Australian Cattle Dog

also known as Red Heeler, Blue Heeler, ACD, Queensland Heeler, Hall39;s Heeler, Cattle Dog

Pros History


The Australian Cattle Dog, also known as the Blue Heeler or the Queensland Heeler, is a hardworking and intelligent breed of dog that was developed in the 19th century to help with the cattle drives in the Australian outback.

The breed was first officially recognized by the Australian Kennel Club (ANKC) in 1893. Later on, the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1980 and the United Kennel Club (UKC) in 1983.

The Australian Cattle Dog was created by crossbreeding the Dingo, a wild dog native to Australia, with other breeds such as the Scottish Highland Collie, the Dalmatian, and the Black and Tan Kelpie. The goal was to create a dog that could withstand the harsh Australian climate and work tirelessly to herd and drive cattle over long distances.

The breed's name, "Australian Cattle Dog," reflects its purpose of being a cattle driver. The breed is known for its endurance, loyalty, and intelligence, which makes it an excellent herding dog. It's also known for its high energy and its ability to work for long hours without tiring.

Australian Cattle Dogs have been used for various purposes such as herding cattle, sheep, pigs, and even poultry, hunting, and as a companion dog. They are great at agility, obedience, and tracking trials, as well as search and rescue operations.

Historically, the Australian Cattle Dog was used by cattle drovers, who traveled long distances with their herds. The breed was also used by farmers and ranchers to help with the daily tasks of herding and driving cattle.

Throughout the years, the Australian Cattle Dog has proven to be a versatile and reliable breed, capable of performing a wide range of tasks. They are widely respected as one of the most hardworking and intelligent breeds of dog, and they continue to be popular with farmers, ranchers, and pet owners all over the world.

Breed Information


Type

Is Australian Cattle Dog a purebred?

Purebred

Purpose

What were Australian Cattle Dogs originally used for?

Cattle Droving

Lifespan

How Long Do Australian Cattle Dogs Live? What is average life expectancy for an Australian Cattle Dog? How long can Australian Cattle Dogs live?

12-15 years

The average Australian Cattle Dog lifespan is somewhere between 12-15 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Australian Cattle Dog Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Australian Cattle Dog?

What is the average height of an Australian Cattle Dog? How big is an Purebred Australian Cattle Dog height? Australian Cattle Dog dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 18-20 inches (45.7 - 50.8 cm) 14.0 inches (35.6 cm) 16.5 inches (41.9 cm) 19.0 inches (48.3 cm)
Female 17-19 inches (43.2 - 48.3 cm) 14.0 inches (35.6 cm) 16.0 inches (40.6 cm) 18.0 inches (45.7 cm)
What is the average weight of an Australian Cattle Dog? How much should Australian Cattle Dogs weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 33-40 pounds (15 - 18 kg) 17.5 pounds (8 kg) 27.5 pounds (12 kg) 35.0 pounds (16 kg)
Female 31-35 pounds (14 - 16 kg) 16.5 pounds (7 kg) 25.5 pounds (12 kg) 31.5 pounds (14 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Australian Cattle Dogs get fat easily?

The Australian Cattle Dog is a breed that has an average to high tendency to gain weight if their weight is not closely monitored. It is important to maintain a balance between exercise and food intake to keep them at a healthy weight. This can be achieved by scheduling at least one daily walk and engaging in regular playtime with them.

Hypoallergenic

Are Australian Cattle Dogs Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the Australian Cattle Dog is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is an Australian Cattle Dog personality? What are Australian Cattle Dog dogs best known for?

Aggressive
Energetic
Loyal
Responsive
Alert
Intelligent
Protective

Shedding Level

Are Australian Cattle Dogs heavy shedders? How Much Does an Australian Cattle Dog Shed?

Australian Cattle Dog dogs are not heavy shedders, but they will lose a significant amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your Australian Cattle Dog. This will remove loose hair and keep his coat growing in the same direction.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of an Australian Cattle Dog dog?

The Australian Cattle Dog dog is one of the best choice if you want a good watchdog. This breed will keep watch over you and your family at all times. This breed takes this task seriously and will typically perform its guarding duty with little to no training. This dog will require obedience training, or you can consider guard dog training to sharpen its skills.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Australian Cattle Dogs come from?

