Australian Cattle Dog

  1. Home
  2. Dog Breeds
  3. Australian Cattle Dog
31-35 lbs
17-19"
Australia
Queensland Heeler, Blue Heeler, Hall's Heeler

The Australian Cattle Dog — also known as Blue Heeler — gets its two names from its former role herding cattle in Australia and the color of its coat. This breed requires a lot of mental and physical stimulation but makes a loving and loyal family pet.

In this guide to the Australian Cattle Dog , you’ll discover:

  • It originated as a working breed, later a herding dog
  • Australian Cattle Dog health risks include deafness and hip dysplasia
  • The ideal diet includes food high in protein
  • The Australian Cattle Dog is an intelligent, active breed


Australian Cattle Dog breed overview

The Australian Cattle Dog — sometimes simply referred  to as Cattle Dog — were once used for herding cattle in Australia. A large amount of land had become available for raising cattle that traditional herding breeds couldn’t handle. They needed a hardy, energetic and smart herding dog. This medium-sized dog is fearless, loyal with high-energy and well-suited to the country’s rough terrain. Today, they make a wonderful family dog but do still require plenty of mental and physical stimulation. 

Australian Cattle Dog vs Blue Heeler — is there a difference? No, they’re the same breed. It’s simply a nickname (the Blue Heeler dog or Red Heeler dog) which is dependent on the color of their coat.

You could rescue this breed but if you’re looking to buy Australian Cattle Dog puppies they typically cost between $400 and $1,200. If your puppy comes from a champion bloodline, you’re looking at between $3,000 and $5,000. The Blue Heeler puppies are the most common which often makes them less expensive than the red. 

The Australian Cattle Dog lifespan is 12 to 16 years but this is a robust breed that has been known to live longer than this. 


If you’re about to get an Australian Cattle Dog you’ll want to know yours is covered for any unexpected health issues. Check out the best pet insurance plans — it’s quick and easy to browse and compare top providers. 
purpose Purpose
Cattle Droving
history Date of Origin
1800s
ancestry Ancestry
Dingo

Australian Cattle Dog Health

Sketch of Australian Cattle Dog
Average Size
Male Australian Cattle Dog size stats
Height: 18-20 inches Weight: 33-40 lbs
Female Australian Cattle Dog size stats
Height: 17-19 inches Weight: 31-35 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Deafness
  • OCD
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • Hip Dysplasia
Minor Concerns
  • Cataracts
  • Lens Luxation
Occasional Tests
  • Eye
  • Hip
  • Hearing

Australian Cattle Dog Breed History

The Australian Cattle Dog originated in the early 1800s when a cattle farmer named Thomas Hall from New South Wales crossbred dogs that were being used as drovers in Northumberland. It’s believed this could have been smooth coated collies with tamed dingoes. These dogs were called Halls Heelers. 

When Thomas Hall died in 1870, these dogs became available to other people besides the Hall family. These Halls Heelers have developed into two distinct breeds: the Australian Cattle Dog and the Stumpy Tailed Australian Cattle Dog. Unsurprisingly, the latter has a very naturally short tail. 

In the 1940s, dogs that were being bred in Queensland, Australia were particularly successful in competitions and as stud dogs. The Queensland Heelers, as they became known to differentiate them from the Australian Cattle Dog, were bred in New South Wales. Many people thought they were better quality and produced better offspring than those bred elsewhere in the country. 

Today, the Australian Cattle Dog is still sometimes referred to as the Queensland Heeler. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1980 as a member of the working group. It was not until 1983 that they were recognized as a herding breed by the American Kennel Club and moved into the herding group for competitive events.

Australian Cattle Dog Breed Appearance

The Australian Cattle Dog size is medium-sized — it’s a compact, muscular dog that’s both strong and agile. This is because they need to be able to perform the job of drover and have the ability to quickly move out of the way of the cattle.  

They have alert ears that stand up straight and a keen expression that shows they are eager to work. 

They have a double coat. The undercoat is thick and the overcoat is short and weather-resistant. 

When in conformation competition, this unique looking canine shows in only two accepted coat colors: red or blue. From time to time a chocolate and cream coat color does occur. The Blue Heelers can be blue, blue speckled, or blue mottled with or without black, tan or white markings. 

The Red Australian Cattle Dog (or Red Heeler) should be evenly speckled with solid red markings. You might think it should be called the White Australian Cattle Dog when you first see them. But, they’re actually born white and their coloration becomes apparent as they grow. Although any solid color on the face or body is present at birth. 

