Why I Chose a HEELER over an Australian Shepherd

I compare and contrast my personal experiences between these two rough and tumble ranch dogs.
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[@diydogguy]

Cowboy is very friendly on the cattle dog spectrum because we did so much socialization. He is excited to greet guests and friends when they come over, but will light up strangers until I tell him its ok. He is very friendly with other people but when i say he is a one person dog he doesn't like to be touched or isn't "cuddly" with anyone besides me ( he'll growl at them ) and listens to me/looks to me for direction over other people.

[@Logan-mr4xg]

Me and my blue heeler (11 months) sookie, have a command when she is being cautious and I want to let her know someone is ok. "That's your friend" or even just "friend". It's crazy how smart they are. I have been around dogs my entire life, 32+ years, and I have never found a breed that across the entire spectrum is so smart. There are always standouts, but ACDs are amazing from top of the litter to bottom it seems like. Such consistent dogs

[@mirandawise2528]

Hank - Cowboys doppelganger says "hi". Love these boys 💕

[@thekynologist155]

Your comment above, Jack, is as much or more autobiographical as it is general biography about Cowboy (what a great name, BTW!). To the point, if read and interpreted properly, even in those propositions wherein Cowboy is the stated subject, being predicated, one is reading Cowboy’s story as a consequence of your intentional love, learning, life-liturgy, and leadership, your training and handling, and your life lived Canem In Centro-your dog at the center! Speaking as a canine professional-a student and trainer of dogs, an educator and coach of their owners-I would lift you up as one’s dream of a client/student. The problem is that, there is not such person! If every dog owner lived the life you share with Cowboy, people in my vocation would spend their days on the soup lines and their kids begging bread!! Professional trainers/behaviorists would be unnecessary or better unheard of! But, there is a sense in which you could still be a hoped-for client, namely, not needing to start a program with us but rather as our hoped-for, yea prayed-for, and earnestly worked-for graduate student! You’re head, heart, and guts orientation toward and spent for Cowboy life lived is exactly what our goal, our ideal owner, at the end not beginning of our programs!!! Thank you for highlighting what is arguably one of the greatest breeds living, through a superlative exemplar of this breed, Cowboy, and through your superlative exemplar leadership, companionship and ownership of your fine buddy!!

[@kaydee9583]

Had a Blue Heeler for 12 years. Now I have an Aussie. I got an Aussie because I have very young grandkids. My Aussie is only 6 months but she is amazing with the grandkids. But I do not see her attacking someone breaking into my home. My Heeler was good with everyone. But she could tell who she did not trust. My Heeler did have to go after someone coming into my home with out permission. She knew they where in the house before I did. I only knew when she had them cornered and would not back down. I think my Aussie would grab a ball and take it to the intruder and ask to play. So miss my heeler. Took me 6 years to get another dog. RIP Bama

[@IzzieEnwall]

The cross between the two ( Texas Heeler) is unbeatable. I own two.

[@user-bc2ik4cv9v]

Have a blue heeler, Denver he is amazing but he can be very scared of kid's. That is probably my fault because when he was a puppy he was my daughter's then she decided she didn't have a connection with him and I became his mom. The best thing that happened to me. He sleeps with me every night and we play and walk. He makes my day every day. I trained him to stop before crossing the street. They are so smart. I would highly recommend this breed.

[@tammystockley-loughlin7680]

I was blessed to have a blue healer-border collie cross(rescued)for 17+years. Comet(yhe wonder dog) herded sheep the first time he saw them. At,7 we had a baby and he stayed at my daughter's side from the time she came home from the hospital (he would put his head against my belly and listen beforeshe was born). He stayed between her and our pond, or anything that could be worrisome, even though we were always there. He met the bus whe she went to school. When we got chickens he'd patrol the outside of the flock, occasionallytightening up the cicle. He was a funny old boy and a good friend. I still get a misty thinking of him...he was a once in lifetime dog. Positive vibes from New Hampshire, remember to be kind to each other and yourself during these trying times

[@tullrich5823]

That was such a great accounting of your sweet protective dog. Thanks so much for sharing that story, sounds like such a precious dog. I love always be kind to each other. So necessary in this world. Thank you again

[@thelittlegreencar9731]

I have had both over the last 50+ years. They are both great dogs. I think the heeler needs a little more socializing then the Australian Shepherd.

