Blue Heeler Research Paper

Dog has been “man’s best friend” for ages. Around Franklin County, almost everyone owns a dog. Since many owners are farmers, people in the Franklin County area need a dog who will be loyal, can herd livestock if need be, and is obedient to its master. The best breed of dog that fits this description is the Blue Heeler, also known as the Australian Cattle Dog. Though these dogs are better suited for the rural areas, many people in the city own them as well. Sprightly yet independent, the Australian Cattle Dogs are great companions for single people and families alike. Blue Heelers are the all-around best breed of dog in Franklin County.

When people are looking for a good dog to own, most generally want the quality of loyalty. Loyalty is one of its most dominant characteristics in a Heeler, as it is very faithful to one master or a family (Viki). My family owned its first Blue Heeler when I was a baby, and now it is the only breed of dog we buy. The last Heeler my family had was named Steel. Steel was a dependable dog that protected my siblings

and me whenever we played outside in the yard. He would scope out the yard and would only lay down when he thought the area was completely safe. Cattle Dogs protect their master(s) at all costs.
Blue Heelers are also great herding dogs. Locally I know a lot of farmers with cattle, including my papa. “Blue Heelers are incredible dogs with great instincts,” he once said. “I wouldn't trade my Heeler for anything.” Cattle Dogs can round any type of animal up, including horses, cattle, sheep, and even llamas. A Heeler’s instinct is to herd, and they do so by nipping at the livestock’s heels to corral them into one area (Herding). My Heeler that I have now actually corrals my horses. And, if trained properly, a Cattle Dog can stop and start herding on command.
Obedience is essential in a dog.

Without obedience, a dog may run away or cause trouble for the owner. Both online and those who I have personally known that have owned a Blue Heeler have said that the dogs are very intelligent and can pick up on tricks with ease. “They have no problem following instructions… since dogs of this breed are obedient,” says Camille Goldin on articlecity.com (Goldin). For example when my Heeler Harlee was a pup, I taught her several trivial tricks such as sit, stay, come, lie down, and fetch. Since then she has improved upon these tricks. Heelers not only are obedient to commands, they are also respectful of boundaries. Steel, my family’s former dog, lived outside. He never had an electrical dog collar or came inside the house but knew the boundaries of our land and stayed on it. It just shows that if the master puts in the time and effort, Cattle Dogs can adapt to and absorb many useful

tricks.
This fun, friendly, caring breed truly goes above and beyond all other dogs. They display love through obedience, commitment through herding, and protection through loyalty. Any person with a Blue Heeler knows that they may have lots of energy but they are also dogs who will forever remain faithful to their master. Above all, this breed stays true to its name: they can heal the blues. Most Blue Heeler owners find that these dogs make them never feel alone. And really that is all a man can ask for from their best friend.