Blue Heeler/Australian Cattle Dog: Mountain Man's Best Friend

As far as I'm concerned, the Blue Heeler (Australian Cattle Dog or ACD) is the best all around breed for someone with my lifestyle. I fell in love with the breed when I was a kid after watching Mad Max The Road Warrior. The breed is smart, obedient, hardy, and cute to top it all off.
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[@norahendrickson29]

As most ACD owners, I was little apprehensive on owning a Cattle dog, but by far Blue is the best dog we've ever had! His stoic loyalty, eager to learn, quiet, self cleaning, enthusiastic nature is perfect for our family!

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

[@moealagha]

I just got my blue heeler pup a week ago. I absolutely love him beyond words.

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@marcellew6602]

I have a Healer as well, she is my third one and I love them, they learn so quickly but if anyone out there is thinking about getting one, you must have the time for them, they hate being without their owners, and they need lots of exercise, especially in their first two years, (that's their crazy years where they are super hyper) I typically walk her about 4 miles a day and I bring along a ball for her to fetch while on the walk she still has energy afterwards. My healer also buries food and bones using the same nosing technique. They are a great dog if you can take them to work or you stay at home.

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@Schlummerfee94]

True

[@girlinthesouth850]

And they will chew up ANYTHING

[@noneedtoknow2870]

I used to sneak my Heeler into work and hide him under my desk.😆 He was so well behaved that I could have a meeting with 8 people at my desk and no one would realize he was there.

[@Merchelloful]

A pitbull is the same way. Perfectly fine chilling by your side all day long, and absolutely delight to come on the trail with you. No barking, not too much curiosity. Id love to have a mix of these two for the longer coat.

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@if6was929]

Zip seems like a great dog. Your description of his characteristics is very accurate, especially regarding intuition. I've owned several dogs in my life but Snoop, my Blue Heeler, was the one I felt closest to. Snoop was very smart, loyal, protective, fun and she read my emotions better than any person could. I was the family member that Snoop attached onto and her connection to me was uncanny in so many ways. After a tragic loss of a family member, Snoop knew when I was feeling upset and without my projecting any signs of sadness, she would come over to comfort me. Not surprisingly, Snoop would love to chase tennis balls and run to catch a Frisbee, unfortunately the frequent landings on her hind legs caused problems. By the time Snoop was in her early teens she was having difficulty standing and I'd have to help her get up. When she was 16 years old she could no longer walk and I had to put her down. It's needless to emphasize that I fell apart. There's a scene in the original Mad Max movie where the injured Road Warrior's Heeler sacrificed its life to protect him - anyone who's ever owned a Heeler knows that the scene represents the heart of what makes these dogs so special. I'd tell you to enjoy your years with Zip but I already know you will!

[@coletonwelch8475]

Most dogs don't make it past 11 so your very lucky I just got a heeler a day ago and I already love him

[@boostedwolfie]

+Coleton Welch blue heeler named blue lived to his thirties.

[@if6was929]

Coleton Welch Thanks and yes 16 is a long time for a dog to live, I was lucky. In the final analysis, the number of years they live is never long enough.

[@if6was929]

ross burton Wow!

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

Thanks for the comment, Zip is great and the best part of life sometimes. So nice to hear about snoop :) I'm so sorry you had to go thru that. But you are lucky to had have had, and so is snoop.

[@erinowl4407]

Thanks so much for the video. It was wonderful to see Zip enjoying life as your companion. We have blue heelers as well - a brother and sister. And our male is named Zip too! They are the finest breed of working dog we have ever had on our farm. They are absolutely fearless, loyal, the most protective (guardian) breed we've ever owned, and wonderful outdoor dogs. They are intuitive as you stated. They will learn things just by being with you and watching what you are doing. Ours learned to find pinholes in maple sap lines from squirrels chewing on the tubing. They would go up to the leaks and bark for us to come and repair them. This is an amazing labor saving skill with thousands of feet of lines to patrol and check. (air leaks destroy the vacuum) They should not be locked up in an apartment all day or left alone. They are not toy lap dogs. They truly are a companion, working dog. And that is where their intelligence comes from. For those of you who are not familiar with the story, check out "skidboot" - the blue heeler. Wonderful. Our dogs are always brimming with enthusiasm and joy for life!!!! They have enriched our lives immensely. I hope you and Zip have many many happy years together!

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@MrAdamChristopher]

Best breed ever

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

#facts lol - Don't think I'll ever not have one.

[@michaelalangston48]

I also have a heeler, he is my ranch dog. I train horses professionally so he is always there as my companion during the long days, and comes with me out on the trail. I like to have him with me because I know should I get hurt, at least I'm not alone and I could have help.

