Queensland Heeler vs Beagle-Harrier - 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.

The Beagle Harrier, the breed that was made mixing the France Scent Hounds and a Beagle. It is not quite sure if this breed was made on purpose or the mix of the breeds happened and resulted in a great dog so the breeding continued. Since they are not large dogs as hounds, they are used to hunt small animals.

This first breeding took place in England, but after the 14th century, they were breed on purpose in France.

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 Beagle Harrier is a scent hound that is described as a big sized Beagle or a small sized Harrier. This breed was developed from this two breeds, actually. Despite the looks of these breeds, the Beagle Harrier is an energetic kind of dog who gets very attached to his family. This medium sized pet comes in variations of colours and they are usually tricoloured. They usually have dark coloured eyes, white paws, and They usually grow up to have a very muscular body, but, if you don’t provide them with the daily activity they need, they will quickly get obese and unhappy.

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.

Children friendliness

The Beagle Harrier, if trained properly and socialized while he was still a pup, will be the great playmate for any child. They get along with strangers, as well. We might say that they will get along with anybody who is ready to run and play with him. Children are most likely that kind of playdate, so it appears that they like children more. The Beagle Harrier is a great family pet, and he is great with babies, toddlers, teenagers… so don’t be afraid to leave the dog alone during the playdate!

Special talents

hunting, scent tracking, search dog

Adaptability

Some will say that the Beagle Harrier is one of the most desirable pets because of his loving and lively nature. They get along with almost anyone and they don’t mind living indoors if you have the time to take him out for a daily run each day. They will do great in a large group of people and any public places so you can take your Beagle Harrier with you anywhere you go.

Learning ability

Since the Beagle Harrier is placed in a group of the hound dogs, you must be aware that he will have the attitude of the pack leader. Once you got the Beagle Harrier puppy, you must start training and socializing him in order to grow the pet that will be easy to handle and accepted by the family and all the people around you, even strangers. They are very intelligent and they have a calm nature so they will be quite easy to train.

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.

Dysplasia

Almost every active dog suffers from joint diseases. Even though it’s generally a genetic disease, you can lower the chances of hip or elbow dysplasia by taking care of your dog’s weight, diet and daily exercise.

Ear infections

The Beagle Harrier has big ears that are always set down. That makes them ideal for the dirt accumulation, ear irritations and ear infections. Check his ears regularly and clean them at least once a week.

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 tips

Since the Beagle Harrier is an active dog breed, they will need food for the active dogs. Make sure you provide them with quality food that will give them enough strength to get through the very active day, and not gain too much of the weight. It is very important that you don’t overfeed him because this breed quickly becomes obese. It is advisable to use treats while you train him to do new tricks, but be very careful with the amount you give to the dog.

Puppies need to be fed only two times a day. Once you decide which brand of food you will use, stick with them until the dog is 6 months old. Make sure they have enough nutrients and the quality ingredients that will help them with growing strong and healthy bones.

Points for Good Health

If you want Beagle Harrier to grow up in a happy and healthy dog, make sure you provide him with quality food, lots of exercises and unconditional love. They are extremely loving and they get depressed if left alone. Grooming tips are very clear – they need a regular brush because shed a lot. The more you brush, the less hair you will find on your hands during the belly rubs.

Games and Exercises

If your Beagle Harrier is trained and socialized, the dog park will be the best daily activity for him. If there is no dog park near your house, take him to the bike ride, jogging, swimming, hiking, markets, parks… They love to be off the leash and with people but since they are the hound dogs, don’t be surprised if they get distracted by smelling something more interesting than the ball. They would love to grow up in a house with a large yard, but, if you live in the apartment, make sure that you take time for his daily activity.