Thinking of getting a mix between the devoted and loyal Blue heeler and the beloved Chihuahua?
Perhaps you are smitten by the beauty of this amazing designer dog. No doubt this is one of those breeds that catch the attention of the room any day.
What if you love the idea of mixing the larger-than-life personality of the Chi and the sweet temperament of the Australian shepherd dog?
Regardless of your reason for getting a Blue heeler Chihuahua mix, I have a ton of information for you.
In this post, I will discuss everything you need to know before getting this cross. I will go over the good, the bad, and the ugly of owning a Chi-heeler.
Before you shell your cash for one puppy from a blue heeler mix with Chihuahua, you should determine whether she is right for you or not.
Let’s begin with a quick profile summary (for those who are not ready to go through the guide)…
Blue Heeler Mix with Chihuahua Basic Information
- Names: Blue Heeler Chihuahua, Chihuahua Australian cattle dog , Chi-Heeler, Chihuahua Heeler
- Height: 8 – 17 inches
- Weight: 6 – 20 pounds
- Size: Medium
- Coat: Double, long, short, any color and shade.
- Energy: Medium to high
- Temperament: smart, devoted, active
- Shedding Level: Low to medium
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Life Span: 12 – 15 years
- Barking Level: High (if she takes after Chi parent); low-medium (if she takes after the blue heeler)
- Suitable For: Experienced owners, people with active style and ample space for exercise, homes with respectful children.
- Not suitable For: First-time owners, laid-back and lazy individuals, apartment living, homes with young children
Weight and Height
The cross between a Blue heeler and a Chihuahua or simply, Chi-heeler, is the resulting offspring between a female Australian cattle dog (also called the heeler) and a male Chihuahua.
With both dogs being varied in size, this mix is rare but it very much exists.
Because of Chi’s toy size compared to the Blue heeler’s considerably larger frame, the female has to be of the latter breed.
If a female Chihuahua gets pregnant for a Blue heeler, her tiny frame will not be able to handle the pregnancy and birth.
As with all designer breeds, the weight and height of this cross are hard to predict.
The actual physical characteristic of the offspring will depend on genes acquired. No two Chi-heelers are similar—even those that share the same parents.
With that said, we can make some predictions based on the looks of both sides of the family.
Chihuahuas are essentially toy breeds with weights ranging from 2 to 6 pounds. Height averages 5-9 inches.
Blue heelers, on the other hand, are medium-sized dogs of 35-45 pounds in weight and 17-20inches in height.
When you bring both dogs together, you get a puppy weighing 6-20 pounds and 8-17 inches high.
This makes her larger than the Chihuahua and smaller than the Australian cattle dog.
Physical Characteristics
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Like the weight and height of the Chi-heeler, it is hard to tell what a blue heeler chihuahua mix will look like.
Most Chihuahuas have:
- Varying colours and markings, including black, brown, silver, white and black, and even tri-colours.
- Long, short or a tad curly fur
- Narrow-shaped faces with big, upright ears
- Big, prominent eyes
- Small body sizes—there are even teacup versions.
On the other hand, Blue Heelers have:
- Blue, red, blue mottled or speckled, and red mottled or speckled-with possible tan or dark markings.
- Short and dense fur
- Strong and broad necks with slightly rounded heads and pointy ears.
- Long, curved, hanging tails
- NB: Red-coated Australian cattle dogs may sometimes be called Red Heelers.
Given their parent’s varying physical features, chi-heelers tend to differ widely in terms of appearance.
Their coats, for instance, can range from blue to silver with gorgeous speckles or mottles.
And as you have probably guessed, this blend of coat pattern sets them apart from other breeds.
A chi-heeler body will definitely be more muscular than that of a Chihuahua.
But it is hard to predict how the ears, eyes, and tails will look…
The cross’ head will be broad and strong like that of a heeler or have somewhat of an apple skull like a Chihuahua’s.
Expect either erect or pricked ears or a high lopped tail or a low hanging one.
History of the Chi-Heeler Mix
A Blue heeler Chihuahua mix dog is the result of crossing a Blue Heeler and a Chihuahua and they are mostly bred for companionship.