A mask will be present and can consist of a black patch over one or both eyes for the blue color or a red patch over one or both eyes for the red color. One eye patch is called a half or single mask and two eye patches are called a full or double mask. Dogs that don’t have a mask are called plain-faced.
Appearance of Australian Cattle Dog
Eye Color Possibilities
blue Australian Cattle Dog eyes
Blue
brown Australian Cattle Dog eyes
Brown
amber Australian Cattle Dog eyes
Amber
Nose Color Possibilities
black Australian Cattle Dog nose
Black
brown Australian Cattle Dog nose
Brown
Coat Color Possibilities
blue Australian Cattle Dog coat
Blue
red Australian Cattle Dog coat
Red
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Australian Cattle Dog straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Australian Cattle Dog Breed Maintenance

Australian Cattle Dogs require very little grooming. They simply need a brush once every two to three weeks with a natural bristle brush. 

They don’t shed all year round. Males shed this coat once a year while females shed twice a year, usually following their heat cycles (if they still have these.) When they’re shedding they need brushing a little more often. 

If they’re still a working dog they’ll need a bath with mild shampoo after working with livestock to remove any mud. Otherwise, just wipe them down with a damp cloth. 

They will need their nails trimmed regularly and their ears should be cleaned every few weeks to prevent infections.


Australian Cattle Dog health risks

Australian Cattle Dogs tend to be a healthy and hardy breed but, of course, can be prone to some health conditions. The ones you need to be particularly aware of, include: 

  • Deafness 
  • OCD 
  • Progressive retinal atrophy 
  • Hip dysplasia

There is also a chance of cataracts and lens luxation - although these are only minor concerns.  

Although Australian Cattle Dogs are quite a healthy breed, they’re still prone to some health issues. Make sure you’re prepared for this by browsing and comparing top pet insurance providers to find the best option for you and your dog. 

Deafness 

It will depend on the cause of your dog's hearing loss whether it’s treatable or not. If it’s due to old age or genetics, it’s permanent. If a blocked ear canal or infection has caused the deafness, it’s temporary. See a vet as soon as possible, so they can examine your dog’s ear. 

OCD/CCD

OCD — obsessive compulsive disorder or canine compulsive disorder as it’s known in dogs — is the need to repeat certain behaviors. The behavior itself may appear normal but if a dog is doing it to the extreme, it may be a sign of CCD. This could include licking, pacing and tail chasing. 

Progressive Retinal Atrophy 

Progressive retinal atrophy will affect both the eyes. It will begin with a loss of their night vision and then day vision. It progresses gradually but the eye will eventually become opaque and cataracts will form. 

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is when the ball and socket of one or both hip joints rub against each other. This can happen at any age and will become very painful. You may notice your dog isn’t as active, and struggles to get up. The vet will be able to check their joints and see if they are working as they should. 


Feeding an Australian Cattle Dog — what’s the best diet? 

Australian Cattle Dogs are a very active breed, so you need to make sure they’re getting enough nutrients and calories to support this. 

They’ll benefit from diets that have been formulated specifically for working type dogs and that keep joints healthy. This means their diet will help to keep them strong and in good health. 

You should look for high-quality dog food that has protein as the main ingredient. 

You want to make sure your Australian Cattle Dog is enjoying the best possible diet. Check out the advice from our friends at Dog Food Advisor such as the best wet dog food and the best dry dog food.
Brushes for Australian Cattle Dog
Slicker Brush
Slicker Brush
Deshedder
Deshedder
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Australian Cattle Dog requires monthly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Australian Cattle Dog Temperament

This is an independent and enthusiastic breed with an active mind. Therefore the Australian Cattle Dog temperament is partly dependent on them getting proper training and consistency along with plenty of exercise and activities to keep their mind sharp. This makes them perfect for active owners.  

They’ve consistently been ranked as one of the most intelligent breeds. They love an activity and perform well in agility, herding, tricks and obedience. 

Affectionate and loyal to their family, the Australian Cattle Dog doesn’t like being left alone. But, they’re naturally cautious of new people and situations, making them a talented guard dog when properly trained. They don’t bark that much but they will if someone they don’t know comes near the property. 

