Australian Dog Heeler Breed
History
The breed of Australian healer was bred in Australia, which follows from the name, during the period of settlement of these areas by the British. People needed a strong, hardy, and intelligent dog with a large, muscular physique, which could endure all the hardships in a new place and serve as reliable support in various endeavors. And the undertakings, as you yourself understand, were many.
These dogs are called differently – the Australian healer, the Queensland healer (due to the huge popularity among farmers in the Queensland region in Australia), the blue healer, or the hall healer. Officially, however, he is an Australian shepherd dog (for cattle). And the nickname “healer” happened because the dogs were raised in a herd of cattle, and they grazed cattle by biting them on their lower legs.
The Australian healer today is the result of many years of breeding and crosses that began in 1893, and already in 1897 Robert Kaleski showed the first results of his work to the public. Robert Kalesky developed the first standard based on indigenous dingoes, rightly believing that these animals are naturally suited to Australian wild conditions.
Moreover, the dogs, which were taken by the first settlers from England (for example, terriers), for the climate and half-wild life in Australia were poorly suited, and all of them were later crossed and improved in order to obtain better breeds.
The Australian healer today is very similar to a dingo dog, although it has a different coat color. He received the right to be shown in the Working Group since September 1980. The breed joined the herding group in January 1983. The New South Wales Kennel Club gave its approval for the breed standard in 1903.
Breed characteristics
- Popularity 06/10
- Training 10/10
- The size 05/10
- Mind 10/10
- Security 06/10
- Relationship with children 10/10
- Agility 08/10
- Shedding 09/10
Breed Information
| The country | Australia |
| Life span | 13-15 years old |
| Height | Males: 46-51 cm Bitches: 43-48 cm |
| Weight | Males: 15-16 kg Bitches: 14-16 kg |
| Longwool | Average |
| Color | blue, blue with black or brown spots |
| Group | for children, for protection, guard |
Description
These are large dogs, with a wide, powerful chest and muscular physique. The muzzle is square; the ears are erect. The limbs are of medium length, proportional and muscular, the tail is medium, the coat is long. Color can be blue, blue with black or brown spots.
Personality
The breed of Australian healer is somewhat stubborn, independent, but at the same time very open and friendly for the owners. These are very smart dogs that always draw their own conclusions, understand the person perfectly, and are distinguished by excellent resourcefulness. In addition, they are extremely hardy and can live in a very diverse climate and generally in a wide variety of conditions, without experiencing any internal discomfort.
Stamina is also reflected in the attitude towards pain – initially, dogs were trained and bred so that they could perform assigned tasks even despite physical injuries, bites, bruises, etc.
The Australian Hiller developed in close contact with humans, and to this day the breed retains this important quality. The dog is extremely attached to its owner and is ready to follow him anywhere, even to the ends of the world, and it does not matter where this edge is located – at the North Pole or in the hot deserts of Africa. The dog will survive everywhere and help the owner survive.
Naturally, the hunting instincts are also extremely strong, and all small animals, including small dogs, cats, squirrels, any rodents, are potential prey. However, they can be trained to live with a cat, if you do this from an early age, but keep in mind that all other cats, except for friendly, domestic cats, will still remain the prey. But hamsters, guinea pigs, parrots – here you cannot even try, since the healer, in principle, cannot perceive them otherwise than as prey.
The Australian shepherd dog perfectly copes with the functions of a watchman, and responsibly, selflessly guards its territory against any encroachment, whether it be a man or a stray dog. Similarly, the situation is with the protection of the hosts. The Australian healer has a very high level of energy, and does not understand how to spend the whole day lying on the couch – and even if he had to do so, he would definitely not like it.
But, if you need to go camping, overcome tens of kilometers of the way, or perform any assigned work, helping the owner in everything, in this case, the dog will be happy. Idleness, lack of activity, and useful functions cause longing and sadness in this breed, because of which the character can become destructive. Then, the first thing that will suffer is your furniture, doorposts, curtains, shoes, etc.
Strangers are perceived neutrally if they are not violators of the territory or do not show aggression towards the dog or owners. By the way, if you live in the private sector, it is better to have a fence with a concrete foundation, since the healer may well make a dig and go on a short trip. Moreover, it will also be possible to find it at the nearest trash – the desire to dig in the trash, independently get food, and travel is inherent in these dogs.
Training
Stubbornness and the desire to act in one’s own way is a distinctive features of the breed, although it is quite possible to work with this. If the dog recognizes you as a leader, loves you, it will obey. Accordingly, you must, first of all, put yourself in the role of a leader, as well as train the animal in basic commands and achieve their rigorous execution even in the presence of distracting factors. Moreover, in this case, distracting factors can be not only extraneous sounds and smells but also simply a sunny day on which the dog wants to plunge with all the ensuing adventures.
You need to conduct training in a consistent, active, diverse manner and be patient, kind, very positive, and, when necessary, a strict owner. If the dog is guilty, he does not receive the toy. And if he receives, a tasty treat or a toy, then only after he completes a command, for example, “sit” or “lie down”.
How to take care of a heeler dog?
An Australian Healer dog needs to be combed out about twice a week. Haircutting is not required. You need to bathe your pet once a week or more often. Ears need to be cleaned two to three times a week, eyes – daily, or as needed. Claws are cut three times a month.
Common diseases
An Australian healer is prone to some illness, although overall has very good health.
- hip dysplasia;
- elbow dysplasia;
- hypothyroidism;
- homeopathy
- von Willebrand disease;
- progressive retinal atrophy;
- Deafness is a hereditary disease in an Australian healer, but it can be tested in puppies. Deafness is associated with white coat color.
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