Australian Cattle Dog

Quick facts

	AKC Group:	Herding
	Height:	Male: 18-20 Inches, Female: 17-19 Inches
	Weight:	35-45 pounds
	Colors:	Blue or blue-mottled with or without other markings, red speckled
AKC recognized in:		1980

The Australian Cattle Dog was bred after finding that the traditional sheepdog like herders brought from the British Isles were not able to withstand the rigors of the Australian Outback. There was much expermentation done in the early 1800s crossing different breeds to try to get a quieter, more rugged heeler.

In 1840, a man named Hall bred blue merle Highlander Collies with the Dingo. Other breeders crossed their "Hall's Heelers" with other dogs, including the Dalmatian and the Kelpie. This cross resulted in a breed with the herding instincts of the collie, the horse sense of the Dalmatian, and the endurance and quiet style of the Dingo.

The Australian Cattle Dog is known by several other names, including Hall's Heeler, Queensland Herder, and Blue Heeler.

Temperament

Australian Cattle Dog Summary
Affection
Cold Tolerance
Ease of Training
Energy level
Exercise Requirements
Friendliness : Children
Friendliness: Other Animals
Friendliness: Other Pets
Grooming Requirements
Heat Tolerance
Playfulness
Protection Ability
Watchdog Ability

Australian Cattle Dogs are not typically recommended as apartment dogs. They require vigorous exercise and a job to do, or they will find their own activities, which most likely will not be acceptable.

Australian Cattle Dogs require early and regular socialization. They tend to act suspiciously towards strangers, so teaching them what is normal behavior in friendly people will help alleviate those suspicions and teach it to recognize abnormal behaviors if necessary.

The heeler was bred to herd, and so has a tendency to nip at the heels of small children, though they do much better with the older child. They have an aggressive tendency towards other dogs of the same sex, and also towards chasing and seizing cats and other fleeing animals.

A challenging combination of intelligence, cleverness, and stubborness, Australian Cattle Dogs will test members of the family during adolescence and must be handled with firm, consistent leadership. They can be versatile dogs in the right hands, but they will run right over other owners.

Health and Exercise

Australian Cattle Dogs have an average life span of 10 to 13 years. In general, they will enjoy an active and healthy life, but some are prone to certain hereditary illnesses/diseases, including:

• Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), or degeneration of the bone in joint areas
• hip dysplasia
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
• deafness

Australian Cattle Dogs require a large amount of physical and mental exercise. A simple walk on a leash is not enough. A long jog or extended workout is best. These dogs are best when they have a job to do, especially herding. Herding trials may be a good option.

Visitor Comments

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