As they’re a herding dog, they’ll naturally try to herd children, cars and other animals. They can try to do this by nipping or biting. This is because they would nip at the feet of cattle when herding, which is why they are also known as ‘Heeler.’ It's important not to encourage this behavior and instead train them not to bite. 
Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
14 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
90 minutes
activity minutes

Similar Maintenance Breeds to Australian Cattle Dog

Similarly Sized Breeds to Australian Cattle Dog

Australian Cattle Dog Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
2.5 cups
cup per day cost cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$1.20 - $1.40
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$34.00 - $45.00
food bag monthly cost

Australian Cattle Dog Height & Weight

6 Months
Sketch of Australian Cattle Dog at six months
Male Australian Cattle Dog size stats at six months
Height: 14.0 inches Weight: 17.5 lbs
Female Australian Cattle Dog size stats at six months
Height: 14.0 inches Weight: 16.5 lbs
12 Months
Sketch of Australian Cattle Dog at 12 months
Male Australian Cattle Dog size stats at 12 months
Height: 16.5 inches Weight: 27.5 lbs
Female Australian Cattle Dog size stats at 12 months
Height: 16.0 inches Weight: 25.5 lbs
18 Months
Sketch of Australian Cattle Dog at 18 months
Male Australian Cattle Dog size stats at 18 months
Height: 19.0 inches Weight: 35.0 lbs
Female Australian Cattle Dog size stats at 18 months
Height: 18.0 inches Weight: 31.5 lbs

Top Australian Cattle Dog Breeders

Check out who made our list for the most reputable Australian Cattle Dog breeders of 2024.
Top Australian Cattle Dog breeder Timber Kennels
Timber Kennels
Sandersville, Georgia
Top Australian Cattle Dog breeder Redfoot Australian Cattle Dogs
Redfoot Australian Cattle Dogs
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Top Australian Cattle Dog breeder Sugar-n-Spice
Sugar-n-Spice
Goodyear, Arizona
Top Australian Cattle Dog breeder Adams Ranch Australian Cattle Dog
Adams Ranch Australian Cattle Dog
Phelan, California
Top Australian Cattle Dog breeder LnR Rig B Australian Cattle Dog
LnR Rig B Australian Cattle Dog
Escondido, California
Top Australian Cattle Dog breeder Bar H Cattle Dogs
Bar H Cattle Dogs
Santa Ynez, California
Top Australian Cattle Dog breeder Colbalt Kennels
Colbalt Kennels
Suisun City, California
Top Australian Cattle Dog breeder Katwala
Katwala
Saint Joseph, Illinois
Top Australian Cattle Dog breeder Scrubby Creek
Scrubby Creek
Seven Lakes, North Carolina
Top Australian Cattle Dog breeder Oakwood Austrailian Cattle Dogs
Oakwood Austrailian Cattle Dogs
Huffman, Texas
author-img