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@Carly-nm6fl]

Dogs like him explain the phrase 'man's best friend'. He's so awesome!

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@mantykarhu]

Great video. I'm still learning about my Blue Heeler. Such a special breed. He's very attached to me and chased off a black lab we had. He's chased deer in the wild until they're panting. With a few of these dogs, deer hunting could be much easier. They LOVE to work.

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@mandyvana6927]

Zip is very awesome! He’s a beautiful dog as well. Our family has two heelers now and love this dog breed. Healers are so smart, protective and loyal. Thanks for sharing Zip’s story🌸

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

Thanks for the comment Mandy, he’s an awesome companion

[@JedWunderli]

I've got a 15 lb. Lasa Ahpso and he's a great boy. We rescued him on April 7th of 2013 and he's been family ever since. He's got a strong bark and loves to play as well as cuddle.

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@valenciasmotherman5643]

Love your video. Zip is awesome. I lost my girl a little over 16 months ago. Maggie May was a red heeler. I miss her sooo bad. She was a velcro dog - I am disabled and she stayed right by my side. I love this breed. She was very good at protecting my yard and didn't let anyone on the property that she didn't know. Even the meter reader would call first. She was epileptic from 6 mo.old & died from a stroke at 10. I took her with me all the time & used to take her with me to visit at the nursing home.She was so gentle. I found out afterwards that the food I had fed her her whole life was known for causing seizures.

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

+Valencia Smotherman I'm sorry for your loss. What kind of food was she eating?

[@sbhimji4568]

what kind of food was she eating?

[@MissCase530]

Awesome vid. Saw all the same facial expressions on my own Blue Heeler. These dogs are addictive, once you get one there is no other breed you'll ever have. Keep up the good work!

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

Thanks!

[@bashbrannigan8509]

Such a nice video. I rescued an 11-year-old red heeler. New breed for me. She is deaf, and from her reaction to ogs, bikes, cars, skateboards, etc, likely has not had much worldly experiences. She is learning these things are okay, and I love this breed!

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

Thank you for rescuing!

[@shaderthepo-tader9842]

I've had a few different dog breeds in my life and I have to say that my heeler is by far my favorite. He loves hiking with me and taking quick dips in shallow areas of the river we live near. Great videos ;)

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

This breed is something special

[@bruceforster3709]

I didn't like this video-I LOVED IT!I had my first Cattle Dog 20 years ago. His name was Titus. I lost him to epilepsy at 17 months. He was the first Cattle Dog in the U.S. to be accepted for Search and Rescue training, and then he fell ill and passed away.My present dog is an ACD/ Border Collie mix named Nekoda. He's 13. We got him 7 years ago as a rescue out of Portland, OR. My wife does most of his obedience training and he's also a visiting dog at our local Retirement Home-They love him there! He has won a number of Mixed breed titles. We keep him very active which is what the breed needs. On really cold nights, he'll jump in the bed with us. He gets between my wife and I, lays his head on my chest and goes right to sleep-I LOVE THIS! The one AMAZING thing he does: I'm a type II Diabetic. For the last three years, he alerts me when my Blood Sugar gets too low; He simply comes up to me, starts pushing on my hand with his nose and he will not stop until I check my Sugar. He just started doing this naturally. NOBODY trained him for this-he just did it one day. He has NEVER been wrong, and twice the E.R. Doctor thinks Nekoda literally saved my life!!!I'm 61 years old and a military veteran. When Nekoda passes, I am going to cry like a baby!

[@SherrisPlace]

What an incredible comment. Thank you

[@erikaaberle6354]

How did you train your cattle dog for Search and Rescue? I have two that I want to do SAR with but I wasn't sure Heelers would be a good fit for a job like that!

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

[@Schlummerfee94]

That dog is your soulmate.... Your'll never get a dog like him again... So take much care for him! Many greetings from Germany PS: I've got a Border Collie, her name is Luna. She's my soulmate

[@waterlily100203]

Bruce Forster mine too!!!💓💓💓

[@timtom7097]

I owned a blue heeler. we found him at a camp site after he got sprayed by a skunk. Best smelly dog ever

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

I call that a score. And certainly a different kind of rescue :)

[@Chrisbreezy1979]

I have a six month old Texas heeler I got when he was 3 months old. He’s the smartest puppy I’ve ever had! I don’t have livestock yet but plan to get an assortment of animals. I’m using him as my mountain companion until then. He runs around the yard and mountains but he stays in the house at night. He always wants to be where I am. So far he’s the best dog I’ve ever had!

[@emeyer2710]

I have a heeler. She acts just like yours! Hands down my favorite breed of dog. Nothing else compares, in my opinion.