Australia

Ancestry

What are Australian Cattle Dogs descended from?

Dingo

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Australian Cattle Dog breed?

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club

Date of Birth

When were Australian Cattle Dogs first bred? How old is the Australian Cattle Dog breed?

1800s

Breed Group

What Breed Group is an Australian Cattle Dog?

Herding (AKC:1980 & UKC)

Australian Cattle Dog Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Australian Cattle Dog eyes?

Blue
Brown
Amber

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Australian Cattle Dog nose be naturally?

Black
Brown

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Australian Cattle Dog coat be naturally?

Blue
Red

Coat Length

How long is an Australian Cattle Dogs coat?

The coat of an Australian Cattle Dog falls in the medium length category.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Australian Cattle Dog Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of an Australian Cattle Dog?

Straight

Litter Size

How many puppies can an Australian Cattle Dog have in a litter? How many puppies can an Australian Cattle Dog have in her first litter?

12-15 puppies per pregnancy

An Australian Cattle Dog can have a litter of 12-15 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Australian Cattle Dog dogs generally adapt well to changes in lifestyle and different living environments, but it is considered as an average level of adaptability compared to other breeds.

Australian Cattle Dog Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Australian Cattle Dogs have a lot of health problems?

The Australian Cattle Dog is generally considered to be healthy. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues and it is important to keep an eye out for them and address them with your veterinarian as needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning an Australian Cattle Dog?

Deafness
OCD
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Hip Dysplasia

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Australian Cattle Dogs?

Cataracts
Lens Luxation

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Australian Cattle Dog breed?

Eye
Hip
Hearing

Australian Cattle Dog Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Australian Cattle Dogs have a lot of energy?

Australian Cattle Dogs are high-energy dogs, thus an active lifestyle suits them well.

Social Needs

Do Australian Cattle Dogs need socialization? How social are Australian Cattle Dogs?

Australian Cattle Dogs have average social needs compared to other breeds. They are known to be less active and independent than other breeds, and they are content with spending time alone and with their human family.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Australian Cattle Dogs get?

The Australian Cattle Dog needs a high level of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They also make great companions for people who lead an active lifestyle and enjoy running, hiking or other outdoor activities. These breeds are not suitable for people with sedentary lifestyle or those who live in small apartments

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should an Australian Cattle Dog have? Do Australian Cattle Dogs sleep a lot?

Australian Cattle Dogs are active dogs that don't require as much sleep as other breeds. However, they still need enough sleep to stay healthy.

Drooling Tendency

Does an Australian Cattle Dog drool a lot?

The Australian Cattle Dog is a breed of dog that is characterized by its minimal drooling, making it an ideal choice for people who dislike drool marks on their clothing.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Australian Cattle Dog dogs tends to bark less frequently than most other dogs. They tend to be quieter and less vocal than other breeds. They may only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner of something or to communicate something. They do not bark excessively, and may not bark as much as other dogs in certain situations, such as when they are left alone.

Territorial

Do Australian Cattle Dogs exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

These dogs are known for being extremely protective and make excellent guard dogs. They possess a strong instinct to defend their territory and owners and have a high level of vigilance and alertness.

Mouthiness

Are Australian Cattle Dogs mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of an Australian Cattle Dog running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Australian Cattle Dog dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do Australian Cattle Dogs enjoy doing? How do I keep my Australian Cattle Dog busy?

Chase, Running, Walk, Run, Fetch, Play, Herding, Playing, Walking, Road trip, Playing fet, Hiking, Eating Snacks, Hike, Sleep, Kisses, Sniffing, Sprint, Tug-of-war, Hunt, Tracking, Investigating, Cuddling, Off-leash, Chewing, Herding birds, Bike ride, Go to Park, Jogging, Dog Parks

Activity Level

What is the energy level of an Australian Cattle Dog? How much energy does an Australian Cattle Dog have?

High

Australian Cattle Dogs are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should an Australian Cattle Dog walk each week? How many miles should an Australian Cattle Dog walk every week?

14 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Australian Cattle Dog, it's at least 14 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much an Australian Cattle Dog should exercise a day? How much activity does an Australian Cattle Dog need?