Written by Ellie Roddy

Published: 08/30/2006, edited: 01/03/2024

More articles by Ellie Roddy

Australian Cattle Dog Owner Experiences

2 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Chase
Running
Australian Cattle Dogs are some of the smartest dogs out there. They are able to learn quickly and are incredibly eager to please. Once you bond with an Australian Cattle Dog, there's no going back - they're your friend for life. It's really important to keep your ACD busy, as they tend to get bored quite easily. Frequent walks, enrichment toys, and antlers are all things that cattle dogs tend to enjoy. Should the Australian Cattle Dog become bored, they will likely become destructive. If you are looking for a dog who will stay by your side, the ACD is it!
6 years, 3 months ago
5 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Hiking, Frisbee, and dog parks. Pulling a sled.
They are friendly and loyal companions. Not usually good with strangers but they warm up quickly. Harnesses that lead from the head are best for this breed, as they enjoy pulling against a harness or leash if given the opportunity.
6 years, 3 months ago
3 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
I have walked a couple of Australian cattle dogs. They were both quite affectionate. The owners left them in crates when they were away during the day. They were both really sweet and excited when I let them out. They were eager to go on their walk and were friendly with me from the beginning. They were a bit skittish with other dogs that we crossed paths with on the street. Not aggressive at all, just a bit weary. They walked at a good pace with me and didn’t pull. I love this breed. They seem mild mannered and just fun-loving!
6 years, 3 months ago
6 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking, playing fetch, head and belly pets
Very verbal, barks to say "hello", "feed me", stays close by your side. Typically reactive to other animal.
6 years, 3 months ago
5 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walk
Run
I walk two Australian Cattle dogs together, and they love to explore and sniff everything. They are not friendly with other dogs, so we keep our distance.
6 years, 3 months ago
4 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Each cattle dog I walk is always very protective of it’s home. They’ll eventually warm up to you but I’m always aware I’m walking into a gaurded space. Once outside on the walk they love to run. They love to play games. Fetching or hide and seek. They can be irritable when it comes to other dogs or they can be completely friendly. I’m always on alert while walking one, though they are very expressive and typically easy to read.
6 years, 3 months ago
1 Year
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Very sweet, hyper dog. Gets excited about other dogs and animals. Really wants to play. Listen to instructions, but needed to be corrected often. Super cute, great size.
6 years, 3 months ago
3 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Everything! These dogs do it all
These are probably one of my favorite breeds if not my number one. They are super companions. Very little aggression especially on the leash. I’m super athletic and these dogs can keep up with me and more, whether we’re hiking in the Santa Monica mountains, going to the beaches of SoCal or just letting them run free at the park. They love fetch and any shape size of a ball. They are super smart, fast, and full of love for people. Beautiful breed and if I get a dog any time in the future, I want an American cattle. They are my kind of dog. They train very well, and pick up on obedience training very quickly. They are jumpers, sprinters, and full of all kinds of tricks and stunts. An absolute awesome breed, that will stick around and give lots of doggy love and entertainment. They are also great with kids and protectors of their people. Their color tones of their fur is some of the prettiest I’ve seen for dog coats. They may even have mismatching eyes which makes them that much more beautiful.
6 years, 3 months ago
9 Months
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Link, one of the Australian Cattle dogs I have had the pleasure of walking, is a bundle of sweetness and energy! He's such a smart dog and has great enthusiasm for life, and he does the command "sit" very well, especially if treats are involved! He would be a fun dog to "clicker" train, as he is highly intelligent and Australian Cattle dogs love to have a "job", since herding comes naturally to them. Occasionally, Link was a bit reactive to other dogs but probably because he wanted to boss them around. I think with patience and time, Link would “heel” very well, and training him for certain “jobs”, whether it be heeling, sitting, “staying”, and anything else, would be fantastic, as training any animals, especially dogs that are bred to “work”, is really great for them mentally, as it inspires them to be creative in order to get the “reward”, whether it is a treat or a toy, depending on what really motivates them. Eventually, those rewards can be phased out, of course, but I think Link wold have a lot of fun! I know a lot of people don’t necessarily have the time or inclination to train their pet, but what is really fascinating is that training an animal actually exhausts them mentally - think of how you felt when you were in college, or had to study for a big test, and how tired (and hungry!) that made you. The same goes for the dog (or any other animal) being trained. They have to get creative and with repetition, figure out the command along with the action, to get their reward. And it’s really neat because that is how subsequent skills and tricks are learned. Sit is the easiest because dogs do it all the time; down is the next easiest one. Then, you can add on from there to the point that, if your dog is agile, can do flips, jumps, and even push around a vacuum like those youtube videos we have all seen! So, going back to sweet Link, him and I have had a great time on the few walks I have done with him, and while I don’t spend time training him (other than asking him to sit for his photo and a treat), I know he would be a total delight to train. There is something about the spark in a dog’s eye - or any animal - when they start to get creative!
