One of the latest designer dogs you may have heard of is the Blue Heeler Rat Terrier Mix. Both parents of this mixed dog breed are alert, highly energetic, great farm dogs, and loyal canine companions. But they also have their differences too.
What we see in the Blue Heeler Rat Terrier Mix is a mixture of his parents’ personality, work ethic, physical appearance, and size.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about the Blue Heeler Rat Terrier Mix including common health issues, lifespan, size, temperament, dietary needs, exercise requirement, and more. By the end of this guide, you’ll know if this mixed dog breed is right for you and your family.
Table of Contents
Blue Heeler Rat Terrier Mix: Breed overview
| Blue Heeler And Rat Terrier Mix | |
| Other Names | Rat Terrier Cattle Dog Mix, Rat Terrier Blue Heeler Mix, Blue Heeler Rat Terrier, Rat Heeler, Queensland Heeler Rat Terrier Mix, ACD Rat Terrier Mix |
| Purity | Crossbred |
| Purpose | Companion/pest control |
| AKC Recognition | No |
| Size | Small-medium |
| Weight | 15-45 pounds |
| Height | 13-18 inches |
| Colors | Bicolor combinations of blue, red, tan, black, fawn, apricot, sable, silver, and chocolate with white |
| Child friendliness | High |
| Canine friendliness | Moderate |
| Training difficulty | Easy |
| Grooming upkeep | Easy |
| Exercise needs | Very high |
| Health | Excellent |
| Lifespan | 12-18 years |
| Puppy cost | $200-$700 |
What is a Blue Heeler Rat Terrier Mix?
A Blue Heeler Rat Terrier Mix is what you get when you mix an Australian Cattle Dog or Blue Heeler with Rat Terrier. This tenacious, energetic, intelligent, and compact canine is for people who need an active pup. They make excellent exercise companions and can also help get rid of vermin near their homes.
Also known as the Queensland Heeler Rat Terrier Mix and Rat Terrier Australian Cattle Dog Mix, the Blue Heeler and Rat Terrier Mix inherits his parentsâ high work drive and stamina. These qualities make them wonderful working canines, but theyâre not for everyone.
Similar mixed dog breed: Blue Heeler Australian Shepherd Mix (Complete Guide)
Blue Heeler Rat Terrier Mix: Parent breeds
The Rat Terrier Mixed With Blue Heeler combines the strong working, hunting, herding, and watchdog instincts from his parents. These pups love having something to do at all times.
The drawback is that youâll have a high-energy pet on your hands that can get destructive if he gets bored.
Letâs read a bit about the parent breeds of the Rat Terrier Blue Heeler Mix.
Blue Heeler history
The Blue Heelerâalso known as the Australian Cattle Dogâis a herding breed developed during the early 1800s in Australia from European stock. They were bred to herd and work cattle on the large ranches in Australia.
Blue Heelers flourished in an environment where many canine breeds couldnât survive, and they became the most popular dog breed in the area.
Blue Heelers are incredibly versatile and have served as working farm dogs, police dogs, search and rescue dogs, and hunting dogs.
They are a medium-sized breed, standing about 18 to 20 inches tall and weighing 30 to 45 pounds. They have a short, easy-care coat that can be any color but is most commonly black or blue with white markings.
The Blue Heelerâs unique coat color helps the locals distinguish him from the predatory Dingo. They also have a red version called the Red Heeler; however, the blue coat is more popular.
Related Article: Blue Heeler Husky Mix (Ausky Complete Guide)
Rat Terrier history
The Rat Terrierâs origins go back to the late 1800sâ United States when English and Welsh immigrants needed a fearless, sturdy, and agile canine to protect their farms from rodents. The Rat Terrier proved an excellent ratter; however, his usefulness didnât end there.
The versatile exterminator also proved an excellent farm hand, helping their human herd livestock, hunt, protect henhouses, and act as playmates for children. They became the most famous canine breed in the United States by the early 1900s.
The rise of pesticides led to the Rat Terrierâs decline in popularity by the 1950s. However, this didnât stop fans of the breed from working to keep it alive.
The modern Rat Terrier is a result of these efforts. Rat Terriers are now used as companion dogs, but some people still use them for hunting pesky critters that harm crops and garden plants.
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Blue Heeler Rat Terrier Mix info
The Rat Terrier Blue Heeler Mix is a medium-sized crossbreed that typically stands 13 to 20 inches tall and weighs 15 to 35 pounds. This mix canine can live for 12 to 18 years, which is pretty impressive. They owe their long lifespan to their parent breeds, both of whom are relatively healthy purebreds.
