Schnorkie vs Queensland Heeler - Breed Comparison

Another name for Queensland Heeler is Australian Cattle Dog or Blue Heeler.

These dogs have always been known for herding cattle. The term ‘Heeler’ comes from the dog’s working style – nipping and biting at the cattle’s hooves.

He was was an Australian cattle dog for Australian settlers in the 1800s. It is believed that Thomas Hall created one of the foundations of the Australian Cattle Dog breed by crossing crossing sheepdogs with Dingos.

The Blue-colored dogs have been the most popular, being known as the Blue Heeler.

This dog is a cross between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Yorkshire Terrier.

It’s not a purebred dog and is known as a designer dog. These dogs inherit characteristics from both of its purebred parents.

The origins and history of these breeds is often unknown with their being no records as to when or where breeders started developing them. This particular mixed breed dog originated in the United States.

The Queensland Heeler is a medium sized dog that stands between 43 and 51cm in height, both male and female. The dog weighs in the region of 15 to 22kg.

He has a short double coat with colors being blue, mottled blue and also red speckled. You’ll also find black and tan coloring on this active dog.

He is strong, lean and muscular with medium sized ears that are erect. The eyes are dark and alert, the legs straight and strong. The tail can be docked or left long.

Temperament:

The Australian Cattle Dog is a high-energy working dog that you won’t easily find lying around. The alert eyes are consistently looking around for action and he can’t be bored otherwise he could resort to digging or other destructive behavior.

He is loving to his entire human family, but being particularly attached to just one family member. He is also protective, taking his guarding role of his family seriously.

He gets on well with children and other pets but you’ve just got to keep your eyes on him around children as when excited he can give a nip or two.

Training and socialization will be important for this dog, particularly because he can be strong-headed, willful and stubborn.

The Schnorkie is a small dog standing at between 12 to 30cm in height and weighing just 3 to 6kg.

Schnorkies have an athletic build but they are lean and you want to keep them that way.

Their double coat is mostly silky and straight, but can be wavy too. The double coat can be grey, silver, fawnish and have a mix of colors while also being available in solid colors.

The ears are half erect, half floppy and the tail tends to be medium length, plumed and held up.

Temperament:

Schnorkies are high spirited little dogs and they can also prove to stubborn. There is nothing that a bit of training and socialization won't do for stubborn dogs, making them obedient and responsive to their owners.

Because they are hybrid dogs, they can inherit temperaments or looks from either of the parent dogs.

Active, intelligent, feisty, brave, playful, loving – these are just some of the wonderful characteristics you get when you bring a Queensland Heeler into your home.

True, he is independent, self-willed and stubborn, but training and socialization can take away all the rough edges.

He forms a strong bond with his human owner, and once you’ve had one of these amazing dogs in your life, you’ll be convinced that dogs are truly man’s best friend.

Your Schnorkie is a jaunty little dog who is going to love playing games with you. Children will need to treat him with gentleness and respect simply because he is small.

He is social, friendly and loving with his human family, though sometimes, coming from the Schnauzer, he gets a bit moody.

He makes a great family pet though and and while he loves to be outside playing, he also loves to come indoors and be everybody’s lap dog for the evening.

Australian Cattle Dogs are healthy. Every dog, even the most healthiest breeds, can succumb to some of the common dog illnesses there are.

Deafness:

This is an inherited condition, so if you’re looking for a puppy, be careful about the breeder you buy from.

Hip Dysplasia:

This is another inherited condition where the thighbone of the dog doesn't fit properly into the hip joint. Your dog is usually so active but with this problem he may well be in pain and actually be lame. Your pet can even develop arthritis . The idea is to get your pet to the vet because it can be unbearable to see him in pain and unable to get around.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy:

This eye disease can mean deterioration of the retina. You'll recognize the signs when you see your dog unable to navigate around your home during the night. He is night blind but later on he can’t see during the day either.

Your Schnorkie, as a hybrid breed, can inherit some health problems from either parent – the Schnauzer or the Yorkshire Terrier.

Then again, mixing pure bred dogs can eliminate some common dog ailments. Overall, the Schnorkie is a healthy dog and can live up to 15 years of age.

A couple of major health concerns with the Schnorkie are dental problems and pancreatitis.

Dental Problems:

If your dog has tooth problems he might be in terrible pain and that is why it is so important to look inside his mouth.

Dogs can break their teeth and they can also get gum disease. Dogs have a more alkaline mouth and this is what encourages plaque. Try and brush your pet’s teeth with special canine toothpaste and toothbrush because dental disease can cause lots of problems for your pet.

Pancreatitis:

The pancreas helps with the digestion of food and to regulate blood sugar. Pancreatitis is more common in Schnauzers, and then the pancreas is swollen and inflamed.

Dogs with this disease will lose their appetite, be lethargic, restless and have stomach pain. You may see your pet hunching his back. Pancreatitis can lead to organ damage and you will need to get your dog to the vet.

To cope with his life on the Australian Outback, the Queensland Heeler is known to be a low maintenance dog.

The thick coat does shed and it can get dusty so a good brush twice a week is all that is basically required for this dog. If his nails don’t wear down naturally, you will need to have them trimmed. As with every dog, you will need to give attention to his ears and teeth.

Exercise:

This is an extremely active dog. He is going to be needing both mental and physical stimulation to avoid boredom, after all he is used to an active lifestyle herding cattle. Hikes, swimming, running – you name it – he’ll join you with all your activities.

Diet:

Your Queensland Heeler is such a vibrant dog, full of the joys of living, and you want to ensure he has good food to eat to ensure he stays like that.

For convenience you get some excellent commercially manufactured dog foods. Your Blue Heeler is such a wonderful companion dog that you want to spoil him a bit and give him some delicious home-made food too. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots are a healthy choice for your pet – plain and simple just like dogs love it. Chop it up and add it into the high quality dry kibble a couple of times a week.

Some raw meat added in from time to time will help his skin and coat remain healthy. Never leave him without a constant source of fresh, cool water.

Diet:

Puppies will need 4 small meals a day, but by 8 weeks your Schnorkie will be ready to move onto dry dog food. As he grows into an adult you will cut the meals down to two a day.

The best commercially manufactured dry dog food is able to meet your dogs nutritional needs and it’s super convenient too. It can be a good idea to feed your pet some home-made food too. Twice a week will be sufficient to add in this home-made food - boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta, sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach will be excellent for him and his digestion and be a tasty treat for him. You can simply chop it up and add it to the dry kibble. Some raw meat occasionally can help to ward off nasty skin ailments. Make sure that your Schnorkie has a constant supply of cool fresh water.

Grooming:

Schnauzers and Yorkies both have high maintenance coats and your Schnorkie will also require regular brushing, though he doesn’t shed much. Some people prefer to hand their dogs in and have them professionally groomed.

Exercise:

Just because a Schnorkie is a little dog, doesn’t mean he doesn’t need exercise. You don’t want a small dog like this getting obese and unfit. Take him for walks and give him some ball games.