When I had my Blue Heeler puppy, he was white. That got me wondering, are Blue Heeler puppies born white? This question led me to dive into the world of Blue Heelers.
Today, I want to share with you what I’ve learned about these cute dogs. If you are as curious as I was, join me right now!
Are Blue Heeler Puppies Born White?
The answer is Yes. Blue Heelers are born white, but their coats will change over time. This characteristic comes from these dogs’ Dalmatian origin.
Why are Blue Heeler puppies born white?
I find it fascinating that Blue Heelers can be born with the white coat. This unique trait is connected to their interesting history and Dalmatian origin.
Blue Heelers come from Australian Cattle Dogs, which have a diverse lineage. It included Dalmatians, British cattle dogs, Dingoes, and more.
People purposefully bred these smart combinations to create resilient and hard-working dogs that could herd cattle in Australia’s rugged terrain.
Besides, Blue Heelers earned the nickname “Heeler” because they’re skilled at gently nipping at the heels of cattle during herding. It’s amazing how their heritage has influenced their distinct appearance.
Please also note that we have Australian Cattle Dogs and Red Heelers, aside from Blue Heelers. They refer to the same dog breed but are different in color.
While Blue Heelers are known for their blue coat, the Red Heelers have red or reddish-brown coat color. The term “Australian Cattle Dog ” is the formal name for both.
Interestingly, both Blue Heelers and Red Heelers are born white. Their color changes into red or blue over time.
When do the puppies get their color?
My Blue Heeler puppy started to develop his color when he turned four weeks old. His coat began to turn from a white hue to dark blue.
It was exciting to watch as his fur coat became more distinctive. I also noticed colorful patches on his head and legs.
Some Blue Heelers have a black spot that covers their eyes. And when they reach six weeks old, the coloration becomes more defined.
Around the 12th week, the dogs go through a shedding period. They have to say goodbye to their full coats. During this time, their fur color may change again. For example, they often turn deeper as the white coat fades.
When Blue Heeler puppies reach 14 to 24 months, their coat has finished its transformation process. Blue Heelers now settle in their final color.
For example, my dog now has a speckled coat. Yet, some may form a mottled coat that adds to their unique appearance.
Blue Heelers are born white
How Many Coat Designs Do Blue Heelers Have?
Blue Heelers have two main coat designs: speckled and mottled. Both designs have a black background, but their patches set them apart.
Mottled Coat
Some Blue Heelers have adorable mottled coats with little spots on their black fur. They come in shades from silver blue to light blue. The markings look like those on a leopard.
Purebred Blue Heelers also have patches evenly spaced on their heads. They can be brown, blue, or black.
And guess what? Some of these lovable dogs even have black markings on their eyes. These characteristics make them even more special and charming.
Speckled Coat
My Blue Heeler has a speckled coat. The black base makes it even more outstanding. Interestingly, I can spot white hairs scattered throughout the black, which creates a blue effect.
If my dog had more white hair, his coat would look lighter in the shade of blue. Yet, if there were fewer white patches, the coat would become darker. It’s fascinating to see how the white in his coat affects the overall color appearance.
Blue Heelers have different cost designs
Guide to the Colors of the Australian Cattle Dogs
The Australian Cattle Dog (ACD) comes in two main colors: red and blue. They may also have blue, tan, or black markings. Yet, there are specific rules that define how these colors appear.
Blue
Blue Heelers can come in a variety of colors. They can be solid blue or blue-speckled with spots. There are black, tan, or blue markings on their head, but some people consider them a fault.
The tan spots may appear on their undercoat or legs. However, they aren’t evident. The blue color still dominates.
Each Blue Heeler looks different because of its markings. And as I have mentioned, the speckled and mottled spots are on point here. They give Blue Heelers unique coats.
Red-Speckled
Red Heelers may have or not have red markings on their heads. Yet, they shouldn’t look like their parents, the Dingo. Otherwise, someone may mistake them for the Dingo and shoot them.
Please remember that in Australia, Dingoes are pests. There are concerns about their impact on the environment.
White
I haven’t mentioned the white ACD because it’s not the accepted color in the undercoat or with huge patches. The lighter shades you might see are actually variations of other colors like blue or tan. They lean towards the lighter side of the spectrum.
However, there is one exception called the Star or Bentley Mark. It’s a white blaze found on the dog’s forehead.
Different coat colors of the ACDs
Do Speckled Or Mottled Blue Heelers Cost More?
Both speckled and mottled coat designs are common. So, they have similar prices. The cost of Blue Heelers also varies based on their health, age, breeding, or personality.
One factor that can affect pricing is the presence of the Bentley Mark. This mark has a darker blue color, which becomes less visible at night. Thus, it’s more desirable for specific purposes, especially when working outdoors.
In addition, people believe that dogs with this mark are descendants of an ACD raised by Thomas Bentley. Hence, the cost of the dog increases.
Some Blue Heelers have the Bentley Mark
Conclusion
So, are Blue Heeler puppies born white? The answer is Yes. They are white initially, and their fur changes color as they grow up.
Hopefully, this article has helped you understand more about the mature journey of your pets. For any further information, don’t hesitate to contact us!
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