Texas Heeler

Breed an Australian Shepherd and an Australian Cattle Dog, and you have a Texas Heeler. Although it’s uncertain when this crossbreed originated, breeders in Texas created this type of Heeler, and it was first registered in 1970. Breeders were looking for a dog with the herding skills of its parents along with a loyal, friendly temperament. Its name is a nod to the Texans who came up with this designer breed.

Texas Heelers are intelligent dogs that are alert to whatever is happening around them. Although these dogs were bred for herding sheep and cattle, they also make good pets for active families with kids who love spending time outdoors. Don’t be fooled! The Texas Heeler isn’t as rowdy as its name would imply. They have an even temperament and a sweet nature.

3 Pros and Cons of a Texas Heeler

Temperament and Behavior

There are two sides to the personality of a Texas Heeler. When it comes to the work of getting stray sheep or cattle back into the herd, this dog is laser-focused and persistent. Alternatively, when a Texas Heeler is at home with the adults and children in a family, it’s quiet and gentle.

One of the most valued traits of this dog is loyalty. These dogs are so dedicated to their family members that they can become shy when unfamiliar people visit the home. These dogs are known for their alert behavior. They are experts at letting their family know when someone is at the door.

Size and Weight

Texas Heelers are medium-sized dogs, typically standing 17 to 22 inches tall and weighing between 25 and 50 pounds when fully grown. Texas Heeler puppies can vary in weight at 7 weeks old, but many fall within the 6 to 10 pound range. These dogs typically reach their full height by 11 to 12 months, though some may continue to fill out and mature until 14 to 18 months.

Common Health Issues

Texas Heelers have some common health issues. One of those is hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia occurs when the hip joint doesn’t fit together properly. Limping, hopping, and running awkwardly are all symptoms of this condition. Surgery is needed in severe cases of hip dysplasia. Other treatments for less severe cases include physical therapy, supplements, and weight loss.

Another common health issue for Texas Heelers is distichia. Distichia is the growth of extra eyelashes at the edge of a dog’s eyes. This may seem like a small issue, but distichia can be painful. A veterinarian needs to treat this issue.

A third common health issue is cataracts. A dog with cataracts has cloudiness in one or both of its eyes. Surgery is needed for severe cataracts that interfere with a dog’s everyday life.

Care

Learning everything possible about the healthcare, dietary, grooming, and exercise needs of this dog can help an owner to take good care of their new pet. Whether a family purchases a Texas Heeler puppy or adopts an adult dog, it’s best to know all about this hybrid dog.

Best Dog Food

Texas Heeler puppies and adult dogs need different nutrients in their diet. Adding certain vitamins and ingredients to this dog’s diet can help to fend off some of its common health issues.

Texas Heeler puppy food: Omega-3 fatty acids, along with a supply of lean protein, support healthy muscles and joints in this puppy. This is important for a canine that may develop hip dysplasia. Fat gives a puppy the energy it needs to run and explore every day. Calcium contributes to healthy bones, claws, and teeth. Though cataracts can’t be prevented, including Vitamin A in a Texas Heeler puppy’s diet can boost their eye health. Fiber is good for a puppy’s digestion.

Texas Heeler adult dog food: Chicken, fish, and other lean protein are essential in an adult Texas Heeler’s diet. They are energetic dogs that love to run, jump, and play, so they need protein to support muscle, cartilage, and joint health. A limited amount of fat in an adult dog’s diet helps them to have the energy they need while not taking on extra weight. Vitamin C serves as an antioxidant. Vitamin A supports this dog’s eye health. Calcium keeps their teeth and bones strong and healthy.

Since the Texas Heeler’s shepherding background gives it herding instincts and loads of energy, it’s vital to feed it a dog food with robust nutrition to fuel the fun.

Texas Heeler Maintenance and Grooming

How much does a Texas Heeler shed? These dogs shed a moderate amount of hair. Most of them have short or medium-length hair that requires brushing once per week.

A grooming glove is a great tool for brushing this dog’s coat. It removes loose, dead hair while smoothing down the unique mix of black, blue, red, chocolate, and white hair in its coat. A grooming glove also offers more control when gently brushing a dog’s tail, legs, and face. If a Texas Heeler has hair that’s medium in length, a rubber slicker brush can be useful in removing tangles, dirt, twigs, and more, while not pushing against the dog’s skin.

Training

Texas Heelers are intelligent canines, so they are known to be relatively easy to obedience train. It’s best to choose a training area with a minimal amount of distractions.

Exercise

These herding dogs need at least 60 minutes of exercise each day. Remember, Texas Heelers were bred to be outdoors, working on farms and ranches. But that doesn’t mean a family can’t enjoy this dog as a pet even if they don’t run a ranch. Taking this dog to the dog park, going out for a run in a nearby field or woods, or playing a game of fetch at the park are all ways to give this pooch some exercise.

Like Queensland Heelers, Texas Heelers are not suited for apartment life. They need a lot of space to move around, so a home with a large backyard is ideal.

Puppies

Texas Heeler puppies need exercise outdoors just like adult dogs do. Be sure to find a safe place for them to explore and stretch their legs until they receive obedience training.

Children

Socialized Texas Heelers are good with children. They have a gentle, affectionate nature. Kids who are active and like to run around are a perfect match for these energetic dogs.

Similar Dogs

Dogs similar to Texas Heelers are Border Collies, Old English Sheepdogs, and Swedish Vallhunds.

• Border Collie: Intelligence and an energetic nature are two big similarities between these two canines. However, Border Collies weigh less than Texas Heelers.
• Old English Sheepdog: This dog is very loyal, just like the Texas Heeler, and it makes a great watchdog. But Old English Sheepdogs weigh about ten pounds more than Texas Heelers.
• Swedish Vallhund: Both of these dogs are energetic and alert herding canines. They can both have black, white, or chocolate colored hair. However, the Vallhund is shorter and weighs less than the Texas Heeler.