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The Red Heeler German Shepherd mix is a crossbreed between two very popular breeds. The resulting characteristics of this hybrid make them unique in their own ways.
The physical features and temperament of a Red Heeler German Shepherd mix can vary depending on which traits are dominant in each parent breed.
In this article, we’ll go over some of those traits so that you can understand what it means to own one of these hybrid dogs. We will also discuss the pros and cons of owning this mix and some helpful tips for caring for this dog.
What Is a Red Heeler German Shepherd Mix?
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The Red Heeler German Shepherd mix is a cross between a Red Heeler, a working dog originating in Australia, and a German Shepherd, one of the most popular breeds in the world. It is a medium-sized dog that is energetic, intelligent, loyal, and great around children.
The Red Heeler German Shepherd mix has a high energy level that is best suited for families who want to spend time outside with their dogs.
Like other designer breeds, the Red Heeler German Shepherd mix is not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) due to its hybrid status.
Because it is a relatively new and rare hybrid, it is also not acknowledged by the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC) and other designer breed registries.
Red Heeler German Shepherd Mix Origin and History
Since this cross between Red Heelers and German Shepherds is relatively new, there isn’t much documentation about its history or origin. However, both parent breeds have contributed equally to the qualities of this hybrid dog.
The Red Heeler, known as the Australian Cattle Dog, was developed in Australia as a working dog that could herd cattle and protect them from predators such as Dingoes or wild dogs.
This breed was believed to be bred from European herding dogs like the Border Collie and then crossed with Dingoes (Australian wild dogs) to create this sturdy breed.
On the other hand, the German Shepherd was developed in Germany in 1899 by Max von Stephanitz to herd sheep on large farms.
They excel at police work, search and rescue missions, sniffing out drugs and bombs, agility training, and flyball competitions.
Both of the Red Heeler Shepherd’s parent breeds are known to be among the excellent shepherd dogs in the canine world.
Given the rich history and excellent backgrounds of the Red Heeler German Shepherd mix’s parent breeds, we can expect that this hybrid is a combination of intelligent and highly trainable dogs.
Red Heeler German Shepherd Mix Appearance
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The Red Heeler German Shepherd mix is a medium-sized dog with long legs and a long neck. It has a thick double coat that’s weather-resistant and requires regular brushing.
The head of the Red Heeler German Shepherd is shaped like that of its parent breeds, with a muzzle that is slightly longer than its skull. It has dark eyes and ears that hang close to its head.
The tail is somewhat long and curls over its backside when it moves around. The legs are strong with large paws that are very similar to those found on its parent breeds as well.
The coat of the Red Heeler German Shepherd will vary for each dog, but most coats are either solid or mixed colors of red, black, or tan with white markings on the face and chest area.
In other cases, it might also inherit the German Shepherd’s blue, liver, sable, and panda coat colors, which may change as they get older.
Watch this detailed video for more information about the Red Heeler German Shepherd mix:
German Shepherd Mix Red Heeler<a href="https://youtu.be/LtEDxO_ci7A" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FLtEDxO_ci7A%2F0.jpg" alt="German Shepherd Mix Red Heeler" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Red Heeler German Shepherd Mix Size and Weight
The Red Heeler German Shepherd Mix is a medium-sized dog with an average height ranging between 20 and 26 inches and weighs 40 to 90 pounds when fully grown.
However, since this dog is a result of crossbreeding, it’s not entirely possible to know its exact size and weight. The sizes can still vary if the parent German Shepherd is a dwarf or a giant variation.
They reach their full-grown sizes around 18 to 24 months old. But they can gain more weight depending on their level of activity and eating habits.
Red Heeler German Shepherd Mix Temperament and Personality
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The Red Heeler German Shepherd mix is a very intelligent and active hybrid. It is an excellent family dog, but it may not be the best choice for families with small children.
This mix is a friendly, outgoing, and playful dog that loves to play games with its owner. It is also very loyal to its family members and gets along well with other dogs and pets.
The Red Heeler German Shepherd mix makes a great watchdog as well. It will alert you whenever someone comes near your home or yard.
It can be protective of its territory, so make sure that you socialize them while they are young so they don’t become aggressive toward strangers later in life.
Red Heeler German Shepherd Mix Lifespan and Health Issues
The average lifespan of a Red Heeler German Shepherd mix is between 11 and 14 years, longer than the life expectancy of its GSD parent. Still, this may vary depending on the individual dog’s health, lifestyle, and diet.
Elderly dogs tend to be more prone to health problems, so it’s important that you keep an eye on your pet’s health throughout its life.
These dogs are generally healthy, but they have some health issues that you should be aware of.
Here are the most common health problems for the Red Heeler German Shepherd mix:
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is a disease that leads to blindness. The disease affects both eyes at the same time, which means that your Red Heeler German Shepherd mix may lose sight gradually. The symptoms of PRA include night blindness, changes in pupil size, loss of vision, and cloudiness in the cornea.
Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia occurs when the hip joints of a Red Heeler German Shepherd mix do not develop properly during fetal development or when they degenerate later in life due to trauma or arthritis. Dogs that have hip dysplasia experience pain when walking or running due to joint instability.
Elbow Dysplasia: Elbow dysplasia occurs when there is an abnormal formation of bones or cartilage inside or around the elbow joint of a Red Heeler German Shepherd mix, which causes pain. The condition can be treated with surgery or medication, but it is best to catch it early before the damage becomes too severe for treatment.
The best way to prevent health issues in the Red Heeler German Shepherd mix is through the provision of a proper diet, regular grooming, and exercise.
You should feed your dog high-quality food with no fillers or chemicals added in order to avoid any health issues down the road.
Most importantly, take them to the vet once a month so they can receive preventive treatment to avoid health issues. It would also be wise to invest in pet insurance for medical emergencies.
How to Take Care of Your German Shepherd Red Heeler Mix
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The German Shepherd Red Heeler mix is not difficult to take care of and maintain. However, there are some things that you should know about in taking care of this dog to ensure its well-being.
Below are some helpful care tips that can serve as a guideline when you plan to purchase a German Shepherd Red Heeler mix.
Food and Diet
A German Shepherd Red Heeler mix needs a healthy diet if you want it to grow strong and healthy. You can feed it five meals a day with quality food with all the nutrients needed for its growth and development.
Feeding your dog with treats is also good since they can help stimulate their appetite. It is best that these treats are given only once in a while so they don’t develop bad habits such as begging for food or stealing from the table.
You should also make sure that they get their daily dose of vitamins and minerals, which can be supplemented with vitamins.
It is also important that you give them enough water, especially during hot weather, since they tend to sweat more than other dog breeds.
You can consult a veterinarian for professional advice regarding your pet’s food and diet needs. You may read our German Shepherd feeding guide for some tips.
Cleaning and Grooming
A German Shepherd Red Heeler mix needs frequent brushing and grooming to keep its coat healthy and shiny. If they have short hair like short-haired GSDs, brushing once a week will be enough to maintain their healthy coat.
But if your dog has longer hair, brushing twice or thrice a week will help avoid mats and tangles. You can also use conditioners on their coats to keep them soft and shiny for longer periods.
Aside from brushing, giving them baths twice or thrice a month would also help maintain the proper hygiene of your dog’s body.
Wash their ears in between to prevent infections, and use the right shampoo and conditioner for your dog’s coat type. You should carefully monitor their ear wax color, as this may indicate ear infections as well.
Cut your dog’s nails with a sharp nail trimmer every two to three months, and brush their teeth at least twice daily.
Training and Exercise
Training is a very important aspect of owning a German Shepherd Red Heeler mix. You must ensure you train your dog well and teach it to behave properly. These hybrids need early socialization to be easy to handle as they grow.
Positive reinforcement training is a proven method to employ for the Red Heeler German Shepherd mix. This method can also help in decreasing their tendency to become aggressive.
Exercise is also another important aspect that should be addressed when raising a German Shepherd Red Heeler mix.
You need to ensure that your pet gets proper exercise for a minimum of 60 minutes every day in the form of jogging and running.
If your German Shepherd Red Heeler mix does not get enough exercise, it might develop health problems such as obesity, leading to more severe complications if left untreated.
How Much Does a German Shepherd Red Heeler Mix Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses
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The price of a German Shepherd Red Heeler mix will vary depending on various factors, but they can be anywhere from $800 to $3,500. This price can also be affected by the bloodline of its parents.
It is recommended to purchase a German Shepherd Red Heeler mix from a reputable breeder with a registration certificate. These breeders may offer expensive prices, but the health and quality of your dog are guaranteed.
If you are fully determined to purchase a German Shepherd Red Heeler mix, you will need to consider a budget to cover the initial expenses of owning one.
Here’s a summary of the initial expenses associated with German Shepherd Red Heeler mix puppy ownership:
Now, you have an idea of what you need to do and the things you need to consider financially before bringing a German Shepherd Red Heeler mix to your home.
You also need to plan for your dog’s monthly, annual, and even lifetime access. You may read our articles on German Shepherd costs to get an idea of what other costs to expect and establish financial plans for your pet.
Places to Find Red Heeler German Shepherd Mix Puppies for Sale and Adoption
Searching for a Red Heeler German Shepherd mix is not as easy as it seems. It’s not as popular as other designer dogs on the market; thus, finding one can be quite challenging.
However, if you are excited to bring this hybrid pooch to your home, you can refer to the places listed below.