The Rat Terrier Heeler Mix is a hybrid of two working breeds and requires plenty of exercise and activities to stay content. If youâre not active or canât provide your fur buddy with enough action, this may not be the right dog for you.
Blue Heeler Rat Terrier Mix physical appearance
The Australian Cattle Dog Terrier Mix is an adorable small-to-midsized pooch that looks a lot like miniature Blue Heelers. Their ears are triangle and upright, and they have a long, narrow snout. The Blue Heeler And Terrier Mix has a solid build and often has spots, marks, or speckles on his body.
Blue Heeler Rat Terrier Mix size, height, and weight
The Rat Heeler lies somewhere between his parent breeds in terms of size. This table shows how big they usually get.
Rat Terrier Blue Heeler Mix
| Male | Female | |
| Size group | Small-medium | Small-medium |
| Weight | 15-45 pounds | 10-30 pounds |
| Height | 13-18 inches | 10-17 inches |
Check Out: Mini Blue Heeler (Complete Guide)
Blue Heeler Rat Terrier Mix coat colors and types
The breeds responsible for producing the Blue Heeler Rat Terrier Mix have short, smooth coats that are easy to maintain and donât need trimming. If your Blue Heeler Rat Terrier Mix takes after his Blue Heeler parent, he may have a double coat that would shed heavily during certain seasons.
The Australian Cattle Dog Terrier Mix has various coat colors, due to which they look adorable. Their fur is predominantly white with specks, patches, or spots of another color. Colors include black, blue, chocolate, tan, fawn, silver, red, apricot, lemon, and sable.
Rat Terrier Blue Heeler Mix temperament
The Rat Terrier Blue Heeler Mix temperament is generally a mixture of his parent breeds.
The Blue Heeler is a highly loyal and protective canine who excels as a working breed and loves having a job. The Rat Terrier is an incredibly active and playful dog that loves to hunt and scavenge.
This mix will likely have the best of both worlds. You can expect your Blue Heeler Rat Terrier Mix to be a loyal and protective family pet and an energetic playmate. They make great fur buddies for active people who want a workout companion, jogging buddy, or playmate.
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However, they may not suit elderly owners, people who donât have a high-energy lifestyle or owners who canât spend a lot of time with their pup.
Blue Heeler Rat Terrier Mix personality
The Australian Cattle Dog Terrier Mix is a highly active, fun-loving furball that loves to play. They are intelligent and will quickly learn what you expect of them. They are loyal and protective of their family and make excellent watchdogs. They love kids but donât bond with other canines.
Some owners have complained about their excessive barking habits, but you can take care of that through training and daily exercise.
RELATED: Do Dogs Get Tired Of Barking?
Does Blue Heeler Rat Terrier Mix make great family pets?
The Blue Heeler Rat Terrier Mix is loyal and protective of his family. He is tolerant of kids and loves games, making him ideal for active families. Theyâre a high-energy breed, meaning your kids can play with them all day.
Unfortunately, their Heeler instincts may lead them to nip at the heels of small children. As a result, it is important to socialize and train your Rat Terrier Blue Heeler Mix from a young age to ensure that this doesnât become a problem.
Due to their hunting ancestry, these canines donât get along with smaller pets like cats, hamsters, rabbits, and gerbils. If you have other pets, they wonât have a good time with the Rat Heeler around.
Are Blue Heeler Rat Terrier Mixes aggressive dogs?
No, the Australian Cattle Dog Terrier Mix is not aggressive. However, his herding instincts may lead him to nip at the heels of small children or other animals in the home. He may also see small pets as prey, so it is best not to have him around other small animals.
Blue Heeler Rat Terrier Mix training
The Rat Terrier Blue Heeler Mix is intelligent and will quickly learn what you expect of them. They are easy to train and can learn a variety of tricks. As with all canines, it is essential to start teaching them at a young age.
You may find your Blue Heeler Rat Terrier Mix stubborn at times and refuse to cooperate, which can be frustrating. But donât worry, the right training method will help you get through to your fur buddy. Use words of encouragement and healthy snacks as rewards when your pet does as you tell him to. Anger is a useless training tactic and only serves to confuse and scare your pup.
Read also: How to Crate Train A Puppy in 6 Steps
Blue Heeler Rat Terrier Mix exercise requirement
The Australian Cattle Dog Terrier Mix needs 1 to 1.5 hours of daily exercise to drain their excess energy. Young canines may become destructive if they donât participate in energy-releasing activities every day.