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

[@kathylefrancis3154]

Mine is jealous of other dogs and possessive of me

[@RootsandWingsLife]

Yep. My favorite breed. I'm on my second Red Heeler. This one is a stumpy tailed one, too, like Zip. I get annoyed that people ask me why I docked her tail, though. Anyway, my previous Heeler was super smart. She must've had a vocabulary of 5000 words. You could have a complete conversation with her and she knew everything you were saying. I love the breed and am 'sold' for life.

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@colewilliams767]

I use to have a blue healer. You forgot to mention how muscular and athletic they are for their size. Pound for pound mine was a beast. Could leap my 4ft fence in my back yard and escape before I could even get close and would sometimes walk around on her 2 front paws only if she didnt like the way the ground felt under her like cold wet snow.

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

Mine can leap into my truck no problem. Huge amounts of muscle but very gentle with little kids.

[@roydoggy]

My Red Heeler, Ralph would jump consistently up to 4 ft to see over the fence when we would come home from work/school. They do that when herding cattle to see over the herd. Amazing breed.

[@girlinthesouth850]

Yep

[@leec.7168]

I had a red healer for 14 years. She was the best dog I’ve ever had. I’ve had dogs since her, but they haven’t come close to the dog she was. I still miss her 5 years since she died. I loved that dog so much.

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

I'm sorry for your loss, Zip is my best pal and I dont think i'll ever be ok with him not being here.

[@rubidulce1]

I have a german shepard puppy and a blue heeler mix.. we are active and wanted dogs that would be able to go hiking with us. We made a great choice. Our blue heeler was rescued and he is about 2.5 years old. He is a one person dog, but does listen to others if I'm not around. He stays by my side at all times without training. He is extremelly loyal and loves to chase our GSP around. He is great on and off leash, really curious. I love that he can cuddle with me all day too, and a bonus is that they are extremelly quiet. I hope that my GSP is learning a lot from him, as he is a trully amazing dog. Thank you for sharing!

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

[@thevelointhevale1132]

As an Aussie and owner of 2 Blue Stumpy Tails ... I approve this message. Thanks for saving one of our own ...

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

[@blazesgames58]

What a coincidence! My family and I own a female Blue Heeler also named Zip. We are outdoors-people and commonly take Zip with us into the mountains. Like your dog, she loves to sniff the trail ahead of us, and sometimes she goes for swims. I agree with you, the Blue Heeler is a perfect breed for active people who enjoy the wilderness! Keep having fun hiking with your pooch!

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

Happy trails! Dont forget the puppy first aid kit and boots. If your zip is anything like mine, he plays too hard sometimes and gets his pads cut up.

[@BowBowBitches]

I got my girl when she was just 6 weeks old. She's only about 5 months now. Be glad you got him older, they are a absolute handful. She herds me around my yard, biting my ankles. But she's very smart and knows the usually commands: lie down, dead dog, shake hands, high five, stay, sit & down. She also herds the horses. It's very funny to watch her chase the mini horse around, the mini is so sassy and takes off bucking and chasing my ACD.

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

Jordana Gaudet I had the herding problem when I would mountain bike with him, but after he got zapped a few times by the tire he toned down quite a bit. He knows very basic commands and sticks at my side which is all I require of him, but If I had got him younger I would have probably got him some "fun" tricks.

[@pattis.1645]

Just rescued a blue heeler/lab 6 days ago. He's 2 & 1/2 years old. Such a good nose. He already found a bone while walking on his trail. He lounges while I watch videos. Super nice dog.

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@mrazyattic]

I just rescued a blue heeler/mix and she is a WONDERFUL dog. Very similar to zip.

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

mrazyattic Awesome! Rescue dogs in general are awesome. Rescue blue heelers are even more so.

[@meg2512]

My blue heeler Navi is my go to trail girl! Best outdoors partner EVER! SO SO smart and loving it's insane... She's full of it and I just can't get enough. She is going on six months and training pretty well so far. Getting her used to swimming and kayaking are next on my list. If you have any tips please let me know!!! Much love!

