Some call it the Chi Heeler. This is a unique combination. A combination of two dogs that are amazing in what they do. The Blue Heeler is loyal and protective, while the feisty Chihuahua is known as one of the most courageous dogs, despite its small personality. So, what is the Blue Heeler mix with Chihuahua like?
Well, a small dog with an enormous personality. And unlike its parents, the Chi Heeler is more sociable with people. They do have a strong bond with their family and act like they hold control. But that is the alpha and dominant personality of the Chihuahua parent breed.
We have to note that like other mixes, this one is not recognized by The American Kennel Club.
Meet The Breed
The Blue Heeler Chihuahua mix is an unpredictable dog of two distinct breeds. Usually, a hybrid inherits some genes of both parents. Or in this case, Australian Cattle Dog and Chihuahua parent breed.
The result here is an adventurous puppy, one that has the alertness of the Chihuahua and the innate drive and energy of the Blue Heeler.
The result is a puppy that is good for families, one that will romp around, explore, and burn its energy.
Meet The Parents
Blue Heeler
Blue Heeler is the name we use for Australian Cattle Dog depending on the coat color.
This is a sturdy and compact dog that was used for herding back in the day. It has retained its herding instinct. Compared to Australian Shepherds and Border Collies, they have a higher herding drive. Medium-to-large dogs that grow between 17 and 20 inches. These dogs have a double coat, with the outer layer acting as protection.
Speaking about their personality, they were bred to perform tasks. That makes them alert, intelligent, watchful, and courageous. They are highly energetic and need plenty of opportunities to burn their energy, both physical and mental. Here are some common personality traits:
- Trustworthy and reliable, they have a sense of duty
- Loyal to their owners, yet, wary of strangers
- Fiercely protective watch dog
- Can be aggressive with other dogs and display dominance
- Shows herding behavior toward children
- Highly energetic
Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are known as the smallest dog in the world. They can come in different shapes and sizes, but usually weigh between two and six pounds, reaching five inches in height.
They can come in short and smooth coat varieties and long and soft.
Do not let their small size fool you. These companion dogs are full of personality. Loyal and sassy, they demand attention at all times. Chihuahuas are great family pets, but they are a bit hostile to strangers and children who seem threatening. Here are their personality traits:
- While they are lap dogs, they love to be active and busy
- Highly energetic
- High barking tendency, especially at strangers and larger animals
- Loyal and needy
- Want attention at all times, otherwise, can develop separation anxiety
Appearance
Now let’s go back to the Blue Heeler Chihuahua mix. A full-grown Blue Heeler mix with Chihuahua can grow between 12 and 15 inches, which is a bit smaller than the Cattle dog parent, yet a lot larger than its Chihuahua parent.
The difference in size makes weight unpredictable. They can be as small as five pounds, making them mini Blue heeler mix, or large up to 45 pounds. It varies and there is no one-size-fits-all answer.
The appearance is a bit more stocky and sturdier than Chihuahua. Colors vary depending on how much of the genes of both parents the puppy inherits.
Temperament
To understand your Blue Heeler mix puppy’s temperament, you have to consider several things. It depends on the genes of both parents.
As we know, Chihuahuas are talkative and will often bark, while the Blue Heeler parent is quiet, calm, and connected. Your mixed-breed puppy will be somewhere in the middle. Barky, yet quieter than a Chihuahua.
You might think these two parents are different. But they do have a lot in common, despite their size. They both make excellent watchdogs due to their alert and watchful nature. They are also highly energetic and can guard your house even through the night.
Their assertive nature is another common personality trait. They can show dominant tendencies and be hostile around unfamiliar humans and other animals. This makes the Blue Heeler Chihuahua mix challenging to manage for first-time owners.
But they are easier to train because of their eagerness to please. They do make great companions. Loyal and trustworthy, your Australian Cattle Dog mix will follow you anywhere. There is no reason to be afraid of your dog leaving and running away.
Training
The two parents are popular for different reasons. But both are super energetic and loyal. They are intelligent, but a bit stubborn. Chihuahuas are more known for their stubborn personality.
Their bossy attitude is something you will have to manage during a training session. But the good news is they are loyal and listen to their owner.
As long as you establish yourself as the leader and the one they should follow, they will listen to you.
That makes them highly trainable with positive reinforcement working as the best and most effective training method. Make sure to reward them with food and praise. Toys are not something that works here. These puppies love your attention, not the toys you give them.
Start by teaching basic commands, and as your puppy gets confident, move on to more advanced skills. Because of the Blue Heeler genes and its intelligence, you can expect your Blue Heeler mix puppy to quickly pick up new skills.
Exercise Needs
Despite their different size, Chihuahuas and Heelers have similar exercise needs. They are both highly energetic and active.
Full of vigor, they need open space and plenty of room to burn their energy. Generally speaking, anything between 45 and 60 minutes per day should be enough for your Chihuahua Australian Cattle Dog mix.
Do not forget mental stimulation. You are dealing with an intelligent puppy here, one that wants to exercise its brain as well.
Health
One of the reasons why breeders have resorted to mixed-breed canines lately is their health. Crossbreeds are generally healthier than purebred dogs. In this case, we have two healthy parents, a Chihuahua that has a life expectancy between 15 and 18 years and an Australian Heeler with a life expectancy of 12 to 16 years.
That means your Blue Heeler dog mix will live quite a long and prosperous life. You will have a high-energy muscular dog that is not plagued by health issues.
Some risks are hip dysplasia, retinal atrophy, and deafness. Chihuahuas have fragile bones and tiny sizes, but crossing them with a larger dog eliminates most health issues.
Grooming
The good news is that this mixed puppy doesn’t shed a lot. Even when they do, it is usually a minimal and manageable amount.
These puppies have a shorter coat that makes brushing and grooming easy. A couple of minutes once per week is all you need.
Are They Hypoallergenic?
In the past several years, many mixed canines have gained the hypoallergenic tag. But that is because they are often mixed with Poodle, Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese, and similar hypoallergenic breeds.
In this case, you do not get a hypoallergenic dog breed.
Why Shouldn’t You Get One?
- A Blue Heeler mix dog be wary and hostile to strangers and larger animals
- Known barkers and alert
- High-energy dogs that need plenty of exercise
Why Should You Get One?
- Loyal and trustworthy pet that will follow you anywhere
- Easier to train a dog than a feisty Chihuahua
- Amazing companions for a person with an active lifestyle
