Australian Cattle Dog Breed Information:
The Australian Cattle Dog is an extremely intelligent, active, and sturdy dog breed. Developed by Australian settlers to handle herds of cattle on expansive ranches, they’re still used today as a herding dog. They thrive on having a job to do and on being part of all family activities. Even though these are purebred dogs, you may find them in the care of shelters or rescue groups.
Australian Cattle Dog Breed Group: Herding Dogs.
Australian Cattle Height: 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder.
Australian Cattle Weight: 30 to 50 pounds.
Australian Cattle Life Span: 12 to 15 years.
More About This Dog Breed:
This breed by one of his other common names: Australian Heeler, Blue Heeler, Queensland Heeler, or Halls Heeler. Officially, however, he's the Australian Cattle Dog; the "heeler" moniker comes from the fact that the dogs were bred to herd cattle by nipping at their heels.
The Australian Cattle Dog is a high-energy working dog. The Australian Cattle Dog is a "shadow" dog; intensely devoted to his owner, he does not want to be separated from him or her.
Australian Cattle History:
The Australian Cattle Dog was bred by 19th-century Australian settlers to herd cattle on large ranches. This breed was instrumental in helping ranchers expand the Australian beef industry by quietly but aggressively herding the sometimes uncontrollable, almost wild cattle with nips and bites.
Dogs initially brought from England weren't up to the job, so they were bred to the native Dingo. Countless breedings by many different ranchers finally resulted in what's believed to be the ancestors of the present-day Australian Cattle Dog.
Australian Cattle Size:
Males stand 18 to 20 inches tall, and females stand 17 to 19 inches tall. Weight ranges from 30 to 50 pounds.
Australian Cattle Personality:
The Australian Cattle Dog is an extremely active dog who needs constant mental and physical activity. If he's bored or lonely, he can be destructive. He's apt to chew and tear up items he shouldn't. He's smart, but at times he can be willful and stubborn. Consistent, positive training helps control his independent streak.
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Australian Cattle Health:
Australian Cattle Dogs are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they're prone to certain health conditions. Not all Australian Cattle Dogs will get any or all of these diseases.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA).
Hip Dysplasia.
Deafness.
Australian Cattle Care:
The hardworking Australian Cattle dog is best suited to an environment where he gets plenty of physical and mental stimulation. He's not well suited to living in an apartment or being left alone for long periods of time.
Australian Cattle Feeding:
Recommended daily amount: 1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Australian Cattle Coat Color And Grooming:
The Australian Cattle Dog's coloring is blue or red speckle. Blue or blue-mottled includes black, blue, or tan markings on the head; partially tan on the forelegs, chest, and throat; and tan on the jaw and hind legs. Sometimes the undercoat is tan with a blue outer coat.
The typical Australian Cattle Dog doesn't shed year-round, but instead he "blows" his coat once or twice a year (think of a snowstorm). In just a few weeks, the undercoat sheds in clumps. The Australian Cattle Dog doesn't require much primping, but some grooming is necessary to keep him clean and healthy.
Australian Cattle with Children And Other Pets:
The Australian Cattle Dog is good family dog, but he does best with children if he's raised with them and accepts them early on as members of his household. The Australian Cattle Dog gets along with other dogs in his household, especially if he's been raised with them from puppyhood.