Australian Cattle Dog
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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. All pure bred Australian Cattle Dogs should exhibit a white marking on their forehead called a 'Bentley Star'.
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 aggression. They natural will claim territory and defend it. If one of these dogs begins to show aggression 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. It is best to properly train and socialize this breed from birth. This breed may not be suitable for first time dog owners.
Size
17 – 20 inches
Weight
30 – 35 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.
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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
I have had 3
All three have been wonderful. Our first was a rescue and had been abused. With love she pulled through and was a terrific dog. Our 2nd was the love of my life. Very friendly to all but if he became frustrated he would air bite. It was a terrible blow to loose him after 12 years. We now have the "baby". He is super intelligent more then the other 2, very loving and cuddley. Unfortunately he as mauled at 8 months by 3 dogs. We put him through very intense training and it paid off. He's a cool guy
Pros: Loving,willingness to learn,playfull
Cons: SMART
my ACD is a sweet girl
i adopted my ACD from the animal shelter when she was 4 months old. potty training was a breeze, teaching her commands is a breeze, she's sweet-natured, has never met a child, human or dog she doesn't like and has only given me one problem since i've had her which was when she contracted parvo. i have several dogs growing up but my ACD Carlie is hands down my most loyal, caring and trustworthy friend. she's versitile, she'll go anywhere. i've taken her to friends houses, lake houses, beach houses, public places. she's great. her energy level is high yes but nothing that can't be burned off which a rigorous game of fetch with a squeaky tennis ball. i would recommend this breed to anyone looking for a dog who typically listens well and is easy to get along with and please.
Pros: There's too many to name.
Cons: slim to none.
Great Dogs and Family Members
ACD's are fantastic dogs - they are funny, extremely smart, they would give up their life for you and they love pleasing their master(s). I just lost my best friend last week (12 yrs old) and she'll always remain with me. These dogs are great for camping, hiking and any type of outdoor activities. They can be "quirky" and each one has a few weird habits, but they can be enjoyed. They are "fair" with young children but alot of that has to do with the individual dog and his/her training. Also, mine was not good with other dogs but that may be because she wasn't raised with any other dogs. Overall, they are great friends, companions and protectors.
Pros: Extremely smart, loyal and a great companion.
Cons: Can become bored without enough exercise.