Beagle Heeler Dog Breed

A Beagle-Blue Heeler mix, as a crossbreed, is not an official member of any breed group. Neither does any info exist about these hybrids' true origin; while an Australian Cattle Dog and Beagle mix may have existed naturally for a long time, no breeder or breed club has claimed its creation. The Beagle-Cattle Dog mix likely gained popularity during the designer dog "explosion" (mainly in North America) in the late 20th century. These energetic, loyal dogs are great both in working capacities and as pets for active families.

A few Beagle-Blue Heeler mix facts: they're medium-sized, averaging 16 inches at the shoulders in height and 35 pounds in weight; they have short, double-layered coats that shed seasonally; and they're very energetic and will need a lot of exercise.

Some advantages and drawbacks to owning a Beagle Heeler:

Some Beagle-Australian Cattle Dog mix info: these hybrids are the offspring of two breeds that have extensive needs for both physical and mental stimulation. The Beagle is a prized hunting dog, and the Blue Heeler is a superb livestock herder--so a Beagle Heeler will require nearly constant activity of some kind. Personality-wise, a Beagle Heeler can vary from meek and friendly like the Beagle to strong and assertive like the ACD--but this hybrid will regardless need lots of activity.

Typically, the Beagle Heeler has a short-haired coat that comes in a variety of mainly multi-colored patterns. And the coats are double-layered, which means they'll shed heavily during the spring shedding season (and depending on the climate, sometimes the fall shedding season too). Obviously, heavy-shedding coats like these are not hypoallergenic, so allergy sufferers will be better off with a different breed.

And a high-energy dog like this one is simply too active for apartment living. Beagle Heelers do best in homes, preferably ones in rural areas, with large, fenced yards that give the dog lots of room to run. And their energy, intelligence, and work ethic combine to make these hybrids excellent competitors in canine sports like agility trials or flyball.

Energetic, intelligent, friendly with family members, hard-working, and sometimes stubborn and strong-willed, the Beagle-Blue Heeler mix temperament is one of activity and enthusiasm. These hybrids are usually affectionate and playful with their loved ones, and they're often loyal and protective of them too. As to their demeanor, a Beagle Heeler might be gentle and meek like a Beagle, or more forceful like the Heeler--and often the dog will show both personality traits at different times. Beagle Heelers can get along well with kids and other household pets too; in any case, owners say, it's best if these dogs grow up alongside any children or other pets so they learn to be accustomed to one another.

In regards to training: a Beagle Heeler is very smart, and can respond well to it--but this hybrid can also be quite stubborn, and may require some repetitions when learning commands or tasks. As with any breed, firm, consistent, reward-based training methods are best.

And a Beagle Heeler usually has pretty good watchdog skills, especially if it's more like the Australian Cattle Dog. These hybrids are alert, loyal, and normally pretty vocal, so they'll usually bark at and investigate any unknown sights or sounds.

The Beagle Heeler, due to hybrid vigor (in which a crossbred dog inherits the healthiest traits of its parent breeds), is very healthy. Even so, these hybrids can suffer ailments common to the parent breeds including hip dysplasia, assorted eye issues (the most serious of which is Progressive Retinal Atrophy, or PRA) and deafness. Potential owners are advised to ask breeders for health screenings for the dog and/or its parents, or they can have their own veterinarians do the screenings.

Life expectancy for these hybrids is 11-15 years.