Australian Cattle Dog

ATTRIBUTES: Loyal, Intelligent, Tenacious

GROUP: Herding Group

ACIVITY LEVEL: Needs Lots Of Activity

BARKING LEVEL: Infrequent

COAT TYPE: Smooth, Double

COAT LENGTH: Short

SHADDING: Regularly

SIZE: Medium

TRAINABILITY: May Be Stubborn

CHARACTERISTIC: Largest Dog Breeds, Medium Dog Breeds

Breed Overview

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Ancestry

Dingo

Origin Icon
Origin

Australia

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Registration

1980

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Size

18 - 20 Inches (Male)

17 - 19 Inches (Female)

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Weight

35-50 Pounds

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Expected Life

12 - 16 Years

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY +
Independent
Lovey-Dovey
LOVE WITH CHILDREN +
Unwise
Good With Children
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS +
Unwise
Good With Other Dogs
SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT
No Shedding
Hair Everywhere
+
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS
Monthly
Daily
+
DROOLING INTENSITY
Less Likely to Drool
Always Have a Towel
+
COAT TYPE
+
COAT LENGTH
+
FRIENDLINESS
Reserved
Everyone Is My Best Friend
+
LIVELINESS
Only When You Want To Play
Non-Stop
+
VIGILANCE INTENSITY
What's Mine Is Yours
Vigilant
+
ADAPTATION CAPACITY
Lives For Routine
Highly Adaptable
+
OBEDIENCE LEVEL
Self-Willed
Eager to Please
+
STAMINA LEVEL
Couch Potato
High Energy
+
VOCALIZATION
Only To Alert
Very Vocal
+
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL
Loaf
Needs an Activity
+
COLORS
+
PATTERNS
+
CARING WITH FAMILY
Independent
Lovey-Dovey
The level of warmth and affection a particular breed is anticipated to display towards family members, as well as individuals they are familiar with. Certain breeds may appear distant and indifferent towards everyone except their owner, whereas other breeds extend their friendly nature to anyone they have formed a bond with.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN
Unwise
Good With Children
A breed's degree of tolerance and patience towards the behavior of children, as well as its overall friendly nature towards families, are important considerations. It is crucial to supervise dogs when they are around young children or any children who have limited experience with dogs.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS
Unwise
Good With Other Dogs
Evaluating the overall friendliness of a dog breed towards other dogs is crucial. To promote positive interactions, it is essential to supervise and introduce dogs properly, as some breeds possess innate characteristics that facilitate better compatibility with other canines both in home environments and in social settings.
SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT
No Shedding
Hair Everywhere
The amount of fur and hair a particular breed is prone to shedding should be taken into account. Breeds that shed excessively will require frequent brushing to manage the loose hair. They may also be more likely to trigger allergies in some individuals, and as a result, more consistent vacuuming and lint-rolling may be necessary to keep the environment clean.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS
Monthly
Daily
The grooming effort required greatly depends on how frequently a breed needs bathing, brushing, trimming, or engaging in other sorts of coat maintenance. It's necessary to evaluate the time, patience, and budget you have available for this level of care. Additionally, remember that regular nail trimming is essential for all breeds.
DROOLING INTENSITY
Less Likely to Drool
Always Have a Towel
Consider the level of propensity a particular breed has for drooling. If you have a strong preference for cleanliness, breeds of dogs that have the tendency to leave long streaks of saliva on your arm or create noticeable wet patches on your attire may not align with your preferences.
COAT STYLES GUIDE
Smooth, Double
COAT SPECTRUM
Short
FRIENDLINESS
Reserved
Everyone Is My Best Friend
The degree of friendliness a breed exhibits towards unfamiliar individuals can vary significantly. Certain breeds tend to be more reserved or cautious around strangers, irrespective of the setting, whereas other breeds eagerly embrace the opportunity to meet new people whenever they are present.
LIVELINESS
Only When You Want To Play
Non-Stop
The degree of enthusiasm a breed exhibits towards play can persist even beyond their puppyhood. Certain breeds tend to maintain a strong desire to engage in active play, such as tug-of-war or fetch, well into their adult years. Conversely, other breeds may be content with spending most of their time relaxing on the couch and enjoying calm activities with their owners.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY
What's Mine Is Yours
Vigilant
Certain breeds have a higher inclination to notify their owners of the presence of unfamiliar individuals. These breeds are more likely to exhibit a reaction to potential threats, whether it be the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. However, once these breeds become familiar with someone who enters the house and is accepted by their family, they are likely to become more receptive to those individuals.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY
Lives For Routine
Highly Adaptable
The adaptability of a breed to handle changes can encompass various aspects of day-to-day life, including alterations in living conditions, noise levels, weather conditions, and daily schedules. Some breeds demonstrate a higher level of ease in adapting to these changes displaying a resilient and flexible nature. They are generally more capable of adjusting to different environments and managing variations in their routines. However, other breeds might exhibit more sensitivity and may require a more gradual introduction to change in order to adapt comfortably.
OBEDIENCE LEVEL
Self-Willed
Eager to Please
The ease of training a dog and their willingness to learn new things can vary among different breeds. Some breeds display a natural inclination and eagerness to please their owners, making them relatively easy to train. They actively seek to make their owners proud and are generally receptive to learning new commands and behaviors. On the other hand, certain breeds may exhibit more independence and a preference for doing things on their own terms. They may require additional patience and creative training methods to motivate them to learn and comply with commands. Understanding a breed's specific traits and tendencies can greatly assist in tailoring the training approach to their individual needs.
STAMINA LEVEL
Couch Potato
High Energy
Various breeds have different demands for exercise and mental stimulation. High-energy breeds display a remarkable readiness and an insatiable enthusiasm for their next adventure. They dedicate their time to running, jumping, and playing throughout the day. Conversely, low-energy breeds resemble couch potatoes, content to lounge around and enjoy restful nap times.
VOCALIZATION
Only To Alert
Very Vocal
Infrequent
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL
Happy to Lounge
Needs a Job or Activity
The mental stimulation required for a breed to maintain its happiness and overall well-being should not be underestimated. Purpose-bred dogs, in particular, may have specific jobs that demand decision-making, problem-solving, concentration, and other cognitive skills. Without adequate mental exercise, these dogs are likely to seek out their own activities to keep their minds occupied. Unfortunately, these self-created projects may not align with the preferences of their owners or be conducive to a harmonious living environment. Therefore, it is crucial to provide sufficient mental stimulation to prevent undesirable behaviors and promote a healthy, balanced lifestyle for purpose-bred dogs.
COLORS

