General Description
(Australian Heeler, Blue Heeler, Australian Cattledog, Queensland Heeler, Hall’s Heeler, Australischer Treibhund) Australian Cattle Dogs have a stout, well-built body that is agile and strong. They are a compact working dog with exceptional stamina and endurance. Australian Cattle Dogs have a body that is just longer than it is high. Their front legs are straight when perceived from the front. Australian Cattle Dogs have a wide head that is sloped between their wide-set, semi-pointed, pricked ears. Their teeth meet in a scissors bite and their oval-shaped eyes are dark brown in color. The breed’s tail is curved and reaches to the hock. Australian Cattle Dogs have a double coat that is weather resistant and features a short, straight outer coat and a short, thick undercoat. Their coat is either blue speckled or red speckled. Blue speckled coats may or may not have black, blue, or tan markings. Red speckled Australian Cattle Dogs should be evenly speckled all over the body with darker markings on the head.
The dog in the photo above is a Stumpy-Tailed Heeler, a breed related to the Australian Cattle Dog but distinguished by a short tail and rounded rump.
This is a hunting hound.
Character
Australian Cattle Dogs are a working, herding dog that isn’t accustomed to living alone or spending its days in a small backyard. They are highly intelligent and full of energy, so they can become bored without a job to do. This boredom can lead to behavior problems and destruction. Australian Cattle Dogs love to be part of the action and they do best with lots of space. They are extremely intelligent, loyal, and alert. They make terrific guard dogs as they are very courageous and trustworthy. Australian Cattle Dogs make happy, dependable pets if they are rigorously trained from a young age. This breed tends to gravitate and obey one person, and they can be suspicious of strangers. Australian Cattle Dogs have a propensity to be aggressive towards other dogs, and they generally aren’t suited for children. Some Australian Cattle Dogs might nip at people’s heels in an attempt to “herd” them. Potential owners of this breed should avoid having the strict working lines of this breed as household pets. Australian Cattle Dog puppies that have been firmly trained and socialized from a young age make acceptable and loving household pets.
Most Australian Cattle dogs are born with the instinct of aggresion. They naturaly will claim territory and defend it. If one of these dogs begins to show aggresion and starts misbehaving, the worst thing to do is put them in a pen. Penning them up with strengthen their aggression and will not help them improve.
Size
17 – 20 inches
Weight
30 – 35 pounds
25 - 55 pounds
General Health
Australian Cattle Dogs are prone to hip dysplasia, PRA, and deafness. Typically, this breed lives for 12 to 15 years, and they average 5 puppies per litter.
History
Originally developed to herd cattle on large ranches, the Australian Cattle Dog was constructed from a mix of breeds like the Smithfield and the Old Smooth Collie. Pioneer settlers in the 19th century brought dogs with them from Europe and began to experiment with new crosses. The Australian Cattle Dog is primarily derived from the smooth, blue speckled Collie and wild Australian Dingoes. Breeds like the Australian Kelpie, the Bull Terrier, and the Dalmatian were also added to the mix. The end result was the versatile and hardy Australian Cattle Dog. A man by the name of Robert Kaleski formed a standard for the breed in 1893, and it was later approved in Australia in 1903. In 1980, the Australian Cattle Dog achieved full recognition by the AKC.
Maintenance
Australian Cattle Dogs have a short, weather-resistant coat that needs little maintenance and grooming. Brushing with a firm bristle brush and bathing only as necessary are sufficient. Australian Cattle Dogs shed their coats once or twice per year, depending on the dog’s gender and region.
Ideal Environment
Australian Cattle Dogs need a significant amount of exercise as they are a breed with incredible stamina and energy. Without rigorous exercise, the Australian Cattle Dog is likely to become bored and destructive. For this reason,
Australian Cattle Dogs are not recommended for a small household or apartment. They do best with a large yard and a job to do.
Dog Training!