Below are some places to find Red Heeler German Shepherd mix puppies for sale:
Lancaster Puppies – This website offers a wide variety of puppies for sale, including the Red Heeler German Shepherd mix. They also offer a list of recommended dog breeds for families to help them in choosing the perfect dog for their lifestyle.
Greenfield Puppies – Greenfield Puppies is a platform that allows you to search for puppies available to purchase across the United States. They also provide information on every breed and hybrid they promote, including German Shepherd Red Heeler mixes.
Keystone Puppies – Keystone Puppies is a website that connects you with local dog owners looking to sell their puppies. This site can help you find the perfect Red Heeler German Shepherd mix puppy that fits your lifestyle and budget.
You could also try looking at our top picks for German Shepherd breeders to increase your possibilities when looking for the perfect German Shepherd Australian Cattle Dog mix.
In addition to buying from a trusted breeder, you may also choose to adopt a rescue pet if you’d prefer an affordable option.
Here are some of the rescues on which you could find a Red Heeler German Shepherd mix for adoption:
Washington German Shepherd Rescue – Washington German Shepherd Rescue is a non-profit organization that rescues German Shepherds in Washington State. The organization is dedicated to providing care for dogs that are often neglected or mistreated by their owners. You can check to see if they have Red Heeler German Shepherd mix available.
German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County – German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County is a non-profit organization that saves the lives of German Shepherds and GSD mixes in need. The organization’s mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome German Shepherds and GSD mixes to ensure their safety.
Adopt-a-Pet – This is a website that allows people to adopt animals from shelters and rescues. The site provides information about each animal, including the animal’s name, age, breed, health status, and any behavioral issues it may have.
Check out our top choices of German Shepherd rescues to get more options when searching for an Australian Cattle Dog German Shepherd mix.
If you are planning to adopt a dog, take a look at the ultimate dog adoption guide. This guide will help you with the essentials of adopting this mix.
Pros and Cons of Owning a German Shepherd Red Heeler Mix
There are pros and cons to this unique mixed breed. To make a more informed decision, you must know these aspects and consider them carefully.
Here are the advantages of having a Red Heeler German Shepherd mix:
Intelligent dogs: German Shepherds mix are intelligent dogs that can be trained easily. They also are very obedient and responsive to training.
Great family dogs: German Shepherd Red Heeler mixes make great family pets because they love spending time with their owners and family members alike. They will do anything they can to please them, which makes training them easy as well.
Loyal companion: The German Shepherd Red Heeler mix will always be there for you when you need them the most. They make excellent companions who can always keep you company no matter what situation you may be in.
Meanwhile, here are the disadvantages of having a Red Heeler German Shepherd mix:
Prone to health issues: German Shepherd Red Heeler mixes may develop health problems like hip dysplasia or bloat, which they may inherit from their parent breeds.
Needs proper training: At a very early age, a Red Heeler German Shepherd mix needs proper training to avoid any issues later in life. They may develop behavioral problems like destructive chewing and barking if not trained properly.
Needs lots of space: The German Shepherd Red Heeler mix may not be suitable if you live in an apartment because it needs plenty of outdoor activity each day to ensure that it is happy and healthy. Nonetheless, if you don’t have a yard, you can go on walks every day or take your dog to the local dog park at least once per week.
After you have read the advantages and disadvantages, you can now evaluate whether the German Shepherd Red Heeler mix is the best dog for you.
Don’t get discouraged when you discover that this puppy isn’t the right one for you since there are a lot of hybrids that you could explore.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Are Red Heeler German Shepherd Mixes Good Dogs?
Red Heeler German Shepherd Mixes are considered good dogs because of their intelligence, loyalty, and protective nature.
They are playful and energetic, which makes them perfect for families who love spending time outdoors.
Do Red Heeler German Shepherd Mixes Shed?
Red Heeler German Shepherd mixes don’t shed all year round. In most cases, they shed seasonally and will shed twice a year heavily.
This usually happens once in spring when their winter coat comes off and again in fall when they grow their winter coat back.
Are Red Heeler German Shepherd Mixes Hypoallergenic?
Yes, the Red Heeler German Shepherd mix is hypoallergenic because it has a fine short coat that doesn’t shed much.
Its German Shepherd parent is also known for having a hypoallergenic coat due to the low amount of dander it produces.
Final Thoughts: Is a German Shepherd Red Heeler Mix the Right Dog for You?
If you’re convinced that you can fulfill the necessities of a Red Heeler German Shepherd mix, specifically with regard to food and diet, regular exercise, and training, you should not hesitate to bring one home.
This dog has a lot of potential and could be an excellent choice if you’re looking for an animal companion that can keep your family safe and happy.
They make excellent guard dogs for homes and can live well with other household pets.
It may be challenging to own a German Shepherd Red Heeler mix, but it’s worth it.
Are you considering a Red Heeler German Shepherd mix to add to your family too? Share your thoughts and let us know in the comment section below.
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