A Blue Heeler is a medium-sized working dog. It was originally bred in Australia to herd cattle, but it’s now used as a police dog and family pet.
Siberian Husky is also a medium-sized working dog. It was bred for pulling sleds in the Arctic and still excels at this task today.
However, it can also be trained to be an excellent companion animal for families who want an energetic pet who loves being outdoors.
Blue Heelers are loyal and protective of their owners. At the same time, Siberians have been known to run away if they feel uncomfortable with their surroundings or owners (which makes them unsuitable for inexperienced owners).
In this article, we will discover all the characteristics of a blue heeler and a Siberian husky.
Blue heeler Vs Siberian Husky: Temperament
Blue Heeler and Siberian Husky are two distinct breeds with different temperaments.
Understanding their differences in temperament can help you choose the right breed for your lifestyle and personality.
Blue Heeler, also known as Australian Cattle Dog, is a highly energetic and intelligent breed. They are very loyal and protective of their family and property.
They have a natural herding instinct and are great at controlling and moving livestock.
They are also known for their high prey drive and may chase smaller animals. Blue Heelers are very active and require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
They are also very independent and may be stubborn at times, which can make training a bit challenging.
On the other hand, Siberian Huskies are a friendly and outgoing breed. They are known for their playful and affectionate nature and are great with children.
They have a strong pack mentality and get along well with other dogs. Siberian Huskies are also known for their intelligence, but they can be quite mischievous at times.
They are very active and require a lot of exercise and space to run and play. Siberian Huskies have a high prey drive and may chase smaller animals, but they are not as intense as Blue Heelers.
Blue heeler Vs Siberian Husky: Size
Blue Heelers are smaller than Siberian Huskies but still large dogs. The usual height of a Blue Heeler is between 18 and 22 inches (46-56 cm), which means they will be about the same height as an adult human.
The average weight for a male Blue Heeler is 50-70 pounds (23-32 kg), while females weigh 45-60 pounds (20-27 kg).
This makes them heavier than most other dog breeds, especially considering their shorter stature!
Blue heeler Vs Siberian Husky: Shedding
Blue Heelers are better than Siberian Huskies when it comes to shedding. Both breeds shed their undercoat in spring and fall, but the Blue Heeler only sheds once a year, while the Husky sheds twice yearly.
The amount of hair shed depends on each dog’s coat type. The Australian Cattle Dog has short hair with minimal undercoat
Grooming: Blue Heelers Vs. Siberian Huskies
Blue Heeler Grooming:
Blue Heelers have short, thick coats that shed moderately year-round. Brushing them twice a week with a slicker or rubber curry brush can help minimize shedding and keep their coat shiny.
They only need to be bathed every few months, as bathing too frequently can strip their coat of its natural oils. Use a gentle, dog-specific shampoo and conditioner when bathing your Blue Heeler.
To keep their nails trimmed, use a dog nail clipper or grinder. It would help if you also cleaned their ears regularly with a gentle ear cleaner and cotton balls.
Siberian Husky Grooming:
Siberian Huskies have a double coat, a soft undercoat, and a longer, coarser topcoat.
They shed heavily twice a year, so it’s essential to brush them daily with an undercoat rake or slicker brush during shedding season.
Outside of shedding season, brushing them once a week is usually sufficient.
Huskies don’t need to be bathed often, as their coat is naturally self-cleaning. However, use a gentle, dog-specific shampoo and conditioner if they get filthy.
To keep their nails trimmed, use a dog nail clipper or grinder. It would help if you also cleaned their ears regularly with a gentle ear cleaner and cotton balls.
Products to Use:
When grooming either breed, it’s important to use products specifically designed for dogs. Here are some recommendations:
- A slicker brush or rubber curry brush
- Undercoat rake (for Huskies)
- Dog-specific shampoo and conditioner
- Dog nail clipper or grinder
- Ear cleaner and cotton balls
Blue heeler Vs Siberian Husky: Intelligence Differences
Both breeds are highly intelligent and trainable, but the Siberian Husky is recognized to be slightly more intelligent than the Blue Heeler.
The Blue Heeler is known for its ability to understand commands quickly and follow them without issues.
However, if you’re looking for a dog who will learn new tricks or tricks that have multiple steps, then this may not be your best choice.
They tend not to pick up on these types of things very quickly compared with other breeds like Border Collies or German Shepherds who can learn almost anything!
Blue Heeler vs. Siberian Husky: Training
Blue Heelers and Siberians are brilliant dogs, meaning they can be trained to do diverse things.
However, Blue Heelers are more likely to need training than Siberian Husky because they are more energetic and active than their counterparts.
In addition to this, both breeds have different temperaments; Blue Heelers tend to be more stubborn than Siberians because of their strong personalities.
