The cattle doodle is an interesting mix of two very dominant pure breeds. There are many reasons for having one around you and your family. This dog breed collects all the best traits from its dog parents, and it happens to be the perfect guardian of families.
Blue Heeler Poodle Mixes are even used by the police, considering their natural watchdog instinct – the trait they mainly inherited from the Australian cattle dog, or, more popularly, the blue heeler.
Cattle doodles are affectionate and friendly, and their activity level is high. Before getting one, you should consider their physical preferences and know that this dog requires daily activities. It won’t just suffice by being a lap dog.
Just like other dominant breeds, like pitbulls, german shepherds and border collies, the blue heeler poodle mix requires a high-activity training program in order to remain calm and friendly. Otherwise, its behavior can become destructive, which is something you don’t want around your family members.
What Is A Blue Heeler Poodle Mix?
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Even though the blue heeler poodle mix is less familiar among popular blue heeler mixes, it still makes the perfect combination of two purebred dogs – the poodle and the blue heeler. They remain active at all times, and their physical appearance is uncanny.
This merle canine is one of the best dogs to have if you live an active and healthy life. This mixed breed can accompany you in walks, running, or other high-intensity activities.
It simply adores being engaged in various activities, and with a little effort, you can have the perfect family pet.
Another great reason why you should have a blue heeler poodle mix by your side is the fact that this is an intelligent dog. Reputable breeders emphasize this fact a lot because this designer dog’s trainability is on a high level.
These are fun-loving canines that enjoy playtime, and they will do anything to make it last as long as possible.
Just like huskies, this can also be a working dog, considering its exquisite strength, stamina, and obedience. They just need a lot of positive reinforcement and early socialization. Dog owners who properly train this mix dog breed will have a lifetime of happiness.
What Are The Two Breeds That Make A Blue Heeler Poodle Mix?
The blue heeler poodle mix comes from two dog parents – the standard poodle and the Australian cattle dog. The other name for the latter is ‘blue heeler’. It is mostly because of its merle, blue coat.
Each of these two breeds have unique traits, and happen to be among the healthiest dog breeds in the world. This is due to their perfect physical condition and high stamina, especially if we talk about the Australian cattle dog.
Both pure breeds are recognized by the American Kennel Club, which makes them favorable for crossbreeding. In fact, there are a plethora of crossbreeds that involve both the blue heeler and the poodle.
The latter is probably more popular because of the owners’ preferences to have an indoor family dog. The best poodle mixes happen to be lap dogs, and their high level of socialization makes them perfect for homes.
The Poodle
Even though the poodle breed has its own sub-categories, like toy poodles, or miniature poodles, here, we are mostly talking about the standard poodle. All three are favored by breeders, among which the miniature poodle breeders are some of the most popular in the U.S.
This purebred canine originally comes from France. It is a French national dog, and it has a long history as a working dog despite its unique, fashionable look.
Some breeders say that its history also has deep roots in Germany, where they served as water retrievers.
The poodle dog has an affectionate and calm nature, which makes it the perfect family dog. Its physical appearance is unique, considering its long, curly, double coat. It comes in various shapes and colors, and it is perfect for new grooming ideas.
It does not face many health problems, and it is one of the healthiest dogs in the world. Hip dysplasia can sometimes occur in poodle puppies, which is a condition that is common for large breeds.
The poodle is favorable for crossbreeding, and we have many poodle mixes today, among which goldendoodles, bernedoodles, and labradoodles are the most familiar.
Australian Cattle Dog
Australian cattle dogs, as the name says, originate from Australia. This is a dog that somehow resembles two other Australian canines – the dingo and the Australian shepherd. The dingo is a wild dog that has a very long history.
It was originally a watchdog of the Australian native people, but over time, it became wild. Until today, dingos live in herds, and it is a hunting dog.
On the other hand, we have the Australian shepherd – a dog that was originally used for protecting herds.
