Australian Cattle Dog

Breed Group: herding

"I’m a hard-working bloke from Down Under, mate!"

Breed Profile

With a long lineage of cattle herding ancestors, the Australian Cattle Dog, also called Blue or Red Heeler or Queensland Heeler, is known as a tireless, loyal breed that loves having something to do. They need mental and physical stimulation to stay out of trouble, but if you can keep them entertained, they’ll be wonderful companions.

Behavior

Australian Cattle Dogs are smart, attentive, energetic, and they love to play. They were bred to herd, so these pups are always ready and willing to work. They can be stubborn and independent, often making it their job to keep others in line. Australian Cattle Dogs need a firm owner who can show them who’s boss, but once they see you as the leader,their affectionate, loyal character will emerge.

Coat

The Australian Cattle Dog’s outer coat is weather resistant, short, and a bit rough. The inner layer is short and thick. They are born with a white coat, but it darkens over time to become red-speckled or blue/blue mottled, and they often have markings as well. These dogs don’t shed much (except for when they blow their coats twice each year), so they only need occasional grooming with a brush or comb to remove dead hair.

Lifestyle

Australian Cattle Dogs make ideal companions for children and other dogs if they’re socialized at a young age and treated with respect. Their herding instinct may cause them to nip at running kids, so training is important to teach them good behavior. Australian Cattle Dogs are wary of strangers, so they may not be the best fit for homes with constant visitors. They’re an indoor/outdoor breed that needs the space of a home rather than the tight confinement of apartment. Also, be sure they get enough human interaction, or they may become unhappy and destructive.

Activity

Australian Cattle Dogs have loads of energy and need lots of mental and physical stimulation. Otherwise, they're likely to get into trouble. Their herding roots make them great companions for running, biking, and other outdoor activities. They’re also very smart and catch on quickly to new exercises and sports, like agility, tracking, and of course, herding.

Characteristics

Space Needs

Activity Needs

Intelligence

Playfulness

Grooming Needs

Trainability

Watch Ability

Dog-friendliness

Child-friendliness

About the Australian Cattle Dog

The Australian Cattle Dog’s herding roots remain strong today. These high-energy pups are intelligent, loyal, and hard-working. Give them a job, and they won’t stop until it’s finished. This “doggedness” makes them bond quickly with their families, but it also contributes to their stubborn side. Australian Cattle Dogs need training and socialization to teach them right from wrong, but they learn quickly and aim to please. They're highly active and require plenty of exercise for both their minds and bodies. A bored Australian Cattle Dog is bad news, so keep them entertained to avoid having a sad and destructive pup on your hands.