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

Awesome! WE love him he is the best dog ever. Zip is not the best on a kayak lol he won't sit still. But swimming he loves, he does get tired quicklyish so we put a vest on him to keep him floating lol

[@haley7571]

I recently inharrited my grandmothers heeler because she had to go into a nursing home. She was a proud experianced heeler owner for many years! These are very special dogs that stay close to their owners and very protective. As a young adult, age 18 I think we make a great match. Dogs like these are very intelligent and know if somthing isnt right and with stand by your side until the the end. My new friend is 6 years old and sharp as a tack, always willing to take on long distances on trails, and even kayaking. Great videos, keep up the great work! 👍

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

Aweee hope you get plenty of amazing years with your pup. They are amazing dogs. *thumbs up*

[@jessicaarmendariz5398]

just got our heeler, shes 4 months and brings so much joy to my life. i love my little Luna so much

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

so happy for you Jessica

[@helenbugsynelson]

We had 4 small mixed breed dogs who thouroughly enjoyed canoeing with me and my husband. Our canoe was a large sportpal with a thick foam liner and a sidekick at the back for a 2horse motor. The first time we took them along, they hadn't heard the motor start up and not expecting it, they all bolted and jumped in the lake. (Pitt Lake) I could tell you tons of fun stories about our outings, but I'll try to control that impulse. ;-D

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

Haha! At least they are small enough to pluck out of the water. Zip when he gets wet weighs quite a bit

[@helenbugsynelson]

for sure. I wouldn't want to pluck a 50lb wet dog out of the lake. ;-)

[@lauridancer1]

we have two blue heelers..smartest dogs in the world...love them

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@jkbraves10]

I had a blue heeler for 15 years she was an awesome dog. She died two years ago but now have a red heeler and she is the most active dog I ever had. Australian cattle dogs are great dogs and so loyal!

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

They are the best, after having zip I know I'll always have at least one. I'm sorry for your loss.

[@nickeyfynn3270]

my sisters dog was a half blue heeler, half something else. best most sentient dog i ever met in my life. truly was a human in a dogs body.

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

[@ThreeDogsChannel]

I have three rescue mixed breed dogs. Zip is a very lucky dog. Thank you for rescuing him instead of buying a puppy!

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

[@PitFireOutdoors]

Love it, hats off to you! Always good to see guys who can handle them!! They are the best!

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@Rohan-go4oo]

My Meg hits life at full speed. At 5 months now, I can start to see her true nature, others just see jumpy, unrestrained pup. If she is near a swimming pool, she is doing her best to launch from one side to the other. At the beach, I can throw a stick as far as I can, she is swimming out, and won't come back until she has that stick. If you wish to play tug with a rope toy, be prepared for a shoulder joint to be dislocated. One the other end of the scale, when I tell her to get in her crate, she runs to the crate, and settles in there for hours. I really love those saddlebags you had on Zip, having your dog working in that way, can only be good for the combined effort!

[@hamishfinlay8992]

Mate, much respect for rescuing him. Very loyal breed, the blue heeler. They will respond in kind.

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@jrockemsockem]

Nice vid. I've got a Red Heeler mix(Rocket) and like Zip, he is great in the car. I take him everywhere and he always rides so calmly. I have friends with spazzy dogs that never chill in the car and it's kind of stressful having them along. People who intend to be active should consider time in the car getting to their destination when choosing a breed. Rocket is great off-leash, never further than about 40 yards from me and often right on my side like Zip. So much in common in their behavior. I will always have Heelers. Smart, loving, fiercely loyal and athletic dogs.

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@marysean]

Found your video trying to find one that explains my Blue Heeler (Ellen Leilani) to my friends that have never seen this breed before. The most special breed of all.

[@bigjayfitness]

Sean Garbart all breeds are special.. :)

[@boostedwolfie]

+Jason 56 no they arent. Nothing special about a chihuahua or a lab :p

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

They are amazing!

[@charlesgillis249]

I have a blue Heeler that is approximately 7 months old. You are correct on the breed and they way they are. They are smart dogs. Second one we have owned. Puppy stage will test a person’s patients.

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

100% accurate lol

[@princesskatiecakes]

my dog Pickle is a 5 month old heeler, I brought him up north with me for work and he just killed it! so proud of the little guy, they really are the ultimate bush dog.

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

oh pickle

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Zip is so cool! The only dog in our family right now is my wife's dog, a Shih Tzu. She's what i like to call a "starter dog".

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

[@LazyIRanch]

That makes a lot of sense! Start with a dog that is easy to love like a sweet little Shih Tzu before getting a dog like a heeler. They are worth the effort, but not for everyone because they require a great deal of interaction and can't be left alone for long periods of time.

[@Disintegration182]

I was thinking about getting a blue heeler. This video convinced me. :) Your dog is amazing.

[@lawrencewinney3470]

Zip is NOT a CattleDog He is an australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog Prior to A C D

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up* hope you got one and are enjoying the greatness/cutness

[@feelnrite]

I have three heelers and have had heelers for probably 15-20 years. I raise cattle and my dogs work. I could not make it without them and a heeler is very very smart. They can learn a big vocabulary. They pay close attention to your body movements and the speed you are walking. They can read you like a book.

