Heelers are alert and energetic dogs with a ready-to-work stature. Usually smaller in size, bred to work, they’ve historically tended animals for herders. They have weather-resistant coats, provided by Mother Nature to withstand the harsh environments they find themselves in. For the most part, these canines exhibit exceptional ranges of resourcefulness and intelligence. Bred to perform outdoors, it’s no surprise that a key identification for these pooches is high levels of energy and an ability to adapt quickly. Comfortable overcoming their smaller size running and herding other animals, these dogs are also perfect family pets. They’re protective, loving, loyal, and fun. They make ideal friends for both active families and singles. But heeler dogs are also preferred by sportsters, hunters, and — big surprise — cattle breeders! Though a noted trait is a great sense of independence, they love their companions and can spend all day running and working with them, learning and appreciating good treatment, encouraging feedback, and getting in hard work. Read on to learn facts about popular heeler dogs and why the animals make for great companions
Types of Heeler Dogs
#1 Border Collie
In the world of herding, the Border Collie has no challengers. Few heeler breeds have an edge over the determination, skill, and stamina of this doggy. On the list of the most intelligent dogs in the world, the Border Collie is nothing short of amazing. It loves to stay alongside its working owner, engaging and learning. Though careful with strangers, this collie is passionately devoted to the family. They exhibit exuberant energy and you need to be ready to invest your energy and time to keep them physically and mentally happy. You can get the facts on the border collie by clicking here.
#2 Australian Cattle Dog
Muscular and compact, the Australian Cattle Dog breeding centered around herding. They’re resilient and hardy animals that easily adapt to the harsh Aussie outback, as well as a variety of other ecosystems. This heeler species has near-boundless energy and you better be ready to keep up. Loyal, alert and smart, the Aussie Cattle dog makes for great family pets and companions for children. But if they don’t get a good workout and regular activity, these pooches go looking for mischief. Read more about the Aussie Cattle pooch here.
#3 Belgian Malinois
Confidant. Dedicated. Hardworking. These characteristics are part of the Belgian Malinois’ easy-going temperament. Lean and muscled, this breed of herding dogs farm work is a natural aspect built into these animals. The dogs form strong bonds with owners and, in turn, cannot be left alone for long periods. The dog is happiest with human companionship and running in open fields. The Belgian Malinois is often mistaken for the Shepherd. The Malinois has a shorter and thicker coat compared to the Shepherd. The Belgian heeler dogs are also considered to have a higher prey drive than their cousins.
#4 Old English Sheepdog
The Old English is an expert heeler. The Old English sheepdog, as the name implies, was a go-to for herders that needed to keep their sheep moving and organized. Cuddly and soft on the outside, these powerful herders always had the fleetness and intelligence to keep other animals in line. Among many facts about the sheepdog, they show no lack of courage and have a playfulness that always surprises. Everyone recognizes that happy-go-lucky sagging tongue and shaggy white coat. A love of being around humans makes the Old English Sheepdog an amazing guard dog and family pet. Get the scoop on Old English by reading this.
#5 Cardigan Welsh Corgi
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is perfectly built as a family of herding dogs. The animal has a gentle, loving temperament and is quick to take charge. Don’t let their small frames, short legs, and extreme adorability trip you up. These herding dogs demonstrate surprising speed, agility, and determination. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is friendly and, loving. They are wonderful dogs for an active family. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a heeler born to play and work outdoors.
#6 German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable and popular dogs in the world. Initially bred for herding and still performing that duty today, the German Shepherd’s reputation in America is more about being guard and police dogs. Owners and workers love the Shepherd for its intelligence, versatility, adaptability, and unwavering loyalty. These herding dogs are easily trained and, as so many owners are aware, make for outstanding family pets with a loving and gentle temperament. With protection ingrained in their DNA, the Shepherd makes for an incredible watchdog. Everything you’d want to know about the German Shepherd is right here.
#7 Australian Shepherd
Though they may have a Down Under reference, the Australian Shepherd is all American. Borne out of California, the Aussie Shepherd is a strong doggy and the top choice when a cowboy needs a herder. If you want one for a family pet, expect them to take charge and herd the children, dogs, cats, birds — and you! That breeding’s ingrained in generations of these dogs that have never seen a ranch. The Aussie Shepherd is exceptionally intelligent. Expect lots of energy and athleticism around them. These herding dogs were not intended to keep a sedentary lifestyle. Click here and learn more.
#8 Finnish Lapphund
A rugged dog ready to operate in all types of weather, the Finnish Lapphund was once a herder for reindeer. The Lapphund has a sturdy, muscular body and a thick coat that protects the dog from the cold. They attach to owners and remain fiercely loyal while they prefer to mind their distance from strangers. Though it doesn’t show disruptive behavior when left alone, the Finnish Lapphund is known for showing signs of depression when its family’s away. The Lapphund is a relatively new heeler breed, joining the American Kennel Club in 2011.
#9 Bergamasco Sheepdog
They have that dreadlocked, casual coat of hair, the Bergamasco Sheepdog. This is a devoted worker. A dog that’s always anxious to please others. That’s what makes them ideal heelers. Extremely smart, the creatures are loyal, highly intelligent, loving pooches that take to training easily and make great companions for children. A wild, thick coat makes them hardy vessels that do well in cold weather. The facts are this heeler breed comes out of the icy Italian Alps. If you want more identification about this unique breed, click here.
#10 Bearded Collie
Boisterous and clever, the Bearded Collie is a heeler bursting with personality. They’re recognizable by their long ears and shaggy coat. You want a lot of space because these dogs love to run outside. Out of Scotland, these pooches naturally drove livestock and are hard workers. They can be funny and enthusiastic as they play and work. Ideal family pets, they’re great with children and make for solid playmates with owners. You’ll need to avoid letting the Bearded Collie get bored. Be ready to supply plenty of physical and mental stimulation. There’s more to learn about the breed here.
Types of Heeler Dogs
NEXT UP…
Types of Herding Dogs There are many great types of herding dogs to choose from.Types of Farm Dog Breeds — You’ll Love These Ranch Dogs! Need a hard-working loyal farm dog?How Much Daily Exercise Your Dog Needs by Age, Weight, and More Matching your exercise needs to your dogs is a recipe for success.
In the 19th Century, dogs got transported from England to Australia. These animals got mixed with the Australian Dingo. The breeding gave us the first Blue Heelers, i.e., Australian Cattle Dogs. Of a smaller size but long, the dogs went on the help ranchers expand the Australian beef industry. Many of these dogs came with a blue coat, hence the Blue Heeler tag. What’s the difference between an Australian Cattle Dog and a Blue Heeler? There is no difference. The Cattle Dog and Blue Heeler are cousins of the same breed. The Blue Heeler tag got applied because the Aussie Cattle Dog has a blue-hued coat. The dog world refers to any Aussie dog with a red coat as Red Heelers. Do all heeler breeds have the Bentley Star? The Bentley Star, or Bentley Mark, is a unique identification trait. It consists of a patch of white hairs located on the forehead of the Australian Cattle Dog, a family of heeler dogs. The distinction is present in a subspecies of the cattle dog, the Blue and Red Heelers. The Bentley Star may consist of a few hairs or can form a large spot. Is the Blue Heeler a good house dog? They’re solid pets for homes that do not have children small in size. If the animals get a good amount of mental and physical stimulation, the heeler dogs will always be entertaining, happy, and healthy.
