Australian Cattle Dog Breed Profile Information

The Australian Cattle Dog is a working dog. Well, muscled and powerful. Its body length is a little more than its tail. The tail is held slightly low and is often at a curve. The skull is slightly curved between its ears and broad. When alert this breed has lovely pricked ears, which are wide set. They have a black nose. They have oval eyes. Their teeth should meet in a scissor bite. Their front legs are straight and strong with small round toes. Their coat is smooth, and is a double coat. The dogs' undercoat is short. Colours are blue speckled, red specked, blue and blue-mottled; this can come with or without markings. Black markings are not desirable within the show ring. Their puppies are born white due to their gene pool that has Dalmatian genes.

History: The Australian Cattle Dog's ancestors came from Europe, these were the Smithfield and the Old Smooth Collie that is different to the one we see today. These other breeds were not able to handle the vast distances they needed to cover, combined with the climate of Australia. Here they crossed Dingo blue merle collies with Black and tan Kelpies and Dalmatians. This gave an excellent working dog with the ability to cope with the climate. This breed works the cattle on large ranches, willingly and with great determination over vast lands. They have wonderful stamina. It has both guarding and herding abilities. This breed is also known by other names, as well and, here are the main ones, "Heeler" Australian heeler, Queensland Heeler, Blue heeler and Hall's Heeler. It has talent at retrieving as well.

Temperament: The Australian Cattle Dog needs action and lots of it, whether through working or other activities, and I mean a lot of mental and physical exercise, which ever is used this dog needs a strong and daily leadership. They are excellent with obedience and do very well at high levels. They can be very suspicious of people or dogs, needing you to be aware of their natural aggressiveness. If they are well balanced they are fine with children and trustworthy. It is best to avoid working line dogs, unless you are seeking it to work. It is best not to have this dog as a first dog as you need to always be in control and the leader at all times, understanding the full needs of this dog.

Health issues: The merle coloured Australian Cattle Dogs can be prone to suffer, deafness. PRA, and hip dysplasia.

Grooming: The Australian Cattle Dog is a low maintenance dog and will only need brushing and combing sometimes. Bathing can happen, but is best to only do when needed. This is due to the dog, having short hair and weather resistant coat. They shed twice yearly.

Living conditions: The Australian Cattle Dog breed needs large gardens, the bigger the better. It is not a good dog for apartment living. This dog is best suited, as it was bred as a working dog, with lots to do, and not just sat around. They seem to have endless stamina and love every opportunity to do things.