[@ThanhTranonline]

What a smart and beautiful dog! Thanks for rescuing him!

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@catters2011]

being an Australian, I can relate , my cousin has about 10 on his farm, great dogs and i can see Zip is well trained and great friend as well.

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@ding174]

Interesting that yours has a bentley's blaze on his forehead Mine doesn't since the bloodline may have erased it or his genes aren't part of bentley's lineage. Instinctively when he encountered his first rattlesnake which was a four footer he kept his distance but wouldn't let me get close to it. I never taught him but his alert mode is to lay flat on the ground and remain perfectly still and quiet. Heelers are Gods gift to outdoorsmen and ranchers the world over!

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

ding174 They are the best. Hoping to get 1 or 2 more.

[@maribelz.7306]

I've tried googling what a bentley's blaze is, but with no avail. Can you tell me what that is? and what it means?

[@bettycarole2794]

@@maribelz.7306 This article explains what it is. www.australiancattledogrescue.net/education_training.htm

[@CassiesMusic]

Mine has the Bentley mark, too. But she isnt a cuddler and wants to be left alone when shes sleeping. If the kids mess with her when sleeping, she snaps.

[@Lakota412]

I have a Leopard Blue Heeler. Rescued him when he was 8. Hoss Dog is 14 now, and the best dog I have ever had. The part where Zip was enjoying the cattail was great. Cheers!

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@roseannperna]

My husband and I had the honor of sharing our lives with two AWSOME Australian Cattle dogs, Meggy, and Bluey, both females. Our first, (meggy) kept my husband from running off the road in his truck. Bluey let us know that our hot water heater was leaking! Absolutely AMAZING, SMART dogs!!! ♥️

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

Such good girls!

[@Nancy_Amy]

Beautiful! I have the same breed of dog. He has all the same mannerisms as your boy. Tully is 11 now.

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@Birddog1227Blogspot]

Great time! Zip is an awesome treat! Congrats to you both and your Girlfriend, too for a great match and so much love. You may never have another Dog so special~~We seem to come across one exceptional Dog in a lifetime....Enjoy and I look forward to seeing yall again soon. Thanks friends, BirdDog1227

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@sleepy.raccoon7695]

I love this. Reminds me of my brother's Blue Heeler - Doug. He was loyal, sweet, and super smart. Passed on about 4 years ago, he was the best dog ever. Currently, I have a Red Heeler/German Shepard mix that my cousin gave me (he rescued her and her brother from an illegal breeder). We named her Harley, and she is very active, loves to play, and loves digging for bones and sticks and picks up tricks really fast. When we take walks, she stays close by. ACD are the best breeds.

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

Agreed, ACDs are the perfect companion all around.

[@ricflair8867]

I have had blues and reds for 25 years and without a doubt they are the complete package good guard dog very smart loving obedient, and most of all very very loyal.

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

Awww we don't think we will ever go without have a blue

[@ding174]

Got one from Alamo, nv ranching bloodline. Since it's in Lincoln county my red is named Lincoln. He has some instincts that show in the bloodline seeking shade on long summer hikes knowing to steer clear of rattlers eating wild desert shrub that doesn't make him sick and his feet are heat proof in our 120 temps. And he loves swimming. Very loyal and protective one master dog but when it's fetch time he is like the energizer bunny. Acd's are the perfect outdoor dog especially since they know when to be quiet

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

That's why I love dogs that are bred with wild cousins. They keep the robustness of the original blood lines.

[@lindahansen55]

My ACD mix will play for roughly 15 minutes (fetch) and then he stops so he can chew on the stick. Sometimes he wants to play tug-of-war, which is hard on my hands (in more ways than one...).

[@TheSKS76239]

I have a red-nosed pit bull. He's overweight, even though he follows me everywhere and does everything I do! He's a rescue, and he just looks like a big brown 85 pound hippo

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

Have you tried switching to grain free dog food? Excess carbohydrates are not good for any living thing as far as I'm concerned

[@darkmoon3006]

my uncle had a half blue heeler named caleb that we loved very much. he allways took care of us kids and no pest was safe on are land. great dog and I miss him a lot.

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@ascarrillo1]

My Blue Heeler Oreo is 7 years old and you are correct..best outdoor companion ever!

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

[@jupiterkid100]

Thank you so much for this video, I love it and it makes me love my red heeler even more!! We love Zip

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

Love Heelers!

[@rza139]

+InnerBark Outdoors Awesome dog and awesome channel! I am currently looking to get a blue heeler. After watching your video, I know we would make a great match since I like to run, be outdoors, and want to get more into hiking. How is he when at home? My concern is since we don't have a huge home, that he will be running around 24/7 or have too much energy even after exercuse. thanks for your feedback. All the best.

