Blue Heeler Corgi Mix: An Ultimate Guide

If you’ve had your eyes on a Blue Heeler Corgi mix, it is crucial to understand the crossbreed in detail. This will not only help you in the care and maintenance of the dog but will also reveal how suitable the hybrid is for your lifestyle. 

The Bluee Heeler Corgi mix results from crossing the Blue Heeler, also known as the Australian Cattle dog, and the Corgi. This mix creates a dog that is loving to its owners, super intelligent, playful, and energetic, perfect for active lifestyles. 

Below you will find a detailed new owner’s guide discussing how the crossbreed came to be, what it looks like, the type of personality it has, care and maintenance, health concerns, etc. 

A Brief Overview of the Blue Heeler Corgi Mix

The Blue Heeler, also known as the Australian Cattle Dog, is a medium-sized, intelligent, resilient dog from the herding dog. It has an intense drive to work, and together with its high energy levels, it is always down for some work. 

The Corgi comes in two types, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. Corgis were bred to herd cattle, but they became more companion dogs than working ones over time. They love their families but do not cling like their small-breed counterparts. 

What are these like together in the mix? The Blue Heeler Corgi mix will have a strong initiative to work, a trait it picks from both parents. The combination also presents high energy levels and appreciates a good time outdoors, requiring regular exercise. 

Blue Heeler Corgi Mix History 

There is not much history available about the crossbreed, but the two parents, the Blue Heeler and the Corgi have a clear background. The parents’ history can guide you on the type of dog these two create, so it is worth discussing. 

Blue Heeler History

The Blue Heeler, Australian Cattle Dog, or Queensland Heeler can be traced back to the 19th century. It was popular among Australian settlers who kept it as a guard dog while they traveled. 

The Australian ranchers needed a dog that could easily manage a large number of cattle. They had interests in other dogs like the British Smithfield, but they could not herd as desired. 

This took the ranchers numerous attempts to create a dog that would be hard enough for herding and one that would withstand the high temperatures and extreme working conditions. 

In the early 1840s, Thomas Hall and George Elliot crossed the British Smithfield with the Blue Merle Highland Collies. This created a hardy dog that later sparked interest in Australian ranchers that needed herding dogs. 

Furter breeding saw Jack and Harry Bagust crossing these dogs with dalmatians. The main goal was to ‘soften’ the hardy dogs, to create loyal and friendly dogs while maintaining the agility of the dogs. 

The dog became popular and was endorsed by the Cattle and Sheep Dog Club of Australia and the Kennel Club of New South Wales in 1903. It was not approved for registration by the American Kennel Club until 1980 when it was placed under the working dog group. 

Corgi History

The Pembroke Welsh corgi was bred as an all-purpose barnyard dog. It was used to escort cows to grazing lands, watch them, and bring them back home for milking. It was also excellent at pest control and protecting their families, livestock included. 

Corgis, the Pembroke Welsh, and the Cardigan Welsh Corgis are ancient breeds dating back to the 10th century. In the 1850s, they were standard on every farm in Wales but disappeared in the 1900s after Welsh farmers started raising sheep in fenced structures. 

This eliminated the sole purpose of the Corgis, and since farmers needed longer-legged dogs for herding, they replaced the Corgi with the Border Collie. Even so, Corgis were still popular, and in the 1920s, they were recognized by the Kennel Clun in England.  

The first Pembroke Corgis arrived in America in 1834 with Mrs. Lewis Roesler, who bred Old English Sheepdogs. Her two corgis became the first Corgis to be registered by the American Kennel Club in 1935. 

Blue Heeler Corgi Appearance

Like other crossbreeds, the Blue Heeler Corgi mix does not come with a specific appearance. Blue Heller Corgi mix puppies can be similar in appearance, taking different characteristics from both parents, or steer towards one parent more than the other. 

The most outstanding features of the Blue Heeler Corgi mix are the pointy ears, medium size, and short legs. The nose is black, and the eye color can range from blue to brown. 

Size

The size of the Blue Heeler Corgi mix varies depending on the dominant gene from the parents. Average Bue Heelers stand at the height of 17 to 20 inches at the shoulders, while average Corgis have a height between 10 to 12 inches at the shoulders. 

The mix can be as tall as 15 to 20 inches at the shoulders. Some mixes can take after the short stature of the Corgi or be as close in height as the Blue Heeler, but most of them are an average of both parents’ heights. 

Average Blue Heelers can weigh between 30 to 50 pounds, while average Corgis can weigh up to 30 pounds. Therefore, the mix can range between 30 to 45 pounds in weight, will smaller ones weighing closely to Corgis and bigger ones weighing as heavy as Blue Heelers. 

Coat Type and Colors

The coat type and color that the Blue Heeler Corgi takes will depend on the most dominant gene from the parents. Puppies in the same litter can range in coat colors, some getting as close as Blue Heelers, others as Corgis, and others combining both parents’ coat characteristics. 

The Blue Heeler comes in a double-layer coat. As hardy dogs, this coat helps to protect them from extreme weather conditions such as snow, sun, etc. The Corgi, however, has a single or double layer depending on its origin. 

If both Corgis come in a double coat, the offspring takes a single coat, but if one of the Corgi parents has a single coat, the puppy may have a double coat or a single coat; depending on the parent, it takes after the most. 

