Mini Blue Heeler: Complete Guide

You probably know plenty of herding dogs – German Shepherds, Border Collies, and Australian Shepherds to name a few. But have you heard of the Mini Blue Heeler? This dog breed is the miniature version of the regular Blue Heelers.

While Mini Blue Heelers may be small, don’t let their compact size fool you. They’re just as hard-working and energetic as a standard Blue Heeler.

In this guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about the Mini Blue Heeler, including their physical appearance, coat color, size, health issues, temperament, and grooming needs to find out if this is the dog for you. Scroll to the bottom of this guide to find a few places that have Mini Blue Heeler puppies for sale.

What is a Mini Blue Heeler? 

There’s a dedicated fanbase for smaller-than-usual canines that have been proliferating in recent years. These pet owners like their pups tiny and love it when there’s a miniature version of a medium or large pooch. The Mini Blue Heeler is one of those canines.

It’s ok if you’ve never heard of the Mini Blue Heeler dog before. After reading this article, you’ll know whatever there is to know about this beautiful breed. So, let’s get started with some basic information.

Mini Blue Heeler info

Mini Blue Heelers are an offshoot of the Blue Heeler or the Australian Cattle Dog. They’re called “Heelers” for the way they bite at the heels of stubborn cows to get them to move, whereas “Blue” refers to their signature coat color.

A 19th-century farmer named Thomas Hall from New South Wales, Australia came up with this breed. Hall mixed his pet Dingoes with Dalmatians and local cattle dogs. With this, he developed the perfect cattle herding breed for the rough and arid terrains of the Australian outback. 

Fast-forward to modern times, and we have Mini Blue Heelers popping up everywhere. This mini Australian cattle dog carries all the traits of the regular Blue Heelers in a compact package.

Mini Blue Heelers go by several other names, including miniature Australian cattle dog, teacup Australian cattle dog, Mini Queensland Heeler, mini ACD, and teacup Blue Heeler.

Breeders are usually secretive about their breeding methods, but Mini Blue Heelers can be bred by one of the following methods:

• Partnering a Blue Heeler with a smaller dog (Mini Blue Heeler Chihuahua mix, for example) or; 
• Selectively breeding tiny Blue Heelers with other tiny Blue Heelers.

The Blue Heeler took a long time to achieve AKC recognition, and the Mini Blue Heeler is a relatively new breed. As of right now, the AKC does not recognize them.

You might be interested in: Blue Heeler Chihuahua Mix – Complete Guide

Mini Blue Heeler vs standard 

The Mini Blue Heeler can have some unique characteristics depending on the breeding method used. However, they’re usually pretty similar to their larger counterparts. Here’s how they compare.

Similarities between Mini Blue Heeler and standard Blue Heeler

	Blue Heeler and Mini Blue Heeler
Drooling	Minimal
Shedding	Minimal
Grooming	Low
Energy level	High
Intelligence	High
Affection	Moderate
Barking	Minimal
Hypoallergenic	No
Lifespan	10-15 years

Differences between Mini Blue Heeler and standard Blue Heeler

	Blue Heeler	Mini Blue Heeler
Origin	Australia	USA
Purity	Purebred	Purebred or mixed
Purpose	Herding dog	Companion dog
AKC Recognition	Yes	No
Size group	Medium	Small
Height	17-20 inches	11-15 inches
Weight	35-50 pounds	12-25 pounds

Mini Blue Heeler physical appearance

Although the breed’s official name is the Australian Cattle Dog, their remarkable blue coats have given them the moniker of Blue Heeler.

The mini version carries many of the same physical qualities as the standard Blue Heeler, including the solid build and focused stance.

Other Mini Blue Heeler traits include:

• Erect triangle ears.
• A pointed snout.
• A fluffy tail that reaches the hocks.
• Almond-shaped eyes.
• A thick neck.
• Round paws.

Mini Blue Heeler size and height

The Miniature Blue Heeler size is the most prominent aspect that sets him apart from the regular Blue Heeler. The AKC states that the Blue Heeler’s height is anywhere between 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulders, whereas the teacup / Mini Blue Heeler is 2 to 9 inches shorter.