[@sexxycowgurl88]

+Christopher Gonzalez if u have other pets or kids they often try to herd them and nip their heels

[@rza139]

In the 3 weeks we have had him, we have come to realize it already! He can sometimes nip too much. A lot of reinforcement and training should help. 12 weeks and I am already noticing that he is smart. Perhaps even too smart for his own good.

[@Mav_F]

You need to be the pack leader or he will never listen to you or anyone in the family. So you all have to be pack leaders. Also, they get bored quickly, so if you got other dogs or cats would be good. Hmmm, they need to be worn out to stop their destructive ways when they are bored. Find what his favourite toy is and use that as a treat and to teach him right from wrong.

[@hippy9835]

Zip is actually a Smithfield blue cattle dog they are the hardcore version of the Australian cattle dog generically born without a tail cause they don't need to show off :) my father has been breeding them for 40 years. They are a very good dog for the bush.

[@SherrisPlace]

Can you send me his website!?

[@Mav_F]

Or he could be a Stumpy Tail

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@ryanbarker6761]

ACD breeder and Vet here. He’s not a Smithfield Blue Cattle Dog and they aren’t hardcore versions of ACD’s lol. Zip most likely is a mix of ACD and ASTCD. In Australia smart breeders mix Stumpy breeds with pure ACD’s to get shorter tail ACD’s to reduce likelihood of hip dysplasia more often developed from longer tails.

[@777muddogger]

Currently have a blue heeler in our family as well. One of the best dog breeds I've ever had the pleasure of being with. Wish you and zipp many more good adventures.

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@tryan8660]

Great moment at 0:32 when trying to recollect "how long you had been together" you inclined your head as if to ask the dog, then said four years!!!

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@Enoch-XIV]

I also have a blue heeler, his name is b obi! Great video man, and b you have a beautiful dog! blue heelers are the best companions.

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@danielwalker1314]

I have had my blue for 3 years and he's f-in awesome! he's got some hip problems like a lot of them...

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

Daniel Walker Glucosamine pills and swimming helps since its low impact. Hope he is doing OK!

[@coyotewalking4641]

My blue heeler was a real sweetheart :) she was afraid of cows though. I miss her everyday. She was awesome in the woods and on the trail. She wouldn't hurt a fly but was my eyes and ears most of the time. See you in the happy hunting grounds piper, I miss you

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

Salute to great dogs!

[@noneedtoknow2870]

Heelers are fantastic trail dogs!! I took mine back packing with me every chance I got, and we went hiking every day. Extremely smart and great company for camping.

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

Better company than most humans

[@TheSKS76239]

I'm now thinking about the blue heeler being my third dog, meaning an addition to the 2 dogs I already have: a 10 week old Rottweiler, and a 10 year old pit bull.

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

Heelers are tough so they can hold their own with those breeds. Sounds like you might have a very large family here in a bit :)

[@livingsurvival]

Blue Heelers are the shit!

[@alexitogr]

Did you really stopped by this video to leave that comment? Really?

[@angd1696]

And you are an idiot!

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

:D

[@peterhaddad1828]

It takes shit to know shit

[@kylieannecunties1439]

I have an Australia cattle dog mix and i absolutly love this video, i can never find any good ones to show other people how awesome they are.

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@TheFarmersFarmington]

I just rescued a one year old blue heeler (his name is boomer), and he learns faster than any dog I’ve ever met. I am unable to tire him out but he doesn’t misbehave. He’s incredibly responsive and will do just about anything you ask. Highly recommend rescuing one of these guys.

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@chuckmarquart]

great video I also have a healer, they are very good dogs....

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

Chuck Marquart One of the best dogs i've ever had :)

[@Wingman115]

Great feel good video.. Zip kicks ass.....

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

[@Hugh_Jaynus_00]

Bear was one of the best dogs we ever had. Loved to ride everywhere in back of dad’s truck. And everyone knew not to get near it. Lol.

[@tacuazinful]

this breed has the best stamina of any kind of dog. They can go and go

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@contractkiller325]

Great video, I have a Blue Heeler named Django. I take him hiking in the Sandhills of Fort Bragg, NC almost every weekend. I use a Ray Allen LLC harness and pouches for him to carry his food. What harness do you use?

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

***** He wears a Granite Gear pack for his first aid, food, and lead

[@TheGoatMumbler]

Dogs are one of God's best creations. I couldn't live without one. Or right now 9. :)

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@ignacianegrete3774]

omg this dos is just like my dog, same gestures and everything. I love blue heelers

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@consonantsandvowels1]

Love it! Great to see a former rescue now in doggie heaven. I have a tiny chihuahua who loves being in the bush, and watching doggies on tv when home 😍 Cheers from Oz 😎

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

He's a happy puppy! cheers!