Chi heeler mixes often take the adventurous nature from the Chihuahua parents and the innate energy and drive from the Blue Heeler parent.
Due to the fact that chi heeler dog is a hybrid dog, it is not recognized by some of the major kennel clubs, including the AKC.
However, you can register it with the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR).
Breed Origin
It is difficult to establish where the chi heeler mix came from and their exact origins are a little unknown.
But to understand more about this awesome crossbreed, we can take look at the origins of their parents.
Chihuahuas are believed to have originated in Mexico, with evidence suggesting they may have descended from a breed of ancient Techichi dogs kept by the Toltec civilization.
These small dogs were later interbred with other small dogs, such as the Chinese crested, to create the current Chihuahua.
The breed was first recognized by the AKC (American Kennel Club) in 1904 and has since become one of the most popular toy breeds in the world.
On the other hand, Blue Heelers were developed in the 1800s in Australia by a rancher named Thomas Hall.
He bred several breeds including the dingo, collie, and Dalmatian to create a tough and hardworking dog that could help manage his cattle herds in harsh Australian conditions.
The breed became popular for their intelligence, loyalty, and herding abilities and was later exported to other parts of the world.
The name “blue heeler” came from the breed’s blue-speckled coat and its tendency to nip at the heels of cattle to herd them.
Today, Blue Heelers are still used as working dogs, as well as companions and show dogs.
Blue Heeler Chihuahua Mix Temperament
A Chihuahua is famous for having a big personality wrapped in a small package.
This doggie sometimes forgets that she’s less than 6 pounds and acts as though she were 60.
She can provoke bigger dogs to fight with her without a care in the world. Chis are confident, alert, and independent.
Heelers, on the other hand, are a dedicated breed of working dogs. They were bred to work on farms and as a result, they are intelligent, energetic, loyal, and protective.
But one attribute that both breeds tend to share is their assertive attitude.
In most cases, you will find that they are aggressive towards people and dogs they aren’t familiar with.
These traits inevitably qualifies a chi-heeler as an ideal watch dog.
Add that to the high energy that she inherits from both parents and you have a watch dog that will always be alert while on duty.
In a nutshell, a blue heeler mix with Chihuahua will be a smart, devoted, and active dog. She will protect the family at all costs and form great bonds with them.
Don’t expect her to be friendly to strangers but she will surely love her family.
Unfortunately, the high energy aspect may not go well with a first-time dog owner.
However, a chihuahua heeler is easy train given the eager-to-please attitude of a Chi and the obedient and intelligent nature of a Blue Heeler.
Like any other dog out there, start training early (around 8 weeks of age) for faster, better results.
Is the Mix Good With Kids?
When you have a family with young kids, you have to be careful about which doggie you can allow in your home.
Chihuahuas are generally not great around kids for the simple reason that they are tiny and fragile.
If not taught how to handle a dog, children can injure the dog during play.
Additionally, some Chis are not tolerant of rough play.
Blue heelers are also not the best dogs around very young children. They tend to herd them and nip at their heels way too much.
With that said, both dogs can be trained and socialized early enough to live well with kids. It just takes work and commitment but it is doable.
Does Chi-Heeler get along with other pets?
Considering that the australian cattle dog chihuahua mix has high energy, she can be a bit overwhelming to smaller pets, especially those with low energy.
Bigger dogs with higher energy aren’t the best companions for chi-heelers either because they can easily hurt them when play becomes aggressive.
However, if socialized early, the mix can get along with any pet—small or large.
But to be sincere with you, there is no guarantee that your chi-heeler will get along with any pet that you bring her way unless you consider introducing them gradually under controlled circumstances.
Related: How to Reintroduce Dogs after a Fight
Grooming
The maintenance of a Chi-heeler is dependent on the type of coat. If you end up with a smooth-coated variety, your job is made easy.
A weekly brushing will keep the coat looking nice and clean. It will also ensure that there are no loose hairs around your home.
However, if you get one with a dense coat, grooming her will be a tall order for you.
Without regular brushing, your pup’s coat will be matted and tangled.
If you have ever dealt with a matted coat before, you know it is no mean feat.
The best way to remove any excess hair that has formed mats on your chihuahua and blue heeler mix’s coat is to brush gently with a slicker or grooming comb.
