Dalmatian Heeler is the beautiful puppy produced by Dalmatian and the Australian Cattle Dog. The Australian Cattle Dog is more commonly known as Heeler, and we will explain precisely why later. In 2020, the American Kennel Club ranked Dalmatian as the 56th most popular dog breed in America, with Heeler ranked just ahead of the Dalmatian as the 55th most popular dog.
Dalmatian is a well-known breed thanks to Disney’s success, 101 Dalmatians (that’s right, you can never have enough!). The Australian Cattle Dog is a favourite on farms all over America, and he is the cowboy’s canine colleague of choice.
Your parents are hardworking and powerful dogs, which need to be practised a lot. Without exercise, Dalmatian Heeler can become problematic. This guide is mandatory for all possible owners of Dalmatian Heeler, and we will guide you on everything you need to know about it.
But if you have the right family and can offer him everything he needs, he is a rewarding canine companion to have at home. He is affectionate, loving and, most importantly, very fun. So, let’s find out more.
Dalmatian Heeler puppies – before buying
The most important thing to know about Dalmatian Heeler is that he is a workaholic. Your father Heeler is a sheepdog. And although the Dalmatian is in the group of non-sports dogs, he was traditionally used as a training dog to store horses and waggons. Therefore, you can expect your puppy to be a puppy full of energy, with a lot of strength and resistance. All your energy needs a way out. So, he needs to be placed in a labour family or in a family that guarantees him a lot of exercise.
If you underestimate the exercise needs of this puppy, he will become undisciplined and problematic. You must be honest about what you can give him, for your good and for him. But if you can, inviting this boy to your home will be the beginning of a very happy and rewarding relationship.
The Australian Cattle Dog is known as Heeler because his chosen grazing technique is to pinch the heels of cattle. This technique is used by other dogs, such as Corgi, and works very well on the farm. But it shouldn’t be tolerated at home. Unfortunately, the mixtures of Heelers and Heeler are known to group the younger members of the family, which can result in pinches. This is the reason why Dalmatian Heeler should be placed with a family with older children.
Dalmatian Heeler’s pinching and high intelligence is one of the reasons why he should be placed with an experienced dog owner. You will need to train him not to use his grazing technique at home and to leave other pets alone. We’ll talk about this more in the training section. If he doesn’t do enough exercises, this is a way to become problematic. With the right workout, you will be a very obedient dog, which is ideal if you like a behaved dog.
Because he has so much energy, resistance and intelligence, this boy would be happier in the country or somewhere where he has a lot of land to wander. This guy is not suitable for small houses, houses without access to land or living in an apartment.
What is the price of Dalmatian Heeler puppies?
None of your parents are expensive breeds, which means that your puppy will probably be cheaper. The average cost of a Dalmatian Heeler will be between $300 and $700. The price will depend on the breeder’s reputation, the dog’s lineage and supply and demand, depending on where you live.
No matter the price, always make sure that the creator you are working with is reliable. Do your own research and search online for other customer reviews. You must know the parents and their puppies in person. Not only will you be able to see for yourself that they are all healthy and developing as they should, but you can also see them in action with your litter brothers. That can say a lot about your personality.
Never work with an unscrupulous puppy factory or breeder because they do not care about the health of their puppies. Saving a few dollars at first increases your chances of having to disburse high vet bills at a later date, so please don’t be tempted.
Little-known facts about the Dalmatian Heeler
1. Your parents are related.
Dalmatian is a much older breed of dog when compared to Heeler. Dalmatian DNA is thought to have been reproduced in Heeler’s line so that he felt comfortable around horses for his farm work.
2. He’s a descendant of Dingo.
Following the above fact, the Heeler is a mixture of some other breeds of dogs as well. Although it is not certain what breeds of dogs are these (the breeder has never documented his breeding selection, so no one is 100% sure). But what we know is that there is a little Dingo thrown into the mix.
3. He can be a blue or red Dalmatian Heeler.
Heeler has two different colours, blue or red. The blue Heeler is not really blue, and the red Heeler is not really red. Instead, blue is a mixture of grey and white giving it a blueish appearance, and the red Heeler is a mixture of brown and rust. And if the Dalmatian’s father Heeler is blue, there is also a chance that he can inherit the genes of the colour red and vice versa.
