The Blue Heeler Pitbull mix is a fascinating crossbreed that combines two popular dog breeds worldwide. It’s a mix between the American Pitbull Terrier and the Australian Cattle Dog, also known as the Blue Heeler.
It inherits the herding instinct and steadfast loyalty of both parent breeds. As such, dog lovers who are in search of a companion that is intelligent, devoted, and full of energy favor this hybrid.
If you’re interested in finding out more about this breed, you may read this article to learn its history, special traits, care needs, and other helpful details. Read along to find out more.
Breed Overview
| Height: | 17 – 24 inches |
| Weight: | 35 – 60 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 12 – 15 years |
| Coat Colors: | Gray, black, brown, or white with blue striped, spotted, or mottled finish |
| Temperament: | Loyal, amiable, willful |
| Suitable for: | Families with children; active individuals; people looking for a low-shedding dog |
What Is a Blue Heeler Pitbull Mix?
The Blue Heeler Pitbull mix, also called the Pit Heeler, is a cross between a Blue Heeler and a Pitbull-type breed, usually the American Pit Bull Terrier. Generally, Pit Heelers are known for being active and hardworking. These traits are likely passed down from the parent dog’s herding abilities.
In addition to being hard workers, this breed is known for its friendly and outgoing nature. These dogs have a lot of energy, so you’ll need to spend a lot of time engaging them in exercise and training.
Although the Blue Heeler Pitbull mix is still relatively new, its popularity is expected to grow, given the wide appeal of its parent breeds.
However, because the Pit Heeler is a hybrid dog, it isn’t possible to register the breed with the American Kennel Club (AKC) or any of the other major kennel organizations.
Blue Heeler Pitbull Mix Origin and History
Like most crossbreed dogs, the Blue Heeler Pitbull mix does not have a well-documented history. Hence, the best way to understand the origins of this dog is to examine the heritage of both its parents.
For starters, the Australian Cattle Dog was developed by 19th-century settlers in Australia specifically to herd cattle. The breed was developed as a sturdy, robust dog that could withstand Australia’s harsh environment.
Dogs from England were brought to Australia, where they were bred with the Australian Dingo to make the ancestors of the Australian Cattle Dog, which we now know as the Blue Heeler.
On the other hand, the modern American Pit Bull Terrier has roots in early 19th-century England. Bulldogs and Terriers were bred to produce a new breed of athletic, courageous, and sociable canines.
They were bred to do a variety of tasks, including herding livestock, hunting, and guarding properties. In addition, they served as beloved members of the household.
They were also cruelly used in blood sports like bull-baiting and dog fighting, which creates a false impression that they are dangerous and leads to bans on their ownership in some places.
Eventually, this dog breed made its way to America, where it quickly gained widespread popularity.
Given the history of its parent breeds, one can expect the Australian Cattle Dog Pitbull mix to be a highly active dog. It must also be expected that this dog will have a high work drive.
Blue Heeler Pitbull Mix Appearance
The Blue Heeler Pitbull mix is usually medium-sized and has a powerful, athletic body that exudes toughness. This mixed breed has a strong neck and broad shoulders that taper into a muscular chest and deep barrel.
It is also common for this hybrid dog to sport a short, dense coat that is often blue or black in color and features white or brown patterns on the chest and face.
In terms of facial features, the Pit Heeler has a slightly boxy face and head, resembling that of a Pitbull. Their ears are short to medium in size and can be floppy or erect.
Additionally, Pit Heelers often have brown eyes, which are paired with a nose color that comes in either black or brown.
Keep in mind that in any given Blue Heeler Pitbull mix, the ratio of Pitbull qualities to Heeler traits could go either way.
Overall, this hybrid dog is distinguished by a stunning blend of physical characteristics that come from both its American Pit Bull Terrier and Blue Heeler parents.
Blue Heeler Pitbull Mix Size and Weight
The average adult Blue Heeler Pitbull mix weighs between 35 and 60 pounds and measures between 17 and 24 inches in height. Male Pit Heelers tend to be larger and taller than their female counterparts.
One thing to keep in mind is that the size of a Blue Heeler Pitbull mix might change with each generation of breeding.