[@gordonschiff3621]

My dog Chester is half Red Heeler and half Australian Shepard. He is what people call a Texas Heeler. His coat is more like a Red Heeler and he has the markings on his face and legs like an Australian Shepard. He aggressively guards the yard more like a Heeler and has a loud scary bark. He is about 50lbs. Absolutely insane about herding his Jolly soccer ball and chasing and catching tennis balls. I think he is less cautious around new people than pure Heelers but he has some of those Heeler instincts like digging for grubs and only pooping in hidden locations if possible. Interesting dog and so much fun.

[@jp3mcpherson]

I have a Texas heeler also named Zeke. I agree very interesting dogs.

[@kathyyore309]

We got a Heeler,she was locked in a crate,the travel kind,over twenty hours a day.😭We took her in and she was wild.Poor girl, destroying everything,when we left. She is,a year later,the joy of my life. She learned to run and go up stairs and play. She learned the word treat. It was awesome.

[@kennymorris923]

We rescued our Luna from a barn she lived with ducks in a fenced in area. She is tickled to be in the home. She is so smart and such a good watch dog.💜Glad your girl is being spoiled now. Loved your story.

[@kathyyore309]

@@kennymorris923 I love that name for a Heeler! Luna is awesome! Reesie is a sweet girl who just needed a person who was just that crazy about doggies.

[@Iconoplastt]

I'm a feller cattle dog owner (corgi), must say Cowby has a fantastic life and is a real good boy!!

[@diydogguy]

thank ya :)

[@jp3mcpherson]

I just got a hybrid mix. A Texas heeler.

[@kerinobrien6642]

My Lily is a Texas Heeler (cattle dog x aussie shephard). She looks like a blue heeler and is an amazing dog! Cowboy is gorgeous!

[@lifelibertyhappiness1441]

I breed and sell Australian Shepherds and they are amazing dogs. They are definitely hi-energy dogs but they can be protective and very focused they are over all a well rounded dog and their colors are just amazing

[@JimmahRL]

My mate has an Australian Shepherd and that thing bounces from wall to wall. I've never met a dog with so much energy, which is why I went for my Blue Heeler instead. I wanted an active and smart dog. My Bluey has heaps of energy, but he knows his chill out zones. That being said, as much as I love my Blue Heeler, I wouldn't suggest one to many people unless they REALLY love dogs. Blue Heelers definitely don't see themselves as pets. They demand a lot of time and attention from their family.

[@diydogguy]

I agree - not pets. Wild animal or human depending on the mood...

[@mommachupacabra]

Mars is not and has never been a "fur baby." I call him my Little Brother; that's what he is (and I call myself his Emotional Support Animal.)

[@USNAVDC]

You pretty much described my Australian Cattle Dog (female) perfectly! .

[@beverlylancaster675]

in reference to excessive barking, I have 8 Australian Shepherds and I only have 2 bark a lot, the others back when needed. Their coat are almost wash and wear.

[@georgeclarke2258]

I am my dog's third home, and he was given to me by a rescuer as a Jack Russell/Border Collie mix. While I didnt know much about ACDs at that time , I knew that wasnt true. After seeing a dog that looked nearly exactly like him that was a heeler, and research into the breed and its characteristics, it became apparent that he was an ACD. I plan to get a DNA test eventually, but its rather obvious at this point

[@vickyseverson8782]