Siberian Huskies and Australian Cattle Dogs were bred for different purposes: Huskies were bred as sled dogs, while Aussies were used as herders on cattle ranches in Australia.
Because of these differences in breeding history, it’s no surprise that each breed has its own set of strengths regarding training techniques!
Exercise Needs: Blue Heeler Vs. Siberian Husky
Regarding exercise needs, Blue Heelers and Siberian Huskies are not as different from each other as you might think.
Both breeds require a lot of physical activity and love being outdoors. However, there are some differences between them:
The Blue Heeler is an active dog that needs around an hour of exercise daily. This can be through walks or playing fetch with you or another family member (or even both).
If you have a yard where your dog can run freely without being on a leash, this would also be ideal!
The Siberian Husky has higher energy levels than most other breeds do–they need at least two hours per day outside playing ball games with their owner(s), running laps around the yard together while pulling them along on skis (if possible), etcetera.
Prey Drive of Blue Heeler Vs. Siberian Husky
Regarding prey drive, both Blue Heelers and Siberian Huskies are known for their strong instincts. Here’s what you ought to know about the prey drive of each breed:
Blue Heeler drive for preys:
Blue Heelers have a high level of prey drive and are natural hunters. They are known for their tenacity and often chase anything that moves, from small animals to cars.
It’s essential to train your Blue Heeler to control its prey drive and not chase after everything they see. Early socialization and obedience training can help them learn to focus their energy and instincts in appropriate ways.
Siberian Husky Prey Drive:
Siberian Huskies purpose were originally as sled dogs and used for small-game hunting. They are known for their love of chasing small animals, including squirrels, rabbits, and even smaller dogs.
Keeping your Husky on a leash or in a secure, fenced area is essential to prevent them from chasing after small animals.
Early training and socialization can also help them learn to control their prey drive and focus on appropriate activities.
Female Blue Heeler Vs. Siberian Husky Temperament
Relationship with Male Counterparts:
Female Blue Heelers are known to be protective and loyal towards their male counterparts, significantly if they have been raised together.
They tend to form a strong bond with their male counterparts and work together as a team to protect their family and home.
On the other hand, female Siberian Huskies may be more independent and less attached to their male counterparts.
They can still work well with them but may not form as strong of a bond as Blue Heelers.
Relationship with Puppies:
Female Blue Healers are known to be excellent mothers and protect their puppies. They will ensure their puppies are safe and well-cared for, even if it means putting themselves in danger.
They are also very nurturing and will spend a lot of time grooming and nursing their puppies.
Female Siberian Huskies are also good mothers but may be less protective and nurturing than Blue Heelers.
They tend to give their puppies more independence and may need to be more hands-on with grooming and nursing.
Blue heeler vs. Siberian Husky Barking Tendencies
Blue Heeler Barking Tendencies:
Blue Heelers are known for their strong protective instincts and may bark at strangers, other animals, or anything they perceive as threatening to their family or territory.
They are also working dogs and may bark to alert their owner of potential danger or herd livestock.
Siberian Husky Barking Tendencies:
Siberian Huskies are known for their amiable and outgoing nature but are not typically excessive barkers.
They are social animals that love interacting with humans and other dogs, but they may not bark as much as Blue Heelers.
However, Huskies can still bark to alert their owner of potential danger or to communicate with other dogs.
Final thoughts!
The Blue Heeler and Siberian Husky are intelligent and loyal breeds with unique characteristics.
The Blue Heeler is a hardworking and active breed, making them great for herding and other tasks.
The Siberian Husky is a playful and energetic breed, perfect for those who love outdoor activities such as hiking and running.
While both breeds have their strengths, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and lifestyle when choosing which breed best fits you.
It is essential to thoroughly research and consider all factors before deciding which breed to bring into your home.
FAQs
Q: Which is better for families, a Blue Heeler, or a Siberian Husky?
A: Both Blue Heelers and Siberian Huskies can be great family pets.
However, Blue Heelers tend to be more protective and territorial, while Siberian Huskies are more friendly and outgoing.
Ultimately, the decision depends on the family’s lifestyle and personality preferences.
Q: Are Blue Heelers good with kids?
A: Blue Heelers can be great with kids but require early socialization and training. They tend to herd and nip, so it’s essential to teach them appropriate behavior around children.
Q: Which breed is easier to train, Blue Heeler or Siberian Husky?
A: Blue Heelers are generally easier to train than Siberian Huskies due to their high level of intelligence and desire to please their owners.
Q: Do Blue Heelers make good watchdogs?
A: Yes, Blue Heelers are excellent watchdogs. They are very protective of their territory and will bark to warn their owners of potential threats.
Q: Are Siberian Huskies good apartment dogs?
A: Siberian Huskies are not recommended for apartment living as they require a lot of exercise and space to run around. They are better suited for homes with large fenced yards.