For instance, depending on the preferences of the breeder, certain Pit Heelers may be bred to be smaller while others may be bred to be larger.
Blue Heeler Pitbull mixes usually reach their full-grown size by the time they are 12 months old. In some cases, these dogs may continue to grow until they are 18 months old.
Blue Heeler Pitbull Mix Temperament and Personality
Pit Heelers are high-energy working dogs. These dogs need regular physical activity to stay healthy and happy. This dog is perfect for you if you’re an active individual with a large yard or farm where your dog can roam around.
These mixed-breed dogs crave regular mental and physical stimulation even when they are indoors, and they will participate in anything that appears to be a game.
This breed is thought to be exceptionally bright and trainable. In fact, Pit Heelers go out of their way to please those around them.
In addition, they have a very loving and devoted temperament toward their human companions. They have a reputation for being extremely loyal to their families and will do anything to ensure the safety of their loved ones.
These canines are lively and friendly, and they enjoy being around people and children in particular. Furthermore, they also get along well with other animals, especially when socialized early on.
Blue Heeler Pitbull Mix Lifespan and Health Issues
Blue Heeler Pitbull mixes are generally robust and healthy canines. As long as they are happy and well-cared for, a Blue Heeler Pitbull mix can live up to around 12 to 15 years.
Its robust immune system and low susceptibility to disease can be traced back to the fact that both of its parent breeds are generally healthy dogs.
However, it is still vulnerable to a wide range of health issues, so precaution is advised.
Here are some possible health problems that Blue Heeler Pitbull mixes may develop:
- Bloat or Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV): Bloat happens when the stomach twists itself after absorbing gas or liquid, preventing blood from reaching the rest of the body. Shock and death can result if this isn’t addressed right away. Since Pitbulls are prone to this disorder, Blue Heeler Pitbull mixes may also exhibit this associated health issue.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): PRA is an illness that frequently affects Blue Heelers and may potentially affect their mixed puppies. Symptoms of this disease in your Pit Heeler may include blurred vision at night, dilated pupils, and the development of cataracts. This condition does not cause pain in dogs but degrades a dog’s vision over time.
- Hip Dysplasia: Almost all dog breeds are susceptible to hip dysplasia. This is especially true for active dogs such as the Blue Heeler Pit mix. Hip dysplasia is a painful ailment that can make it hard for dogs to move about because of the abnormal development of the hip joints.
These are just some of the health issues common in Blue Heeler Pitbull mixes. Aside from these, you should also watch out for dental issues and common skin issues in canines.
As always, the best way to stay on top of your dog’s health is by visiting the vet regularly. Providing your dog with a nutritious diet and ample exercise will also go a long way in keeping it happy and healthy.
How to Take Care of Your Pitbull Blue Heeler Mix
If you want to give your Pitbull Blue Heeler mix the best life possible, you’ll have to put in a lot of work to meet its emotional and physical demands.
It’s important to have a fundamental understanding of what your Pit Heeler needs to stay healthy and happy. Keep reading to find out all you need to know to take good care of your Blue Heeler Pitbull mix.
Food and Diet
All dogs need a diet rich in high-quality protein, usually from animal sources. Thus, always check the ingredients list on the packaging for chicken, fish, and beef.
With such a muscular build, the Pitbull Heeler mix could really benefit from this, as these kinds of food aid in muscle development.
You should also consider giving them foods that are high in glucosamine and chondroitin since they help to preserve musculoskeletal health and strength.
Moreover, it’s important to consider its age when deciding how much food to give your Pit Heeler.
In general, three meals a day are necessary for puppies. Eventually, you may only need to feed your dog twice a day once it reaches adulthood.
Consult a vet or a pet nutritionist for a diet that is best tailored to your Pit Heeler.
Cleaning and Grooming
The Blue Heeler Pitbull mix will require regular coat brushing. Meanwhile, baths are only needed once or twice a month. However, if your dog is very active and spends most of its time outdoors, frequent baths may be necessary.
Pit Heelers are unfortunately prone to skin dryness, so they need to be washed with a high-quality shampoo once a month to prevent excessive hair loss and dry skin.
