Do you currently own a Blue Heeler, and have questions about the breed? Or perhaps doing a little research before purchasing your first puppy? Then look no further, and check out our easy to understand Q&A's blog
Q#1- Are all Blue Heelers born white?
Answer- The Blue Heeler is a strong and stout breed. All blue heelers are born mostly white. However their permanent body patches, and facial markings will be visible at birth. A Blue Heeler's coat will start to change around 3-4 weeks of age, and again between months 2-6 of age. Below is an image of ACD/Blue Heeler litter that is still White, with their permanent facial markings and body patches.
Q#2- When will my ACD puppy's ears stand up?
Answer- All ACD puppy's are born with ears that seem erect, but become floppy within a few days. You should see your puppy's ears starting to stand up within 8 weeks to 8 months.
To read more info on this topic, click the link below..
Q#3- Do you offer puppies with docked and non-docked or intact tails? Is so what is your reason for docking tails?
Answer- Yes! We offer both pups with tails intact & docked tails. We attempt to give each new family/owner the choice, if a puppy is secured before docking day. WE never pressure and owner to make this decision as it is a highly personal or professional decision.
The 2 main reasons why we have made the personal choice to dock our dogs tails:
#1- Hygiene. Our ACD's live in the southern part of the US, where we have high humidity, heat, and swampy like properties. Our dogs traverse through brush, fields, woods, and all kinds of areas. Even though we vaccinate, and deworm our dogs regularly, In this area of the US there are potential for pests, and disease from wild animals. A long tail would be sweeping through all of these areas, or even touching the ground- creating a highway for pests or disease.
#2- Safety. Our ACD's spend a lot of their days working other livestock and or hunting. A long tail creates a major safety issue. Another animal could latch onto the tail and cause the dog permanent physical injuries or paralysis.
Q#4- Can Australian Cattle Dogs handle harsh weather conditions?
Answer- Absolutely, this is what they were originally bred for! Australian Cattle Dogs have a very dense double coat. In fact, your ACD/Blue Heeler is equipped with a water resistant double coat, keeping them completely dry in the rain. This double coat also means that it is not necessary to bath your blue heeler unless they are filthy. All you have to do to keep your dog's coat in good condition is brushing at least once per week.
Fun Fact** We personally have sold a pup to an owner in Alaska! Not so little "Spade" loves the climate and hasn't had one issue traversing the Alaskan terrain or snow.
Q#5- What is the lifespan of a Blue Heeler/ ACD?
Answer- On average an ACD will live between 11-17 years. Fun Fact the oldest dog on record with Gunniess World records is an ACD named "Bluey" owned by Less Hall in Australian. Bluey was born in 1910 and passed in 1939, reaching 29 years and 5 months old.
Q#6- What is a "Bentley Mark", and why is it so important?
Answer- In the history of the Australian Cattle Dog, one of the “cast of characters” was Tom Bentley, alternately described as a butcher from Glebe Island or a cattle farmer from New South Wales. He owned a dog from the pure strain developed by Thomas Hall (blue or red speckled pups known as “Hall’s Heelers”) that dazzled all who saw the dog, then watched him work. Bentley’s Dog, as the dog came to be known, was a highly popular stud, and whether it’s just a few hairs that need close inspection to be seen, or an obvious blaze, all Australian Cattle Dogs are said to have what has come to be known as the “Bentley Mark” or “Bentley Star” because of this dog. A black tail-root spot seen occasionally in blue dogs is also said to be attributed to Tom Bentley’s dogs. Resource-"www.nationalpurebrdedogday.com
Q#7- How much does a typical Australian Cattle Dog aka Blue Heeler puppy cost?
Answer- The average cost for purchasing a pet quality ACD from a reputable breeder is typically between $400-$900 (without registration papers), $1800-$3000 (with registration), and highly pedigreed or highly trained dogs can go for upwards of $5000+ USD. Mottled and Speckled varieties with or without papers typically sell for much higher.
Q#8- How big will my Australian cattle dog/ Blue Heeler be when they are full grown?
Answer- Our ACD's are typically between17-20 inches tall and will weight around 45-60lbs when full grown.
Q#9- Why do people love ACD's/Blue Heelers?
Answer- There is so many ways I could answer this question. We love everything about our spunky, amazing ACD's. Here are a few of our reasons: #1- Loyalty. Our ACD's are born loyal to the end. From the moment they imprint with their owners, they would lay their lives down for them. Best companions ever in my professional opinion. #2- Intelligence. The cautious temperament of ACD's make them super smart, not rushing into situation and allowing them to think out a plan of action. #3- Protection. Our ACD's are excellent watchdogs, and keep our family, farm and livestock completely safe. #4-Obedience. ACD's love to practice obedience, which make easier to train than other breeds. #5-Bravery. An ACD would take on goliath if it meant protecting their families, or territory.
Q#10- What comes with my ACD/Blue Heeler when I purchase them from Willow Creek Farmery?
Answer- All of our ACD/Blue Heeler puppies will come with documentation on parentage, breeding and health. All puppies will have their 1st- 6 weeks vaccination completed, 2 rounds of deworming completed, and tails docked unless requested otherwise before docking day. All puppies health is 100% Guaranteed for the 1st year.
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