Texas Heeler Names, Aussie Cattle Dog Mix Names

The Texas Heeler is a working crossbreed rather than a purebred: the cross of an Australian Cattle Dog -- the Blue Heeler -- with an Australian Shepherd. It brings together two of the sharpest herding minds in the dog world, and the result is an athletic, blue-coated cattle dog with a reputation for brains, drive and bottomless devotion.

The mix took shape in the American Southwest -- Texas, as the name says -- where ranchers wanted a dog that paired the Cattle Dog's tenacity and tough heeling bite with the Australian Shepherd's gathering style and biddable nature. It was first recorded as a type in 1970, when Lucy Guynes registered one with the Dog Registry of America, and today it is recognised by the Animal Research Foundation and similar crossbreed registries rather than the major kennel clubs. Because it is a hybrid, every litter varies, so two Texas Heelers can look and act quite differently from one another.

Most carry the Cattle Dog's blue or blue-merle coat, frequently marked with tan or copper points, over a medium, hard-muscled, tireless frame. This is a high-energy, intensely loyal dog that needs a job and a lot of exercise to be happy, and it rewards that effort with remarkable cleverness and loyalty. Names suit its Texas birthplace, its blue heeler coat, or its relentless herding engine. Western roots suit Tex, Dallas, Austin, Houston, Dakota, Cash and Maverick; its blue coat wears Blue, Indigo, Slate, Storm, Merle and Shadow; its copper points suit Copper, Rusty and Penny; and its herding drive suits Scout, Bolt, Dash, Ace, Chase and Hunter.

Explore our full collection of Texas Heeler and Aussie-cattle-dog mix names below. Filter by gender, save your favourites, and find a name as smart, energetic, and devoted as this homegrown Texas working mix.