90 minutes

In general most Australian Cattle Dogs usually need at least 90 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for an Australian Cattle Dog?

The Australian Cattle Dog is a breed of dog that does not require extensive grooming.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush an Australian Cattle Dog?

Monthly

In general Australian Cattle Dog should be brushed at least once a month. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes, especially if they enjoyed it

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Australian Cattle Dogs?

Slicker Brush
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does an Australian Cattle Dog eat?

2.5 cups

For an average 33-40 pound (15 - 18 kg) Australian Cattle Dog feed 2.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does an Australian Cattle Dog Cost Daily?

$1.70 - $2.00 / day

The average cost of an Australian Cattle Dog is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does an Australian Cattle Dog Cost Per Month?

$48 - $63 / month

The average per month expenses of an Australian Cattle Dog is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Australian Cattle Dog Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is an Australian Cattle Dog?

The Australian Cattle Dog breed is considered highly intelligent and very easy to train.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is an Australian Cattle Dog dog?

This dog breed is more sensitive than others and easily overwhelmed by new surroundings and people. They need gentle handling and a calm, stable home environment with positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are Australian Cattle Dog dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Australian Cattle Dog do well in apartments? Are Australian Cattle Dogs good indoor dogs?

The Australian Cattle Dog is not an apartment-friendly dog breed. This dog breed is best in a home with a large, fenced-in yard. They are not suited for apartment life and can become destructive due to pent up energy from being in a small space.

Child Friendly

Are Australian Cattle Dogs good with kids? Are Australian Cattle Dogs good around children?

A Australian Cattle Dogs typical characteristics indicate that this breed of dog is an ideal companion for kids and makes them family pets. Their gentle and protective nature and calm mentality make them gel along quickly with the younger humans

Senior-friendly

Are Australian Cattle Dogs good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Australian Cattle Dogs good with cats? How friendly Australian Cattle Dogs are toward cats?

Australian Cattle Dogs are an average cat friendly dog. They do well with cats, even more if raised together from puppyhood,

Dog Friendly

Do Australian Cattle Dog dogs get along with other dogs? Are Australian Cattle Dogs OK with other dogs?

Australian Cattle Dogs are average friendly towards other dogs. If they are raised with other dogs, they are likely to get along with them. And, if they are socialized properly from a young age, they will usually be great with other dogs.

Pet friendly

How do Australian Cattle Dog dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Australian Cattle Dogs friendly with strangers?

Australian Cattle Dogs are below average friendly around strangers. Keen of eye and sharp of tongue, most Australian Cattle Dogs are very quick to announce strangers at the door. Once the visitor comes in, some Australian Cattle Dogs will be friendly and outgoing. But many others have the standoffish or suspicious towards strangers.

Playfulness

Do Australian Cattle Dogs like to play? Are Australian Cattle Dogs playful?

Australian Cattle Dogs are known to be highly playful dog. So if you're not up for all that, think about adopting a slightly older Australian Cattle Dog for a mellower experience.

Trainability

Are Australian Cattle Dog easily trained?

Australian Cattle Dog dogs are known for their ease of training and ability to learn quickly, making them a popular choice for pet owners and trainers alike.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • High energy
    Australian Cattle Dogs are high energy dogs that require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation.
  • Rarely barks
    This breed may be a good pick for those looking for a more peaceful dog as they are known for being quiet.
  • Intelligent
    Australian Cattle Dogs are highly intelligent and trainable.
  • Protective
    Australian Cattle Dogs are protective of their family and make great guard dogs.

Cons

  • Not Apartment Friendly
    Apartment living may not provide enough space for a Australian Cattle Dog dog.
  • Not suitable for first-time dog owners
    Australian Cattle Dogs require a confident and experienced owner who can provide proper training and socialization.
  • Not Hypoallergenic
    People with allergies should be aware that Australian Cattle Dogs may cause allergic reactions.
  • Not suitable for office environment
    Australian Cattle Dogs may not be able to handle the distractions of an office.
  • Tendency to gain weight
    The Australian Cattle Dog's weight can become an issue if not kept in check.
  • Prone to certain health issues
    Australian Cattle Dogs are prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia and bloat.