Search over 87 Australian Cattle Dog dogs across Australia
The Australian Cattle Dog, a resilient and highly intelligent breed, exemplifies canine versatility and endurance. Emerging in Australia during the 19th century, this breed was meticulously crafted to herd cattle across vast, rugged terrains, showcasing its remarkable stamina and agility.
Renowned for their sharp intellect, unwavering loyalty, and a strong work ethic, Australian Cattle Dogs, often labeled Blue Heelers or Queensland Heelers, stand out with their unique, speckled coat and alert, expressive eyes.
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The Australian Cattle Dog, a resilient and highly intelligent breed, exemplifies canine versatility and endurance. Emerging in Australia during the 19th century, this breed was meticulously crafted to herd cattle across vast, rugged terrains, showcasing its remarkable stamina and agility.
Renowned for their sharp intellect, unwavering loyalty, and a strong work ethic, Australian Cattle Dogs, often labeled Blue Heelers or Queensland Heelers, stand out with 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
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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 brim with energy, intelligence, and an independent streak. They possess a strong sense of adventure and quickly grasp new 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
The Australian Cattle Dog, with its weather-resistant double coat, demands a moderate level of grooming to maintain its health and appearance.
Origins
As the name implies, ACDs hail from Australia. The initial cattle dogs in Australia were imports of a breed called Smithfield.
Unfortunately, these dogs couldn’t endure the hot temperatures or the rugged terrain. They also struggled with the long distances they faced. Consequently, herders and cattle owners embarked on a long trial process of breeding to develop the perfect herding dog.
Smithfields were crossbred with Dingoes, an untamed breed brought to Australia by its earliest human inhabitants. Other breeds used in the crossbreeding included the Collie, Bull Terrier, and the Black and Tan Kelpie.
George Elliott of Queensland contributed significantly to the ACD’s development by crossbreeding Dingoes and Collies, then selling the puppies to herders. The result was a dog that nearly became the perfect Aussie herding dog.
However, the true herding dog emerged when Dalmatians were bred with a few of Elliott’s ACDs. This outcross can be credited to two brothers, Jack and Harry Bagust.
The Dalmatian was chosen for its sense of protection, loyalty, and ease with horses. Combined with the initial ACD’s working capability, this mix produced the Australian Cattle Dog we recognize today.
Key Characteristics Of Australian Cattle Dogs
Are Australian Cattle Dogs Family-Friendly?
They can make good family pets but 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 exhibit deep loyalty 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 thrive in rural or suburban settings where they have more space to expend their energy.
Other Considerations
● These dogs have many aliases: Blue Heelers, Red Heelers, or Queensland Heelers.
● They earned 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. Mottled coats have dark spots on a light background, while speckled coats are the inverse.
● They possess strong herding instincts and should be kept busy to prevent destructive behavior.
How can I take good care of my Australian Cattle Dog?
Nutrition
Owners of Blue Heelers should feed their dogs at least twice a day. As very active dogs, their diet should meet their nutritional requirements.
Choose a nutrient-rich brand of dog food tailored for medium-sized dogs, avoiding fillers like cornmeal or soy. You can make your dog work for their food, keeping them busy while providing stimulation.
Always ensure they have access to clean, fresh water.
Grooming
Australian Cattle Dogs have double coats with a dense undercoat and a short, hard outer coat.
Their coats are all-weather, repelling water and dirt, making them low maintenance. Brush their coats once a week under normal circumstances.
However, they shed heavily twice a year, requiring more frequent brushing during these periods.
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, ensuring ACDs use their energy in meaningful ways. Examples of games include hide and seek, catch, and tug of war.
Alternatively, take them for long walks. While other breeds might be content with short walks, AuCaDos prefer long walks once or twice a day.
Training
To train Australian Cattle Dogs, be fair, consistent, and use positive rewards. These dogs are highly intelligent and sometimes stubborn. 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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