Have you ever heard about the Australian Cattle Dog? Of course, you have! Most people know about this breed through another name which is, ‘Blue heeler.’ It’s one of the most hardworking, energetic, loving, and loyal breeds one can have.
Blue Heelers like to get in trouble, and they’re always looking for a job around the house or outdoors. It’s an interesting breed that requires low maintenance. Yes, you read that right!
Blue heelers’ hair shouldn’t be trimmed or shaved because there’s a chance that the hair will become uneven and coarse. In fact, a blue heeler does not need regular baths unless they get really filthy.
Most blue heelers’ parents would like to know more about cutting a blue heelers’ hair. Here’s an interesting read for you! We have mentioned everything you need to know about the breed, their hair, the dos and don’ts, and more. Let’s dive right in!
Blue Heelers & Haircuts: Is it a NEED?
A blue heeler does not NEED a haircut. There are various reasons behind not giving them a haircut. Firstly, the cattle dog or blue heelers’ hair regulates the body temperature and also protects the skin from different kinds of elements.
Australian cattle dogs or blue heelers’ grooming is quite easy because it does not require much effort or time. These dogs have a double coat and it’s quite short.
Yes, there is a bit of shedding, so a quick brushing session twice a week would be good enough for your blue heeler.
The double coat is designed in such a way that it resists dirt and water. Grooming is important for every dog – you can’t let them go dirty for months, but in the case of a blue heeler, you need to bathe them only when they are very dirty.
Here’s a hypothetical situation – your blue heeler went out for a little run with you and it started raining. Since blue heelers love to get in trouble, we can imagine them rolling in a puddle or getting drenched. Perhaps this is the best time they could get a grooming session.
Blue Heelers & Shedding: Do they shed a lot?
Blue heelers are adorable, and what makes them easy to take care of is the minimized shedding. These little buggers don’t shed a lot, so you don’t have to take out a lot of time cleaning up the house.
Dog hair all over the place can be annoying, and most people give it a second thought before getting a pet home.
Luckily, a blue heeler doesn’t shed a lot, but you would need to brush their hair once or twice a week. This is just a routine maintenance practice. Get the right brush for your blue heelers’ hair and take out fifteen minutes and two days a week.
Brushing your blue heeler’s hair is crucial because it allows you to get rid of excess fur or anything that’s loose.
Do you want expert advice on how to groom your blue heeler fur baby? Watch this quick video on expert grooming tips for a blue heeler/Australian cattle dog.
Shaving Blue Heelers’ Hair – Is it recommended?
It is possible to clip their hair, but groomers don’t recommend it. In case you are bent on trimming the hair, leave at least an inch on the blue heeler. It will at least guard the skin and the pores and keep them safe from getting sunburns.
Blue heelers have short hair, but a double coat. It protects them when they’re out in nature. Since blue heelers are explorers, you would want them to stay protected in all kinds of weather.
Please note that their undercoat is quite dense and brief. Don’t try to meddle with the undercoat. In case you find any loose hair, use a brush to get rid of it. Twice a week is good enough for brushing their hair.
Bathing a Blue Heeler: How Many Times in a Month?
A blue heeler would love to go for a swim with you, but bathing should not be a regular practice. You don’t want to put too much shampoo on their hair because this will make it coarse/dry.
Bathing washes away the oils and triggers all kinds of skin and pore issues. Give your blue heeler a bathing session once or twice in four to six weeks. Ideally, you should bathe them only when they are really dirty.
Dry shampoos are also available in case you don’t want to bathe your blue heeler often.
Make sure you take your blue heeler’ for a grooming session at a specialized pet parlor. The grooming experts know what kind of shampoo to use on your adorable furry baby.
So, find a good grooming expert and let your blue heeler know that they’re really special. In case they spend too much time out in the woods and sleep on the bed, you might want to keep a dry shampoo at home. This will save you from having a stinky furry baby at home.
Blue heelers are such a joy to have in your life. They’re the ones you want to take on all your adventures. You’ve probably seen plenty of movies where dogs accompany their parents to dangerous and adventurous places around the world.
Some dogs aren’t really cut out for traveling, but a blue heeler is born to go on adventures with you.
FAQs
1.) Can you shave a blue heeler?
It is not recommended to shave a blue heeler, but if you are adamant to do so, let an expert pet groomer do it. The key is to not shave the hair in a way where you avoid the coat from growing back in an uneven or crazy way.
2.) What’s a blue heeler?
Blue Heeler is one of the variants of an Australian Cattle Dog. They are also known as, ‘Queensland Heelers.’ This particular dog breed is known for its unique features, color, and super energetic nature.
3.) Does a blue heeler dog shed too much hair?
No. A blue heeler dog doesn’t shed too much hair. The maintenance is quite low, so prospective pet parents with less time on hand can get a blue heeler home.
4.) How often should pet parents groom their blue heelers?
Three to four days of grooming are enough for a blue heeler. Take out three to four days in a month for a little grooming session. It doesn’t take much time, really.
5.) What are the ways of getting rid of a blue heeler’s undercoat?
Using a brush rake can help in getting rid of the undercoat. The blue heeler doesn’t need a bath unless they are actually dirty or filthy.
This can help you save a lot of time and energy considering there is little to do in terms of maintenance. Let your blue heeler prance around and play as much as they like.
6.) What’s the difference between a blue heeler and an Australian cattle dog?
Well, there is no difference between an Australian cattle dog and a blue heeler. The blue heeler is the same breed, but they are blue in color.
So, basically, when you say you have a blue heeler, it means you have an Australian cattle dog that’s blue in color. The red Australian cattle dogs are red in color.
Concluding Thoughts
The double coat of a blue heeler protects them from chilly winters and any other harsh weather conditions.
Blue heelers demand low maintenance, but they’re agile, loyal, and adventurous. If you want a dog that doesn’t demand too much grooming, consider getting a blue heeler.
It might be tempting to cut or shave their hair, but it is best to not get experimental.
Trimming their nails, cleaning their ears, and brushing their teeth are some things you ought to do on a regular basis, but don’t get too experimental with their hair.
If you follow these basic tips, your blue heeler will be a healthy, happy, and furry dog.
