How long does a Australian Shepherd Blue Heeler Mix live?

A typical lifespan is 12–16 years, the midpoint of the Australian Shepherd (12–15 years) and the Blue Heeler (12–16 years).

Is a Australian Shepherd Blue Heeler Mix easy to train?

Trainability is very low to very high, based on how both parent breeds respond to training. Start early and keep sessions short.

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Australian Shepherd Blue Heeler Mix

A Australian Shepherd Blue Heeler mix is a cross between a Australian Shepherd and a Blue Heeler. Most grow into medium-sized dogs of 40–60 lb and live 12–16 years.

Australian Shepherd, a purebred dog — Australian ShepherdPhoto: Christoph Aeschlimann, CC BY-SA 3.0, source

Blue Heeler, a purebred dog — Blue HeelerPhoto: Zingpix, CC BY 3.0, source

Photos show the purebred parents. There is no single look for a mix: puppies in one litter can resemble either side.

Weight40–60 lbcan be 35–65 lb

Height18–22 inat the shoulder

Lifespan12–16 years

SizeMedium-sized

How big does a Australian Shepherd Blue Heeler Mix get?

Australian Shepherd40–65 lb

The mix40–60 lb

Blue Heeler35–50 lb

Pounds. The dark band is where most Australian Shepherd Blue Heeler Mix dogs end up; the light band is the full range between the smallest and largest parent.

Height runs 18–22 inches at the shoulder, against 18–23 in for the Australian Shepherd and 17–20 in for the Blue Heeler.

Coat, energy and training

Shedding

High

Neither parent has a low-shedding coat, so expect dog hair around the house and seasonal heavy shedding.

Energy

Very high

Plan on long daily walks plus real exercise, such as running, fetch or a sport. A yard alone will not tire this dog out.

Trainability

Very low to very high

The Australian Shepherd rates very high and the Blue Heeler very low; a puppy may lean either way.

Grooming

Low

A weekly brush and the odd bath keep the coat in shape.

Temperament

The Australian Shepherd is usually described as smart, work-oriented, exuberant. The Blue Heeler as alert, curious, pleasant. A mix can take after either parent or land in between. If you can, meet both parents of a puppy before you choose.

Australian Shepherd vs Blue Heeler vs the mix

Trait	Australian Shepherd	Australian Shepherd Blue Heeler Mix	Blue Heeler
Weight	40–65 lb	40–60 lb	35–50 lb
Height	18–23 in	18–22 in	17–20 in
Lifespan	12–15 yr	12–16 yr	12–16 yr
Shedding	moderate	high	high
Energy	high	very high	very high
Group	Herding	mixed	Herding

Questions about the Australian Shepherd Blue Heeler Mix

How big does a Australian Shepherd Blue Heeler Mix get?: Most grow to 40–60 pounds and 18–22 inches at the shoulder. Because puppies can take after either parent, the full possible range is 35–65 pounds.
How long does a Australian Shepherd Blue Heeler Mix live?: A typical lifespan is 12–16 years, the midpoint of the Australian Shepherd (12–15 years) and the Blue Heeler (12–16 years).
Does a Australian Shepherd Blue Heeler Mix shed?: Shedding is high. Neither parent has a low-shedding coat, so expect dog hair around the house and seasonal heavy shedding.
Is a Australian Shepherd Blue Heeler Mix easy to train?: Trainability is very low to very high, based on how both parent breeds respond to training. Start early and keep sessions short.

Other Australian Shepherd mixes

Other Blue Heeler mixes

Figures are calculated from each parent breed's standard height, weight and life expectancy. How we calculate.