Temperament and intelligence of Dalmatian Heeler
So, you already know that he needs a lot of exercise. But it also requires a lot of mental stimulation throughout the day. The activity doesn’t stop just when you enter through the front door, it needs much more than that. He will need interactive games with his family, whether in the form of searching or flying. He will also need to have access to many dog toys, so he can remain entertained when you have work to do. Without them, he will undoubtedly find the leg of the nearest chair or carpet to chew, so this will save him many long-term problems.
If you can give him the exercise he needs, as well as firm (but kind) leadership and the outdoor space he needs, he is a happy dog who has a lot of love for the family. At the end of an arduous day of work, he will accommodate you in the living room, either at your feet or on the couch. He will like to relax with his humans and feel like he deserved this time with you. His sensitive side comes from his Dalmatian father, so this may be more or less dependent on which father he follows.
Are you an early bird? We hope so because Dalmatian Heeler is. Otherwise, you will need to set your alarms and prepare for the sunrise walkies. He can be a latent and talkative mongrel, so if you sleep late, he will say it’s time to get up. That’s something to remember when thinking about your neighbours. If they are sensitive to noise or if there are noise restrictions, the Dalmatian Heeler can cause you problems.
Dalmatian Heeler may be indifferent to strangers, but as soon as his master greets them with a hug, he sneaks silently to draw attention and scratch his neck. His mistrust of strangers combined with his latent nature makes him an excellent watchdog. He will let you know if there is anything or someone unpleasant on the property. But he’s a sensitive dog, so don’t count on him to be a watchdog. If he feels threatened, he will most likely retreat and join his family.
Being sensitive means he doesn’t like confrontation. He doesn’t like drama and just wants to do the job. You need to be firm, but kind to him when it comes to training. Fortunately, being an energetic dog, if the family is happy, he is happy. He’s a lot of fun and will keep you entertained for hours on end. He is in tune with your family’s emotions, so you can expect a hug if you’re feeling bad.
Are these dogs good for families?
Dalmatian Heeler is a fantastic family dog, but for the right family. He is not for all families, so you should be honest about what you can offer him for the next 13 to 16 years of his life. He needs to live in a labour farmhouse or an active family about 2 hours a day. He’s a brilliant racing partner, and we bet our last dollar that you won’t tire this boy.
Because of their intense energy and potential to be courteous at home, it is advisable that Dalmatian Heelers be placed in families with older children. Nippy shepherds and young children can be a recipe for injuries and an unhappy family.
He is a great canine companion for young and healthy couples or singles who love travelling, as long as you can take him with you. A renowned creator will talk about your lifestyle to make sure that you and your family are the right family for Dalmatian Heeler.
Does this breed get along with other pets?
Dalmatian Heeler can get along with other pets, and there’s nothing to suggest that he doesn’t get along. However, as with all breeds of dogs, he needs to be well socialised as a puppy to ensure that he learns polite etiquette of puppies. If well socialised, there is no reason why he should not prosper in a house with several pets.
The only thing to remember is that if he exhibits scathing behaviour at home, he may try to pinch other pets. However, as long as you correct this behaviour, he will soon overcome it.
If you are introducing a new pet to the fold, always arrange a controlled pre-meeting with all pets. Like us humans, there are some occasions when animals just don’t get along without a real reason.
Things to know when owning a Dalmatian Heeler
In addition to the information you have learned about Dalmatian Heeler so far, here are some extra things you need to know about your daily needs.
Food and diet requirements
Dalmatian Heeler will get along well with a high-quality diet that provides a well-balanced diet. Your diet should offer a high protein content to sustain your muscle mass and high energy levels. The MSD Veterinary Manual states that all dogs need a protein content of at least 18%, and dogs need a protein content of at least 22%. For a high-energy dog like the Dalmatian Heeler, this should be much more to fulfil your energy needs.
