Blue-Tzu Heeler

11-20 lbs
11-15"
United States
Australian Cattle Dog
Shih Tzu
Cattle Tzu

Blue Tzu Heelers are a mix between Australian Cattle Dogs and Shih Tzus. They are bred to be companion dogs and are known to be friendly, spirited, and affectionate – though occasionally obstinate. They need moderate amounts of exercise and lots of human attention. They have an average lifespan of between 10 to 14 years, height of 11 to 18 inches, and weight of 16 to 35 pounds. Blue Tzu Heelers look like shaggy Cattle Dogs with some Shih Tzu features. Because this is a relatively new breed, its standards are not stabilized and it is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, though can be found on the list of hybrids of the Designer Breed Registry.

purpose Purpose
Companionship
history Date of Origin
Unknown
ancestry Ancestry
Australian Cattle Dog, Shih Tzu

Blue-Tzu Heeler Health

Average Size
Male Blue-Tzu Heeler size stats
Height: 11-18 inches Weight: 16-35 lbs
Female Blue-Tzu Heeler size stats
Height: 11-15 inches Weight: 11-20 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Deafness
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Osteochondritis Dissecans
Minor Concerns
  • Ear Infections
  • Eye Problems
  • Bleeding Disorder
  • Hernia
Occasional Diagnoses
  • Entropion
  • Cataracts
  • vonWillebrand’s Disease
  • Renal Cortical Hypoplasia
  • Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS)
  • Liver Shunts
  • Lens Luxation
  • Persistent Pupillary Membranes (PPM)
Occasional Tests
  • Ear Examination
  • Biopsy
  • Brain Auditory Evoked Response (BAER)
  • Internal Imaging (x-ray, CT scan, MRI, etc.)
  • Blood And Urine Analysis
  • Buccal Mucosal Screening
  • Ocular Tests
  • Orthopedic Exam

Blue-Tzu Heeler Breed History

The name Blue Tzu Heeler is a nod to the breed’s color and names of its two parent breeds: the Australian Cattle Dog, which is also known as a Queensland Heeler, Blue Heeler, or Hall's Heeler, and the Shih Tzu, a companion dog that dates back to 17th century Tibet. The Australian Cattle Dog, a descendant of Collie varieties and Dingoes, was bred in Australia in the mid-1800s to herd cattle. Eventually, the mixed breed known for its endurance and work ethic, was mixed with a Dalmatian and Sheepdog. It was recognized by the AKC in 1980. The Shih Tzu is thought to be a Tibetan Mountain Dog bred with a Pekingese. It was known as a “holy dog” and royal families owned and bred Shih Tzus during the Ming and Manchu Dynasties. As a show dog in China during the 1930s, it was called a Lhassa Terrier or Tibetan Poodle. Later, it became known as a Lhassa Lion Dog. In the mid-1900s, Shih Tzus were given as gifts from China. As a result, the breed made its way to Europe and North America, where it was recognized by the AKC in 1969.

Blue-Tzu Heeler Breed Appearance

Blue Tzu Heelers typically look like small Australian Cattle Dogs with a shaggy coat and some Shih Tzu features, like round, close-set eyes. Generally, they are small medium-sized dogs. The average weight is 11 to 35 pounds and the average height is 11 to 18 inches tall. Their medium-length coat is wavy and parts in the middle of their head and down their snout, creating a Terrier look. They are typically blue (mottled or speckled) or black and white with tan markings. Their medium length tail is covered in their wavy coat. Blue Tzu Heelers have high-set triangular – sometime pendent – ears, a short, square muzzle with a black nose, and an alert, playful expression.