6 years, 3 months ago
4 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Run
He was a very friendly dog, but not to the point of jumping all over me. He knew all of his commands very well, and was always eager to play fetch. He carried his ball around with him everywhere. I would consider him one of the smartest dogs I have ever walked or sat.
6 years, 3 months ago
2 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Walk
Run
Australian Cattle dogs are little bundles of energy! They are very enthusiastic, smart, driven and loyal. They definitely need good training because they are so smart- other wise they might take that energy out in less than constructive ways. They have spunky personalities, and, since they are herding dogs, boundless energy! They’re generally very good with other animals and kids, and can range in size. All the Australian Cattle dogs I have had and/or walked have been really into water. They have loved playing in it and swimming as much as possible. They are very curious, and can be a little mischievous, but they will love you more than anything else! They also love, LOVE to fetch and run, and might even bring you unusual fetch toys to keep the game going!
6 years, 3 months ago
2 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Explore the city
Walk
Run
The Australian Cattle is an extremely smart breed of dog. Their memory and directions are superb and they will lead you along the walk that they desire without getting lost. Their sense of smell is keen and they are determined to discover what they are seeking. They are an energetic dog that is strong and independent on walks. The dog I walk has a blue coat which is common in Australian Cattle dogs. I found that the australian cattle is very obedient and has a strong connection with the owner/walker. They will protect you from others and when walking like to be leading, but also close enough to guard you from a stranger. They often go between you and another person when you are meeting with another person. My experience with this dog is that they will lead you back home when they are complete with their walk and when I would continue the walk for time reasons, they would guide me back still. Very friendly breed of dog and will make sure you are safe during night walks. In my experience they are well trained and do not pull or run after other animals on walks. I would say this is a great dog for a young couple and would be safe for children.
6 years, 3 months ago
9 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Australian Cattle dogs have energy for sure. They love to be active and sniff around wherever they can. They are very protective over their owners and require some warming up before they trust you. They are super loving and very sweet dogs though.
6 years, 3 months ago
3 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walk
Play
Run
The Australian Cattle Dog is a very fun dog to walk with Wag. They are not difficult to take care of by a walker. They are always excited to go outside, since they are commonly found working outside on a farm. That being said, they are also great couch potatoes when not busy. Australian Cattle Dogs come in a couple colors, which is where they get the nicknames “Red” and “Blue” Heeler. That name also alludes to how well trained they can be. My most recent experience walking a Red Heeler with Wag was mostly positive. This particular pup would bark at other dogs and people. From personal experiences with multiple friends’ Australian Cattle Dogs in central Washington State, they are actually very affectionate towards other people and dogs when regularly exposed to them at young ages. As a result, they are extremely loyal. I would highly recommend requesting a walk if you see it is an Australian Cattle Dog!
6 years, 3 months ago
3 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Herding
Playing
I have met lots of Blue Heelers and they are some of the smartest dogs I've ever encountered. I know one that has been trained to ride on the back of his owner's motorcycle (safely, as a trick only). They have always been very friendly to me and enjoy some rough play or chasing you. They do tend to bite ankles though if you let them chase. Herding instinct. They will usually pick up on any style of play/game. I enjoy hide and seek - i hide, dog seeks :D. Loves water and other dogs in my experience. Extremely loyal and trainable.
6 years, 3 months ago
7 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
I owned an australian cattle dog growing up , and have a mix now and am very familiar with the breed. They are BEYOND smart, and i swear know english. They are also eager to please. If you need some one to talk to , I suggest finding an exciting Australian Cattle dog and they will bark and talk to you for as long as you want. ( very vocal) they are the referees of the dog park and makes sure that everyone is playing nice. so expressive! I love heelers!
6 years, 3 months ago
6 Months