Therefore, a single-layer coated Corgi and a Blue Heeler will create a mix that has either a single coat or a double coat. That said, Blue Heeler Corgi mix comes with single and double coats, depending on the Corgi parent’s coat. 

When it comes to color, the Blue Heeler Corgi mix will take after one of the parents’ colors or a combination of both parents’ colors. If the blend takes after the Blue Heeler’s color, it will look more like the Blue Heeler; the same happens if it takes after the Corgi. 

What is the Temperament of the Blue Heeler Corgi Mix?

If you are going to get a designer dog, you might as well understand how the dog behaves, how it relates to people and other pets, and its overall personality. The Blue Heeler Corgi mix is a fun-loving, intelligent and outgoing dog, basically a ball of energy. 

It is loyal and enjoys the company of its human family. Its high energy levels make it the perfect pet for a family leading a healthy, active lifestyle. That said, it is unsuitable for novice dog owners with minimal or no experience keeping an active dog. 

The good thing is that it is suitable to keep in an apartment, thanks to its small to medium size. It can live comfortably in small spaces; however, it is advisable to provide a large area for playtime to expend energy and exercise. 

Remember, Blue Heelers and Corgis were bred as herding and guarding dogs. This comes with an instinct of them wanting to howl and bark at strangers or in threatening situations. The good thing is that this can be corrected with early socialization. 

It is important to note that the Blue Heeler Corgi mix can quickly get separation anxiety. This dog enjoys company and can get irritable or depressed if left alone for a long time. On that note, the dog suits people who can consistently dedicate time to them and give them the attention they need. 

This loving dog gets along with kids; it is friendly and will want to play with kids. Thanks to its small size, it is less likely to cause a threat to small kids and other pets in the home. 

How to Care for the Blue Heeler Corgi Mix

Your furry Blue Heeler Corgi mix will love you as much as you love it. Generally, this dog is easy to care for and does not need any specific maintenance routine. But like other dogs, it needs a healthy diet, regular exercise, consistent grooming, and early training. 

Feeding

The amount of food your Blue Heeler Corgi mix will need will depend on how active it is and the kind of activities it does. This dog is highly active therefore requiring a wholesome diet that meets its energy demand. 

But you ought to be careful not to overfeed your dog and increase the risk of obesity. Since it can be challenging to figure out the right food to give your dog, it is advisable to consult with your vet. 

You want to make sure you get a diet that meets your dog’s needs while keeping it at a healthy weight. It is also important to note that your dog’s diet needs will change as they grow and what will suit your dog as a puppy will not provide the proper nutrition for it as a senior dog. 

Exercise

All dogs need exercise to stay healthy, regardless of age and size. The Blue Heeler Corgi mix is a highly-active dog and appreciates as much time outdoors as possible. The dog will want to run around, play outside for hours or chase after other pets in the yard. 

Ensure your dog gets at least an hour of exercise daily; this could be a run in the neighborhood, a hike, or a playtime session with other dogs at the park. Be sure to stimulate the dog mentally and physically by introducing toys such as puzzles, frisbees, flyballs, etc. 

Grooming

Blue Heeler Corgi mixes come with a double coat, which calls for consistent grooming to keep the coat in good condition. Both parents shed twice a year, so the mix is no exception. As a shedder, the dog will require daily brushing to get rid of loose hair. 

Your dog will need at least one bath a month, but you might need to give it more baths, especially if it spends a lot of time outdoors. On bath day, ensure you check the ears for wax buildup and clean appropriately. 

Training

The Blue Heeler Corgi mix can present the urge to run aimlessly, especially if it has dominant genres from the Blue Heeler parent. As such, it needs early training to instill good manners and teach it to protect itself from dangerous situations. 

Additionally, the mix can be a barker, a trait it can pick from the Blue Heeler parent. But will early training, the dog can learn how to be more friendly to unfamiliar people and other pets. 

The best way to do this is by starting the training early; the dog is bound to build solid character if training begins early. Additionally, use positive reinforcement during training to encourage the dog and help improve its attention span. 

Here’s a short video of an adorable Blue Heeler Corgi Mix named Rocky being trained:

Blue Heeler Corgi Mix Health Issues

This mix is generally healthy with routine checks, regular exercise, and a healthy diet. But, like other dogs, it is prone to a few health issues, majorly those that the parents are prone to. Here are some health issues that the mix is susceptible to: 

• Hip dysplasia
• Cataracts
• Epilepsy
• Cutaneous Asthenia
• Degenerative Myelopathy
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy
• Deafness

FAQs

Is a Blue Heeler Corgi Mix a Great Family Dog?

The Blue Heeler Corgi mix is a perfect dog for a family, regardless of setup. It relates well with its owners, loves the company of kids, and interacts well with other pets. It is particularly great for families that lead an active lifestyle. 

How Much Does the Blue Heeler Corgi Mix Cost?

A Blue Heeler Corgi mix costs between $1000 to $2500. The total amount you pay will depend on the breeder’s reputation, location, puppy generation, additional health tests, insurance, etc. 

How Long Does the Blue Heeler Corgi Mix Live?

The Blue Heeler has a lifespan between 12 to 15, while the Corgi can live between 12 to 14 years. Therefore, the Blue Heeler Corgi mix can live between 12 to 16 years with proper care and maintenance. 

The Bottom Line

The Blue Heeler Corgi mix is viable if you are looking for a high-energy, loyal, and loving dog. It is brilliant and enjoys the company of its human family, making it one of the best dogs for family and individual settings.