What were Texas Heelers bred for?

Texas Heelers are incredibly smart dogs who were bred to work alongside people on a ranch, herding sheep and cattle. These dogs thrive when they are by their people’s side and when they are mentally and physically engaged with a job. Similar to the Australian Cattle Dog and the Australian Shepherd, these working dogs require significantly more exercise to remain content and to minimize herding behaviors such as chasing, nipping, and barking. While Texas Heelers are highly devoted to their pet parents, they may be cautious around unfamiliar people and animals.