Search over 66 Australian Cattle Dog dogs across Australia
The Australian Cattle Dog, a robust and highly intelligent breed, stands as a remarkable testament to canine versatility and endurance. Originating in Australia in the 19th century, this breed was meticulously developed to herd cattle over vast, challenging terrains, showcasing its remarkable stamina and agility.
Renowned for their sharp intellect, unwavering loyalty, and a strong work ethic, Australian Cattle Dogs, often referred to as Blue Heelers or Queensland Heelers, are distinguished by their unique, speckled coat and alert, expressive eyes.
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The Australian Cattle Dog, a robust and highly intelligent breed, stands as a remarkable testament to canine versatility and endurance. Originating in Australia in the 19th century, this breed was meticulously developed to herd cattle over vast, challenging terrains, showcasing its remarkable stamina and agility.
Renowned for their sharp intellect, unwavering loyalty, and a strong work ethic, Australian Cattle Dogs, often referred to as Blue Heelers or Queensland Heelers, are distinguished by their unique, speckled coat and alert, expressive eyes.
Questions To Ask A Breeder
- Are you are registered breeder?
- Can we meet in person?
- Have they been socialised?
Breed Characteristics
Grooming
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The Ultimate Australian Cattle Dog Guide
About Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian Cattle Dog (ACD) or simply the Cattle Dog is a medium-sized herding dog. These dogs are very energetic, smart and with an independent streak. They also have a strong sense of adventure and quickly learn different activities.
Lifespan
10 to 13 years
Weight
Male: 15 - 16 kg Female: 16 - 20 kg
Height
Male: 43 - 51 cm Female: 43 - 48 cm
Grooming
Australian Cattle Dogs have double coats. The undercoat is quite dense while the short, outer coat is hard. The best thing about their coats is that they are all-weather.
Simply put; their coats can repel water and dirt. This makes the breed very low maintenance. You only need to brush their coats once a week in most circumstances.
However they shed a lot twice per year. During this time you might have to brush their coats more often.
Origins
As the name suggests, ACDs are natives to Australia. The first cattle dogs in Australia were imports of a breed called Smithfield. Unfortunately these dogs couldn’t withstand the hot temperatures or the rugged terrain. They also couldn’t tolerate the long distances they were subjected to.
As a result, herders and cattle owners started a long trial process of breeding. Their goal was to develop the perfect herding dog. Smithfields were crossbred with Dingoes. Dingoes were an untamed breed brought to Australia by its earliest human inhabitants.
Other dog breeds used in the crossbreeding were the Collie, Bull Terrier, as well as the Black and Tan Kelpie.
One of the people who contributed to ACD’s development was George Elliott of Queensland. He crossbred Dingoes and Collies and sold the puppies to herders. The outcome was a dog that nearly became the perfect Aussie herding dog.
But the true herding dog came about when Dalmatians were bred with a few of Elliot’s ACD’s. This outcross can be attributed to two brothers: Jack and Harry Bagust. The Dalmatian was chosen for its sense of protection, loyalty, and ease with horses.
These combined with the initial ACD’s working capability, produced the Australian Cattle Dog that we know today.
Key Characteristics Of Australian Cattle Dogs
Are Australian Cattle Dogs Family-Friendly?
They can make good family pets, but they do fare better in families where they’re raised with kids.
Common Health Issues & Considerations
Australian Cattle Dogs may suffer from:
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Hip dysplasia
Deafness
Osteochondritis dissecans
Nature / Temperament
They are deeply loyal to their owners and can be very protective. This makes them excellent watchdogs. Their protective nature should be managed with proper socialization to ensure they don’t become overly suspicious or aggressive towards strangers.
Suitable Environment
While they can adapt to various living situations, Australian Cattle Dogs often do best in rural or suburban settings where they have more space to expend their energy.
Other Considerations
● These dogs have many aliases. They are also known as Blue Heelers, Red Heelers or Queensland Heeler.
● They got the name “heeler” from their act of herding cattle by nipping at their heels.
● Australian Heelers are made for the outdoors. Due to their association with Dingoes, they can run for long distances.
● Their coats can either be mottled or speckled. For the mottled, they will have dark spots on a light background while speckled are the inverse.
● They have strong herding instincts. These dogs should be kept busy because they can be destructive if left idle.
How can I take good care of my Australian Cattle Dog?
Nutrition
Owners of Blue Heelers need to feed their dogs at least two times a day. Since these are very active dogs, their diet should meet their nutritional requirements.
Choose a nutrient-rich brand of dog food that is tailored for medium-sized dogs. The dog food should not contain any fillers like corn meal or soy. You can make your dog work for their food. This way, you’ll be keeping them busy while also providing stimulation.
Also, you should give your dog clean, fresh water at all times.
Grooming
The Australian Cattle Dog, with its weather-resistant double coat, requires a moderate level of grooming to maintain its health and appearance.
Recommended Grooming Tips
When grooming your dog, check their ears for signs of ear wax.
Trim their nails regularly.
Bathe your dog as needed.
These dogs are very active outdoors. As a result they might get dirty which calls for frequent bathing.
Brush their teeth 2 – 3 times a week.
Exercise
Owners should engage their dogs in interactive games. This way, ACDs use their energy in meaningful ways. Examples of games you can play with your Heeler include hide and seek, catch and tug of war.
Or, you can take them for long walks. While other breeds are content with short walks, AuCaDos prefer long walks once or twice per day.
Training
To train Australian Cattle Dogs, you need to be fair, consistent and use positive rewards. These dogs are highly intelligent and sometimes stubborn. In these situations, proper corrections are necessary to avoid future problems.
Most Asked Australian Cattle Dog Questions
Australian Cattle Dogs are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and high energy levels. They are hardworking, protective, and sometimes reserved with strangers. Early socialization is key to developing a well-rounded temperament.
They can be good with children and other pets if raised with them, but supervision is recommended due to their herding instincts. They might try to herd children or smaller pets by nipping.
They are highly trainable due to their intelligence and eagerness to please. Consistency and positive reinforcement are key in their training.
When buying an Australian Cattle Dog for sale, it’s best to choose from responsible breeders who prioritise their dogs’ health and temperament. There may be increased costs associated with the necessary health testing, but it is well worth it in the long run to ensure the happiness and longevity if your new puppy. An Australian Cattle Dog puppy for sale from one of these breeders may cost between $800 and $5000.
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