Bluey is an Australian family-friendly animated program that premiered in 2018. It features an anthropomorphic dog named Bluey and her family and friends. Bluey quickly rose in popularity and is now a dog who’s beloved by children all around the world.
Bluey was inspired by the real-life dog breed, the Australian Cattle Dog, also known as a Blue Heeler. More people have become more aware and curious about them because of Bluey. Here’s everything you need to know about this beloved Australian dog breed.
Bluey Is an Australian Cattle Dog
It’s no surprise that Bluey was inspired by the beloved local breed, the Australian Cattle Dog. Australian Cattle Dogs were originally bred to herd cattle on large Australian ranches. They helped to grow and strengthen the country’s beef industry and are still used today to herd livestock.
Australian Cattle Dogs got their “Heeler” nickname because their herding technique involves nipping at the feet of their cattle. The most common type of Australian Cattle Dog is the Blue Heeler. However, you can also find Red Heelers. Blue Heelers have blue base coats and can have mottled or speckled patterns, while Red Heelers have red speckled or mottled coats. Other than coat color, there are no distinguishable features between the two types of Australian Cattle Dogs.
Australian Cattle Dog Temperament
As Australian Cattle Dogs were bred to herd livestock, it’s no surprise that they’re hardy dogs with incredible stamina. Like the cartoon Bluey, real Australian Cattle Dogs are energetic and inquisitive dogs. They’re extremely intelligent and are even known to outsmart their handlers.
Australian Cattle Dogs are also known for their loyalty, and they’re devoted to their families. They usually form a strong bond with one or two people and become “Velcro” dogs that never seem to leave their owner’s side. They’re not known to be aggressive, but they can be wary or aloof with strangers. However, they tend to warm up quickly to new people if they see that they’re friendly with their family.
While Australian Cattle Dogs are relatively easy to train, they’re not recommended for first-time dog owners. These energetic dogs were bred to chase and herd livestock all day, so they need daily exercise that involves long walks and running around. Not getting enough exercise and mental stimulation will cause boredom, and they often resort to engaging in destructive behaviors if they have pent-up energy.
Australian Cattle Dogs love to learn, and they often excel at obedience training. They also make excellent competitors in dog sports and are often seen in agility courses, dock diving, and herding competitions. Because they require space to run, they’re not recommended for city life and apartment living. They do best in single-family homes with a secured, fenced yard or in rural homes with plenty of space for them to run around.
Does Bluey Act Like an Australian Cattle Dog?
Bluey’s personality does stay true to some core Australian Cattle Dog traits. She’s an energetic and upbeat dog who loves to go on adventures. She’s also very curious and enjoys learning.
Real Australian Cattle Dogs also possess these traits, which is why they’re commonly known as some of the best companions for outdoor travel. They’ll love exploring, hiking, and even riding on canoes and kayaks. Similar to Bluey, most pet Australian Cattle Dogs would love to go on adventures and explore all that Australia has to offer with their favorite people.
The only significant difference between Bluey’s personality and the Australian Cattle Dog’s temperament is Bluey’s sociability. Bluey has many friends and goes on adventures with them regularly. Australian Cattle Dogs tend to be more reserved and aren’t social butterflies. They may get along with another dog sibling, but they typically don’t go to dog parks to socialize with other dogs.
Conclusion
Bluey is an excellent representation of the Australian Cattle Dog. Both Bluey and Australian Cattle Dogs are brave and energetic, and they’re always up for going on a new adventure. We love that Australian Cattle Dogs have become more well-known and recognized around the world. They certainly deserve all the love and attention they’ve been receiving!
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