The Border Collie and the Texas Heeler are two great dog breeds that deserve your attention. The Border Collie is one of the most admired working dogs because of its superior intelligence and herding skills. However, the Texas Heeler, a less well-known but equally excellent breed, stands out as a novel combination of the Australian Cattle Dog’s hardiness and the Border Collie’s intelligence.
We’ll be looking into their character traits, physiques, and whether or not they’d make good pets or companions in the workplace. At the end of this post, you’ll know everything there is to know about these breeds, and you’ll be ready to choose the one that’s best for you.
Characteristics of a Border Collie and a Texas Heeler
The Border Collie is a breed of dog that is known for being exceptionally driven, dedicated, and conscientious. Border collies require a lot of exercise and will only settle down for some cuddling after a hard day of working or playing. Border collies have acute hearing and will vocalize their displeasure at any new person or sound they encounter. They may also have difficulty with pyrotechnics and other unexpectedly loud noises such as construction noises.
A Texas heeler could be an excellent choice if you want a dog that can keep up with your hectic schedule. The Texas heeler was developed from a cross between two clever and energetic “parent” breeds, making it a versatile dog that does well in both working environments and recreational outings. The stubbornness of a Texas heeler, if unchecked, can make them challenging to train, so it’s crucial to instill skills and establish authority from the very beginning. Texas heelers are more likely to exhibit reliable good behavior if they are both mentally and physically challenged.
| Border Collie | Texas Heeler | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Height | 18 to 22 inches | 16 to 22 inches |
| Weight | 30 to 45 pounds | 25 to 50 pounds |
| Personality | intelligent, eager, loyal | intelligent, trainable, sociable |
| Health Issues | hip dysplasia, PRA, CEA, epilepsy, allergy, OCD | hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, distichiasis, progressive atrophy, blindness |
| Life Span | 12-14 years | 12-15 years |
History of Breeds
Border Collies are herders and were originally designed to work sheep, but they are capable of herding just about everything, including the family’s youngsters. The lowland and border counties of England and Scotland are likely where the breed first appeared in the 1700s. Aside from the bearded collie and the Scotch collie, some breed historians also speculate that the spaniel may have played a role in the development of the border collie.
Border Collies attained popularity amongst the English nobles during the nineteenth century. These animals are still considered to be domesticated pets and working livestock. The border collie is a multi-purpose working dog suited for police work, narcotic searches, explosive devices, and search & rescue missions. They are excellent guide dogs for the blind. The inclusion of Borders into AKC show rings has been surrounded by protests from concerned fanciers fearing that breed for appearances risks compromising utility qualities.
Lucy Guynes registered the first Texas Heeler with the Dog Registry of America in 1970, and she also disclosed that the dog was a hybrid. Although this combination was first formally recorded in 1970, it certainly predated that year by many years.
Given the lack of backstory data, it could be instructive to talk about the lives of both parents. The first Australian Cattle Dogs were the offspring of an imported English dog and a native wild dog, the Dingo. To thrive on cattle ranches, this breed had to be high-spirited and robust.
Despite its misleading moniker, the Australian Shepherd may be traced back to the western United States. In addition to being a herding dog, they also exist in miniature variety. In the 1960s, the Miniature Australian Shepherd became popular as a rodeo dog.
Appearance of Border Collie versus Texas Heeler
The eyes of a Border Collie are, without a shadow of a doubt, the feature that stands out the most about this breed. Because their eyes are so transparent, people frequently refer to them as “glass marbles.” This is a reference to the fact that their eyes have a highly profound, emotional, and very expressive aspect.
These eyes aren’t just for show; they allow the Border Collie to communicate with its human handler without the need for either of them to make a sound. Because of the effortless grace with which they move, these canines are difficult to ignore. They have been trained for intricate herding tactics, and they are able to carry them out with an air of effortlessness.
The Texas Heeler breed frequently produces offspring that are larger in size and have legs that are significantly longer than those of either of their parents. In spite of this, even if they only acquire the physical traits of one of their parents, they will still have the build of an Australian Cattle Dog.
The typical Texas Heeler is about the size of a medium-sized dog, and in addition to having perked-up ears and a bobbed tail, they also have a bobbed tail. The ears are often displayed in a forward-pointing position; but, on rare occasions, they may be folded down in a manner similar to that of an Australian Shepherd.
