My experiences with heelers and children has been that heelers generally don't do well with children if they have not been raised around those particular children. Heelers are very protective of "their" property (and people) and don't always take kindly to other children even if they are used to children.
We have a heeler and he is not good with children at all. He does not like to be pulled and yanked on and does not like the high pitched voices. My brother and I were older (probably about middle school aged) when we got him so he was never really around small children. Cattle dogs are all different, but the few others I have known were also nippy (Not necessarily aggressive, but mouthy). I would definitely have another cattle dog in a heart beat, but they are not the breed for everyone. They need strict training and most often need a job. Ours is not a house dog, even when he comes into the house for the winter. He's definitely more of a working dog than a pet and cattle dogs are generally very high energy.
Even with the description given, I would be wary of introducing children around either of those two herding breed dogs. I'm not saying that it can't be done, but you will just have to keep a very close eye when introducing the dogs. Both breeds are wonderful dogs, but very protective and all the confusion may cause issues in a new home. Just make sure you do your research and talk to other owners of the breeds. That is where you will probably get your best information.
Also, is it possible to meet the dogs with your children before adopting them? That may be the best route to be sure the dogs are actually compatible with young children.
We have a heeler and he is not good with children at all. He does not like to be pulled and yanked on and does not like the high pitched voices. My brother and I were older (probably about middle school aged) when we got him so he was never really around small children. Cattle dogs are all different, but the few others I have known were also nippy (Not necessarily aggressive, but mouthy). I would definitely have another cattle dog in a heart beat, but they are not the breed for everyone. They need strict training and most often need a job. Ours is not a house dog, even when he comes into the house for the winter. He's definitely more of a working dog than a pet and cattle dogs are generally very high energy.
Even with the description given, I would be wary of introducing children around either of those two herding breed dogs. I'm not saying that it can't be done, but you will just have to keep a very close eye when introducing the dogs. Both breeds are wonderful dogs, but very protective and all the confusion may cause issues in a new home. Just make sure you do your research and talk to other owners of the breeds. That is where you will probably get your best information.
Also, is it possible to meet the dogs with your children before adopting them? That may be the best route to be sure the dogs are actually compatible with young children.