If you have a Blue Heeler that isn’t growing to the usual size, and you’re wondering, “why is my Blue Heeler so small?” then there’s a chance that you may have a mini/teacup/toy Blue Heeler.

Here is a table to give you a good idea of their height.

Blue Heeler Height

	Standard	Mini
Size group	Medium	Small
Height	17-20 inches	11-15 inches

Mini Blue Heeler weight

The Mini Blue Heeler is noticeably shorter and lighter than the standard Blue Heeler. Here is a weight chart to help you understand how the two sizes differ.

Blue Heeler Weight

	Standard	Mini
Weight group	Medium	Small
Weight	40-70 pounds	10-20 pounds

Mini Blue Heeler coat colors

Mini Blue Heelers come in only selected coat colors. The Australian breeders who produced them intentionally went for shades that separated them from the pesky feral Dingoes. 

As their name implies, Mini Blue Heelers come in blue coats with spots or dots of a darker color. Other colors on Mini Blue Heelers are black, red, and tan; these are present as markings.

Mini Blue Heeler temperament and personality

The Miniature Blue Heeler can inherit the qualities of regular Blue Heelers. They’re intelligent and hardworking dogs who need a job to keep them busy.

Mini Blue Heelers will sometimes test their cattle-herding skills on people—a habit that you need to get rid of as soon as you bring your pup home. If your Mini Blue Heeler is nipping or biting at your heels, you need to discourage him gently.

This tiny dog breed is somewhat independent and isn’t that interested in sitting on your lap. Their high energy makes them prefer playing, running, or exercising over cuddling. They are still affectionate; they just have a different way of showing it.

A well-trained Mini Blue Heeler is a sober and attentive canine. They’re pretty quiet and won’t bother your neighbors with their barking. Their intelligence and alertness also make them excellent guard dogs.

Are Mini Blue Heelers good family dogs?

When bringing a puppy home, you should consider how he will adapt to your lifestyle. If you have a family with young and energetic kids, you should go for a patient, sturdy, tolerant, and non-aggressive breed.

Regular Blue Heelers are notorious for their tendency to bite at the heels. A Mini Blue Heeler may also carry the same habit; however, you can get rid of it through training. They’re very energetic and will have no problem playing with your children all day.

Why get a Mini Blue Heeler?

Mini Blue Heelers are not for everyone, but that doesn’t mean they don’t make good pets. While they aren’t lapdogs, they’re fun to play with. You can take your Mini Blue Heeler jogging, cycling, or for a frisbee game on the beach. The Mini Blue Heeler will make an awesome pet if you have energetic kids.

Mini Blue Heelers are also excellent workers. Their smaller bodies don’t hinder their ability to learn commands and carry out tasks.

Mini Blue Heeler working qualities

The Blue Heeler is an excellent working breed known for its stamina, energy, intelligence, and agility. Since Mini Blue Heelers are similar to their larger counterparts in many ways, they are well-suited to hard work.

Although the Miniature Blue Heeler is known for being a companion dog, he will perform his job just as well as the Blue Heeler.

Mini Blue Heeler training

Training herding breeds usually takes less time and effort; this is also true for Mini Blue Heelers.

These pups respond well to training and appreciate the mental stimulation it brings. Their intelligence helps them learn commands quickly and retain them longer. Training also helps eliminate certain annoying habits, like biting at people’s heels or ankles.

Mini Blue Heeler exercise requirement

The vast herding routes that the Australian Cattle Dog (ACD) frequented made it necessary to have excellent stamina. The Miniature Blue Heeler also inherits his herding ancestors’ high energy and stamina.

Thankfully, their shorter frame means they don’t have the similar living space requirement as their regular versions. These pups will do well in smaller homes or apartments.

High-energy pups require more activity than other dogs, and you’ll have to drain the energy reserves of your Mini Blue Heeler every day. Failing to get rid of their excess energy would lead to frustration and can easily lead to destructive behavior.

