Queensland Heeler, Blue Heeler, Hall's Heeler, ACD, Cattle Dog, Red Heeler
Overview
The Australian cattle dog is of moderate build, enabling it to combine great endurance with bursts of speed and the extreme agility necessary in controlling unruly cattle. It is sturdy and compact, slightly longer than it is tall. Its gait is supple and tireless, and it must be capable of quick and sudden movement. Its ability to stop quickly is aided by the rudderlike action of its tail (which is never docked). Its weather-resistant coat consists of a short, dense undercoat and moderately short, straight outer coat of medium texture.
Smart, hardy, independent, stubborn, tenacious, energetic and untiring — these are all traits essential to a driver of headstrong cattle, and all traits of the Australian cattle dog. This dog must have a job to do or it will expend its efforts on unacceptable jobs of its own. Given challenging mental and hard physical exercise daily, it is among the most responsive and obedient of dogs, an exemplary partner in adventure. It tends to nip at the heels of running children.
| Size | Medium |
| Height | Male: 17-20 inches (43-51 cm)Female: 17-19 inches (43-48 cm) |
| Weight | 30-62 pounds (13-28 kg) |
| Lifespan | 12-15 years |
| Colors | Blue Blue Mottled Blue Speckled Red Mottled Red Speckled |
| Origin | Australia |
| Classification | Purebred |
| Good Lapcat |
| Good In Apartments |
Not recommended for apartment life and does best with at least a large yard. Does best with a job to do. |
| Good With Children |
Good with Kids: This is a suitable breed for kids and is known to be playful, energetic, and affectionate around them. |
| Good With Dogs |
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| Good With Cats |
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| Exercise Needs |
These animals have incredible stamina and will enjoy all the activity you can give them. Exercise is of paramount importance—without enough they can become bored and destructive. Exercise cannot simply be tossing a ball. While they will enjoy this ball play, their brains need to be stimulated daily. Does best with a job. They need to be taken on long daily walks. Makes an excellent jogging companion. Do not allow this dog to walk ahead of you on the walks. He needs to be beside or behind you to re-enforce the human is alpha. |
| Trainability |
Easy Training: The Australian Cattle Dog is highly intelligent, making the training process simple. It is willing and able to learn a wide variety of tricks, and sports such as catch or Frisbee. Australian Cattle Dogs must be kept occupied with tasks and provided companionship or they will become destructive and mischievous. |
| Affectionate |
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| Playfulness |
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| Grooming Requirements |
Low Maintenance: Known as a "wash and wear" dog, the Australian Cattle Dog requires little grooming, and an occasional brushing is all that is required to keep the coat clean and odour-free. Even for the show ring it needs no more than wiping down with a moist cloth. It is not a year-round shedder but blows its coat once a year (twice in the case of intact females) and frequent brushing and a warm bath during this period will contain the shedding hair. As with all dogs, regular attention to nails, ears and teeth will help avoid health problems. |
| Shedding |
Moderate Shedding: Expect this dog to shed regularly. Be prepared to vacuum often. Brushing will reduce shedding as well as make the coat softer and cleaner. |
| Vocalization/Barking |
Occassional |