This is a trait that the blue heeler shares, too. Also, the Australian shepherd colors are very similar to the blue heeler’s. These single-layer canines appear in merle, white, blue, and red combinations.
The blue heeler is an intelligent herding dog with high energy levels and almost zero health issues. It requires early socialization and obedience training because this is naturally a dangerous dog breed. Also, without timely training, they can show disobedience.
However, if properly trained with lots of positive reinforcement, Australian cattle dogs will become perfect human companions – loyal and ready to follow you everywhere you go.
The Cattle Doodle History
It is believed that the blue heeler poodle mix appeared in the 1980s. The goal was to create a hybrid that collects the best traits from the poodle and the Australian cattle dog.
With this combination, the cattle doodle retains the traits of a watchdog and a guardian, but shows more affection to strangers, and it is easier for it to adapt to family life. Also, its coat remains as the poodle-like shape, so you can apply poodle haircuts to this designer dog!
The poodle crossing contributes a lot to socialization training and obedience, considering their naturally affectionate character.
On the other hand, blue heeler poodle mixes with more than 50% of the blue heeler’s genes tend to be more stubborn and aggressive if not properly socialized.
Blue Heeler Poodle Mix Appearance
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The blue heeler poodle mix resembles the merle poodle. It has a unique coat color with long, curly hair, and grooming is needed more frequently. This trait is related to the poodle breed, considering the Australian cattle dog’s short-haired coat.
The dog is, by nature, friendly, which is not the natural character of both of its parent breeds. Blue heelers can be extremely aggressive towards unfamiliar humans, which is basically the watchdog character they are born with.
However, the poodle genes prevail in the cattle doodle mix when it comes to behavior and socialization, and that’s why this dog won’t show signs of aggression if approached for the first time.
However, owners need to make sure that this hybrid puppy is properly trained and taught socialization manners.
Size
The size of the blue heeler poodle mix can go over 15 inches, and they weigh around 35 to 50 pounds. This is a medium-sized dog, which goes along with the parent breeds.
The blue heeler growth chart varies from 40 to 50 pounds in the adult age, and this parent breed is considered as a medium to large breed. Its height ranges between 17 and 19 inches, which is a little bit more than the cattle doodle mix.
On the other hand, the standard poodle size is a bit taller than the aforementioned dog parent. They can grow up to 24 inches in height. The poodle’s weight is somewhere between 50 and 70 pounds. This is a medium to large dog breed, too.
Make sure your cattle doodle puppy always has proper dog food, which is important for its development. This is an active dog that requires a large protein intake. Usually, herding dogs need more frequent meals than other, less active puppies.
Proper amount of protein makes them preserve their musculature, and it also gives them enough strength needed for their high-leveled activities. Also, take care of the overall feeding chart of your blue heeler poodle mix. You can check out our Blue Heeler feeding chart for more information!
Do not leave out other macronutrients, and always take care of timely feeding.
Inadequate feeding can cause weight loss in your cattle doodle canine, which is not good for its overall health.
Color
This canine, as the name itself says, mostly comes in blue color. This is a trait inherited from the Australian cattle dog, considering the fact that their main coat color is indeed blue. However, as puppies, they are born white, but over time, their hair becomes bluish, or sometimes red.
These hybrid puppies come in white, gray, blue, cream, and red variants. Typically, both dog parents are represented in these physical characteristics. The poodle’s coat colors are a little bit more solid-colored, while blue heelers are either parti or solid-colored.
Typically, this long-haired designer dog will appear in a blue variant, but other colors can occur. The overall price of this puppy sometimes depends on the special color requested, and it can vary by several hundred dollars.
Do Cattle Doodles shed?
Truth be told – all dog breeds shed. It is just the amount of shedding we’re talking about. Naturally, blue heeler poodle mixes have a low-shedding characteristic, and this is only because of the poodle parent.