Your Pit Heeler’s nails should be trimmed every few weeks. On the other hand, its teeth and ears should also be cleaned regularly. In general, your dog’s teeth should be brushed at least twice a week, and its ears cleaned monthly.
You may also take your dog to the grooming salon for a more thorough clean-up from time to time.
Training and Exercise
Like their Pitbull and Blue Heeler parents, Pit Heelers are high-energy canines who benefit greatly from regular exercise. At the very least, these dogs need one hour of daily activity.
Pitbull Heeler mix training should start early. They are powerful, active, and occasionally playful. If you don’t establish limits and teach appropriate behavior, they can easily get bored and engage in antisocial behavior.
Utilize training methods that provide positive reinforcement. Pit Heelers benefit greatly from this style of training, as they adore their owners and thrive on making them happy.
Early socialization is equally vital. Otherwise, your dog could become timid and wary of strangers, and their herding tendencies might come out around pets and animals.
Watch the following video to see a one-year-old Pitbull Heeler mix excel in training:
How Much Does a Blue Heeler Pitbull Mix Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses
Depending on the breeder, location, and demand for the breed, a Blue Heeler Pitbull mix puppy’s price may vary. These pups can cost anywhere from $800 to $1,200 on average.
The costs of caring for a Blue Heeler Pitbull mix extend far beyond the initial purchase price. These costs cover things like food, grooming, veterinary care, and training.
Below is a breakdown of the initial expenses associated with owning a Blue Heeler Pitbull mix:
| Type of Expense | Cost |
| Food and Treats | $70 – $110 |
| Bowls | $10 – $30 |
| Toys | $30 – $60 |
| Beds | $40 – $200 |
| Collars and Leashes | $15 – $50 |
| Crates and Carriers | $50 – $370 |
| Grooming Essentials | $50 – $160 |
| Initial Vet Visits | $100 – $500 |
| Initial Vaccine Shots | $50 – $300 |
| Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications | $40 – $300 |
| Neutering or Spaying | $50 – $500 |
| Microchipping | $40 – $60 |
| Dog License | $10 – $20 |
| Other Essentials | $20 – $50 |
| Total Initial Cost | $505 – $2,710 |
In addition to initial expenses, recurring costs may run you between $500 and $1,000. Keep in mind that this is just an estimate, and the final cost could be significantly higher depending on the specifics of your dog’s care.
Overall, you may decide if a Blue Heeler Pitbull mix is the best option for you and your budget by taking into account both the initial and ongoing costs.
Places to Find Blue Heeler Pitbull Mix Puppies for Sale and Adoption
You can find a Blue Heeler Pitbull mix puppy for sale in several locations across the United States. The best place to begin when trying to purchase one is by finding a reputable breeder.
Here are some places where you may potentially find Blue Heeler Pitbull mix puppies for sale:
- AKC Marketplace – The American Kennel Club’s online marketplace is an excellent tool if you’re in the market for a Pit Heeler. Breeders listed here have all been vetted and approved by the AKC. Information on the breeding stock, health documentation, and photographs accompany each listing for a puppy in the AKC Marketplace.
- Lancaster Puppies – This website links prospective dog owners with reliable dog breeders. Over two million people frequent this market every year. They occasionally might have Blue Heeler mixes, like the Pit Heeler, so check back from time to time.
- Greenfield Puppies – Greenfield Puppies is an online platform where reputable breeders get to advertise their pups. One good thing about this website is that they perform background checks on all breeders they host. Check out their listings for Blue Heeler and Australian Cattle Dog mixes.
Meanwhile, here are organizations where you may find Blue Heeler Pitbull mixes for adoption:
- Petfinder – This organization’s website is one of the largest online collections of adoptable pets. They have approximately 11,000 animal shelters and adoption organizations listed in their directory for the United States, Canada, and Mexico. You can find Blue Heeler Pitbull mixes looking for new homes on their website.
- Last Hope Animal Rescue – This Iowa-based nonprofit organization has been saving dogs’ lives and finding them new homes since 2004. It’s a fantastic place to look for Pit Heelers or any other type of animals that are up for adoption.
- Adopt-a-Pet – Adopt-a-Pet is a great resource for locating adoptable pets in your region. The website provides a database of dogs available for adoption from various sources such as shelters, rescue groups, and private owners. You can check out their website to see if they have Blue Heeler Pitbull mixes available.