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking an Australian Cattle dog was awesome – I have walked them multiple times because I prefer to get some exercise with the dog during my walks. I can usually run and jog with this breed, so I always make sure I do not accept a walk with this breed of dog unless if I am ready to run and get a few miles of exercise. The first Australian Cattle dog I walked was lovely because she wanted to run, and I had planned to go to a nearby park, which was a great activity for the dog as well. This type of dog had high energy, was friendly, and she was very excited to go for a walk/run. I would recommend walkers to really keep in mind that this dog is not the type to simply "go for a stroll" with because it is important that this dog gets proper amounts of exercise and exposure to the outdoors. The dog loved to chase animals, such as squirrels in the park, and was very quick and strong as well when she wanted to go over to a certain area. I embrace every kind of dog, and am an advocate for playing with the dogs and making sure they have a good time on their walk, but walkers should be aware that these dogs are very playful and to accommodate their needs. Another Australian cattle dog I walked who was a boy really loved playing "fetch" in a nearby fenced in grass area, and he mingled well with other dogs. He was also an extremely friendly, smart, and playful pup. I think this type of dog could run around and play for hours because that was the experience I had on multiple occasions. Furthermore, this type of dog will need to be provided water during and after the walk because these dogs will get parches easily from running around so much and the active tendencies they have. I do remember that this particular dog had anxiety, which I do not believe is a characteristic of the breed, but rather because the dog was not used to the city yet. Once the dog was playing in the grass, he was not scared and wanted to play. I would recommend playing with a ball during a walk with this breed of dog because they love to run, jump, and attack items (stuffed animal toy would be good for playing with as well).
6 years, 3 months ago
6 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
chasing squirrels
Walking
My experience with the Australian Cattle dog likely differs from most people for a multitude of reasons. Every week I have a recurring walk with two of them, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays To begin, unlike many dogs I've walked one of the two was abused. I did not get the full details so I do not know the extent of the abuse, as I assumed prying would maybe be an uncomfortable and invasive topic for their owner, but I know the girl dog, Lilo was stabbed. Due to the horrific abuse she endured she wasn't as trusting as most dogs I walk (understandably so). This affecting walking or even petting Lilo as she was unable to trust most people. Each time I come over for a walk she makes sure to cower under the table which can serve as problematic as I somethings have to crawl under the table and coax her out. Although she is a very skittish dog, Lilo has never displayed any outward signs of aggression like one may think she should. Stitch on the other hand is rather friendly. Initially he did take some time to warm up to me which is why I would rate the breed as 3/5 tails (I think that's what it is) in addition to Lilo not being super friendly so my opinions may be rather biased, however, once he did warm up he hasn't ceased to eagerly greet me at the door with a wagging tail (or stub in his case as he had it chopped). Also, from research I have read up on and by word of mouth I realize they do take a little bit of time to warm up to people. On our walks, I noticed neither dogs consistently pull but when either one gets spooked they do begin to run from the perceived threat. I also saw that both weren't neccisarily fans of other dogs, but were not outwardly aggressive. Overall the two are very sweet and loving dogs who've really helped me take a growing interest in the breed. I definitely would consider having one as a pet because they are energetic and could keep up on walks and in addition to that are beautiful dogs with unique markings and patterns. In addition to that, they would make a good pet for me simply because they do not shed much from what I have noticed, and definitely is manageable to keep up with.
6 years, 3 months ago
5 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Our Australian Cattle dog was incredibly aware and affection with our family- we was protective, but not aggressive. The cattle dogs I’ve known don’t always get a long with other dogs, but they are always intelligent, trainable, loyal, and cuddly. Cattle dogs need a lot of activity and mental stimulation, just like any herding breed. Sometimes can get nippy, as alluded to by their alternative name “blue heelers”- cattle dogs heard by nipping the heels of the animal they are flocking. Over all, great dogs
6 years, 3 months ago
3 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Road trip
Walk
Run
Such a fun breed! They are very smart and energetic. If they do not have an outlet for their energy they can be very destructive. Very sweet if they get their playtime in. Also, must keep their minds active since they are so smart.
6 years, 3 months ago
2 Months
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walk
Play
Run
Australian Cattle dogs are an amazing breed of dog! They are literally one of the smartest breeds of dog that I have every worked with and they have a very particular personality that you need to be aware of when spending time with a Australian Cattle dog or if you are considering owning one for yourself.
6 years, 3 months ago
2 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Playing fet
Hiking
Running
The one I have walked was shy and timid but he was also very smart and alert. He liked his treats and was pretty good with commands for the treats. He was very interested in other dogs and wild life. His eyes would light up with interest in little critters! Over all a good dog that was trained well.
6 years, 3 months ago
10 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walk
Run
Agility training
My cattle dog experience was wonderful. She is a gorgeous 10 year old, spayed, female. She is in great health and has a wonderful demeanor. She's very friendly with all other dogs and humans. She loves being chased and jumping around with other dogs. She is so happy to get love from strangers but loves her mother the most. She's incredibly loyal and aims to please every day. She's very trainable and incredibly smart. She only needs bathes periodically but otherwise doesn't require any grooming at all. She's calm and intuitive but gets very excited if you say her trigger words 'are you ready'. She's volunteered with senior citizens because she's so good natured and intelligent. I couldn't have asked for a better experience with her.
6 years, 3 months ago