Mini Blue Heeler grooming and cleaning

While the Mini Blue Heeler may have additional physical needs, grooming them requires little effort on your part. These canines shed minimally, and you only have to care for their falling fur before and after winter.

Mini Blue Heelers do well with a weekly brushing session. Since they’re not that big, you have less area to work on. You may have to increase the brushing frequency to at least twice a week during heavy shedding seasons.

You don’t need to bathe your Mini Blue Heeler too often. Wash them every few months or when they start to stink. They don’t produce much odor, so using a damp warm towel on them every week keeps them clean.

If you do need to bathe them when they’re dirty from playing outside, be sure to use dog-friendly shampoos that will keep their hair and skin healthy and moisturized.

If you’re giving your Mini Blue Heelers enough physical activity, they won’t need their claws trimmed. Frequent running will naturally file the nails down, but you’ll still have to monitor their growth.

Brushing your Mini Blue Heeler’s teeth and cleaning his ears should be a regular thing.

Is the Mini Blue Heeler hypoallergenic?

Despite being a low-shedding and low-drooling pooch, the Mini Blue Heeler isn’t hypoallergenic. They shed moderately all year round and slightly more during the fall and spring seasons. Their fur is fine so dander or tiny bits of dead skin will likely fall and float in the air, which can irritate people with canine allergies.

Mini Blue Heeler food and diet

The Miniature Blue Heeler requires a high-quality diet to maintain his high-energy lifestyle. These pups need more sustenance than other canines their size, and you shouldn’t fear them getting overweight as long as you give them enough exercise.

While an all-natural diet will work best for your pup, you can skip the hassle and buy a prepared meal from the store. Make sure to go for a brand that suits the energetic lifestyle of your Mini Blue Heeler. If you’re not sure, we highly recommend that you consult with your vet on the right doggy food brand for this pup.

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Mini Blue Heeler common health issues

Pedigree Blue Heelers suffer from several congenital issues, mainly brought on by inbreeding to keep the lineage pure.

However, Mini Blue Heelers can be purebred or crossed with another breed. A crossbred pooch is usually healthier than his parents, but that doesn’t mean he is immune to all the health concerns.

Here are five common medical issues to watch out for.

1. Blindness

Mini Blue Heelers often come down with dysfunctions that affect their eyesight. Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is one such disease. It slowly worsens the pup’s eyesight until the eyes no longer function.

2. Deafness

Blue Heelers can sometimes be partially or completely deaf. Deafness is one of the health issues Mini Blue Heelers share with regular Blue Heelers.

3. Pituitary dwarfism

Some breeders try producing Miniature Blue Heelers by selectively breeding pups with pituitary dwarfism. Although this results in smaller pooches, they have numerous disorders, including poorly developed organs, disproportionate body, lower intelligence, and a shorter lifespan.

4. Hip dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a frequently occurring dysfunction in the canine world. The affected pooch has difficulty jumping and running. This condition degenerates with time and can result in paralysis.

5. Patellar luxation

Patellar luxation is when the pup’s kneecaps pop out of their sockets. Patellar luxation can happen when the pooch puts stress on his joints. It can be painful at times, but it’s a minor discomfort in most instances.

Mini Blue Heeler lifespan

The lifespan of a Miniature Blue Heeler is similar to that of a regular Blue Heeler; you can expect them to live for up to 10 to 15 years. The lifespan also depends on your pup’s individual health and lifestyle, and it can decrease if your pooch has some medical condition.

Miniature Blue Heeler rescue

Adoption is always a noble option. It provides a home for a pooch hungry for love. Rescue pets are highly loyal, as they understand the feeling of not having an owner. If you’re looking for Mini Blue Heelers, rescues and adoption centers are an excellent place to start.

Mini Blue Heeler breeders

If you want to look for Miniature Blue Heeler breeders, there are various online sources to check. Although not every online breeder may run a reputable business, you can minimize your chances of getting scammed by asking questions and visiting the facility in person.

Make sure to go with breeders who provide health guarantees even if they demand a higher price.

