Australian Cattle Dogs
The Australian Cattle Dog is a relatively healthy and long-lived breed. Their average life expectancy is 12 to 15 years.
The Australian Cattle Dog is a medium-sized dog at approximately 17 to 20 inches and around 35 pounds.
Australian Cattle Dogs exhibit two primary coat colors: blue and red. In both cases the coloration is not solid.
The Australian Cattle Dog, also known as the Australian Heeler, Hall’s Heeler, Queensland Heeler and Blue Heeler, is a robust and compact working dog, muscular, powerful, but very agile. The body is slightly longer than it is tall with a slightly curved tail that reaches approximately to the hock.
If you are looking for an intelligent dog that will act as a guard dog, then the Australian Cattle Dog may be perfect for you!
Bred in the 19th century by early settlers, the Australian Cattle Dog is a mix of Collies imported from Scotland and Australian Dingoes with a few other breeds.
That said, as a pet, it is possible that your Australian Shepherd will display herding behavior. As they have the instinct to control herds, this dog can be a one man dog, so to speak, and may nip at the heels of your friends when they come to visit trying to herd them. Proper training must be done to have a pet that doesn’t chase away everyone it meets.
The Australian Cattle Dog is one of the most intelligent breeds and along with this intelligence comes the need to keep busy and useful. Australian Cattle Dogs are very good learners and follow all instructions from the owner. He can be easily trained to be an obedient dog, but you should vary the training so he doesn’t get bored.
Cattle Dogs drive cattle by biting their heels or tails, but they have also been known to herd other animals such as ducks, chickens, humans, pigeons, and even cars without instructions when left alone.
Australian Cattle Dog puppies need a lot of love and affection. Puppies are born white (except for any solid colored body or facial markings) and become darker as they mature. This feature is believed to be inherited from presumed Dalmatian descent. Early obedience training is a must. Their intelligence, sensitivity, and desire to please combine to make them highly trainable dogs.