The Blue Heeler Dalmatian Mix, is a mixed breed dog resulting from breeding the Blue Heeler and the Dalmatian. It is also known as a Dalmatianheeler. Both of these dogs have very sweet personalities and will probably have a very high energy level. Don’t at all be surprised if they start herding you around the house in some sort of crazy manner. They will be extremely smart as the Blue Heeler is one of the smartest dogs around. What does this mixed breed look and act like? Is it more like the Blue Heeler or the Dalmatian? Those are the questions we will try and answer below. Continue reading below to see pictures, videos, and learn more about the beautiful Blue Heeler Dalmatian Mix.
While we really recommend that you acquire all animals through a rescue, we understand that some people might go through a breeder to get their Blue Heeler Dalmatian Mix puppy. That is, if they have any Blue Heeler Dalmatian puppies for sale.
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All hybrid or designer dogs are tough to get a good read on as there isn’t much history to them. Breeding specific dogs like this has become common in the last twenty years or so even though I am sure that this mixed breed found it’s share of dogs to the shelter due to accidental breeding. We will take a closer look at the history of both parent breeds below. If you are looking at breeders for new, designer dogs please beware of Puppy Mills. These are places that mass produce puppies, specifically for profit and don’t care at all about the dogs. If you have a few minutes, please sign our petition to stop puppy mills.
Dalmatian History:
The first illustrations of the dog have been found in Croatia in the 1600’s. Like nearly every dog breed, they were used as dogs of war, to help hunt, and to protect the villages and houses. To this day, the breed retains a high guarding instinct; although friendly and loyal to those the dog knows and trusts. They have a strong hunting instinct and have been used as an excellent exterminator of rats and vermin and bird dogs among other things. You can’t talk about Dalmatians without talking about their role working for the firefighters for their role as firefighting apparatus escorts and firehouse mascots. It is thought they became so compatible with firehouses since they and horses are very compatible. the dogs were easily trained to run in front of the carriages to help clear a path and quickly guide the horses and firefighters to the fires. They are also pretty good watchdogs and were used to help protect the firehouse from would be thieves stealing strong, steady horses.
Blue Heeler History:
Australians owe a great debt to all the persons involved in the development of the Australian Cattle Dog or the Blue Heeler. The beef industry would have really struggled without them. The legend has that in 1840, George Elliott, in Queensland, was experimenting with Dingo-blue merle Collie crosses. These dogs were excellent workers. Cattle men started buying these dogs as they were very impressed with their working ability. Two brothers, Jack and Harry Bagust, got their hands on some of these dogs and started improving them. Their first step was to cross a bitch with a fine imported Dalmatian dog. This cross changed the merle to red or blue speckle.
They are extremely alert, hardworking, and clever. This is an extremely high energy dog and needs lots of exercise. They can be very stubborn and will start herding the kids, the cats, or anything else if there isn’t anything else around to be herded. Like all dogs he also needs to be socialized when he is young or he can become shy and fearful.
Blue Heeler
Height: 17 - 20 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 31 - 35 lb.
Lifespan: 13 - 15 years
Dalmatian
Height: 22 - 24 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 35 - 70 lb.
Lifespan: 10 - 13 years
The Dalmatianheeler is a great dog, they are very smart, loving and loyal. Their herding tendencies make them naturally protective and cautious. They make great family pets. They should get along fine with other pets and kids. They will lovingly greet you at the door and wag their tail until it hurts. This is an extroverted dog that will greet everyone with a smile. They will make a great pet and a great companion. This is a high energy dog, so if you are a couch potato it is probably best to sit this one out. This is a dog that is eager to please. She does not do well being left alone though and can suffer from separation anxiety. It will need a lot of exercise so plan on having a lot of time to keep his exercise and temperament in check. They love their pack and are eager to please. Early socialization helps take care of any bad habits that could develop. He responds well to positive reinforcement, like all dogs. He is intelligent so training should be moderately easy. He should be rather affectionate and enjoy spending lots of time with you. Don’t plan on leaving him alone for long periods as he won’t do well alone. He wants to be with the “pack.”
All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems as all breeds are susceptible to some things more than others. However, the one positive thing about getting a puppy is that you can avoid this as much as possible. A breeder should absolutely offer a health guarantee on puppies. If they won’t do this, then look no more and don’t consider that breeder at all. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition.
The Dalmatian mixed with the Blue Heeler might be prone to Intervertebral disk disease, eye problems, epilepsy, deafness, Hypothyroidism, Blue Heeler Dwarfism, CBS, Hip dysplasia, ear infections, skin allergies,
Note that these are just common problems in both breeds.
What are the grooming requirements?
This will be a higher shedding dog that will more than likely “blow” its coat a couple of times a year. Think about it snowing when this happens, it will just come off in big clumps. Either way, get ready to invest in a good vacuum if you want to keep your floors clean! Give them baths as needed, but not so much that you dry out their skin. Never tie your dog up outside - that is inhumane and not fair to him.
What are the exercise requirements?
Plan on taking them for extremely long walks and hikes to keep their energy level down. This mix will more than likely have a higher energy level being that the Blue Heeler is a high energy working dog. This exercise will keep them from being destructive. A tired dog is a good dog.
Plan on taking them for extremely long walks and hikes to keep their energy level down. A tired dog is a good dog.
What are the training requirements?
All dogs respond best to positive reinforcement. So make sure to praise her when she does well. She is an intelligent dog who loves to please, and loves a physical challenge. The more exercise she gets the easier she will be to train. The Blue Heeler is known for being hard-headed so plan on having to put a little more energy into that part. Proper socialization is imperative to all dogs and puppies. Make sure to take her to the park and doggy day care to get her around as many people and dogs as possible.
A lot of times diet is done on a per-dog basis. Each one is unique and has different dietary requirements. Most dogs in the U.S. are overweight, so keep that in mind when feeding them. A mix like this one that is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia should really be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible.
Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia.
I good diet to look into is a Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background.