Is your Blue Heeler often bored during the day? Do they spend too long alone during the day? Getting your dog a companion can solve these issues. But how can you find the perfect companion for your Blue Heeler?
A well-socialized Blue Heeler will find lifelong companions in terrier mixes, Australian Shepherds, and even other Blue Heelers. Most get along well with other dogs, and the perfect companion should be energetic and playful.
Below, we’ll look at the Blue Heeler’s need for a companion, how they do with other dogs in general, and which breeds make the best companions.
Do Blue Heelers Need a Companion?
Blue Heelers enjoy being active. They need almost constant exercise and stimulation to be satisfied and to prevent destructive behaviors. One of the ways you can eliminate this problem is by getting your Blue Heeler a companion pet.
Most Blue Heelers can be great with other dogs, and even cats. However, it depends heavily on the dog. If your Blue Heeler has been socialized with other pets, they are more likely to welcome the companionship.
In general, Blue Heelers do best alongside dogs that match their intelligence and energy level. A friend they can play with, get into mischief with, and lay down with at the end of the day is the ideal companion for your Blue Heeler.
Blue Heeler Breed Characteristics
Blue Heelers, or Australian Cattle Dogs, are extremely energetic. However, they are also intelligent, loyal companions. They can be independent, but they can also be ‘velcro dogs’ – they’ll following you from room to room because they seek your attention and approval.
Blue Heelers are most satisfied when they have a job to do. They can be loyal, but they are also busy, watchful, and intelligent.
They are motivated when they have a problem to solve. This translates well into herding and other types of work. However, you will have to make some adjustments to keep your Blue Heeler satisfied in your home.
While some dogs are content to laze about, the Blue Heeler is usually not one of them. Getting another energetic companion can give them the exercise and engagement they need without it all falling on your shoulders.
Of course, getting another pet is by no means a substitute for interaction and attention from you.
Read Next: 10 Goofy Blue Heeler Quirks – Dog Behaviors Explained
Do Blue Heelers Do Well with Other Dogs?
Blue Heelers can do well with other dogs. As with most traits, your Blue Heeler’s willingness to play nice with other dogs comes down to how they were raised.
Were they socialized with other dogs from a young age? Were they around other pets while they were growing up?
If your Blue Heeler has never really had a chance to be around other dogs, they might get territorial. They might see the dog as a threat at first.
At worst, they might see a smaller dog as livestock to be managed and herded around.
These types of interactions can quickly lead to conflict with the dogs in your home.
In short, each dog is different. Blue Heelers generally do well with other dogs, but yours may not. It’s all down to how they were raised and what you can do to help introduce a new dog safely.
Do Blue Heelers Do Well with Cats?
Blue Heelers can do well with cats, too. Always make sure to keep an eye on your pets when they are interacting for the first time.
Keep your dog separate for a while, and make sure that both are comfortable. If your Blue Heeler was raised around cats, there shouldn’t be a problem introducing a new feline to your household.
The outlook for a Blue Heeler’s relationship with a cat is favorable. However, make sure to keep your dog’s personality quirks in mind and supervise them until they can both be trusted.
Pros and Cons of Getting a Companion for Your Blue Heeler
As with any choice that affects the basic composition of your home, there are benefits and drawbacks to getting your dog a companion. Most of these will center squarely on the type of companion you choose. However, there are other factors to consider.
Pros of Getting Your Blue Heeler a Companion
Here’s why getting your Blue Heeler a companion can be a great idea.
Playtime
Your Blue Heeler needs to burn off a lot of energy. If they aren’t always doing something or working towards a job, they can become bored.
Bored Blue Heelers can be destructive, make messes, and find worse uses for their energy. Getting your Blue Heeler a companion pet can mean that they are occupied more often.
This is especially true if you get a puppy or younger dog who wants to play a lot of the time. Other pets can keep them busy, especially if you have other things you need to do around the house.
Read Next: 20 Unique Jobs for your Blue Heeler
Conquer Separation Anxiety
Your Blue Heeler is always going to miss you when you leave. They are extremely prone to separation anxiety, which can lead to depression, destructive behavior, and a host of other behavioral problems.
However, getting your dog a companion can help curb the worst of this behavior. Dogs that get along extremely well might play while you’re away.
They may engage in other social behaviors to keep each other busy. While there is no real substitute for giving your dog some one-on-one attention, a companion can help ease their anxieties when you are away.
Age Gaps
If you choose to add a new puppy to your family, you can ease the ache of loss you might experience when your first, best friend passes away.
Some families prefer to have a new dog already integrated into family life – and trained partly by the older dog – by the time the family pet passes.
While this can be a difficult thing to think about, consider how much better your family will fare if they have another dog to focus their attention on. Losing a pet is heartbreaking but having a second pet makes it a little easier to bear.
The Kids Won’t Get Jealous
If you have more than one child in the home, they might become jealous or sad when your Blue Heelers chooses to spend time with one of them over the other.
Having two dogs mitigates this problem. Now your kids have multiple dogs to spend time with. Plus, the dogs will enjoy having so much attention without all of the fightings.
