Australian Cattle Dog

Australian Cattle Dog: BREED BOX
Country:	Australia
Size:	25-45lb(11-20kg), 17-20in(43-51cm)
Temperament:	Alert,
Grooming:	Minimum
Recognition:	FCI - see ANKC, AKC, ANKC, KC(UK), NZKC

History - In 1840, George Hall, an Australian cattle rancher, decided to try and find the perfect dog for his needs. He wanted a hardy dog that was capable of guarding his cattle. So he bred the smooth blue merle Highland Collies with the Australian Dingo.

Mr. Hall’s purpose of this crossbreeding was to find a dog that traveled easily over the roughest terrain, while herding livestock silently. Enter Hall’s Heelers, a dog that portrayed all the characteristics George Hall was searching for.

Soon other breeders were buying Hall Heelers and breeding them with their dogs. The final result; a working dog with a thinking brain. The uniquely patterned coat and the bluish tinge to the hair brought about the name the Queensland Blue Heeler later changed to the Australian Cattle Dog.

The AKC recognized the Australian Cattle Dog in 1980. The breed has shown his mettle in show rings worldwide, rising it up in status and popularity.

Appearance - The Australian Cattle Dog should look strong, compact and solid. You should get the impression of a tough, alert and agile dog. Australian Cattle Dogs come in blue, blue motted or blue speckled with or without other markings. Permissible markings are black, blue or tan markings on the head.

Description - The Australian Cattle Dog needs to be motivated. Herding livestock or patrolling large acres of land, the Australian Cattle Dog loves to be active. Inactivity brings about bad traits.

Not ideal with small children, the dog’s main instinct is to herd. If this dog is given the right amount of vigorous exercise several times daily, he makes an extremely valuable companion to have around. When happy and well-adjusted the Australian Cattle Dog is extremely responsive to its owner.

If you decide to purchase an Australian Cattle Dog and your intent is to keep him cooped up in a house or apartment, and maybe go for one walk a day, you are going to have a maladjusted pet. This dog needs responsibilities and mental stimulation. In parts of Northern and Southern California, these dogs can frequently be seen patrolling the beach looking for people in distress and helping to keep order.

Other Names: Hall's Heelers, Blue Heeler, Queensland Blue Heeler, Blueys

Coat Color: Red, Blue

Life Expectancy: 10-13 years

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Australian Cattle Dog Reviews

Grooming (33%)

Exercise (93%)

Feeding (60%)

Temperament (50%)

Watchdog (73%)

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Number of reviews: 3

Chaundra Foss

blue heeler

8/6/2006

Rating: TBA (6vote/s)

I have an 8 month old Australian Cattle Dog and his name is Roscoe. He is a very loving, loyal dog, not to metions smart! From my experience so far the Australian Cattle Dog does need alot of exercise in order to keep them busy and out of trouble.

Roscoe will play fetch in the yard for hours if you will play with him that long. We live in the country so he has lots of room to run and I also have 2 siberian huskies that have adapted to Roscoe very well. He is very attentive and learns very easily. As long as you teach them healthy chewing habits when they are pups they will not be distructive in that manner. Roscoe however is not good with little children. Anyone under 5 is not allowed around him because he growls and becomes aggitated. He has never bit anyone, nor do I think he would, unless provoked. My Australian Cattle Dog also loves our cats. He likes to play with them and they play back now that they understand he is not going to hurt them.

When I brought my Australian Cattle Dog home I had friends tell me that he would not get along with my cats and that simply is not true. I agree that this breed does need alot of attention and exercise, but in the end it is WELL worth the effort!

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cattle dogs

1/10/2006

Rating: TBA (4vote/s)

I have two. One is a male who is extremely spooky and scared of everything. He will defend myself and the house like a lunatic. He is very dog submissive but will bite any strange person that comes withing 10 feet of him. On the other hand, I have a female that is people friendly, not scared of any thing you can think of, but will try to dominate any dog that comes her way no matter how big or little they might be.

I think she just wants to herd the other dogs, but she will bark and bite like no other. The male gets restless and must have lots of exercise while the female doesn't mind just chewing a bone and playing fetch for half an hour a day.

I would say that people getting these dogs should live in the country and should not be expecting to go in public with these dogs as they do not have a very good "public image" (extremly dog and or people aggressive attitudes). They are better off on a farm where they can let it out on some sheep or cows.

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Nick Goode

Blue Heeler

6/28/2004

Rating: TBA (14vote/s)

I have a 5 yr old female Cattle dog. I think people need to really do their research when thinking about owning a cattle dog. As the name suggests this dog was bred to work and is extremely intelligent and energetic. If you're not prepared to give it plenty of stimulation within it's home environment and plenty of daily exercise then don't get one!

These dogs require at least 2 or more kilometres of walking or running every day. If you can't provide that then your cattle dog will be frustrated and could cause you problems.

My dog is very strong willed and very determined. She's extremely persistent and any bad behaviour not stamped out immediately will usually continue. These dogs need a very firm hand to keep them from developing annoying and sometimes destructive habits. Having said all that, for the right owner they are a terrific dog. Very loyal, very hard working and a fierce protector of it's master and their property. An excellent companion for an active person who likes a tough dog.

My one other comment would be to watch your dogs temperament. My Heeler has a definite aggressive streak towards other dogs which can cause me hassles when walking her in public.

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