8 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Eating Snacks
Hike
sleep
The Australian Cattle dog I walk is originally from Colorado, thus adjusting to the city life is still a work in progress. She does not like to meet other dogs while we explore the streets, thus I have to keep an eye out to make sure we are not surprised by another dog. She also does not like to be led on a leash, as she was a free-range dog out west. This causes some issues, as she constantly wants to make her way back home. Her stubbornness can be controlled, however, by quick corrections meant to keep her moving and engaged for the entirety of the walk. Loud noises will also scare her to the point that she gets super anxious and wants nothing more than to be back home. When this happens, I make sure to have her sit and give her plenty of pets to calm her down. After a few minutes, she is usually good to go. Overall, she is a great dog who just isn't into the city life, which is completely understandable.
6 years, 3 months ago
5 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walk
Kisses
Sniffing
Australian Cattle dogs are sort of like the quintessential "dog" They're their owner's best friend and love doing all the typical dog activities like protecting their people and their home and chasing squirrels! I've walked an Australian Cattle dogs that was older and quite chubby and a little more on the lazy side and I've walked one that was spry and full of energy. As with most dogs, their behavior is all about their environment. These are great dogs to have around!
6 years, 3 months ago
4 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
Sniffing
While only shy at first, William the Australian Cattle dog warmed up really quickly. He was extremely energetic but was a great listener and followed commands to a T. He walked very briskly and even jogged for quite a bit but it was hard to keep a steady pace due to him wanting to sniff each bush he came across! He posed well for pictures and was a very happy friendly dog.
6 years, 3 months ago
4 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Australian Cattle dogs can be extremely defensive around strangers and also extremely sweet around people they know. Takaia, the four-year-old Australian Cattle dog I have walked several times, is always very friendly and sweet with me when I arrive at her house. She comes to greet me at the door but does not jump up on me or bark and is very patient while I put on her harness and leash. It seems like she has enough experience with Wag walkers to know that when someone comes to her house in the middle of the day when her owners are not home they are a friend coming to take her for a walk-- Australian Cattle dogs are very smart and learn things quickly! She also has lots of energy and loves to take long walks so the sight of her harness always makes her happy. Walking around the sometimes busy streets of Brooklyn, Takaia can get a little aggressive because of her instincts as a herder dog. She will sometimes bark or lunge at strangers on the street even if they're just walking quietly past us. She also sometimes lunges at pigeons and squirrels. She is generally a very fast walker and strong for her size, which can be difficult especially if you're walking in a crowded urban area. The Easy Walker harness really seems to help with both of these tendencies (and a Gentle Leader or another harness that attaches to the head would probably be even more effective). I also find that holding her very close to me in crowded areas reduces her tendency to snip at strangers as she can tell I will not let her get very far away from me even if she tries. She seems to love walking around the park near her house but she can get a bit aggressive with other dogs so I only take her there at times of day when there will not be many other dogs around. If we pass another dog, she will usually bark and pull towards the other dog until they are out of sight. Takaia is accustomed to living in the city and does not react to cars on the street, but my family's Australian Cattle dog, Xavier, lives in a rural area and will try to herd almost every car that passes our yard. This can cause him to bark and sometimes run out into the street, which can obviously be very dangerous to both him and the driver. Making sure an Australian Cattle dog gets lots and lots of exercise can help with this and make them less likely to try to herd everything in sight. Xavier loves to play fetch when he is off his leash and can run extremely fast. Playing fetch in an area where they have to run very far in between throws is a great way to tire them out. If they do not have experience with fetch, they can learn how to play very quickly. Both Xavier and Takaia absolutely love the snow and will always seek it out if it is only on the ground in some areas.
6 years, 3 months ago
1 Year
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
sprint
Tug-of-war
Hunt
Fetch
Tracking
investigating
I have worked with one Australian Cattle Dog, a male just barely over a year old. He was very easy to work with and trusted me as quickly as I came to find him charming, gentle and playful. He showed many signs typical of his breed: he loved exploring over a large square area, even at such a young age he was utterly courageous facing down traffic and yelping dogs in passing, and he had a clear capacity for high spirits. Cattle Dogs are comparable to Labs with regard to their keen sense for companionship, and they are known to hound out the outlines of many scents otherwise invisible to us. They love to sprint as well as maintain the leading pace of their walkers. Their sense of maturity and self-control is uncanny, a probable atavism of their ancestors who specialized in intermingling with multiple species of animals.
6 years, 3 months ago
2 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walk