Mini Blue Heeler puppies

Miniature Blue Heeler puppies seem noticeably smaller than regular ACD pups. Breeders produce them by mixing standard Blue Heelers with a shorter breed or by selectively breeding two smaller-than-normal ACDs.

Some breeders also make them by breeding runts. Runts are the smallest puppies of a litter. They’re not always healthy, but careful upbringing can help them live full lives. Breeding a runt with another runt results in smaller pups.

Miniature Blue Heeler price

Mini Blue Heelers don’t cost a fortune, and you can get one for as low as $300 if you’re lucky. However, their price may be higher depending on where you live. Some pedigree pups can cost as high as $3,500.

Mini Blue Heeler for sale 

A reputable breeder would never advertise having a teacup Blue Heeler for sale. Teacup is a controversial term that creates appeal for a pup with inferior health. 

You may find some responsible and well-known breeders selling Mini Blue Heelers if you look up “Mini Blue Heeler for sale near me.”

However, their focus is on producing a healthy fur buddy. They would never compromise a pup’s health by making them smaller just for profit.

Mini Blue Heeler puppies for sale 

It’s easy to find numerous results if you look up “Miniature Blue Heeler puppies for sale near me.” However, not all of them would be legitimate breeders.

Avoid puppy mills and scams by personally visiting the facility you’ve seen online. We have listed some popular Mini Blue Heeler breeders below. If you happen to be in one of these areas and are looking for a Miniature Blue Heeler, do check them out.

Mini Blue Heeler puppies for sale in Tennessee 

Check out DC Mini Blue Heelers on Facebook. They are located in South-West Tennessee and breed Mini Blue Heelers of the highest standards.

Mini Blue Heeler puppies for sale Oregon

If you’re looking for Mini Blue Heeler puppies Oregon breeders, do check out Rightway Ranch. Unlike some breeders, they don’t use runts or dwarf ACDs to make Mini Blue Heelers. You can be sure their pups are healthy.

Mini Blue Heeler puppies for sale in Idaho 

HooDoo Valley Breeders sell healthy Mini Blue Heeler pups. They pride themselves on their strict testing policies and ensure their pups are outstanding in every way.

Miniature Blue Heeler puppies for sale in Texas

Texas Heeler has standard and miniature ACD puppies in striking coat colors.

Mini Blue Heeler puppies for sale in Arkansas 

You can find lovely corgis and Mini Blue Heelers at Blue Heeler and Corgi Lover. They also provide health guarantees for their pups.

Mini Blue Heeler puppies for sale in Birmingham, AL 

Herding Pups breed their own puppies and also sell puppies that grow at nearby farms.

Mini Blue Heeler puppies for sale in Iowa

Rocky Top Heelers are licensed breeders of the ACD who pride themselves in raising healthy and well-behaved Heelers.

Mini Blue Heeler puppies for sale in Missouri 

You can get some healthy Mini Blue Heelers at Griffin Farms in Missouri.

Mini Blue Heeler puppies for sale in NC 

Cedar Grove Farms have some lovely Blue Heeler puppies available. You can check if they have some in miniature size.

Mini Blue Heeler puppies Washington 

If you are looking for Mini Blue Heeler puppies for sale in Washington, you may check with Back Country Cattle Dogs to see if they have any available.

Mini Blue Heeler puppies Montana 

Broken Tail Ranch is a family-owned business that sells lovely ACD puppies in Montana.

Miniature Blue Heeler puppies for sale in California

You can try checking out Blue Red Joe’s Australian Cattle Dogs to see if they have any mini ACDs available.

Is the Mini Blue Heeler right for me?

The Mini Blue Heeler is an agile, intelligent, hardworking, and energetic canine. If you have an active lifestyle and can give your Mini Blue Heeler the physical and mental stimulation he needs, then you’ll find him to be an ideal companion.

However, if you’d prefer a fur buddy that likes to cuddle, sit on your lap, and lounge with you, the Mini Blue Heeler may not be the dog for you.

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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://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6055913/