If you ask whether poodles shed, we can say yes, but a little. The Poodle breed is known for its low-shedding, hypoallergenic coat, and this is one of the greatest traits it gave to its successor, the cattle doodle.
On the other hand, the Australian cattle dog, just like the Australian shepherd dog, sheds a bit more.
This is why it is important to seek cattle doodle puppies with a high percentage of poodle genes, especially if you or members of your family suffer from dog hair allergies.
The blue heeler poodle mix with over 50 percent of poodle genes tends to be hypoallergenic, too, which is great!
Also, the level of shedding in these dogs is low, and the puppy won’t leave trails all over the house. You can freely let your canine enjoy your lap, couch, or bed.
Still, the blue heeler doodle needs daily grooming, considering its long, curly hair.
Blue Heeler Poodle Mix Temperament
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When it comes to the blue heeler poodle mix behavior, we can say that this puppy is a family dog. The trait almost exclusively goes along the poodle breed. Australian cattle dogs are intelligent and protective by default, but their instinct does not revolve around big families or a home environment.
They are more of a working dog, and their crossbreeding in that regard is favorable with huskies. For instance, the blue heeler husky mix makes the perfect working and sled dog that helps in the household and protects families from other wild animals.
However, if properly bred and socialized from an early age, these canines can be pretty affectionate, too! In fact, sportsmen adore this parent breed!
To some extent, the cattle doodle’s temperament goes along with its cute and affectionate looks. This curly doggie will forever steal your heart once you get to know its charming character.
Even though protective, and at times, overwhelmingly a guardian, this puppy easily attaches itself to family members, especially kids.
This is all really the result of exhaustive and hard training that breeders do in order to socialize this breed. The breed itself does not demand much time to learn new things, considering the exquisite intelligence of both dog parents, but consistency is needed.
However, this breed is not recommended for inexperienced owners.
Blue Cadoodle – The perfect Watchdog
Blue cadoodles are, by nature, watchdogs, which means that it will try to protect you and all of its family members at all times. This is a medium-sized family dog, but at the same time, it shows courage and strength.
The credit goes to both dog parents, which are both considered as two of the coolest dog breeds ever. These combined traits – intelligence, good space orientation, affection, and deep commitment to humans – make this puppy favorable to have in both indoor and outdoor settings.
This is an alert dog, and it will keep you notified about unknown people. Its barking is high-leveled, but not unusual.
Usually, poodle puppies remain calm and do not bark a lot, but the Australian cattle dog does, and this is strictly related to its history of being a herding dog and a working dog, too.
Are Cattle Doodles aggressive?
At times, the blue heeler poodle mix can show aggression. This is mainly in situations when the dog is bored and not stimulated by training. In those kinds of situations, the cattle doodle can become destructive to both you and the environment.
The blue heeler doodle needs lots of activities and mental stimulation. This is an extremely intelligent breed, and it is known for outsmarting its owner. That’s why the importance of deep engagement in their training is crucial.
Both of the cattle doodle parents can be aggressive dog breeds at times. Australian cattle dogs are, by nature, aggressive towards the unknown, while poodles show aggression when suffering from separation anxiety.
This characteristic is inherited by blue heeler doodles, too!
The recommendation is not to leave your cattle doodle alone for more than six hours. If, however, you must do so due to your daily schedule, you should train your puppy to be on its own. Stimulative dog music and dog shows will help in that regard.
Blue Heeler Poodle Mix Health
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The blue heeler doodle is a healthy dog by default. It has great genetic predispositions if we take into consideration both the poodle’s and the Australian cattle dog’s health.
There are, however, several factors that could affect your puppy’s health. Among the most important ones is its feeding habits. You should always follow the feeding and growth charts, and ask yourself, how heavy should my dog be?
Even the healthiest breeds can face obesity, which destimulates their activity level and playfulness. Obesity is a severe health issue, and it doesn’t do any good for your puppy.
