Was Bluey Supposed to Be a Kelpie? The Story Behind Everyone’s Favorite Blue Heeler

Fans of the hit children’s show Bluey may be shocked to learn that the playful blue heeler wasn’t always meant to be one. In a 2022 interview, the show’s creator, Joe Brumm, revealed that Bluey was originally going to be a kelpie—another iconic Australian breed. But what changed his mind?

Why Did Joe Brumm Consider a Kelpie for Bluey?

“When I first came up with the character, it was actually based on a kelpie,” Brumm explained. Growing up with a kelpie during his teenage years influenced this choice. “It was the last dog I had through my teenage years, so it felt natural to base the character on that breed.”

Kelpies are renowned for their intelligence, work ethic, and agility—traits that would have certainly made for an energetic, dynamic character. However, kelpies are often darker in color, with coats ranging from black and tan to red, which didn’t quite fit Brumm’s vision for a children’s show.

Why Did Brumm Switch from a Kelpie to a Blue Heeler?

“I kept returning to the image of a bright blue dog,” Brumm said. “This is kids’ TV. We need bright colors.” That’s when his childhood blue heeler named Bluey sprang to mind. “I used to have a dog that was a blue heeler called Bluey growing up, so she just sort of supplanted the kelpie. It felt perfect.”

Blue heelers, or Australian cattle dogs, are known for their high energy, loyalty, and intelligence—qualities that shine through in Bluey’s character. Their bright blue or red coats added a more vibrant, eye-catching element for a children’s show, which is important for visual storytelling.

What Makes Blue Heelers Different from Kelpies?

While both breeds are staples of rural Australia, there are key differences between them. Blue heelers, like Bluey, are strong, stocky working dogs bred to herd cattle. Their distinctive blue or red coats give them a striking appearance, and their boundless energy makes them ideal for long days of work or play.

Kelpies, on the other hand, are also hardworking herding dogs but are more commonly used for sheep. They’re sleeker, with more understated coloring, and are known for their intelligence and agility. While a kelpie might have fit the role, the brighter, bolder blue heeler better suited the world of children’s television.

The Perfect Fit: How Bluey Became the Blue Heeler We Know Today

The decision to make Bluey a blue heeler wasn’t just about color—it also fit perfectly with the show’s themes of play and family. “It made sense,” Brumm said, reflecting on how the breed’s characteristics aligned with the fun, active nature of Bluey’s world.

With the added bonus of being able to introduce Bingo as a red heeler, the breed switch allowed for more playful diversity in the character designs.