Both buying and adopting a pet are long-term commitments, so make sure you do your homework and research where the puppies came from before making a final decision.
Before bringing a dog into your house, consider any potential health or behavioral issues that may occur and make sure the dog’s requirements can be met.
Pros and Cons of Owning a Pitbull Blue Heeler Mix
Having a Pitbull Blue Heeler mix as a pet is beneficial in many ways. But there are drawbacks to owning one that must be taken into account as well.
In this section, we weigh the pros and cons of having this crossbreed to help you decide whether or not it’s suitable for you.
Below are some of the advantages of having a Blue Heeler Pit mix as a pet:
- Highly Intelligent: Both Pitbulls and Blue Heelers individually are intelligent dogs, and their offspring will be no different. These dogs are easy to train as they pick up commands and tricks rapidly.
- Loyal and affectionate: Pitbull Heeler mixes are devoted to their families and treat their owners like members of the pack. These canines want constant affection from their owners and will never leave your side.
- Athletic and vigorous: Pitbull Blue Heeler mixes have a lot of energy and are very athletic. These dogs are ideal for those who lead active lifestyles, as they enjoy playing, exercising, and taking walks.
- Effective watchdogs: The alertness and protectiveness of a Blue Heeler Pitbull mix help make it an excellent guard dog. These dogs have an innate desire to guard their families and homes.
On the other hand, here are some drawbacks to having a Pitbull Blue Heeler mix as a pet:
- High exercise needs: A lot of mental and physical activity is necessary for a Pitbull Blue Heeler mix. Dogs of this breed might become destructive or aggressive if they don’t get enough exercise.
- Aggressive tendencies: Pitbull Heeler mixes may exhibit aggressive tendencies without enough socialization and training. Owners should be mindful of the risks involved here since they could pose harm to themselves and others.
- Legal restrictions: Due to their reputation for being aggressive dogs, certain regions have regulations and rules regarding the ownership of Pitbull Blue Heeler mixes. Owners should research the breed-specific rules in their area before getting this dog.
With an understanding of the benefits and drawbacks of owning a Pitbull Blue Heeler mix, you can decide if the dog is a good fit for your lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Blue Heeler Pitbull Mixes Good Family Dogs?
Yes, Blue Heeler Pitbull mixes are excellent family dogs. They can make wonderful companions because of their loyalty, warmth, and protective nature toward their families.
These dogs are playful and lively, and they especially like playing with kids. They usually get along well with other animals. This hybrid is also highly trainable because of its keen intelligence.
Are Blue Heeler Pitbull Mixes Aggressive?
Blue Heeler Pitbull mixes are not typically aggressive. These hybrids’ gentle and patient parents suggest that they are unlikely to jump you unless seriously provoked.
Keep in mind that aggressive canine behavior is not restricted to any one breed or mix but can manifest itself in any dog. A well-behaved and joyful Blue Heeler Pitbull mix can be ensured through early socialization and training.
Do Blue Heeler Pitbull Mixes Shed?
While the Blue Heeler Pitbull mix shed, it is rarely considered an issue with the breed. Keeping a regular brushing routine will help owners manage their dog’s coat health and keep loose fur under control.
Are Blue Heeler Pitbull Mixes Hypoallergenic?
No, Blue Heeler Pitbull mixes are not hypoallergenic dogs. Neither of its parent breeds is known for having hypoallergenic traits. Some people may be allergic to their short coat since it sheds moderately and produces dander.
Therefore, a Blue Heeler Pitbull mix might not be the best option for someone with allergies.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dog that’s full of life and enthusiasm, not to mention playful and devoted, a Blue Heeler Pit mix might just be the best choice for you.
When given the right time, attention, and training during puppyhood, they can grow up to be amazing family members.
In addition, it has a relatively high life expectancy of up to 15 years and very few known health problems, so if you ever decide to get one, you’re sure to have a devoted pet by your side for many years to come.
Having read this article, do you think this mixed-breed dog is the right pet for you? Let us know your thoughts about the Blue Heeler Pitbull mix by leaving a comment below!