Also, take good care of your dog’s activity level. Make sure that training programs are made according to their physical abilities. Despite the fact that this is a highly active dog, do not overwhelm it with exhaustive training.
Keep your training hours within the proper training program.
Lifespan
Considering the overall well-being and good health of the blue heeler poodle mix, its lifespan consequently goes up to 15 years.
This is common for both parent breeds of the Australian cattle doodle. Poodles also live a long life, as do Australian cattle dogs. Their average lifespan is between 13 and 15 years.
With proper feeding habits and a well-organized lifestyle, the blue heeler doodle can live a long and happy life.
Always make sure your puppy gets quality food, which can even be self-made. You want to stay away from the worst dog food available on shady websites or in markets.
Sufficient exercise implemented in your puppy’s lifestyle will be beneficial, and it can affect its lifespan. Its overall physical dominance is increased by muscular stimulation and cardio training. Dogs, just like humans, need activities in order to prevent potential heart diseases.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia in dogs is a common issue for large breeds, and it is detected at an early age. Dogs with hip dysplasia are usually born with this issue, so you should consider your potential breeders carefully.
It manifests as hip joint malfunction, and you can see the symptoms in your dog’s lack of activity, crawling, or not making much movement.
Dogs with hip dysplasia have a hard time running and jumping. As the disease progresses, some dogs will even have difficulty walking.
No reputable breeder will sell you a dog with hip dysplasia. Early medical checks and regular vet examinations are what any respected breeder should follow.
However, if you have a puppy with this health issue, you should know that they can live a long and happy life. You just want to make sure their lifestyle is adjusted.
Deafness
Some blue heeler poodle mixes can experience deafness. Deafness in dogs can be an issue that your puppy is born with, but it also can be acquired. Dogs usually become deaf in the latter stages of life due to some sort of trauma or infection.
This issue is not hard to detect if the dog experiences total deafness. This refers to the dog’s inability to hear in both ears. However, partial deafness is a bit more complicated because of the dog’s response to sounds.
The recommendation for blue heeler doodle puppies with deafness is to supervise them at all times. Due to their hearing inability, they can become disoriented, and this is dangerous, especially when they are on the street.
Also, deaf dogs can show aggression when surprised, so make sure you always approach them from the front.
FAQs
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1. What Is The Difference Between A Blue Heeler And A Blue Heeler Poodle Mix?
Blue heelers are more aggressive, considering their natural habitat. This Australian national dog prefers being outdoors as it craves action and space.
This breed is favorable for crossbreeding with other powerful dogs – for instance, the blue heeler pitbull mix is quite popular.
On the other hand, blue heeler doodle puppies are a lot more affectionate, and are family dogs. They prefer both indoor and outdoor life, and they make excellent companion dogs.
Both of these dogs can be trained into being good family dogs with excellent watchdog traits. They need patience because sometimes, they can come across as stubborn puppies.
2. Is There A Cattle Dog And Poodle Mix?
Yes. There are many cattle dog breeds, but the cattle dog doodle is the real deal. This designer dog has more than a 40-year-long history since it was originally created in the 1980s.
The breed collects all the best traits from both parents – the poodle and the Australian cattle dog. It makes a good family dog, perfect for people who live an active, dynamic life.
Its intelligence and easy learning ability make them great for early-age socialization and obedience training.
Conclusion
The blue heeler poodle mix is a dog that you should definitely consider if you have experience with dog ownership. Also, if you’re an active, social, and outgoing person who loves trying new things and living a dynamic life, then this is an excellent dog for you!
Cattle doodle puppies are intelligent, affectionate, and loving. They easily bond with their owner, and they make excellent watchdogs.
They easily adapt to new environments, and living indoors won’t be a problem. Their hypoallergenic coat is a bonus if you suffer from dog allergies.
This medium-sized blue canine is definitely a unique breed that you need to consider!
Read next: The Blue Heeler Corgi Mix