Can a Blue Heeler Be Good With Kids?

Blue heelers are brawny moderate-size canines who originated in Australia, where they started herding livestock. When it comes to working, blue heelers are multitalented pooches, with gifts not only in herding but also act with serious vigor. These dogs, also called Australian cattle dogs, red heelers and Queensland heelers, are frequently kept as pets.

All canines are individuals with their own characteristics and personality traits, although that's not to say that specific breeds don't have certain tendencies. Blue heelers have reputations as being lively, bright and self-sufficient dogs. If they're lucky enough to get good, extensive socialization and training from their owners, they often become dedicated and loving canine family members. With blue heelers, it's always crucial for people to resolutely discourage any bossy and dominant behaviors, period.

If your household includes any young children, blue heelers might not be the most appropriate option. These dogs sometimes become easily annoyed around wee youngsters. Note that little kids often are extremely sudden and speedy in their motions, which can sometimes make blue heelers feel uneasy -- and perhaps even draw out their innate herding and nipping urges. Little kids also tend to be pretty noisy, with lots of high-pitched shrieking, which could be problematic for some blue heelers.

Although blue heelers and young children aren't a beneficial idea, blue heelers who have undergone extensive and comprehensive socialization from an early age can often be good with kids who are a minimum of 10 years in age, as long as the kids treat them in a mindful manner. Blue heelers can flourish being around kids, reveling in the spirited playtime interactions they share.

Unfamiliar children can sometimes be an issue for blue heelers as well. Not only are these dogs often doubtful about them, they also can be extremely defensive over their own small human family members. If a child invites a new pal over to the home, the blue heeler might watch over everything the unfamiliar kid does. If he sees anything that he might construe as being a problem, he could react defensively -- not good at all. Keep blue heelers out of small kids' lives, and also away from newbie kids in general. Always be safe and intelligent when it comes to the people and animals in your life.