Description

Registration Code

Blue

037

Blue Mottled

438

Blue Speckled

439

Red Speckled

440

Red Mottled

455

PATTERNS

Description

Registration Code

Tan Markings

012

Red Markings

023

Black & Tan Markings

039

About The Breed

The Australian Cattle Dog often called the Blue Heeler or Red Heeler based on their coat color is a sturdy intelligent and active breed originally developed by Australian settlers to manage herds of cattle on expansive ranches. These dogs are not just fast—they’re lightning-quick making them exceptional herding dogs. Their resilient nature and cleverness often outwit their owners showcasing their exceptional intelligence. Standing 17 to 20 inches at the shoulder they boast a compact muscular and agile physique. Born with a white coat their fur eventually turns blue-gray or red often with unique mottling or speckling patterns.

Loyal and protective of their families Australian Cattle Dogs are naturally wary of outsiders. Their unwavering loyalty and constant vigilance make them excellent companions but they thrive best in homes with plenty of room to run. These dogs have an enduring energy and a flexible gait making them perfect partners for running or engaging in canine sports like agility obedience rally flyball and flying disc competitions. However their remarkable work ethic and drive mean they need plenty of mental activity and physical activity to stay happy and healthy. Without proper stimulation they can become bored and exhibit destructive or mischievous behavior. For novice pet parents or apartment dwellers this breed can be a challenge but for those who can keep up with their active nature they’re incredibly rewarding.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Australian Cattle Dog: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

Health

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A conscientious breeder will carefully examine the breeding animals for health issues such as deafness, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) resulting in vision loss, and hip dysplasia. It is important to regularly inspect the ears of an Australian Cattle Dog (ACD) to remove any foreign objects and prevent excessive accumulation of earwax. Additionally, maintaining proper oral hygiene for an ACD entails regularly brushing their teeth.

