The Australian Heeler is a tireless shepherd dog, an excellent guard and a fearless protector. If you decide to get a dog, you will not find a better protector and companion. The dog loves children very much, and will always protect them. Representatives of this breed are very attached to the owner, they yearn if he suddenly leaves somewhere alone. For a healer, this is a real punishment, so take it with you if possible. These dogs are standards of devotion and fidelity, they show complete dedication, and thanks to their natural fearlessness, they become a reliable shield from dangers for all family members. These dogs are distinguished by a high level of intelligence - they clearly understand human language and confirm this in every possible way. Unfortunately, many of them die under the wheels of cars - they have a shepherd's instinct, so the healer will be safer and more comfortable in the countryside. This dog needs space and fresh air, it is the best suited for country life. They are mobile and playful, on a walk the healer will always be busy looking for adventures, so you will not be bored with him. The Australian Heeler is a very hardy dog. If you go in for extreme sports and prefer outdoor activities, this dog will become your reliable companion in such an exciting business.
Fast, brave, smart, hardy Australian healers are very similar to their ancestors - independent, freedom-loving and fearless dingoes. It was thanks to these wild dogs that farmers in Australia had the idea to create an ideal dog in all respects, which will drive and herd herds despite the local harsh climate, long distances and other possible difficulties. Dingo dogs caused a lot of trouble for local farmers, they quietly and silently attacked livestock, and instead of getting rid of them, the workers decided to create a similar dog as a counterweight to the dingo. Farmers crossed dingoes with smooth collies. Puppies were born that did not find a common language with horses. And then such a mestizo was crossed with a Dalmatian and an Australian kelpie. As you know, Dalmatians have been friendly with horses since ancient times, and kelpies are excellent shepherds. The resulting breed standard was developed by herding dog expert Robert Kaleski. The New South Wales Kennel Club adopted this standard in 1903. The official standard was adopted in 1963 by the Australian National Canine Council. The new standard was written based on the Kaleska standard. At the same time, the modern name of the breed was officially approved.
Australian Heelers are loyal and devoted dogs that will follow their master everywhere. They do not trust strangers, even as a puppy they are always on the alert if strangers are on their territory. These dogs have developed a protective instinct from birth, they are desperately ready to protect their loved ones. They are so self-confident that they can easily enter into an uneven fight. Healers become attached to their master once and for all.
The gene pool of these dogs is extremely strong. Perhaps thanks to the genes of the wild dingo dog, these shepherd dogs are among the most hardy and resistant to various diseases. In addition, dogs of this breed are among the centenarians. An Australian Heeler named Blue is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the "oldest dog" in the world. This dog lived 29 years 5 months and 7 days (06/07/1910 - 11/14/1939), of which she devoted 20 years to her work - she was tending herds. Of course, in order for your dog to be healthy, you need to take care of him. Heelers need to spend a lot of time outdoors. These dogs are designed to herd and drive herds. Therefore, they need intense exercise every day for their physical and emotional health. Before you buy a puppy of this breed, be sure to study his heredity. In rare cases, dogs can be born with deafness, epilepsy, hip dysplasia, and eye disease.
The lifestyle of these dogs should be very active. Of course, they will not be able to live in an apartment, especially if the owner disappears at work all day and takes his pet out for a maximum of half an hour twice a day. These dogs are ready to move 24 hours a day. Therefore, they will be much better off on a farm or in a large private house with a large plot. Of course, you can keep a healer in an apartment, but if you yourself can’t live a day without sports and travel. In this case, this Australian dog will become an indispensable companion for you, even if you live with him in an apartment. Caring for Australian Heelers is not difficult at all. Their fur has the ability to self-clean. It is recommended to wash them no more than twice a year, otherwise the wool will lose its peculiarity. Instead of washing, breeders advise wiping them with a wet towel dipped in water with a little vinegar. When washing, use only natural shampoos without chemical components. During the molting period, the coat of the healer must be combed out with a slicker brush about four times a week. The healer moves a lot, carefully watch his paws: trim his claws, grease the pads of his paws with olive or other vegetable oil so that the cracks heal. Of course, do not forget about the eyes, which need to be regularly washed with chamomile decoction, and also make sure that they do not get motes, otherwise infectious diseases may occur.
Australian Heelers need to be trained from an early age. These dogs quickly memorize commands, almost immediately understand what is required of them, however, it is quite difficult for them to follow certain rules. The blood of wild dogs flows in their veins, this should never be forgotten. Puppy in childhood must understand who the leader is, then he will obey. If you are too soft and affectionate with them, healers will always make their own decisions and do what they see fit. If you manage to establish contact with the healer and take a dominant position, then the dog will follow all your instructions. Never use physical force during training, this is unacceptable. Dogs need to be explained consistently and patiently. It happens that healer puppies begin to bite people on the legs. You must explain to the puppy that this is not the way to do it. This is not a good habit of many herding dogs; they graze livestock in this way. To be successful in raising an Australian Heeler, make sure your training is fun, light-hearted and varied. Representatives of this breed will be happy to learn if they are interested. These dogs are universal: they can be rescuers, hunters, guards, athletes, winners of all kinds of dog competitions. You can teach a healer almost anything. Especially if you encourage him with treats and affection. Healers are very fond of tasty food and receive praise from their master.
Locals in Australia believe that Heeler Blue lived for 29 years thanks to the fact that he ate kangaroo and emu meat. Of course, no one can reliably say this. However, one thing is clear that dogs of this breed are very fond of meat, especially considering that their ancestors were wild. However, in order for the diet to be complete, the pet must be given vegetables, fruits, fish, dairy products. Moreover, the healer will eat it all with pleasure. These dogs are not picky about food at all, sometimes it seems that they are ready to eat even inedible objects. Be sure to keep track of your pet's servings. Healers are prone to rapid weight gain, despite their hyperactivity. Make sure that the dog rests after eating, otherwise there may be a torsion of the stomach. Do not feed the dog with sweets, chocolate, pickled and smoked foods, in general, with everything that is sold in any supermarket and that you eat with pleasure yourself.
