| Breed
Group:
Herding |
| Weight:
35-45 lbs |
| Height:
male: 18-20; female: 17-19 inches |
| Color(s):
Blue
or blue-mottled with or without other markings; red speckled. Puppies
are born white but get their color within a few weeks. |
| Coat:
The
Australian Cattle Dog has a weather resistant double coat. The outer
coat is flat, hard, straight, and close. The under coat is dense and
short. The color of the coat comes in blue, red speckle, blue speckle,
or blue-mottled. The blue coat has markings of black, blue, or tan.
Puppies are born white. However, adult coat color is visible in the
pads of the paws. This breed is a seasonal shedder. |
| Overview:
Originating
in Australia during the 19th century, the Australian Cattle Dog was
bred for endurance, herding abilities, and toughness. Often referred to
as Blue Heeler, Red Heeler, and Queensland Heeler, this breed is
considered to be one of the three most popular dog breeds in Australia. |
| Character:
The
Australian Cattle Dog is compact, strong, alert, and agile. This breed
is trustworthy, courageous, and is exceedingly devoted to the duties
they are given. A member of the working and herding group, the
Australian Cattle Dog is a combination of substance, balance, power,
and hard muscular condition. |
| Temperament:
An
extremely intelligent, loyal, and affectionate breed, the Australian
Cattle Dog is protective of their family, home, and territory. They
thrive on human interaction and activity but are easily bored which can
lead to serious behavior issues. This breed is generally not good with
children they have not been raised with. They are typically suspicious
of strangers and may be aggressive to dogs they do not know. They do
not get along well with other household pets or cats. This breed will
attempt to herd and nip at the heels of anything and everything that
moves. The Australian Cattle Dog has a high level of dominance and is
not recommended for the novice, sedentary, or apathetic dog owner. |
| Care:
The
Australian Cattle Dog needs weekly brushing with a firm bristle brush.
Extra attention should be given to the coat during seasonal shedding.
Bathing should only be done when absolutely necessary using a mild
shampoo. This breed is prone to such health issues as PRA, deafness,
and hip dysplasia. |
| Training:
Early
intense socialization and obedience are crucial for the Australian
Cattle Dog. This breed is extremely obedient. Australian Cattle Dogs do
not respond to harsh or heavy-handed methods. Training must be done
with firmness, fairness, praise, consistency, and patience. They are
very talented in such areas as herding, agility, retrieving, guarding,
competitive obedience, and in learning tricks. |
| Activity:
The
Australian Cattle Dog has an inordinate amount of stamina and requires
a great deal of exercise. This breed will become destructive if not
sufficiently stimulated. They are not recommended for apartment or city
dwelling but do best in a rural setting or in a home with a large
securely fenced yard. |
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