I had had Aussies before and they are devoted to their families and very willing to be trained. We now have a blue male mini heeler and a full size red female. Their temperaments are quite different with strangers. My male is very out-going and friendly, kind of goofy. Our female is much more reserved and protective. My husband & I are retired and of ACD's are our constant companions. They are easy to groom, except for toe nail trimming. They love to ride along. They are very good in their crates. They are great with the cats when it's 1:1, but if they are together, their prey drive becomes terrible, this is a work in progress. This breed is certainly not for everyone. It is heartbreaking the number of Heelers surrendered to shelters or removed because owners didn't do their homework. I truly enjoy your videos with Cowboy, he is such a handsome and intelligent dog. Watching him work livestock is really something. Seeing him play and enjoy life is so fun! He is so intense and focused. He is a credit to your dedication and caring, as his trainer and Dad. Thank you for your common sense and honesty about this breed. I will continue to follow your videos and enjoy them immensely!

[@ratkocosic89]

The thing i love about the cattle dog is that it doesnt have a smell when it gets wet. We have a kiddy pool and our dog swims in it every day for months without a shower and never developed a smell.

[@melaniegerber6309]

I have 1 and i just love his personality its all his own and i have never loved a dog like him. Yes he does shed like crazy.

[@cptJackSeether666]

My 9 year 0ld Aussie male is extremely trained and very kid friendly, but also very protective of the family and farm. I have no doubt he would attack an intruder, but all he has ever had to compete with so far was a stray pit coming in our yard near my toddler and he took care of business. Unfortunately he noq has cancer and will probably not survive long.. He is my best friend and di for will ever miss my guardian/ Frisbee catching master Ragnar

[@ravenchildofodin4711]

My Red Texas Heeler , Sapito ( little toad) is the smartest most handsome guy on the planet! I can’t keep him out of the water hence his name, besides he loves to eat bugs too! Living in Arizona desert he finds watering holes in the wild!

[@hellosunshine3304]

I had a blue-tick heeler mix growing up, named blue. Love that dog!

[@amberforcen1177]

My cattle dog communicates constantly! Very bright and trained with positive reinforcements! Potty trained very young. Definitely food driven. People think all dogs are food driven but my small mut isn’t ! I do NOT recommend cattle dog around small child or cats! My cattle dog nips ankles and bits hands (not in a aggressive way ) and pulls clothing. I have a small daughter I had to put the guilt and fear into him so that he does not put his teeth on her at all ! I have experience with lots of different dogs ,he by far has the strongest and most entertaining personality but he does chase the cat . Because of the strong personality someone who has small kids does not have experience /patients with animals this should not be your first pet. I could easily see a person getting angry with him if they don’t understand his behavior. That being said he is also affectionate wakes up my kids with kisses and also checks on and will comfort and give kisses to my daughter if she gets hurt or cries. If you don’t have cattle you need to give them a job I bought a cattle ball and he has put it away everyday. That is his job. You can come up with other jobs but they definitely need to feel they accomplished something everyday. Oh ya and nice long walks ,I am still struggling with walking it’s like walking a small horse that is pulling you. Do not underestimate there size they are very strong. So strong that he busted out of his collar and now has to wear a harness. Another thing is socializing outside my family. I can not let any stranger pet him because he could bit and gets aggressive when anyone gets near especially if I am walking with kids.

[@mommachupacabra]

In my experience, if they are raised with cats from puppyhood and are taught that they're family members, or at least part of the farm animals, they do well. Mars knew _all_ the cats on the farm, knew which were housecats and which were farm cats, and woe to any strays coming over the fence that he didn't recognize - they'd get the Bum's Rush. I'm sure there's a personality component too - but I could trust (and did) Mars with a box of newborn kittens, whereas the housemates' Goldens - even raised with cats from puppyhood - can't be trusted.

[@rovingpursuits3229]

Great video! I like the qualities of the heelers over the aussies just as you mentioned. That's why I now have two! Lol. I just need some land now! Keep that good heeler content coming!

[@diydogguy]

they love land lol. appreciate it

[@juliangutierrez3401]

Just became the 999th sub am stoked for your channel and You have been so helpful for my cattle dog!!

