Facts & Origin
Sheltie Heeler (Shetland Sheepdog and Australian Cattle Dog mix)
The Sheltie Heeler is a cross between a Shetland Sheepdog and an Australian Cattle Dog. Both breeds are known for their herding instincts, with the Shetland Sheepdog having its roots in the rugged Shetland Islands of Scotland and the Australian Cattle Dog in Australia, where it was bred to herd cattle.
Suitability and attitude
The Sheltie Heeler is well suited to an active lifestyle and needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. A yard for romping around is ideal, but they can also live in an apartment as long as they get enough exercise. Their intelligence and willingness to learn make them well suited for various types of dog sports such as agility or obedience.
| Alternate Name | - |
| Origin | Australia - Scotland |
| Life expectancy | 10 - 13 years |
| Care requirements | low-maintenance - high-maintenance |
| Activity level | average - high |
| FCI group | not recognised |
| AKC group | not recognised |
| KC group | not recognised |
More Australian Cattle Dog mixes
More Shetland Sheepdog mixes
Attitude, character and temperament of the breed
Possible character traits
The Sheltie Heeler is intelligent, active and loyal. They are often alert and have a strong herding instinct, which makes them excellent watchdogs. They are usually friendly towards their family, but can be somewhat reserved towards strangers. Despite their sometimes independent nature, they are eager to please their owners and respond well to training.
In summary, the Sheltie Heeler is a loyal and active mixed breed dog with a strong bond to its family. With proper care and lifestyle, this alert and smart dog can be a wonderful companion.
Character
Usage
Health and breeding information
Grooming and health
In terms of grooming, Sheltie Heelers require regular brushing due to their thick coats to avoid matting and prevent skin problems. They should also be monitored regularly for potential health problems such as hip and elbow dysplasia, eye problems, and certain genetic conditions that can occur in both parent breeds.
Regular veterinary examinations and a balanced diet are important to ensure the health of the Sheltie Heeler. As with all breeds, it is also important to socialize them well and give them a positive and consistent upbringing.
What does this mixed breed look like?
An adult Sheltie Heeler can reach a height of 33 to 51 cm and have a weight of 7 to 20 kilograms. They often have the dense and long coat of the Sheltie and the distinctive color blend of the Heeler. Their eyes are often dark and expressive, while their ears can be either erect or semi-erect.
| Fur length | short - long |
| Fur | - flat coated |
| Ear shape | Standing Ears - Tilt-ear |
| Tail | fanned out |
| Anatomy | rugged, sporty |
| Size ♀ | 33 - 48 cm |
| Weight ♀ | 6 - 15 kg |
| Size ♂ | 33 - 51 cm |
| Weight ♂ | 6 - 16 kg |
| Suitable For | - |
Known Diseases
Numbness
Often occurs in old age.
Nervous disorders
Nervous disorders are manifested, for example, by disturbances in perception, neurological abnormalities such as tremors, apathy, convulsions, paralysis, tilting of the head, uncontrolled urination and defecation, and behavioural abnormalities.
Eye infections
Chronic eye infections can be very painful in dogs and can be treated with medication. In rare cases, the cornea must be treated.
MDR1 defect
The MDR1 defect is a defect in the MDR1 gene that can occur in some breeds of dogs and in humans. This results in the deficient or absent synthesis of a certain protein which is an important component of the blood-brain barrier, leading to hypersensitivity to some drugs.
Eye diseases
Often occur with allergies and intolerances.
FAQ
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These mixed breeds are playful, kind, intelligent and alert. They also have a strong loyalty to their owners.
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Sheltie Heelers usually have a medium build with a short, dense coat. They usually have a silver-gray or white coat that is scattered with black or brown markings.
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A Sheltie Heeler is a hybrid cross between the Shetland Sheepdog and the Australian Cattle Dog. The mix has a handsome appearance and is known to be intelligent, lively and affectionate.
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These mixed breeds require a similar amount of space as any other dog breed. They need enough space to play and move and of course enough space to sleep.