[@khadijagwen]

I had thought that Blue Heelers would make good guard dogs on the ranch. We don't have any Cattle, though. I'll get a pair to guard the children and I. Thank you.

[@kateadams5929]

+Khadijah Brown if you have kids, a Great Pyrenees might be a better choice. They are not herders, but cattle guardians, and very gentle with humans.

[@boostedwolfie]

+Kate Adams i completely agree, this dog is meant for an owner with either cattle or one quite simply 'without a life', because the blue heeler will become your life. Having a blue heeler is a way of life.

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@tiantianzhang8476]

I have a lighter skinned blue heeler. Wow, your dog is so well trained and that's gonna be my goal haha. I had her for 3 months and couldn't love her more

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

Hope you guys are still ha ing great adventures!

[@mindymathias6402]

Loved all three of my ACD’s! Loyal, intelligent partners.

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

[@josephbarney4523]

Such a wonderful dog! I have a blue heeler also. She looks a bit like Zip but with a white stripe on her face. She's a rescue dog too and I heard she was abused a bit but I babied her and she imprinted on me. She's my brothers dog but she sleeps in my bed and adores me. When she went through the shoe chewing phase she left mine alone. She used to be meek like she didn't wanna fall out of grace but now if you ignore her or take too long to acknowledge her or her her a treat she'll get testy and give you a bark. She obeys though and gets along with people and dogs. She hasn't been anyone even when we invite people inside but she barks like mad on the home but outside just ignores people or shows curiosity. She loves cats and dogs and will try to make friends with them. We have 4 cats she kinda likes and protects them when we kids them too much or pick them up when they're not in the mood. They're ornery. She likes walks and snuggling and hanging out too. She used to refuse to to eat unless I was home. Stress obedient even without training. I didn't bother because she just obeys. She even tells me when she wants to go potty even waking me at night since she sleeps in my bed, when she wants a treat or her meal, and when she wants to go walk. She'll bark if if hesitate. I'm out of shape and in poor health and within a few days of my doctor telling me I need to exercise and watch what I eat she's demanding even multiple walks a day after further than usual. In the past I had slight heart issues and I was winded but still pushing forward. She stops and looks at me and refuses to keep going until I catch my breath and my heart calms. She's awesome!

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@rocketman13f51]

We also had a Blue Heeler which we got from a friend who rescues dogs. Jackson was one of the smartest dogs I ever owned and was faithful to the very end. He had a lot of mental problems because whoever owned him had mistreated him. It took 5 years just to get him selttled down to where he was comfortable in a vehicle or at home. He was very loyal to us, but did not like anyone coming to our house, which was a minor problem. They can be very ferocious if they need to be and a friend of mine, who also owned a Blue Heeler called them Land Sharks. We lost Jackson to cancer, partially my own fault of not feeding him the best dog food I could afford to buy at the time. We have since got a mini-Austrailan Shepard and only feed her Blue Buffalo dry food. There are other really good dog foods out there, but you have to do some investigation to find them. Zip will be your life long friend and will protect you with his life if necessary. We have a lot of raccoons where we live in Washington State and they use to harass Jackson and the other dog we owned, Dutchess, a Black Lab Mix. They would sit at their food dishes eating their food and growling at the dogs to keep them away. One day, one of the thiefs made a mistake of running and Jackson chased it down, bumped it while it was running, which caused it to roll over and over. When it got up it climbed a tree wanting nothing more to do with that crazy dog! After that, the raccoons were never able to come back and steal their food and Jackson ruled the woods. Ed

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@Pomiferous]

My heeler is an excellent ratter.

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@jjzavala1]

I have two healers. We love our puppies. Very lovable and lots of work. They love dog parks and walks.

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

[@DavidChouiniere]

Love to see people hiking with their dogs. I have a year and a half old Pyraneese / lab mix and we have only been hiking twice. She loves to run with me and seems to enjoy exploring on the hikes. I need to get her a pack and get out more. Thanks for the fun video.

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@BowBowBitches]

I have ablue Heeler puppy! She's a girl, very sweet and very crazy. But she's my world

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

Jordana Gaudet Never played with a puppy heeler myself, we got zip when he was 11months old. But he is still a baby to me.

[@JOHNRENAUDETTE]

wow............my favorite comment for high-quality video and or thoughtful well produced and informative subject matter. You have managed to do all the above very well............thank you so much.....great dam job!

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@codycleek]

This is a great video! I've got an Australian Shepherd that loves to get out in the woods to hike, and swim as well. There's nothing like the companionship of a good dog. It looks like that is exactly what you have!