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I'm writing for my brother who adopted an approximately 2-year-old male cattle dog from a shelter in September 2007. He does not have any major problems except when my brother tries to take him for a walk, the dog jumps up and tries to grab the leash and will snarl and bark. They have tried several suggestions from people to try and train him to walk on a leash, but he becomes very aggressive and will not stop jumping. After they walk/drag him about a block, the dog gets tired and then walks normally on the leash. Any suggestions out there? They tried keeping still until he calms down and maybe he will realize that they won't take him for a walk until he behaves but that doesn't work. They have tried a soda can with pennies in it and throwing it at his feet and he will stop for an instant and then keep on acting up. They are getting extremely frustrated with him and I am afraid they will give up on him. He's house trained and is very well behaved in the house except for when he is bored and then he will look for something to get into. Please help. Thanks. Margie
I have owned 5 cattle dogs over the years - I currently have 3 - and sometimes they can be quirky. Your brother's dog may have been dragged roughly or fallen from the back of a truck and had the leash hold him. They are very smart dogs with long memories. He may have tried this without success, but, if not, I suggest that he start with a short leash or light rope and tie it on the dog's collar and let him wear it around the house or yard for a few days. When the dog comes over to be petted, always do so, holding the leash or rope gently and give him a treat - little treats work as well as big treats (like rice krispies, one or two at a time). Gradually, increase the length of rope so you can walk holding it and do so in the house, just briefly, say from couch to chair, then a treat and lead him a brief distance to get his supper if you start having success with this until he can wear his leash in the house for long periods of time and it can be picked up and you can lead him short distances without him reacting. If he backslides, shorten the distances again. Remember to praise him and pet him, don't drag or scold. When he gets the hang of this indoors - which should really only take a few days, start the outside walks slowly and keep the treats in your pocket. Good luck with him. They are awesome dogs. Cindy
you also try walking the dog in a harness or a muzzle lead as i have more response with these then what i do with a collar and the dog likes it better this way rather than me pulling it by the neck which is not nice
some times u got to put on a shock collar when u go for walks and when he gets mad and jumps on u shock him and if he keeps doin it put it 1 level higher and shock him it works like almost all the timep.s try it
my dog, blue wants to be the leader. he herds anything and everything. could be that this dog wants to be in charge (males are more prone to this) when i walk mine i have to also walk my other dog and let blue hold that leash. when the other dog tries to get away, blue just holds on tighter (jaws of steel)
i have a training collar i use on all three of my dogs that has two settings. one is a noise control and the other is shock. only time i have ever had to use the shock setting was on my cattle dog because he tried to go after a neighbor child. the shock dropped him in his tracks, but for the leash problem i think a dog whistle, at a smallercost,might do the trick. each time he rears up and tries to take control of the leash, blow the whistle, if he takes a few steps without acting up put him in a sit and praise him alot
Marge, have you tried walking the dog without a leash or just not holding onto the leash? Heelers are very active, super intelegent and learn things very quickly (good or bad). If he has had a bad experience or has been allowed to learn bad behvior you may need to change the way you start your walks. When you begin the walk, and the dog jumps, give a firm tug on the leash, say "no" and ask him to sit( in a heel position)next to you. Wait 20-30 seconds, take up the slack in the leash, ask him to come, and start walking. If he jumps, give a firm tug, say "no" and ask him to sit. Repeat these steps until the dog will walk 5 or 6 steps without jumping. Then ask the dog to sit and praise him. Gradually extend the length of walking without jumping, then praise. I would bet you'll see alot of progress in a very short time your first time out. Remember a little bit of praise goes a long way and shock collars are never, ever needed. keep it positive!! Good Luck!
I took my dog to a dog training class. He's a typical cattle dog although a mix. Try squirting him with a water bottle. The dog trainer tried this with my dog because he is quite aggressive with other dogs and it works extremely well. When we are out on walks I take the water bottle with me and when we pass other dogs and he starts to get aggressive I just squirt him once or twice and he won't even look at the other dogs after that.
i have 2 cowdogs. tell him to try playing in the yard to tire him out before the walk, with the leash on just dangling on the ground. then when the dog is at its panting point try walking. mine just thought the leash is was a toy. as for the barking and growling, they can be visciously vocal, but in reality they might as well be purring.
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great dog for active adults
my acd mix is a wonderful dog, however, he has never met a child he likes. he takes charge of the other dogs in our family and keeps them out of mischief. at 13 he has earned the rank of top boss in the back yard. nuetering took most of his aggression out and i highly recommend that for this dog unless you are a breeder. he is by far the most intellegent dog i have ever owned and there lies the joy and the sorrow. i do not recommend an acd for anyone who does not have the time for daily training. they need to have some kind of "work" to keep them out of trouble.
Pros: smart, smart, smart
Cons: smart, smart, smart
Australian Cattle Dog Information
