Cattle Shepherd

also known as German Heeler Shepherd, Working Shepherd

Breed Information


Type

Is Cattle Shepherd a purebred?

Cross Breed

Purpose

What were Cattle Shepherds originally used for?

Guarding, Herding, Companion

Lifespan

How Long Do Cattle Shepherds Live? What is average life expectancy for a Cattle Shepherd? How long can Cattle Shepherds live?

11-15 years

The average Cattle Shepherd lifespan is somewhere between 11-15 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Cattle Shepherd Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Cattle Shepherd?

What is the average height of a Cattle Shepherd? How big is a Cross Breed Cattle Shepherd height? Cattle Shepherd dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 20-25 inches (50.8 - 63.5 cm) 16.5 inches (41.9 cm) 20.5 inches (52.1 cm) 25.0 inches (63.5 cm)
Female 20-25 inches (50.8 - 63.5 cm) 15.5 inches (39.4 cm) 19.0 inches (48.3 cm) 23.0 inches (58.4 cm)
What is the average weight of a Cattle Shepherd? How much should Cattle Shepherds weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 45-80 pounds (20 - 36 kg) 37.5 pounds (17 kg) 52.5 pounds (24 kg) 67.5 pounds (31 kg)
Female 45-80 pounds (20 - 36 kg) 30.0 pounds (14 kg) 45.0 pounds (20 kg) 57.5 pounds (26 kg)
Hypoallergenic

Are Cattle Shepherds Hypoallergenic?

No

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

Temperament

What is a Cattle Shepherd personality? What are Cattle Shepherd dogs best known for?

Active
Curious
Loving
Protective
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Affectionate
Obedient
Loyal
Good-natured
Watchful

Shedding Level

Are Cattle Shepherds heavy shedders? How Much Does a Cattle Shepherd Shed?

Cattle Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders, they will lose a significant amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your Cattle Shepherd. This will remove loose hair and keep his coat growing in the same direction.

Breed History


Ancestry

What are Cattle Shepherds descended from?

German Shepherd, Australian Cattle Dog

Breed recognition

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

DBR = Designer Breed Registry
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.

Date of Birth

When were Cattle Shepherds first bred? How old is the Cattle Shepherd breed?

2000's

Cattle Shepherd Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Cattle Shepherd eyes?

Blue
Brown
Amber

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Cattle Shepherd nose be naturally?

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Cattle Shepherd coat be naturally?

Brown
Red
Brindle
Blue
Black

Coat Length

How long is a Cattle Shepherds coat?

The coat of a Cattle Shepherd falls in the medium length category.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Cattle Shepherd Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Cattle Shepherd?

Straight

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Cattle Shepherd have in a litter? How many puppies can a Cattle Shepherd have in her first litter?

6-10 puppies per pregnancy

A Cattle Shepherd can have a litter of 6-10 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

Cattle Shepherds are known for their adaptability and versatility, they are capable of adapting well to a wide range of lifestyle changes and living environments. They are a highly adaptable breed, and make great companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Cattle Shepherd Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Cattle Shepherds have a lot of health problems?

The Cattle Shepherd breed is commonly healthy with low vet costs, regular check-ups may not be as necessary but it's important to keep an eye on their health and have them checked by a veterinarian when needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Cattle Shepherd?

Hip Dysplasia
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

Minor Concerns

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

Deafness
Flea Allergy

Occasional Diagnoses

Gastric Torsion

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Cattle Shepherd breed?

X-Rays
Blood Count
Ophthalmologic Examination
Blood Work and Serum Chemistry Tests

Cattle Shepherd Needs and Activities


Social Needs

Do Cattle Shepherds need socialization? How social are Cattle Shepherds?

Cattle Shepherd have above average social needs compared to other breeds.They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Cattle Shepherd have? Do Cattle Shepherds sleep a lot?

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

Mouthiness

Are Cattle Shepherds mouthy?

Roaming urge

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

Prey Drive

Do Cattle Shepherd dogs have a high prey drive?

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Cattle Shepherd? How much energy does a Cattle Shepherd have?

High

Cattle Shepherds 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 a Cattle Shepherd walk each week? How many miles should a Cattle Shepherd 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 Cattle Shepherd, it's at least 14 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Cattle Shepherd should exercise a day? How much activity does a Cattle Shepherd need?

120 minutes

In general most Cattle Shepherds usually need at least 120 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 a Cattle Shepherd?

The Cattle Shepherd is a breed of dog that requires an average amount of grooming effort.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Cattle Shepherd?

Weekly

Cattle Shepherd should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Cattle Shepherds?

Slicker Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Cattle Shepherd eat?

3 cups

For an average 45-80 pound (20 - 36 kg) Cattle Shepherd feed 3 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 a Cattle Shepherd Cost Daily?

$2.10 - $2.70 / day

The average cost of a Cattle Shepherd is somewhere $2.10 - $2.70 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Cattle Shepherd Cost Per Month?

$55 - $73 / month

The average per month expenses of a Cattle Shepherd is between $55 - $73. This makes an average of $660 - $876 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.

Cattle Shepherd Characteristic


Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Cattle Shepherd dog?

This dog breed is particularly attuned to its environment and the emotions of those around it. It can be easily overwhelmed by loud noises, new environments, and unfamiliar people or animals. This dog is best suited for individuals or families who are patient, gentle, and understanding of its sensitive nature. It may also benefit from a calm and stable home environment, with a consistent routine and plenty of positive reinforcement training.

Apartment Friendly

Do Cattle Shepherd do well in apartments? Are Cattle Shepherds good indoor dogs?

Cattle Shepherds are dogs that do well in apartments with sufficient exercise, but they would really appreciate a small yard.

Child Friendly

Are Cattle Shepherds good with kids? Are Cattle Shepherds good around children?

A Cattle Shepherds 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 Cattle Shepherds good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Cattle Shepherds good with cats? How friendly Cattle Shepherds are toward cats?

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

Dog Friendly

Do Cattle Shepherd dogs get along with other dogs? Are Cattle Shepherds OK with other dogs?

Cattle Shepherds 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 Cattle Shepherd dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Cattle Shepherds friendly with strangers?

Cattle Shepherds are average friendly around strangers. They can be wary around strangers and a little standoffish. Early socialisation is key.

Playfulness

Do Cattle Shepherds like to play? Are Cattle Shepherds playful?

The Cattle Shepherd is a playful dog. So, no matter how busy the day may get, the best thing you can do for your Cattle Shepherd is to make time each day to play. It can be as little as 15-20 minutes, and it will mean the world to them.

Trainability

Are Cattle Shepherd easily trained?

The Cattle Shepherd is a breed of dog that is known for being very easy to train. They are highly intelligent and eager to please, which makes them a great choice for both experienced and novice dog owners.