Size
It is essential to understand that a Border Collie is the perfect proportion for a dog because of their size. This amazing breed is not only well-known for its intelligence and its ability to herd, but its size is also just right, providing a wonderful balance between agility, strength, and companionship. Not only is this breed well-known for its brains and its ability to herd, but its size is also just right.
The average Border Collie weighs 30 to 45 pounds and is 18 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder. This makes them an exceptionally large breed of medium-sized dog. The fact that they fall within this size range is evidence of their versatility; they are neither too big nor too small to properly participate in herding and agility activities.
Due to the fact that the Texas Heeler is a relatively new hybrid breed, there are no standard measurements for the breed. Due to the fact that an Australian Cattle Dog and an Australian Shepherd were used in the breeding process to create Texas Heelers, these dogs are of moderate size.
The typical weight range for a Texas Heeler is 25 to 50 pounds, and their height ranges from 16 to 22 inches at the shoulder. There are also others that are disproportionately large or small.
Coats & Colors
The Border Collie’s distinctive coat is a work of art in and of itself. Its double coat comprises of a robust, weather-resistant undercoat and a sleek, somewhat wavy outer coat, and it does more than just show off a rainbow of hues, from typical black and white to intriguing merles. Its undercoat is dense and weather-resistant, while its outer coat is sleek and somewhat wavy. Because it allows the dog to maintain comfort regardless of the temperature, it is an excellent choice for usage in a wide range of conditions.
Black, blue merle, and blue ticking are the three coat patterns seen most frequently on Texas Heelers. As an accent color, tan or white is usually utilized around the face, feet, and legs of the dog. The fact that they are hybrids makes it notoriously difficult to predict the color of their coat.
Even if they are from the same litter, individual Texas Heeler puppies might have extremely distinct appearances, particularly in regard to the color of their fur.
The lengths and textures of their coats are all somewhat comparable to one another. Their coat can be quite short to fairly long in length, and its texture is smooth and straight throughout its entirety. The length of their coat can range anywhere from pretty short to moderately long. Because of the consistency of the coat, it is much simpler to maintain.
Difference in Personality & Temperament
The Border Collie is the quintessential example of a dog with high levels of intellect, loyalty, and adaptability. Beyond its eye-catching good looks, this breed’s disposition and temperament are a symphony of features that make it a treasured friend, an excellent working partner, and a truly remarkable dog.
The Border Collie is one of the most intelligent dog breeds, and its brainpower is truly remarkable. Their capacity for training is unrivaled, and they can be taught complex maneuvers, duties, and commands. This wit isn’t for show; it’s an essential component of their livelihood as herders and as athletes in dog sports.
The Border Collie’s demeanor may be summed up in a single word: eager. They are excellent candidates for training because of their eagerness and intelligence. They are eager to learn anything they can, from difficult feats to basic obedience commands.
It’s reasonable to suppose that, like their herding dog ancestors, Texas Heelers take great joy in herding. They may try to herd you or your guests by nipping at your heels, so it’s best to stop this behavior as soon as you notice it. Fortunately, the Texas Heeler is a highly trainable, intelligent dog, so any attentive owner may break these habits or create new, desired ones with time and effort, such as for agility or obedience contests.
Your Texas Heeler, being a hybrid with a high IQ, may try to push your limits and con you. Their eagerness to please and their loyalty will make training easier for an active owner. They have a preference for one person in the household over the rest, despite being sociable overall.
Family
You won’t find the same level of loyalty and companionship in any other breed of dog anywhere else in the world as you will in a Border Collie. Because of their inexhaustible amount of energy, their high level of intelligence, their capacity for adaptation, and their desire to watch over their human family and friends, dogs are fantastic additions to households of any size. If you are looking for a dog breed that is sure to fill your home with happiness, vitality, and love, the Border Collie is a fantastic option to take into consideration.
Because Texas Heelers are so sociable and affectionate with their owners, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that they make excellent pets for their owners to cuddle up with because of how friendly and affectionate they are. You have the ability to potentially raise your dog to be as kind and compassionate as a human youngster if you model such qualities for him or her from an early age.
Because of this, you will be able to instruct your dog to have the same level of consideration and affection as a small child would have. What this indicates is that when they reach this age, they will begin displaying signs of the typical possessiveness that puppies have toward their owners.
Kids
Border Collies have a disposition that makes them naturally highly protective of their families, and this trait extends to the younger members of the family. They take on the responsibilities of vigilant watchmen, watching over the children to make sure they are safe while also providing them with comfort. The fact that a Border Collie and a youngster frequently grow up to be the best of friends for the rest of their lives is arguably the component that is considered to be the most important.
