Australian Cattle Dog

Posted on 15. May, 2009 by in Australian Dog Breeds, Dog Breeds A, Herding Dogs, Short Coat Dog Breeds, Straight Coat Dog Breeds


Australian Cattle Dog

Developed by pioneer settlers in Australia during the 19th century, the Australian Cattle is a robust working dog needed on large ranches in the outback.

Known as the “Heeler” due to its herding skill of snapping and biting cattle’s heels, the Australian Cattle Dog is well-muscled, powerful, yet very agile dogs who can cover large distances. They have a very unique look that can be easily spotted amongst other dogs and animals, so it is definitely easy to spot this herding dog in the fields! An amazing dog with an amazing personality. The intelligent and courageous dog is a leader of the pack and will follow his owner to the end.

Breed Group

Herding

Size

17 – 20 inches tall (at shoulder)

Weight

30-40 lbs

Color(s)Australian Cattle Dog

Puppies are born all-white (inherited from the early Dalmatian crosses), but get their color within a few weeks after birth. The color of the coat comes in blue or red speckled with or without black.

Coat

The Australian Cattle Dog has a rough and moderately short weather-resistant double coat. The outer coat is flat, hard, straight, and close so that it is rain-resisting. While the under coat consists of a short and dense fur.

Life Expectancy

About 12 – 15 years.

Personality

An extremely intelligent, vigilant, courageous, and reliable breed, the Australian Cattle Dog is protective of their territory. Definitely a one-person dog, it is wary of people they don’t know, and can be aggressive with other pets or cats for its dominance level is high. This breed requires high challenging activities and may be too active and intense for home life.

Australian Cattle Dog puppyCare

The Australian Cattle Dog breed is prone to such health issues as hip dysplasia, some genetic deafness and PRA (progressive retina atrophy). The short-haired coat needs little care and is very easy to groom, Just comb and brush with a firm bristle brush, and bathe only when necessary using a mild shampoo. During seasonal shedding (once or twice per year) extra brushing should be given to the coat.

Training

To his master the Australian Cattle Dogs are very easy to train and extremely obedient. One of the most intelligent breeds, they need activities that engage their minds such as participating in dog sports, performing tricks or competitive obedience. Training sessions needs to be varied and exciting in order to keep the dog concerned. Harsh or heavy-handed training methods must be avoid with an Australian Cattle Dog.

ActivityAustralian Cattle Dog puppy

The Australian Cattle Dogs are not recommended for apartment or city dwelling life, these dogs have incredible amount of stamina and will enjoy a great deal of exercise. If not sufficiently stimulated this breed is likely to become bored, noisy and dominant. Two long and brisk walks a day, a job to do, the freedom to run about in a large sized yard and plenty of company is necessary to keep this dog at his happiest.

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8 Responses to “Australian Cattle Dog”

  1. melisa

    04. Oct, 2009

    hey how much are u selling the puppies for?

  2. rodolfo956

    17. May, 2010

    hey man i have one but is very destructive is like tasmania demon lol

  3. jennie

    01. Aug, 2010

    I love my Cattle dog! But I would definitely not recommend this breed for someone that does not have a large fenced in yard or has to leave for long periods of time. In our experience since we got a second dog she has been happier and more well behaved. Since they are both pack dogs and herding dogs we never have to worry about them running away because they are so attached to us and each other.

  4. Sue

    15. Sep, 2010

    I love my cattle dog also, and we recently just got another puppy to keep the older one company. Within 2 days I noticed a difference in the older one, she has completely calmed down.

  5. jess

    18. Sep, 2010

    i want one where do you get one?

  6. Renee

    26. Sep, 2010

    I love my cattle dog too! We are exceptionaly lucky in the fact that he LOVES other dogs and would play with them all day long if he could. Cattle dogs are VERY high maintenance, I cannot stress that enough. He is a great dog but can sometimes be a little unpredictable. He wont let us groom him, hates the car, and when it comes to bones…. dont go near him. All of these have resulted in a telling off from him to us. Which hurt. We are working on those problems, but other than that, he is great.
    Our first cattle dog was very different. He HATED other dogs. AND I MEAN HATE. I became a midnight walker. Going for walks was always stressful. Cattle dogs will fight until the end.

  7. randy sthymmel

    05. Jan, 2011

    I adopted a Heeler/pit puppy from the s.p.c.a. 5years ago. He is a great dog,loyal,independent,powerful,athletic,curious,
    sharp,and friendly. He has a lot of Heeler physicality,salt %
    pepper chest and toes,crocodile jaws,and killer dingo ears.
    What he’s missing is the standard body size. He is a lean,
    powerful,75 lbs, 24 ” high at the sholder, 36″ from nose to
    butt. He was nutered when I got him so he can’t be bred,
    and he might be too tall to heard cattle,but for draging me
    around suburbia on rollerblades,and getting a 61 year old
    outside every day,my dog Max can’t be beat.

  8. haley

    23. Jan, 2011

    i am really not a big fan i love my auiss so much :P :)

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