Ensure that spray the coat with a detangler spray or conditioner to loosen up then hair.
Besides grooming the coat, your mix will require routine tasks such as trimming the nails, brushing the teeth, and wiping the eyes and eyes occasionally.
Trim the nails as soon as the dog starts making clicking sounds when walking across the floor.
Bathing is necessary as long as it is not frequent. If you do, you risk drying out your pooch’s skin.
Feeding
If possible, consider feeding your blue Heeler Chihuahua mix with breed-specific diet.
For starters, breed-specific diets can go a long way in alleviating a wide range of health issues, including joint and heart issues, urinary health, and fussy appetites by providing preventive nutrition.
You can always find breed-specific diets at chewy. Use this link (sponsored) to get 30% discount on your first Autoship order:
Ensure that your chihuahua blue heeler mix doesn’t overeat as, just like other small-medium dogs, her body may not handle excess wait weight well.
Additionally, you need to change the crossbreed’s dietary needs as she transition from puppyhood to adulthood as well during her senior years.
Most importantly, ask your veterinarian the most recommended diet for your Chihuahua Australian cattle dog mix as there is a lot of variations among individual dogs—including health, energy, weight, etc—to make specific recommendations.
Shedding
One of the shortcomings of having a dog is shedding.
I always advice new dog owners to take this into consideration when choosing the right dog breed. Click here to learn about natural and safe remedies.
Luckily for you, an Australian cattle dog mixed with Chihuahua is a light shedder. Her shedding tendencies are quite minimal and easy to manage.
If she happens to have a shorter coat, occasional brushing (once a week) is all you need.
You should note that preventing shedding in dogs is impossible and that’s why regular brushing is necessary.
Recommended post: 25 Best Deshedding Tools for Short Hair Dogs
Energy Requirements
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The Blue heeler Chihuahua mix is an active dog.
One of her parents, the Australian cattle dog is extremely energetic. He thrives on daily jogs, weekend hikes, and running across vast fields or the yard, among other high-energy activities.
The Chi-heeler is likely to have this same kind of energy.
Sure, Chihuahuas are not the most active dogs but they do need indoor activities as well.
In short, prepare for a very energetic dog with this cross. This is no breed for laid-back and lazy individuals.
If the mix doesn’t get a way of expending her energy, she is likely to be destructive.
Simple walks may not be enough as the chi heeler will need to run, jump and roll from time to time.
A blue heeler mix with Chihuahua isn’t recommended for apartment living either due to her high exercise needs.
The most suited owners are those with active style and ample space for exercise.
If you are into biking, she will make a great companion for you. Also, feel free to play Fly ball and Frisbee with your doggie.
For people with kids, this breed will make a great friend to play with at home.
Besides physical activity, she will need plenty of mental stimulation to be content. She will need a lot of puzzle toys to jog her intelligent mind.
Is Chi-heeler Cross Intelligent?
Speaking of intelligence, there’s no doubt that a Chi-heeler is a super-smart doggie.
Both folks score very well in the smarts department.
As a working breed, the Blue heeler knows what is expected of her and delivers on her duties every time. She learns tricks faster than most dogs in the canine world.
The Chihuahua equally doesn’t fall behind in the category of intelligent pups.
Being intelligent, the Blue heeler Chihuahua mix is pretty easy to train. She picks up on commands fast.
However, she can be headstrong as well. She needs a firm and assertive Alpha to tell her what to do.
Even with such a trainer, she can be less compliant compared to other dog breeds. Training should start as early as possible.
Barking Potential
Apart from having bold and huge personalities, Chihuahuas are also famous for their tendency to bark a lot.
This breed is a renowned noisemaker. She will bark when a stranger walks by your house, shout when a bird flies by, when hungry, or just bored.
In case this trait is passed down to your mix, you’ll need to be prepared for it.
Your neighbors will complain of the noise from time to time. You are likely to be woken up in the middle of the night to the doggie’s bark.
If you happen to be away from home for too long, your doggie will bring the house down with her endless barking.
Lucky for you, the Blue heeler is a quiet doggie. She only barks when it is necessary.