Cons of Getting Your Blue Heeler a Companion
Here are some reasons it might not be a good idea to get your Blue Heeler a companion pet.
The Expenses of Getting Another Dog
Having one dog is expensive. Between vet bills, regular shots, food, grooming, and other care, dogs can easily wrack up the bills.
Having two dogs makes this problem worse – almost everything that you already need for one dog will be doubled, leading to a far greater expense than you’re dealing with now.
Personality Clash
Even the best dogs sometimes have issues with each other. The socialization levels and needs of each dog play into how they interact together, as well as how they’ll handle being left alone.
If possible, it’s a good idea to let the dogs get to know each other before you commit to taking a second dog in. When personalities clash, your dog might become uncomfortable.
The dogs may even fight if they aren’t a good fit. To avoid this, do what you can to make sure that the dogs will get along before you follow through with an adoption.
Less Space
Depending on the size of the new dog, it’s important to consider the space that you have now. When you get another dog, they’ll be taking up space, time, and energy from your family.
If you can’t commit to giving them enough of these things, it’s best not to get another dog.
Read Also:
10 Best Companion Breeds for Your Blue Heeler
So what breeds will do best with your Blue Heeler? Here are some breeds that might pair well with Blue Heelers. You’ll notice that many of these are also popular breeds for creating the perfect Blue Heeler mix.
1. Chihuahua.
If your Blue Heeler is good with smaller dogs, the boundless energy of the chihuahua makes them a perfect companion. Plus, their small size makes them ideal to satisfy a few of your Blue Heeler’s herding needs.
2. Corgi.
The bold Corgi can make the perfect companion for your Blue Heeler. They are similar in temperament, and they are both herding dogs. The Corgi’s friendly, outgoing attitude can be an asset to your loyal Blue Heller.
3. Pit Bull.
If you can handle a pit bull, consider getting one for your Blue Heeler. They are of similar size (though the Pit Bull is stockier). They play together well, and the Pit Bull will refuse to be herded – presenting a welcome challenge for your Blue Heeler.
4. Border Collies.
Having two high-energy herding dogs may be absolute chaos for some. Other owners may appreciate their dogs’ boundless enthusiasm. They are sure to keep each other occupied, but they may cause some mischief as well!
5. Australian Shepherd.
If you thought a Border Collie and a Blue Heeler were a chaotic mix, these two breeds are sure to keep your household on its toes. However, they are also extremely hard-working and dependable dogs. Loyalty abounds with these two – plus they’re around the same size!
Wanna learn more about this dog breed? Read all about Australian Shepherds here.
6. Collie.
The standard collie is also a good choice, so long as you have a lot of room for your dogs to run. Together, they are playful and active. The Collie is a bit more perceptive, which compliments the Blue Heeler well!
7. Boxer.
A boxer is large enough to not be herded around, yet energetic enough to keep your Blue Heeler busy. These dogs are all over the place, but one thing is for sure – they’ll enjoy wrestling and playing, even when you aren’t home.
8. Cairn Terrier.
These terriers are intelligent and independent, but also extremely energetic. Blue Heelers do well with smaller dogs, and the cairn terrier is certainly fun-sized. Together, they’ll be affectionate and active.
9. Yorkshire Terrier.
The Yorkie is known for having a bigger-than-life personality. Together, a Yorkie and a Blue Heeler can be an odd pair. If you have an older Blue Heeler or a dog that isn’t as active, they can make the perfect companion for them.
10. Another Blue Heeler.
That’s right, Blue Heelers are great in pairs! Just make sure you abide by the gender rule when choosing another Blue Heeler. If your Blue Heeler is a male, avoid getting another male Blue Heeler. Same for females! Together they’ll be so playful!
Read related article: Can A Blue Heeler Live in an Apartment?
Conclusion
Getting a companion for your Blue Heeler can greatly improve their quality of life. If your dog has been properly socialized with other pets, they’ll enjoy having another dog to play with.
It may even take some of the pressure off you and eliminate separation anxiety when you have to be away from home.
Related Questions
What Dogs Do Blue Heelers Get Along With?
Blue Heelers can get along with almost any dog breed. While they can be aggressive and try to ‘herd’ smaller dogs, a well-socialized Blue Heeler will likely enjoy the company of most other dogs. This works especially well if your Blue Heeler is raised with your other dogs.
Do Blue Heelers Have a Favorite Person?
Blue Heelers do tend to bond with one person above others. This is usually the person who spends the most time with them, including play and exercise. While Blue Heelers aren’t the type of dog to cuddle most of the time, they’ll follow their person around the house faithfully.
References
• “Australian Cattle Dog.” American Kennel Club. https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/australian-cattle-dog/. Accessed 11 August 2021.
“Is an Australian Cattle Dog right for your family?” Greencross Vets. https://www.greencrossvets.com.au/is-an-australian-cattle-dog-right-for-your-family/. Accessed 11 August 2021.
“Living with an ACD.” Australian Cattle Dog Rescue Association. https://www.acdra.org/living-with-an-acd. Accessed 10 August 2021.
“Frequently Asked Questions.” Australian Cattle Dog Rescue Association. https://www.acdra.org/frequently-asked-questions. Accessed 10 August 2021.