[@diydogguy]

heck ya! appreciate it!

[@MrBobbo18]

Texas Heeler…. Best of both making the ultimate. Hardens the Aussie while making a cattle boy smarter and faster. I also like a thinner dog.

[@DynastyTrickDogs]

NO YOURE WRONG!! just kidding. Doggos are awesome and the breeds are perfect for us

[@monkeybearmax]

My heeler is obsessed with me, and where I am at all times however she is very friendly with everyone and loves to say hello and visit with everyone except toddlers which stress her out. Australian shep are prob more patient with young kids and less intense.

[@diydogguy]

ya cowboy is very friendly on the cattle dog spectrum with other people too because we socialized so much

[@monkeybearmax]

@@diydogguy he’s a good boy 😍

[@dawnmitchell11]

Yours sounds similar to mine except the social part. Though she clearly likes humans more than other dogs. Kids stress her out, she thinks they need to be herded because they move so much, but she seems to know she probably shouldn't. Mine is a mix, so probably not as typical in behavior. (GSD and Chow + ACD). My son was 5 when we got her, she was 3yrs and very shy, so I had to stress to him that she needs to basically be ignored by us until she feels more comfortable. She spent the first few days making a perimeter around us from a distance. Took me awhile to realize what she was actually doing! 😆

[@popmeow3368]

Mine is high pitched too. It’s made my ears bleed. The bark produces a sound wave that displaces matter.

[@diydogguy]

lol

[@dawnmitchell11]

Heelers not so tolerant of BS is spot on! 🤣 My mix is the fun police! And good luck fooling her a 2nd time! 😆

[@ImTheDudeMan471]

An tollerant herding pet vs. a herding agricultiral industrial tool. P.S. In 1 single bark, it starts low and quickly transforms into a breaking glass pierce.

[@franmartinez779]

I'm considering on getting a ACD...I like them big with the ears like your dog has...to many are being bred with ears looking like german Shepherds. I've ownd 4, so I know what I'm getting into. Can you recommend a good breeder. T.y.

[@zhaneranger]

What about a border collie? I have a mostly border collie with touch of red heeler mix.

[@tammystockley-loughlin7680]

I got 17+years with my Comet, Blue heeier-border collar cross. He was the best. Positive vibes from New Hampshire, remember to be kind to each other and yourself during these trying times

[@diydogguy]

I have a friend with a border collie, I plan to make a video on them!

[@Totjohnson]

Would you be willing to do a video on the history of the cattle dog? There is so much misinformation on the origin of the breed and what "breeds" make up the breed. I have done some research my self and it can be pretty confusing understanding what really makes up a cattle dog.

[@diydogguy]

This is a great idea. I'll have to do some brush-up research as well

[@Totjohnson]

Thank you for the quick response! Look forward to this video! It will be very interesting what you come up with!

[@user-rf5ju5nz5u]

Me with a ACD/Aussie. What did I get myself into?🤣

[@jasonpotts4279]

My girl has had 2 Australian shepherds attack her and both of them found out the tuff way not to mess with her lol

[@melaniegerber6309]

Mine is red like yours

[@hillbill5448]

if Shepards were better they would have bin in mad max...lol cowboy at 5 months 34lbs. scooter at 5 years 34lbs dezzi bear at 16 years 48lbs I couldn't imagine having anything other then a heeler dawg..... HB

[@diydogguy]

haha good point!

[@carolemuenzer5490]

Everyone says the Aussies are barkers, I’ve had them over the years seven in total, and not one barker.

[@melaniegerber6309]

Lol mine is named HEELER and yes he is very verbal

[@jp3mcpherson]

Is your cat named “feline”

[@mnj640]

I find it a bit strange that an American breed is called an Australian Shepherd

[@diydogguy]

me too...

[@hilliard665]

Australian Shepard's are not an Aussie dog, they are American bred for Aussie sheep. Kelpie is the true Aussie comparison