Children may gain a lot from their interactions with Border Collies, and as pets, Border Collies are wonderful complements to any family’s home. Every young person, regardless of their age, can benefit from having them as companions due to their intellect, playfulness, patience, and loyalty, as well as their protective nature.
Texas Heelers are more comfortable when they are in the company of humans or youngsters who have more life experience and can display responsibility. It is possible for these hybrids, who have a heritage in herding, to be aggressive toward younger children if they have not been correctly socialized with them. However, if a child is taught at a young age how to approach and play with a herding dog, the Texas Heeler can be a delightful and energetic companion for a child of that age. This is especially true for children who are taught these skills at an early age.
Other People
When it comes to dogs, Border Collies are the model of what it means to have a friendly and outgoing personality. They are naturally sociable, charitable, lively, and eager to please, all of which are characteristics that propel them to the rank of being more than just fantastic companions. If you want a dog that will improve the quality of your life and the lives of people around you by its contagious energy, kind disposition, and helpful nature, the Border Collie is an excellent option for you to consider.
Texas heelers are devoted to their families, but they may be suspicious of new people and may create noise if they see someone they don’t know approaching the door. If you start engaging in socialization activities with your Texas heeler puppy at an early enough age, he or she will have very little trouble adapting to new environments, as well as other animals and humans.
Dogs & Other Animals
Your Border Collie would do well to have the companionship of another canine buddy, especially one of the opposite gender. This would be beneficial to their mental and physical health. As a result of the innate herding instinct that this breed possesses, your Border Collie could become unduly preoccupied with rounding up any small pets that have a predisposition to get away.
This is because the breed possesses this instinct. Because your dog will believe that it is normal to hunt the cattle of your neighbors when you leave the home, particularly at night, you should build a run so that it can be confined when you are not there. This is especially important if you leave the house during the night.
It is possible for Texas Heelers to coexist peacefully with other animals so long as they are exposed to them in a measured and cautious manner when they are still young. In order to accomplish this goal, early socializing is really necessary. It is in everyone’s best interest if they can get used to the varied creatures as quickly as is humanly possible.
Herding dogs are not sheepdogs; rather, they are capable of herding other animals and may even want to do so. Some examples of herding dogs include the Texas Heeler and the Australian Cattle Dog.
The fact that many Texas Heelers get along swimmingly with other canines and felines is likely due to a confluence of factors, the most important of which are probably training, socialization, and even a little bit of luck.
Behaviour Issues
The Border Collie is a breed of dog known for its high level of activity. It is imperative that he have something to keep him occupied at all times; otherwise, he is likely to grow agitated and indulge in unpleasant behaviors such as howling, digging, or chasing after moving vehicles.
He is not the type of dog who would lazily lounge around on the front porch with a glass of lemonade in his mouth while fantasizing about squirrels. He is much too active. It is essential to keep in mind that he came into this world with the sole aim of spending every waking moment of his life working hard and running around herding sheep.
In addition to this, the Texas Heeler hybrid dog behaves incredibly well when it comes to carrying out tasks that have been assigned to it. If the Texas Heeler is not given enough attention, exercise, and mental stimulation, it may indulge in destructive habits such as barking, chewing, and marking its territory. By giving the Texas Heeler enough of all three, one can prevent these behaviors.
Comparing Training & Exercise
Border Collies are high-energy dogs, so keep that in mind. This breed requires a great deal of physical and mental stimulation in the form of regular, vigorous exercise and a wide variety of stimulating activities. You should be able to take the dog for at least one lengthy walk every day for a total of two hours.
Border Collies have a tendency to chase vehicles and bicycles, so you’ll need to keep them on a leash. You may let your dog burn off some steam and give it something to do by playing fetch or Frisbee in a secure environment. They are extremely skilled in agility and disc dog competition, despite being bred for herding.
Because of their herding heritage, Texas heelers need a lot of daily activity. Like most working dogs, they thrive on routine and prefer to be employed. In addition to being wonderful jogging and cycling partners, they also excel at games of hide-and-seek, fetch, and canine sports, all of which help condition their bodies and excite their minds. Keep your dog near and on a leash at all times because of its natural instinct to herd.
