games.

A pup will need loads of training or it will become quite neurotic. This breed does not do well as a pet that just sits around or is left alone in the house or yard. They need something to do or they get bored. Border Heelers want a task, like running with you, playing Frisbee, going on hikes, or other regular activities. If they don't get enough exercise they will chew up stuff, chase animals, and dig holes.

Border Collie and Blue Heelers are among the most common dog breeds in shelters[5]. Think carefully before committing to puppy breed such as these Border-Heelers.

My Border Heeler

One time, in 3rd grade, I was full-on sick for 3 days. On the 4th day my mom and dad said that we might get a new dog! My mom said that I need to go to school if I really wanted a new dog. I said yes.

After school I wasn't sick any more. When my mom picked me up she said we didn't get a dog and I was pouting. But my mom tricked me! When we got home and opened the door there was a dog!

That dog is a Border Heeler and his name is Miles. He loves to play, run, learn, and go new places. He is a great pet.

He is very skinny and he loves to play with my family, even my cat Jax. He loves to run with my dad and can go over 15 miles without getting even a little tired! He goes crazy when our family plays ping-pong.

Miles is smart, he knows how to sit, lie down, heel, leave it and speak. He is adorable and I love him very much.


Reference

Miles, a Border Heeler


10 Smartest Dog Breeds
  1. Border Collie
  2. Poodle
  3. German Shepherd
  4. Golder Retriever
  5. Doberman Pinscher
  6. Shetland Sheepdog
  7. Labrador Retriever
  8. Papillon
  9. Rottweiler
  10. Blue Heeler (Australian Cattle Dog)

Source


Blue Heeler facts
  1. They call them “heelers” because when they are herding animals, if one or more of the animals does not stay in line, they will bite them on the heel.
  2. #10 on list of most intelligent breeds [A]
  3. #11 on list of most common dog breeds in shelters [E]

Border Collie facts
  1. A Border Collie reportedly learned 1,022 words [B]
  2. #1 on list of most intelligent breeds [A]
  3. #10 on list of most common dog breeds in shelters [E]

Miles