Eye Color Possibilities
brown Blue-Tzu Heeler eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Blue-Tzu Heeler nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
blue Blue-Tzu Heeler coat
Blue
black Blue-Tzu Heeler coat
Black
white Blue-Tzu Heeler coat
White
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Blue-Tzu Heeler wiry coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Blue-Tzu Heeler Breed Maintenance

Blue Tzu Heelers are not completely hypoallergenic, but produce less allergens due to their hair-like coat that they inherit from their Shih Tzu parent breed. Owners can reduce shedding and matting by brushing weekly and giving their Blue Tzu Heelers monthly baths. Owners should pay special attention to inspecting their pets’ ears and eyes when they are washed. Like all dog breeds, Blue Tzu Heelers should have their teeth brushed daily and nails clipped 1 to 2 times a month. Because Blue Tzu Heelers have a medium-length, wavy coat, clipping around the head, ears, tail and feet is suggested for convenience, although some owners opt for regular professional grooming.

Brushes for Blue-Tzu Heeler
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Slicker Brush
Comb
Comb
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Blue-Tzu Heeler requires weekly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Blue-Tzu Heeler Temperament

Blue Tzu Heelers are known to be very friendly and eager to please older children and familiar adults. They are not great with other dogs or small children, who might tease or taunt them. Additionally, the Blue Tzu Heeler gets stubbornness from both of its parent breeds, so it is not the easiest dog to train. Still, these dogs are true companion pets and love “their” people fiercely and loyally. Blue Tzu Heelers are spirited, sometimes silly, animals that enjoy moderate exercise and playing games with their owners. If they do not receive enough attention, they might get mouthy, overly excitable, or try to “talk” by barking or whining. Overall, Blue Tzu Heelers thrive in social and affectionate households, where they are disciplined at a young age. This breed could very well adapt to urban life, and would be fine in an apartment if they receive enough people time and moderate – but regular – exercise.

Blue-Tzu Heeler Activity Requirements

The Blue Tzu Heeler requires an only moderate amount of exercise. They should have at least one short walk a day, paired with games with their owner and other family members. Blue Tzu Heelers do well in any type of climate and would be very happy in a social home with space for energetic playtime. Both the Blue Tzu Heeler’s parent breeds have high impulses to hunt and wander, so this breed must be closely monitored if they are off-leash. Though Blue Tzu Heelers enjoy being outdoors, they are primarily indoor animals who are content when they are socializing and snuggling with “their” people.

Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
8 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
45 minutes
activity minutes

Blue-Tzu Heeler Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
3 cups
cup per day cost cup per day cost cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$1.20 - $1.40
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$34.00 - $45.00
food bag monthly cost