A regular exercise routine will also keep their weight under control. An excellent way to provide them with exercise is to take them for long walks or runs or play with them in your backyard.
Blue Heeler Rat Terrier Mix living conditions
The Rat Terrier Blue Heeler Mix is a small to medium canine and is well-suited to apartment living â as long as he gets enough exercise. They do best in a home with a fenced-in yard where they can run and play.
Handy Hint: Many dog owners install wireless dog fences to keep their canine companions safe since their county’s zoning law prohibits fenced-in yards.
Blue Heeler Rat Terrier Mix grooming and cleaning
The Blue Heeler Terrier Mix doesnât need much in the grooming department, and theyâre an excellent choice for owners who need a low-maintenance breed.
Hereâs how often they need to be groomed.
| Grooming need | Frequency |
| Hair brushing | Once a week. |
| Bathing | As needed. |
| Ear cleaning | Every two weeks. |
| Tooth cleaning | Daily or every other day. |
| Haircutting | Not needed. |
| Nail trimming | Monthly, if needed. |
Is a Blue Heeler Rat Terrier Mix hypoallergenic?
No, the Rat Terrier Blue Heeler mix is not hypoallergenic. They shed moderately all year and excessively during spring and fall.
Blue Heeler Rat Terrier Mix food and diet
Blue Heeler Terrier Mix is the progeny of two energetic working breeds. They need high-quality food rich in protein, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and essential minerals.
The Blue Heeler Rat Terrier Mix needs plenty of good calories, and you should give them vegetables and lean meat to fulfill their nutritional requirements. Dry kibble is also an excellent pre-made option, but you should avoid wet food as it is full of filler ingredients.
Fun Fact: If you like making homemade doggy treats but your furry family member is allergic to grain or wheat, try using Amaranth flour instead of wheat flour or buckwheat flour. Check out Can Dogs Eat Amaranth? to learn the top 6 reasons why this pseudo-cereal is great for your dogs.
Blue Heeler Rat Terrier Mix common health issues
The Rat Terrier Blue Heeler Mix is a hybrid canine and enjoys a healthier life than his purebred parents. Still, you should be aware of at least 9 health issues your pup may face.
If you’d like to know specific health issues your Blue Heeler Rat Terrier Mix may be susceptible to, it is a good idea to speak with your dog’s breeder or veterinarian.
That’s because your dog’s breeder will know your pup’s parents and the health problems they’re prone to.
Alternatively, if you’re still curious and want confirmation, you could use a dog DNA test. I personally used Embark dog DNA test for my two canine companions. When I saw the results, I was shocked at how accurate they were. It took two weeks to get the results and the wait time was worth it.
The test results gave me a good idea of what health problems my two furry friends are prone to and how I can better take care of them.
In the meantime, here is a list of some of the health problems you should be aware of if you have a Blue Heeler Rat Terrier Mix or plan to have one in the near future.
1. Patellar luxation
Patellar luxation is a condition in which the kneecap dislodges from its normal position. In severe cases, it can cause your fur buddy pain and make it difficult for them to walk. Fortunately, the condition is painless most of the time.
2. Hip dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a genetic disorder that affects the hip joints. It can cause your pup agony and make jumping, climbing, and running difficult. The constant friction of the hip joint can lead to arthritis.
There is currently no cure for hip dysplasia, but weight management and special exercises can help control the pain.
3. Progressive retinal atrophy
Progressive retinal atrophy is a genetic disorder that causes the retina to deteriorate, leading to blindness. This disorder has no cure, and the end is usually a complete loss of vision. Blind pets have a hard life, but you can help them by adopting certain lifestyle changes.
4. Canine Degenerative myelopathy
Degenerative myelopathy is a genetic disorder that affects the spinal cord. It can cause your pup pain and make it difficult for them to walk. Canine degenerative myelopathy is a hereditary condition, which is why you should always check the parentsâ health before adopting a puppy.
5. Cancer
Cancer is the leading cause of shorter lifespan in canines. While it can affect any breed, it is more common in older pooches. There are many types of cancer such as bone cancer or Osteosarcoma, and they can be expensive to treat.
However, early diagnosis and treatment can help most pets get rid of cancer and live long and healthy lives.
6. Deafness
Deafness can be caused by various factors, including genetics and infection. It is a permanent condition that has no cure. The Blue Heeler is genetically predisposed to partial or total deafness. Fortunately, the gene responsible for it is recessive, meaning a Blue Heeler Rat Terrier Mix is less likely to inherit it.
7. Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a neurological disease that causes seizures. It can have various reasons, including genetics and infection. There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for epilepsy, but there are treatments available that can help your fur buddy live a relatively normal life.
8. Allergies
Various factorsâincluding food, environmental allergens, and insect bitesâcan trigger allergies in your pooch. Allergies are incurable, but learning which substances trigger a reaction in your pet can help you avoid an adverse reaction.
9. Congenital heart defects
Congenital heart defects are birth dysfunctions that affect the canineâs cardiac health. Surgery can correct many of these defects, but some are incurable and require lifestyle changes.
Blue Heeler Rat Terrier Mix lifespan
The average life span of Blue Heeler and Rat Terrier Mix is about 12 to 18 years. Despite the medical issues we discussed above, these pups have excellent health.
Blue Heeler Rat Terrier Mix breeder
Since the Rat Terrier Blue Heeler Mix is a hybrid canine, it is not widely available. However, many reputable breeders specialize in purebred Rat Terriers and Blue Heelers. You may contact them to check if they have any mixes available.
Blue Heeler Rat Terrier Mix puppies
Blue Heeler Rat Terrier puppies are available at several online sellers. Be sure to ask for references and inspect the sellerâs facilities before buying a puppy. Puppies should be vet-checked, socialized, and have up-to-date vaccinations and deworming.
How much does a Blue Heeler Rat Terrier Mix cost?
The Blue Heeler And Rat Terrier Mix is not a recognized breed, so puppies have no standard price. However, reputable breeders typically charge between $200 and $700 for a Blue Heeler Rat Terrier Mix puppy.
Blue Heeler Rat Terrier Mix puppies for sale
Blue Heeler Rat Terrier Mix puppies donât come by easily. You can find them on puppy search engines or through breeders. Fortunately, they donât cost a lot. Expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $700 for a healthy Rat Heeler pup.
Finding a healthy Rat Terrier Blue Heeler Mix for sale
If youâre looking for a healthy Blue Heeler Rat Terrier Mix for sale, be sure to approach a reputable breeder. Ask for references and inspect the breederâs facilities before buying a fur buddy.
Blue Heeler Rat Terrier Mix: Pros and Cons
Thereâs not a lot of information about the Blue Heeler Rat Terrier Mix. However, these are the few obvious pros and cons of owning this hybrid.
| Pros | Cons |
| Kind and gentle towards humans. | May not be friendly towards other canines. |
| Excellent at getting rid of vermin. | May see smaller pets as prey. |
| Affectionate towards human children. | Heeler tendencies may cause the pup to snap at the childrenâs ankles. |
| Overall healthy and lives a long life. | Has an unpredictable temperament. |
| Apartment-friendly breed. | His energy may be too much for some owners. |
Similar Blue Heeler Rat Terrier Mixes and Breeds
If youâre not set on a Blue Heeler Rat Terrier Mix, there are plenty of other hybrids that may be a better fit for your family. Some similar mixes include:
- Australian Cattle Dog Australian Shepherd Mix.
- American Staffordshire Terrier and Blue Heeler Mix.
- Mini Aussie Rat Terrier Mix.
- Australian Shepherd Rat Terrier Mix.
- American Blue Heeler Terrier Mix (Blue Heeler x American Pitbull Terrier).
Is the Blue Heeler Rat Terrier Mix right for me?
The Blue Heeler And Rat Terrier Mix is a paw-some choice for families looking for a loyal and energetic fur buddy. This breed is low-maintenance and relatively easy to train.
However, their high energy can be a headache for some owners, and they may not suit families with small children or pets.
Related Questions
A Blue Heeler mixâs size depends on the size of his parents. Mixing a Blue Heeler with a smaller breed will result in a smaller pup, whereas breeding them with a larger breed gives a medium or large pooch.
Blue Heelers are somewhat independent and stubborn, which may seem like a behavioral problem. They also need the training to get rid of their habit of snapping at peopleâs ankles.
A Blue Heeler Mix may prove to be an excellent pet if you use the right breed to mix with them.Â
Blue Heelers are often mixed with Australian Cattle Dogs, American Pit Bull Terriers, Australian Shepherds, and Bulldogs.
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The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Cattle_Dog
https://vgl.ucdavis.edu/breed/rat-terrier
With over five years of specialized experience as an animal writer, my expertise lies in dog nutrition, health, behavior, grooming, and training. I am dedicated to delivering helpful and informative content that caters to the well-being of our furry friends. My primary goal is to empower pet owners with knowledge and ensure our canine companions thrive in health and happiness. In my free time, I love volunteering at local dog rescue centers.
