Breed of the week – Australian Cattle Dog

Meet this week’s breed!

Breed Name: Australian Cattle Dog

Category: Pastoral

Origin: Australia

Life Expectancy: 10 Years +

Average Size & Weight: Medium 15-23kg

Breed Overview

Australian Cattle Dogs, also known as Heelers, are medium build and sturdy dogs bred for working and moving livestock, mainly cattle. They have been bred over many generations and recognized as a pure breed. This breed has become very popular in more recent years due to a well-loved children’s programme which features a Blue Heeler family.

There are two main colours, Blue and Red Speckle. Blue Heelers often have blue-mottled or speckled coat and can often have other marking such as tan spots. Red Heelers have an even red speckle across the body.

Personality & Temperament

This breed has a high energy level, comparable to the Border Collie. Bred for long days moving cattle in hot climates, these dogs are alert and intelligent. These dogs also have a protective nature for watching over stock and their handler.

Often considered a ‘velcro dog’ as they naturally social, good with children and other dogs however early socialisation and training is important to lessen their natural herding instant when in busy and loud situations.

Is This Breed Right for You?

An ideal home for this breed would be an active household, preferable with outdoor space or frequent access to outdoor spaces such as parks.

Providing a home for these dogs is not difficult providing you are willing to exercise them regularly, engaging their body as well as their mind. Bored working breeds will often become ‘self-employed’ and find their own work, such as chewing!

More than 2 hours per day is recommended however mental stimulation is just as important.

Grooming & Care

Coat type – Double coated and short

Shedding – Shed all year but manageable

Grooming frequency – Regular brushing helps to manage shedding

Bathing – low maintenance, when necessary

Nail, ear, and dental care – once a week check/trim/clean

Health Considerations

Hip and elbow dysplasia

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Congenital Deafness

These health conditions should be tested for, if considering a pure breed dog please ask for any health test the breeder may have don’t on the parents and sometimes on the dog itself.

Training Tips

These dogs thrive with sports such as flyball and agility, they also benefit from scent work or playing games such as frisbee.

Socialisation classes are recommended, getting out and about as soon as possible is very important for this breed to become comfortable with all situation as with all dogs.

Common behavioural challenges include unwanted herding behaviours, nipping and chewing when not properly stimulated.

Fun Facts

🐾 Fact 1 – Made famous by a children’s tv programme

🐾 Fact 2 – Australian Cattle Dogs are bored white! Their coloured coats com as they grow.

🐾 Fact 3 – Nicknamed Shadows or Heelers – they love to stick by their owners and family, where you go they go. These dogs herd livestock by nipping at the heels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are they good family dogs?

Yes, they can be providing their needs are met.

How much exercise do they need?

2 or more hours per day is recommended

Do they shed?

Yes, throughout the year but manageable

Are they easy to train?

Very intelligent and will learn quickly, training is a must.

What health issues should owners be aware of?

Hip and elbow dysplasia, deafness and progressive retinal atrophy

The Australian Cattle Dog is a hardworking, intelligent and social breed. With training and plenty of physical and mental stimulation this dog is loyal companion and great adventure buddy.

For information about the breed standard and health advice visit the Royal Kennel Club here.

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