Beabull vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

It was in 1802 that George Hall arrived in New South Wales, establishing 2 cattle stations. He had a problem – getting his thousands of cattle to the Sydney markets. He began looking at the prospect of a droving dog and imported a number of dogs of which a blue mottled dog emerged.

The dogs were crossed with dingoes and by 1840 the Halls Heelers were used by the Halls. However with the death of one of the Halls, their cattle stations went to action and the dogs, the Halls Heelers became available.

The dogs attracted attention, and the term ‘Australian Cattle Dog’ was adopted. The name referred to those dogs coming from Thomas Hall's ‘Heelers’. There have been many arguments about the origin of the breed, but the red or blue offspring known as Hall's Heelers were proven cattle drovers, and with further breeding experiments which included the Australian Kelpie, dingoes and the Dalmation, by 1893, the tough, robust working breed known as the Blue Heeler or the Australian Cattle Dog came about.

The Beabull is known as a designer breed rather than a purebred. The Beabull is a cross between a Beagle and an English Bulldog. This breed is a loving dog, playful and physically strong. They are independent and can be stubborn. Their origins are not well documented, but it is thought they were developed about 20 years ago. Although not recognized by the American Kennel Club because they are not purebred dogs

Blue Heelers are medium-sized, sturdy, compact dogs who are somewhat longer than tall. The female Blue Heeler measures roughly 43–48cm at the withers, while the male measures about 46–51cm. If your Blue Heeler is in tip top condition, he’ll weigh about 15 to 22 kilograms. They are muscular with pointed, erect ears, dark eyes and long tails which are mostly hanging downwards. Their dense coats are blue- or red speckled and sometimes with tan markings.

The Blue Heeler is a ball of energy and he is clever too. You won’t find him sitting around for too long, and if there is sign of a walk or a ball game, he’s in! He is an independent dog, and although he makes a wonderful family pet, he tends to attach himself to that one special person in his life. He is a natural watchdog and protector of his human family.

The first generations of the Beabulls are a 50-50 mix, but most of the breed today are multigenerational dogs. This means a Beabull is mixed with another Beabull to try to create a purebred over time. Most of the Beabulls are a mixture and are very unpredictable in their looks and characteristics, depending upon which of the original parent breeds they favor most. Many will retain the wrinkles, short legs, underbite and short tail of the Bulldog. Others will have the long droopy ears and long muzzles of the Beagle. Most will have coarse, short coats and shed quite a bit. They are medium to large depending upon which size Beagle is used in the crossing.

Training and socializing of your Blue Heeler will ensure that your dog does what you want him to. The Blue Heeler is an intelligent, responsive dog and training can benefit him, turning him into an outstanding family pet, good with children and other pets in the home.

He is a playful, affectionate pet who doesn’t take easily to strangers, and this is what makes him such an excellent guard dog.

Your Blue Heeler is not an apartment dog as he requires a lot of exercise, and cooping him indoors for too long with nothing to do can lead to destructive behavior.

Head-strong, independent and robust, your Blue Heeler will need a firm owner who is boss. Add to the firm owner a lot of love and care, and you’ll have a devoted friend.

1.Children friendliness – Very good with children. 2.Special talents intelligent and many with a great sense of smell. 3.Adaptability – They can live anywhere in an apartment or a home with a yard. 4.Learning ability – Very intelligent but with a stubborn, independent streak that is inherent in both parental breeds.

Australian cattle dogs are healthy and can live up to 15 years of age, but even so there are some genetic conditions that you will need to be aware of following

Eye issues which includes progressive retinal atrophy – this disease is an inherited disease of the retina of the eye where the rod cells are destined to die. Fortunately it is not painful for the dog. There are different types of inherited retinal degenerative diseases in dogs but going into detail with them is beyond the scope of this article. For more information you can chat to your vet.

Recessive piebald elleles - the Blue Heeler has recessive piebald alleles which can produce white in the skin and coat and which is linked to congenital hereditary deafness.

Although most Beabulls will not have inherited health problems there are some issues they are all prone to: • Bloat – can be fatal if not addressed immediately – inverted digestive organs. • Hip Dysplasia – can cause lameness. • Canine Disk Disease – can cause paralysis, loss of legs. • Hypothyroidism • Ear infections – keep them clean. • Patellar Luxation – floating kneecaps – can cause lameness. • Reverse Sneezing

Provide Plenty of Exercise

Remember that your Blue Heeler was once a full time cattle dog where he used to become totally and utterly exhausted from herding cattle. This is what he loved – the activity. If you have a Blue Heeler, you will need to provide him with plenty of exercise.

If you live on a farm, your Blue Heeler will be in his element because he can run, walk and swim to his heart’s content. If you keep your Blue Heeler in your back garden, you will need to provide him with ball games, rope games, long walks, running on a leash as you cycle and other activities.

Grooming

Your Blue Heeler has a short, weather-resistant double coat. He’s not a heavy shedder, but he will have his share of seasonal shedding, so it’s a good idea to get into the habit of brushing him at least twice a week. This will get rid of all those loose hairs and keep his skin healthy by getting the blood flowing and distributing his natural oils.

Feeding

Giving the best dog food for your Blue Heeler will come from either your home made food or a top quality commercially manufactured dog food. He is such a high energy dog, that your veterinarian can advise you on a dog food specially designed for high energy breeds.

These foods are well balanced and are enriched with amino acids and vitamins, promoting healthy bones and joints. Remember to include some raw meat into your dog’s diet and to ensure a constant source of cool, fresh water.

General care

Ensure your Blue Heeler’s ongoing health by paying attention to ears, nails and teeth.

1.Feeding the puppy – Don’t overfeed due to tendency for obesity and don’t feed right before or after exercise due to threat of bloat. Feed 3-4 meals per day a total of 1.5 cups in a day. 2.Feeding the adult - Don’t overfeed due to tendency for obesity and don’t feed right before or after exercise due to threat of bloat. Feed 3-4 meals per day a total of 3 cups in a day. 3.Points for Good Health no hereditary issues 4. Games and Exercises – both the laziness of the Bulldog and the scent driven energy or the Beagle can be seen in the Beabull. They have short bursts of the Beagles hyperness. Enjoy playing fetch and participating in agility. They need a daily 45-60 minute walk.