Health Assessment Recommendations from the Breed's National Association:

  • Hip Evaluation

  • Elbow Evaluation

  • BAER Testing

  • Primary Lens Luxation (PLL) - DNA Test

  • Ophthalmologist Evaluation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy, PRCD (PRA-prcd, PRCD) - DNA Test

Health

Grooming

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The Dog was specifically developed for outdoor work and possesses a sleek double-layered coat that provides ample protection against various weather conditions. Fortunately, this coat does not give off any unpleasant odors or leave behind oily residue, which means that a simple brushing once per week and occasional bathing is generally sufficient for maintenance. However, it's important to note that the ACD experiences two shedding seasons annually. During these times, it is advisable to brush the dog more frequently every few days using a short-bristle brush and possibly a comb to effectively remove dead hair. Additionally, like all dog breeds regular nail trimming is necessary for an Dog.
Health

Exercise

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is known for its remarkable activity level and high energy. Merely providing a brief walk or yard playtime would not suffice to keep this breed content and in good health. It is crucial for ACDs to have a purpose or job to fulfill in order to maintain their overall well-being. On a working farm this need is often naturally fulfilled through herding duties. However, in other living environments, it is essential to engage the ACD in regular runs with its owner, preferably on a daily or near-daily basis, as this serves as an excellent outlet for its energy. Participating in dog sports, such as obedience or agility is another highly recommended option. These activities provide opportunities for the ACD and their owner to work together channeling the breed's drive and abundant energy in an enjoyable and fulfilling manner.
Health

Training

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Early socialization and obedience training are absolutely crucial for the Australian Cattle Dog. This breed is known for its exceptional intelligence and remarkable energy levels, and they truly thrive when given a purposeful job to perform. Consequently, it is highly recommended to continue training and engage in activities such as obedience, herding, or agility with the ACD. While this commitment may require a substantial amount of time from the owner, it serves to strengthen the bond between owner and dog, and both parties can find it enjoyable. It's important to keep in mind that an intelligent and energetic dog, if not provided with sufficient mental and physical stimulation, can easily become bored. And when boredom sets in, the ACD's energy can turn into destructive behavior. Therefore, it is vital to keep the Australian Cattle Dog occupied and mentally stimulated to ensure their happiness and prevent any potential.
Health

Nutrition

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generally thrives on a diet of high-quality dog food whether it is commercially produced or prepared at home under the supervision and approval of a veterinarian. It is important to select a diet that is suitable for the dog's specific life stage, whether it is a puppy, adult, or senior. As an active and athletic breed it is crucial to ensure that the dog receives nutrition that meets its energetic requirements. It is advisable to become acquainted with safe human foods for dogs and be aware of which foods are potentially harmful. If there are any concerns regarding the dog's weight or diet, consulting a veterinarian is highly recommended. Lastly, it is essential to always provide the Australian Cattle Dog with clean and fresh water available at all times.

Historiography

The Australian Cattle Dog has a rich history tied to Australia's beef industry which played a vital role in the country's economy. In the early 1800s Anglo-Australians moved from coastal settlements to the vast grasslands of the inland perfect for raising beef cattle. To manage these wild areas skilled herding dogs were essential. Initially British imports like the Smithfield were used but they struggled with the harsh climate rugged terrain and long distances to market. This led stockmen to experiment crossing Smithfield’s with Dingoes a feral breed introduced by earliest human inhabitants and later adding Scottish Highland Collies. George Elliot from Queensland was a key figure breeding Dingoes with Collies to create hardy farmers' dogs. The final touch came when Jack Bagust and Harry Bagust introduced Dalmatians adding loyalty protectiveness and ease around horses while the Black and Tan Kelpie reinforced their working ability. Recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1980 the breed became a founding member of the AKC Herding Group in 1983. Over time Blue Heelers and Queensland Heelers emerged as popular names with Robert Kaleski formalizing the breed standard in 1893 later approved by the Kennel Club of New South Wales in 1903.

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