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@AreEff1987]

I got my blue heeler at 8 weeks old. Hes almost 5 months and I cant wait to go camping with him. He loves the water and always by my side

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

Whats your pups name? Your gonna have a lifetime of memories with him, they are the best!

[@AreEff1987]

@@innerbarkoutdoors his names dexter and hes a good boy

[@Breathlesssight]

I have two blue heelers. One male and one female. The male isn't neutered and has his tail while the female is fixed and doesn't have a tail much like Zip. They both aren't as big as Zip. They look like that smaller photo of Zip but I feed them 3 cups of food twice a day. So I was wondering what you feed him and how much a day? As far as my two go. The female is super protective of me and my property from everything. The male is more so against animals or charging dogs like the other day. He also loves to swim while the female hates it. They both love to get out and explore and like yours, they don't stray far. They have a bad habit of biting wheels on things such as the lawn mower and wheelbarrow. But after a few times of me seriously correcting them on it, they have calmed down quite a bit. Another bad habit I don't know where they picked up is going crazy when Im raking leaves or sweeping. They want to chase them so bad. But as always if I get tired of it, it doesn't take much to get them to stop. They both know the basic commands and it doesn't take more than an hour to train a new one. These dogs are smart, loyal, protective, full of energy and adventurous. But man, are they a handful to raise from 6 weeks. Love the vid btw. I wish my dogs and I could get out and explore the trails. What state are you guys hiking in?

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

Breathlesssight I feed zip about a cup of grain free dog food twice a day, a little more when we are hiking. The first time I let Zip off the leash in the woods he ran off chasing squirrels. After yelling at him he has never went further than 50 feet or so. We are in WA state, but some of the hiking footage is from West Virginia.

[@Breathlesssight]

InnerBark Outdoors On the trail my female is pretty calm. The male acts like a caged animal let loose running all around. They are both still young F=2.5yr and M=1.5yr. I live in SC. We have some trails in the national forest but you can also hunt in there. So I only take them late winter after hunting season is over and the ticks/snakes are non existent.

[@JackM12345100]

Mad Max dog.

[@bandera001]

JackM12345100 Yep,"Dog" from the Road Warrior.

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

good reference :)

[@miguelduque3438]

He looks so happy

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

miguel duque He's glad he has a forever home, thats for sure.

[@davidbrucemusicvideo]

oh my God, thank you for this video! I am picking up a seven week old blue male tomorrow, and I am driving to Kentucky to get him. I'm so excited, as I have wanted one for years! this video totally encouraged me that I'm getting the right dog, plus I have a badass Land Rover and kayak to make me look the part. LOL!

[@SherrisPlace]

I would love to see your channel with how your Blue Heeler is growing & learning!

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

I hope you two are the best of pals now

[@CurtGreen2012]

sitting with my Blue Heeler Moe , Shes a rescue too, my best friend,loves to do what yours does, shes awesome, Add me to FB Blue Heeler People

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@AlexS-kr3nk]

Just a bit of back ground on these dogs. They were obviously bred for the Australian environment but more specifically for use in moving cattle long distances in very harsh environment. By harsh environment I'm talking about hot climates that most of the world would think of as desert. The qualities required in this environment were toughness, stamina, intelligence (including herding instinct), strength and loyalty. If any of these qualities were missing or even just average, the dog would not have survived and they are legendary for these qualities here in Australia especially in the bush. If the dog bonds with a person (they are known as one person dogs) they will die with that person rather than leave them for any reason in times of trouble. There are many sad stories ending with the drover (cowboy) and their dogs being found dead together, as well as happy ones where the dogs loyalty has kept the owner alive by bringing food, fighting off attacks from wild animals etc They are very quick, strong for their size, and smart. Because of these the snake in the video probably had more to worry about with the dog than it's owner. The american rattle snake isn't really that dangerous compared to some of the snakes in Australia and many blue heelers will just go onto the attack with these snakes if/when they encounter them. When they attack, they don't latch on because that isn't smart. They will bite, tear/rip, then release/back off before any retaliation is possible. I know, I've tried kicking mine enough and have never landed a kick yet (I do it to show my displeasure as I know the kick will never land). One reason they are classed as dangerous is because of this trait, death by a thousand cuts sorta thing.

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@girlinthesouth850]

My parents got one a few years ago. They live on a ranch. It was their first Heeler, and I definitely think they'll be getting more! She's SUCH a sweet and happy dog.

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

That's awesome!

[@juzme14]

No joke man your video on zip helped me in deciding to pick up my new puppy Champ, plus your vids on point every time.

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

+Miguel Chavez Congrats on your new addition to your family!