Their great intelligence makes the Texas heelers are not too difficult to teach. While they show their loved ones a great deal of affection, they might be guarded and wary of strangers. Therefore, they are well-liked as guard dogs (though they typically don’t bark unless they see an intruder). They have the potential to be excellent with children but may require some training to avoid the occasional nip or herd. It’s best to socialize your puppy with other pets from the start, especially smaller ones, because otherwise, your dog may want to exercise his or her natural herding instinct on them.
Taking Care & Maintenance of Border Collie versus Texas Heeler
No matter where in the world the owner lives, their Border Collie must have a master who is able to provide him a great deal of mental and physical stimulation on a daily basis. It’s possible that owners who aren’t aware of this will find it to be a big obstacle. Before you adopt a Border Collie into your house, you need to ensure that you will be able to channel the breed’s high intelligence and endless energy in a positive direction. If you don’t have a ranch, sheep farming can be replaced with dog activities, which are just as much fun.
It should be made abundantly apparent that the Texas heeler is not a low-maintenance dog; individuals who prefer to lounge around all day should look elsewhere. The breed’s coat, on the other hand, can range in length from short to medium, which makes it very easy to care for. It’s important to give her a good brushing once every few days and give her a bath around once a month. But you may need to give her more regular baths if she gets into something smelly while she’s exploring the great outdoors.
Grooming a Border Collie versus Texas Heeler
The length of the double coat on a Border Collie is somewhere in the middle, with the outer coat being coarse and the undercoat being fluffy. They need to be groomed on a regular basis; their coats should be brushed once a week to prevent mats from forming. A bath is not required more frequently than once every three months at the very most.
Even while the nails of active Border Collies may wear down over time, it is still important to inspect them on a routine basis and trim them if they become too long. This will ensure that the feet continue to be healthy while also providing a pleasant environment. Brushing your dog’s teeth twice or three times a week is another important step you should take to maintain the canine’s oral health.
Fortunately, a Texas Heeler’s coat requires little in the way of upkeep. If you brush your teeth thoroughly once every few days, that should be plenty. It is imperative that you give your Texas Heeler plenty of baths if it spends its days working outside.
Shedding
It is imperative that you become familiar with the shedding patterns of one of these great canines if you are considering bringing it into your home. This will ensure that your house remains clean and organized.
Even though shedding does take place in Border Collies, it is neither consistent nor something that happens over the entire year. These shrewd canines are equipped with a second layer of protection against the elements. The seasons of spring and fall are the times of year in which shedding is most likely to take place. During these times of year, their fur will naturally shed and then grow back.
In spite of appearances, Texas Heelers typically have coats that are shorter and thinner than they appear. Because they shed somewhat, it is possible that those who suffer from allergic reactions should not own them. Due to the fact that their coats aren’t particularly dense, Texas Heelers aren’t the best choice for living in harsh conditions.
During the warmer months, you should consider applying dog sunscreen to your pet’s ears, nose, and other sensitive regions that aren’t as well covered by fur. During the cooler months, your dog will need a sweater.
Health
The Border Collie is often regarded as one of the dog breeds that possesses the highest levels of both sturdiness and health to the greatest extent possible. Those dogs within the breed that have been the subject of extensive research are relatively uncommon and do not pose a significant threat. It is possible to minimize future bone problems by providing the puppies of this breed with enough nutrition throughout the era of rapid growth. This period occurs between the ages of 4 and 8.
Because the Texas Heeler breed is very new, there is not a lot of information available about the health of these dogs. Let’s take a more in-depth look at the obstacles that each of the parent breeds has to overcome because there is a considerable degree of genetic overlap between the two breeds that will be used to produce the hybrid.
Life Span
Although the average longevity of these intelligent working dogs is 12 years, Border Collies have the ability to live up to 14 years if they are properly cared for and fed throughout their lives.
It is reasonable to anticipate that a Texas Heeler will live between the ages of 12 and 15 years on average. It is feasible that your dog will be a reliable companion for a large portion of your own life due to the fact that this is a lifespan that is considered to be very typical for dogs. Unfortunately, the Texas Heeler has the highest chance of developing a variety of health issues due to the fact that it does not receive the appropriate level of care.
Diet & Nutrition
Two meals a day are required for a Border Collie to stay healthy. At each meal, you should give the dog between three-quarters and one cup of dry food for dogs, depending on the size of the dog and the amount of activity it gets. Do not overlook the need of stocking up on clean drinking water.
As your dog gets older, its nutritional needs will change in response to its changing body. If you see that your dog is putting on weight, you need to make an appointment with the veterinarian as soon as possible. It is likely that you may need to change the regularity of their diet, the type of their diet, or the quantity of their diet. You should also consider whether or not the Border Collie, who has a naturally high level of activity, gets the appropriate amount of daily exercise.
