Obviously, the size of an Australian Cattle Dog (Blue Heeler, Red Heeler) can vary from dog to dog. There are some differences when it comes to body size and build type.
Australian Cattle Dogs that are bred for show purposes will have less variation from the standard size as they are judged by a breed standard. Heelers that are used as farm dogs and that are from working lines may vary more.
In addition, there are Blue Heelers which are referred to as Miniature Blue Heelers. These are the same breed but as the result of selective breeding from smaller parents over generations are of a smaller size.
To answer the question we will firstly look at the standard size of a Blue Heeler.
Standard Size of a Blue Heeler
Males Australian Cattle Dogs – Height: 46 to 51 cm (18 to 20 inches)at the shoulder. Weight: 15 to 16 kg (33 to 35 lbs)
Female Australian Cattle Dogs – Height: 45 to 48 cm (18 to 19 inches) at the shoulder. Weight: 14 to 16kg (31 to 35 lbs).
Why your Blue Heeler may be bigger or smaller
If your Blue Heeler is a show dog or bred from show dog lines they are more likely to be close to the standard measurements given above.
However, if your Blue Heeler is from working lines or breed as a pet they may vary from these standard measurements. Some working Heelers have a leaner athletic frame with a longer torso and length in the legs. This body type is suited to distance herding similar to how a Border Collie may be used.
Other Heelers have a more stocky and solid build. As an Australian Cattle Dogs’ main function is to move large cattle 40 times their own weight, this build would be a benefit. The main method of doing this is to nip the heels (hocks) of these much larger animals Hence the name “Heeler”.
The weight of your Blue Heeler may also vary from the standard guide. There are many reasons for this. As a result of having been spayed or neutered a dog can sometimes see a drastic weight increase.
Obviously, Heelers that are overfed can be heavier and often older dogs become less active and sedentary leading to weight gain.
The biggest factor that will determine the size a Heeler puppy will grow to is the genetics passed on by the parents. If you want to know how big your Blue Heeler will become, check out the parents.
At what age is a Blue Heeler fully grown
Typically, an Australian Cattle Dogs bones will have reached full size with the growth plates healing by about 11 to 12 months old. Height wise they will be pretty much the height they are going to be somewhere between 9 to 11 months old.
They often will not have reached their maximum weight until about 18 to 24 months of age.
Often there will be one or two “Runts” in a litter of Heeler puppies. Even tho these pups start off smaller they usually bridge the size gap between themselves and their siblings. In some cases, they may even grow bigger than their littermates. Picking the runt because you want a small Heeler is no guarantee.
Mini Blue Heeler vs Standard Blue Heeler
There is technically no such thing as a miniature Blue Heeler. This is just a term used to describe smaller dogs that don’t align with the standard measurements.
Breeds such as Poodles, Schnauzers, and Australian Shepherds do actually have standardized miniature and larger versions. For example Miniature Schnauzer, Standard Schnauzer, and Giant Schnauzer.
These smaller sized Heelers are the result of selective breeding from smaller parents. If you are looking to get one of these Miniature Heelers from a breeder, ensure that they are a purebred Heeler. It is possible that a dishonest breeder may cross a Heeler with another smaller breed of dog. Do your research and check the reputation of any breeder you deal with.
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