Australian Cattle Dog Breed Info




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Australian Cattle Dog is originated from Australia and also known as Queensland Heeler, Red Heeler, Blue Heeler
Size: max: 20 inches (H) & 55 lbs (W)
Color: blue, speckled with or withouth black markings; blue or tan markings; or red speckled with or without darker red markings
Coat: double coat with dense undercoat and smooth, hard outer coat
Personality: protective, loyal, watchful and alert, intelligent, high drive, wary with strangers
Care: training and activity, exercise, socialization
Known health problem: deafness, hip dysplasia, PRA
Group: herding dogs


The Australian Cattle Dog breed is an athletic, muscular working dog with great strength, stamina and agility. As the name implies, the Australian Cattle Dog breed was developed to control the movement of cattle in confined spaces as well as open fields. The breed is also known as the Queensland Heeler, Red Heeler, and Blue Heeler.

An alert guardian of his stockman, herd, and homestead, the Australian Cattle Dog is a loyal companion with strong protective instincts. Naturally wary of strangers, they make excellent guard dogs. These high-spirited, high-energy dogs are happiest when they’re working, and are easily bored if they don’t have a job to do. As competition dogs, herding dogs, or guard dogs, Australian Cattle Dogs are hard to beat.

Physical Characteristics of the Australian Cattle Dog
These working dogs stand approximately 18 to 20 inches tall (with females slightly smaller). The life span of the breed is 12 to 15 years. Australian Cattle Dogs are powerful dogs; stocky and muscular with wide, deep chests, broad skulls, and deep muzzles. Moderately-sized, broad-based ears set far apart on the head give them a keen sense of hearing.

This breed has a smooth double coat, with a water resistant undercoat. The short hair on their head, face, and front legs becomes slightly longer at the neck and toward the back of the body. Their coats may be variations of red or blue, with various markings. Puppies are born white with markings that remain unchanged, while much of the white is replaced by red or blue as the puppies grow. The long tail is carried low with a slight curve.

Temperament and Behavior
The Australian Cattle Dog generally has a dominant personality (as do most working dog breeds) and needs a capable owner who will act as pack leader, creating a strong bond with his dog. These tend to be one-person dogs. Dogs of this breed will get along well with other dogs in the family, although there may be some scuffles until the pecking order is settled. Although friendly with family and friends, the Australian Cattle Dog distrusts strangers and may become aggressive when defending his territory, his herd, or his family.

Consistent exercise is necessary to keep this content. Australian Cattle Dogs who don’t have enough to do may invent their own fun, and you may not like the result! When these dogs aren’t kept to herd cattle, they need constructive opportunities to work off their excess energy. Highly intelligent, Australian Cattle Dogs are easily trained to do tricks. They excel at dog agility trials, Frisbee and flyball competitions.

The Australian Cattle Dog has strong herding instincts and will herd creatures besides cattle; he may consider other livestock, family pets, and your children part of his “herd.”. They have a tendency to nip at heels (the method they use to control their bovine charges), a behavior which should be discouraged from puppy hood when it is directed at family members.

Is the Australian Cattle Dog Right for your Family?
A working breed is not a good choice for a family who just wants a faithful companion to lie around at their feet! Australian Cattle Dogs will not do well left alone in the backyard. They require lots of daily attention from the family. In their boredom, they can become inventively destructive. These dogs must have regular physical activity that stimulates their intellect.

Australian Cattle Dogs are not recommended for homes with young children. Even in play, these strong, energetic dogs may unintentionally injure children. While they may get along with children they have been raised with, they are not especially fond of children in general.

This working dog breed does best with an owner who is willing and able to commit to the training, socialization and activity requirements of his dog. But it’s worth the effort; you’ll have a fine companion and protector who is always ready for the next adventure!

By J. E. Davidson

Australian Cattle Dog Club

Australian Cattle Dog Club of America
www.ACDCA.org

Australian Cattle Dog Rescue Organization

Australian Cattle Dog Rescue
www.ACDRA.org

Australian Cattle Dog House Training Tips