If you feed your Texas Heeler a diet that is biologically appropriate for him and is high in protein and healthy fats, you can avoid the typical problem of Texas Heelers getting overweight. Additionally, this breed has a requirement for particular vitamins and minerals, which can be met by consuming a diet consisting of pulverized bones and various vegetables.
Health Issues
The Border Collie is a remarkable breed of canine that possesses boundless vitality and wit. However, they are susceptible to the same health problems that are common in dogs of all breeds. It will go a long way toward ensuring that your Border Collie lives a long, healthy, and happy life if you are aware of what to watch out for and if you take preventative steps.
- Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition that can result in severe pain in the hip joints of Border Collies.
- Both progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and Collie eye anomaly (CEA), which are conditions that affect the eyes, are more likely to affect Border Collies than other dog breeds.
- This breed has a higher risk of developing epilepsy, which can result in seizures.
- There are two types of allergies that can affect Border Collies: environmental and nutritional.
- Because of a genetic flaw, certain Border Collies might not have hearing from birth.
- Osteochondritis dissecans, more often known as OCD, is a disease that can affect the joints of Border Collies.
There are a few potential health issues that can manifest in Texas Heelers, despite the fact that they are in generally good health. If you notice any of the following health problems or any health problems at all, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible. The following conditions are very common in Texas Heelers when it comes to their health:
- Dislocation of a joint, most frequently occurring in the hips and elbows
- The growth of eyelashes from the inside out is referred to as “distichiasis.”
- The progressive atrophy of the retina is a debilitating illness that cannot be reversed and can ultimately result in blindness.
Cost of getting a Border Collie versus Texas Heeler
The decision to become a dog owner is one that must be carefully deliberated, and one cannot deny that financial considerations play a considerable role in the decision-making process. The costs involved with purchasing a Border Collie and those associated with purchasing a Texas Heeler should be considered before making your decision. Price associated with the purchase, raising, and maintenance of these two amazing breeds are also detailed here.
Puppies
Depending on where you go, the price of a Border Collie puppy can range anywhere from $700.00 to $2,000.00. Although the price might go as high as $500, the typical cost of a healthy Texas Heeler puppy is closer to $400 than it is to $500. The price tags might easily reach $1,000 or even higher for people who come from prominent families because of the demand for their services.
Breeders & Centers
The first and most crucial step in the process of selecting a new Border Collie or Texas Heeler for you and your family is to choose a breeder who has a good reputation in the dog-breeding community. The bred animals themselves are a valued product in and of themselves. They not only serve as a connection between you and your perfect dog, but you can always rely on them after the fact as well.
Not only that, but they also serve as a connection between you and your ideal dog. Think of the breeder as your very own personal dog expert who is there to help you every step of the way, from selecting the ideal dog for your way of life to providing care for it during its whole life. This might be a daunting task, especially if you have never owned a dog before.
The AKC Marketplace is the place to go if you want to discover a reliable breeder from whom you can get a Border Collie or Texas Heeler puppy. In fact, the AKC Marketplace is the place to go if you want to acquire a puppy of any breed. Before settling on a certain breeder, it is imperative to take out research. This is true for any other decision that is of equivalent relevance in terms of its significance.
Conclusion: Which Is Better, Border Collie or Texas Heeler?
Finally, both the Border Collie and the Texas Heeler are wonderful dog breeds, yet they are special in their own ways. The Border Collie is a great choice for anyone looking for a loyal and easily trainable companion dog due to its high intellect and natural herding instincts. They are excellent companion animals and work dogs, providing constant protection and loyalty.
Contrarily, the Texas Heeler, a hybrid of the Australian Cattle Dog and the Border Collie, displays a unique combination of characteristics. They are well-known for being adaptable, as they may be used in both professional and leisure settings. Texas Heelers have a lot of brains, but they might need some training to channel their natural herding instincts.
Border Collies are hardy canines with a potential lifetime of 14 years with proper care and nutrition. Due to their susceptibility to certain diseases, they require regular visits to the vet. On average, a Texas Heeler will live between 12 and 15 years. But just like any other breed, they are susceptible to developing health problems of their own.
Think about your routine, your family’s make-up, and how much time and energy you can devote before deciding between these two amazing breeds. When given the attention and care they need, both the Border Collie and the Texas Heeler may become wonderful members of the family.
