Blue Heeler/ACD owners, advice pls.

[hearno]

I know that pictures won't do much but I was hoping current or past owners could check in with some advice. I'm picking up a puppy this weekend from a breeder. I've done my homework and as far as I can tell, everything checks out. This will be my first Heeler so I'm hoping for some insight. According to the breeder, no history of deafness, blindness, or dysplasia but I'm a worrier and I want a healthy dog. Anyone see anything of concern in this pics? The only thing I noticed was that the ears aren't the usual standing straight up bat ear shape but I've seen pics of others that are similar. The first two are the parents, the rest are obviously the dog I'm getting. Thanks for any advice.
[MENTION=50591]gaterose[/MENTION] I think has one.

 

[gaterose]

What a cute puppy! You're gonna love a heeler, just don't neglect it. They're very smart and will get bored and find something to take their time if you don't give em something. They're not nearly as high energy as a boxer or border collie, but they can get anxious if you don't pay any attention or give em a task.

They're also extremely loyal and smart, I only have to use a leash with Josephine when it was required by the rules. She rarely leaves my side (and then it's just to go be at my gf's side).

I wouldn't be too worried about the ears, she's probably just putting them back cuz they're paying her attention. Jojo puts her ears back all the time when she's being sweet or excited.

This took about an hour and a half; she wouldn't even put her foot on it before

 

[hearno]

What a cute puppy!

Thanks! I have a decent idea of what I'm in for with this breed. I've searched and searched but couldn't find much in the way of what to look for as far as faults and less desirable traits that would indicate bad lineage etc. He is definitely a cute puppy and the breeder has been forthright with answers to all my questions so I'm hoping for the best.

 

[Mytoy4]

Just want to throw my two cents in. You mentioned that there was no history of deafness, blindness, or dysplasia. Says who?
Anyone can tell you this. If you're truly concerned about the health issues of a pup, don't just go by what someone tells you. A good breeder will do this testing and show you documents.
Also, a good breeder isn't going to allow their dog to whelp pups outside. Huge red flag.
This alone, would turn me away from this breeder.

 

[hearno]

Also, a good breeder isn't going to allow their dog to whelp pups outside. Huge red flag.
This alone, would turn me away from this breeder.

Can you expand on this please?

 

[LandCruiser]

Can you expand on this please?

Diseases, parasites, predators, elements.

 

[hearno]

Diseases, parasites, predators, elements.

What is whelp? I googled it and it defined it as giving birth but those pics were just of the dog outside playing. Which I'd expect would be ok at eight weeks.

 

[Mytoy4]

Diseases, parasites, predators, elements.

Exactly. Not only that, but it's just not what reputable breeders should do. It's careless to allow the mother to take care of her pups 100%. They're not wild animals. These pups, as well as the mother should be watched over while these pups grow.
Instead of looking more so on the breed characteristics, since you seem to know what the breed is like, start researching what to look for in a good breeder.

 

[LandCruiser]

What is whelp? I googled it and it defined it as giving birth but those pics were just of the dog outside playing. Which I'd expect would be ok at eight weeks.

They need to be indoors until after their second round of shots, including rabies.

Young animals (including us humans) don't have fully functioning immune systems.

Also, being hand raised by humans along with the mother gives them a better temperment.

 

[Mytoy4]

What is whelp? I googled it and it defined it as giving birth but those pics were just of the dog outside playing. Which I'd expect would be ok at eight weeks.

Yes, whelp means to give birth.
Those pups in the dog house appear to be living out there. Also with all the straw and stuff, I'd assume as well.
Also, don't appear to be 8 weeks. Maybe those are old pics of mom and dad, since the pups in the dog house have white fur still - and your pup is colored already.
Be sure that they really are 8 weeks, it's illegal in most states to release a pup before 8 weeks. If the pics of your pup are recent, he looks much younger than 8 weeks.

 

[youngr]

Exactly. Not only that, but it's just not what reputable breeders should do. It's careless to allow the mother to take care of her pups 100%. They're not wild animals. These pups, as well as the mother should be watched over while these pups grow.
Instead of looking more so on the breed characteristics, since you seem to know what the breed is like, start researching what to look for in a good breeder.

Thats a very detailed take just from a picture. For all anyone knows that could be where they take them to get outside for a bit.

My advice is to the OP is to actually get a feel for the breeders, see how, where, they actually keep them. My best experiences have been actually striking up a conversation with the breeder not only about the dogs but just general things to get a feel for the breeder as a whole. See how they talk about the dogs, WHY they have puppies, if they just happened to have a litter or if they are truly a fan of the breed.

I have had several Blue Heelers and can say they are my favorite breed. They are VERY smart and loyal but they are a "herding dog" and will get restless if you are a couch potato.

I wouldn't worry about the ears myself.

 

[Mytoy4]

Thats a very detailed take just from a picture. For all anyone knows that could be where they take them to get outside for a bit.

You're right, it is. It's all assumptions, not factual. But I can tell you that I'm pretty experienced with looking at these 'details' that a lot of people miss because I'm around people looking for and at pups all the time.
It's especially necessary to call out details like this when one is concerned and asking about genetic issues that could arise.
If genetic issues aren't a primary concern, then a dog from the paper or what many call a 'back yard breeder' is suitable. Meaning they don't generally do any sort of health testing on their dogs.

Since you've had this breed before, then you would probably know that they are born white, with possible spots on the head and rump. This is from the Dalmatian gene way back. Being that those pups in the dog house are white, tells me they're only 2-3 weeks old. Pups of this age don't typically go outside to get fresh air.

 

[youngr]

You're right, it is. It's all assumptions, not factual. But I can tell you that I'm pretty experienced with looking at these 'details' that a lot of people miss because I'm around people looking for and at pups all the time.
It's especially necessary to call out details like this when one is concerned and asking about genetic issues that could arise.
If genetic issues aren't a primary concern, then a dog from the paper or what many call a 'back yard breeder' is suitable. Meaning they don't generally do any sort of health testing on their dogs.

Since you've had this breed before, then you would probably know that they are born white, with possible spots on the head and rump. This is from the Dalmatian gene way back. Being that those pups in the dog house are white, tells me they're only 2-3 weeks old. Pups of this age don't typically go outside to get fresh air.

You are correct, and i wasn't implying anything with my post. From the pictures it looks to be a bit older due to the base colors being more prominent. I was thinking somewhere around 6-7 weeks.

 

[toy4xchris]

I just wanna say I have a red and she is one of the best dogs I have ever had but they can be to smart for your own good sometimes lol.

I have noticed that most major issues come with the extremely popular breeds labs german sheps and etc from over breeding and what not. Haven't heard of to many problems like that with the heelers

only pic I could find of my Darla at the moment shes not big on having her pic taken.

 

[NateMob]

Our Red, Penelope, wants nothing more than to be right next to us wherever we go. Unless we've got a tennis ball, then she's ready to run it down.

Good luck with your new pup.