Kibbles with high fat or calories will ensure that he gets enough energy to fuel his long day. Specific work or performance croquettes are available for working dogs, and they usually have a protein to fat ratio of 30/20. If he is a working dog, look for a feed that offers a proportion similar to this.
A ration with a high content of glucosamine and chondroitin is also recommended for Dalmatia Heeler. These nutrients support bones and joints and, as it is always moving, your joints wear out faster than most. For this reason, it could do with the extra support of the joint, otherwise glucosamine supplements should be part of your daily diet.
Exercise
Dalmatian Heeler is a high-energy dog and needs 90 to 120 minutes of exercise every day. He would love to be placed with a ranch family, but would be happy to go hiking on the mountain or a long-distance run every day.
He is a great participant in the agility course and is very agile, so you can also enrol him on local canine sports days. He will also love the local dog park, and interaction with other bouncy dogs is a great way to burn your energy and continue with your socialisation.
Overall, this guy’s love for exercises and games is unlimited, so there’s nothing he can’t control.
Training
Dalmatian Heeler, like any other dog, needs early socialisation. Renowned breeders will start this from day one, keeping it with their siblings and parents, and you should continue to mix it with other dogs when you bring it home. Enrolling you in obedience classes for dogs is a great way to combine socialisation and obedience training.
Exposing him to unknown ambiance and sounds is a big part of this process. And if he is a working dog, be sure to expose him to the work environment from an early age, including animals, loud noises and any agricultural machinery.
Positive reward training is the best method to use when training Dalmatian Heeler, especially if he inherits the sensitive side of the Dalmatian. He will dodge punishment and will quickly be afraid of you, both jeopardising your bond and his trust.
If the Dalmatian Heeler displays any grazing or pinching behaviour in the house, you will need to train him not to pinch. Although it is not a difficult bite, it can make the family’s home environment uncomfortable for some.
Cleanliness
Dalmatian Heeler’s preparation schedule is minimal, which is very good, considering how much time you will spend practising it. A brush once or twice a week will keep your hair free of dirt and dead hair. It will also promote blood circulation in your skin and spread the natural oils of your coat, which promote a healthy coat. It pours moderately throughout the year and therefore a removal tool will be the best brush for your coat.
Your large triangular ears, whether erect or drooping, will need to be cleaned once a week to avoid infections, as well as your eyes. Your teeth should also be cleaned once a week with toothpaste specially formulated for dogs, to prevent the accumulation of bacteria and plaque. Because you are so active, you are unlikely to have to cut your nails, but keep an eye on them and trim them when necessary.
He is a relatively clean dog and will need a bath once every 8 weeks. Some Dalmatian Heelers suffer from skin problems. For this reason, we recommend using a mild shampoo made of natural ingredients to prevent any skin irritation.
If he works at a ranch, you will need to brush it every day to get rid of all the dust and dirt he collects. Try not to wash it more than the recommended amount with shampoo, or you may irritate your skin.
Health and Conditions
Dalmatian Heeler is a healthy breed of dog thanks to the relatively good health of his parents. He must enjoy a long service life of 13 to 16 years. Because it is a mestizo dog, it can inherit health problems from any parent, so keep an eye on the following:
- Minor Conditions
- Skin allergies: the skin allergies
- Urinary stones.
- Serious Conditions
- Hip dysplasia
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Deafness
Male vs. Female
There is no significant difference between males and females of Dalmatian Heelers. Males tend to be slightly larger than females, and some owners claim that males may be more turbulent, but this is not scientifically proven.
If you live in a house with several dogs and have a bitch, you should consider the phases of heat. If you’re planning to neuter her, it won’t cause you any problems. Otherwise, you will need to keep it separate from the other dogs in the house during this period.
It is particularly important to think about it if you live on a farm and plan to work with it, because it will need annual vacation. Otherwise, your male canine colleagues will not be interested in herding the cattle, and they will never do any work!
Final thoughts
Overall, the Dalmatian Heeler is a beautiful dog who would be the best companion for the right home. If you are a family in search of emotions, which is always on the move, this guy can just give you a race for your money.
You must make sure that you can give him everything he needs and, if you can, he will provide you with everything you want in a dog. So everyone is a winner with Dalmatian Heeler.