Price
Blue heeler and Chihuahua mix puppies are expensive. They cost anywhere between $500-$1200!
The reason for this high price tags is normally down to their unique coat patterns and the celebrity status of the Chihuahua.
The price point may also be affected by other factors including:
- Puppy’s health
- Coat color
- Size
- How much the puppy takes after one parent compared to the other.
Because the mixes come with such high price tags, you should certainly check that the puppy or dog you are about to purchase is healthy, full vaccinated, and free from potential genetic conditions.
Most importantly, buy a puppy from a reputable breeder.
Avoid breeders who are not ready to provide all the information that you may need, especially when it comes to the puppy’s parents.
Rescue/Shelters
If buying a chihuahua/heeler mix from a breeder is out of your price range, feel free to check your local rescue center or shelter.
There might be a heeler dog mix with Chihuahua who is looking for a forever home!
By the way, thousands of abandoned dogs are looking for permanent homes. Check out this post here to see how serious the situation is: How Many Dogs Are Abandoned Each Year?
By going the adoption route, you may not only get a Chihuahua and Australian cattle dog mix for a fraction of the market price but you will also be helping stop cruelty in puppy mills.
You also get a dog that will be forever grateful to you. Learn more here: Pros and Cons of Adopting Vs. Buying a Pet
Like buying a puppy, ensure that the blue heeler mix with Chihuahua you plan to adopt has been fully vaccinated and free from potential genetic disorders.
If you happen to find a chi heeler dog with special needs, ensure that you are ready to take care of him/her.
Health Problems
Finally, let’s talk about the health of a Chi-heeler. As usual, the health of the parents comes in handy in telling if this mix is healthy or not.
Typically, Australian shepherd dogs enjoy long healthy lifespans of 13-15 years.
However, they are predisposed to deafness, progressive retinal atrophy, and canine hip dysplasia.
Chi’s also have lifespans of 13-15 years but they are prone to injuries (being stepped on, choking on tiny objects, being dropped or sat on when curled under a blanket), dental disease, luxating patella, corneal ulcers, liver shunt, collapsing trachea, and hydrocephalus.
(Learn more about Chihuahua’s lifespan and diseases here: Why Do Chihuahuas Live So Long? and What Do Chihuahuas Usually Die From?)
The good news is that your chihuahua cattle dog mix is likely to be healthier than a typical chi.
See, breeding a small dog with a bigger breed is often beneficial in preventing a number of health issues for the offspring.
Generally, a bigger percentage of Chihuahua health issues are triggered by their small size frames.
An australian cattle dog and chihuahua mix will be much bigger, which means she’s less likely to suffer from these issues.
So, your mix will not only have a healthier life but will also have a longer lifespan.
Granted, she is likely to suffer from hip dyspepsia since both Blue heeler and Chi’s are prone to the condition.
Before welcoming a Chihuahua heeler mix into your home, I would recommend that you do meticulous analysis of her family history to rule out potential health issues.
Related: 12 Best Joint Supplements for Dogs with Hip Dysplasia
Parting Thoughts: Is Chi-Heeler Mix Right for You?
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Looking for an adorable and intelligent mixed breed to own?
Consider the Blue heeler Chihuahua mix. She is beautiful, smart, loyal, devoted, and affectionate.
The challenge of owning her is that she can be stubborn, hard to train, and groom.
Oh, and she may bark a lot too. It is up to you to decide whether she’s right for you or not.
To help you make the right decision, here is quick table of the things you should consider.
| Chi-Heeler mix is RIGHT for you if: | Chi-Heeler mix is NOT RIGHT for you if: |
| You have an active lifestyle | You are not very active (they have considerably high energy) |
| You are an experienced dog owner | You are a first-time dog owner (they are quite bossy and need extra attention) |
| You have respectful children | You have younger children (some may not tolerate rough play) |
| You have a lot of space | You live in a small apartment (they need a lot of space to expend their excess energy ) |
| You can put up with some excessive barking | You can’t endure dogs with excessive barking tendencies |
Related Posts:
Is a Basset Hound Chihuahua Mix Right for You?
Great Dane Chihuahua Mix: The Realities of Breeding a Chi-Dane-Dane
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