Blue-Tzu Heeler Owner Experiences

Poe
3 Months
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Long walks
Tug-of-war
training
Fetch
Poe is very intelligent. He definitely took after the shih tzu parent with the looks & coat demands. His temperament is a mix of both. He learns quickly, and just an affectionate little guy. He loves other dogs all the way from Chihuahuas to Great Danes. He does amazing around livestock as well. He loves other people, but tends to " talk" to get thier attention. Poe does excellent off lease with improving recall again, he's just a puppy right now. He can be stubborn when it comes to getting something from him he's not suppose to have. Training has been improving that also. He loves fericly,loyal, & just an over all joy to have. I've had many dog breeds over the years, and he is by far one of my favorite mixes. Although, I don't Condon the situation of the shih tzu being the mother like in Poe's case. Please do your research on both breeds before acquiring one of these little guys.
5 months ago
Mali
17 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
I had a Blue Tzu for 17 years and didn't know it until after 15-16 years. She passed May 2022. I found her in my alley when she was a puppy. She was the best dog ever. I am looking to get another one. Does anyone know where I can get one? I have tried googling Blue tzu, Shih Tzu heeler mix and no luck. If anyone knows where I can get one, please feel free to email me apanovich@yahoo.com.
2 years, 3 months ago
Piper
6 Years
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walks around the property
Walks on a Leash
Chasing a ball
This is truly the best dog I've ever had. Phenomenal toy drive means she's a breeze to train. She wants a ball or a stick so badly that she'll cry if you don't throw it quickly. Sometimes she brings rocks, which I rub with my hands and then throw back out in the driveway. She loves to sniff them out. She chased chickens as a puppy, but now lays down beside them when they're out and acts unconcerned. She does occassionally spar with our cats, but they provoke a little, I believe. She knows that she needs to be on a leash to leave the yard, and comes inside to sleep in a kennel at night. We get her groomed just a few times a year because it's hot where we live and she needs the longer hair to keep cool. She always greets you at your car with a leaf or something in her mouth with hopes that you'll play with her. She was an "accident" from a local family with a female Shih Tzu and I paid $30 for her. Seriously the best money ever spent. Energy galore but so, so smart. Not sure if it's the breed or just this particular dog, but a friend who trains police dogs said he could have her doing whatever he wanted in just a few days based on her toy drive. She might be a bit much for small children who are still unsteady on their feet, but she's perfect for us. She is quite territorial and has gotten into fights with dogs MUCH bigger than herself if she feels that we are threatened (on a walk or if they come on our property). However, she's quite kind to UPS, FedEx and the like. :) I'd highly recommend if you want a smallish dog that doesn't feel "fragile".
2 years, 6 months ago
Mochi
1 Year
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Mochi is eager to please and a very fast learner. She just gets it. This is the best dog I have ever had. I absolutely adore this dog. We rescued her at 7mo and she has been a dream. She plays very well with my 4yo daughter, she is very tolerant of her as well. She has a blue eye and a brown eye too which is pretty cool. She is so cute. 💛
2 years, 11 months ago
Rosa
17 Months
1 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Rosa has her own personality. Likes to talk back if she doesnt get her way. Love to cuddle and go for car rides
3 years ago
Pepper Potts
4 Years
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
We adopted Miss Potts in 2015 from an animal rescue where she had been taken after being tied to a bench and abandoned in a city park. She was 1 1/2 years old. She was thought to be a Border Terrier, and we didn't know she actually is a Blue Tzu Heeler until we did a Wisdom Panel DNA test. She took about a year to warm up to and trust us, but given her history, She didn't know how to play or walk very well on leash. we weren't surprised. She's now affectionate, clever, loves her people and her toys. She is extremely smart.
6 years, 9 months ago
Piper
7 Months
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Walk
Run
She is super friendly but protective. She likes to herd small children around the house, has zoomies all the time and her energy is pretty high. She is affectionate but independent. Very stubborn and took a little bit for her to learn commands.
3 years, 5 months ago
Riley
8 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Riley is truly the best companion my husband and I could ever ask for. She is incredibly smart, intuitive, and very sensitive. She responds well to routine and trained extremely easily. Even at 8 years old she is still impressing us with her eagerness to learn and desire to please. She can be over-protective, and small children make her uncomfortable. I wouldn’t recommend this breed to anyone with small children unless introduced as a puppy. Her grooming needs tend to be more than this site suggests, I feel as if she looks mostly like a Heeler, but her coat continuously grows so it requires bimonthly grooming sessions at the very least. If you love the intelligence of a cattle dog mixed with the snuggability of a Shih tzu, this is definitely a breed I would highly recommend.
4 years, 10 months ago
Sophie
2 Years
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Walking,
Playing chase
Sophie is a rescue of unknown breeds. Her DNA test came back as a Blue Tzu. She is about 2 years old and very energetic and intelligent. She also exhibits herding behavior and loves water. Her favorite activity is to play in the sprinkler. She can be very protective on the leash around other dogs. She loves children. She has a long outer Shih Tzu coat and a Blue Heeler undercoat. We get her groomed about every 6 weeks. .
4 years, 4 months ago
oreo
2 Years
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
she has been pretty good but she lays droppings all over the floor
4 years, 1 month ago
Candy
3 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Long walks
Our Blue-Tzu Heeler is a rescue dog. She has ben very well socialised with dogs and cats but is very wary of other people. She is a delightful companion and loves being patted and cuddled. We have owned her from September 2020 (as at April 2021). We live in Lauderdale, Tasmania, Australia.
3 years, 8 months ago
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