I have walked a couple Australian Cattle dogs and they have had very different temperaments. Both dogs seemed highly intelligent and in tune with the feelings of their owners and/or walkers. One of the cattle dogs that I walked was extremely calm during the walk and never pulled away from you, but was a bit timid around other dogs and shy of going to the bathroom in front of you. The other dog I walked was very energetic and LOVED trying to chase after squirrels. Both seemed excited to go on their walks, and both warmed up quickly to me as their walker. Not even rain could get them down. Neither of them barked or behaved badly in any way, and played nicely with other dogs.
6 years, 3 months ago
Cleo
9 Weeks
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
I have a 9 week ACD and she is the cutest she is teething and very energetic she loves peanut butter bones she already knows how to sit at 9 weeks and we are in the process of training lay down which we just started today and she is already very good. She is good with other dogs considering the fact that I did buy her at a pet store and she had siblings. Overall she is very obedient super sweet and energetic!!
6 years ago
Kipsy
3 Years
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Chase
Fetch
Cuddling
Running
Off-leash
I've had Kipsy for a couple of months now, and she's a very energetic and affectionate gal. She's super spunky, hates old, white men, and requires a lot of cuddles. Our favorite part of Kipsy's personality is that she's very intelligent. She knows what certain doors of our house mean (back door = play time & front door = car ride) so she becomes different versions of excited for both of them.
5 years, 9 months ago
Peach
6 Months
1 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
chewing
Hiking
Tug-of-war
Obedience classes
Fetch
herding birds
playing with other dogs
I've had Peach for two months now and she's AMAZING! Super nice temperament, very sociable with people and other dogs, and very affectionate. She's a little nervous sometimes and always hyper aware of her surroundings but already very good on and off leash. Great recall. Doesn't chase joggers, bikes, or cars thankfully! She's super high energy and her biggest challenge is being calm indoors. She is crate trained and pretty much only sleeps when in the crate!
5 years, 4 months ago
Enzo
9 Months
1 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Bike ride
Hiking
Tug-of-war
Go to Park
Obedience classes
Jogging
Dog Parks
I've had and met ACDs before Enzo. The main traits that set this breed apart from most others is that they are a very sensitive and reactive breed (unless you get that one odd ball). These dogs notice everything and remember. Enzo has a tendency to form strange habits as a result. For example: If I open or close the front gate of our yard then Enzo, whining, must run to the back gate as if to ensure it is still closed. He does this every time, it's quirky to say the least. Raising an ACD puppy is akin to raising a large, hyperactive squirrel. ACD puppies like to nip and heel. I would go rollerblading on the trail with my old ACD and he would be triggered to chase and nip anytime a bike passed us but was otherwise fine. My current one gets triggered by running or playing children. Be prepared to invest a LOT of time and energy in checking that behavior. Also be prepared to constantly be doing things with your ACD. I have to exercise him vigorously every day or else he becomes a veritable demon in the household. These dogs know how to manipulate you to entertain them. They will nip at your feet, target something they know you like for destruction, give you a supersonic bark, and etc. if they are bored. That is why exercise is so important, this behavior can be intolerable for a lot of people and you'll notice that a lot of these dogs end up in the shelter. I gave up on plain walks a while ago, I could walk 3 hours straight with him and he'll still have plenty of energy to spare. Instead I run him by biking, rollerblading, lure coursing, using the flirt pole, playing fetch when I can find a patch of land he can be off-leash at. I live in house with a tiny yard. A lot of land would make exercise easier but I think you can make it work no matter where you live as long as you are committed to doing what it takes to tire these guys out. A last note: although they are smart, and can pick up on commands very easily, they are not easily trained dogs. They get bored easily, they are stubborn, they aren't typically food motivated. This can present various difficulties for you as an owner. Training requires repetition and motivation. A dog that gets bored easy won't be cooperative the 3rd time you ask him to sit because it's much funner to go chew his bone now. A dog that isn't motivated will not obey when given a command. If you are unfortunate enough to have a dog that isn't much interested in food you will have to learn how to use play and that can be a big learning curve. Good luck! This breed isn't for everyone.
4 years, 10 months ago
Hilda
1 Year
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Herding cattle
Ranching
It’s a working dog which must work to burn that energy. I’ve never had a smarter dog nor have I ever seen this kind loyalty. My bitch Hilda, if you approach me and she doesn’t know you, she will tear ya apart. I lay down in the desert just playing dead you know, and heifers will come up to and investigate, she keeps them all at bay. I took her off an 88000 acre ranch southern Arizona bordering Mexico. She was only 4 months. I’ve got three boys she took to immediately however she still prefers to be with me in my pickup or way out in the desert when I’m on horseback. It’s the first bitch I’ve ever owned and I can say without a doubt I will only have Queensland Heelers from here on out. I absolutely love this dog, this breed. She actually talks to me, you know using her voice box to communicate I can’t understand what the heck she’s saying but usually get the jist of it. Hilda without a doubt is my very best friend as well as my horse Jet. Those two get along great btw. I might add however, city dwellers, please try and use good sense when acquiring a heeler if you live in the city, don’t get a heeler, if you lazy don’t get a heeler if you’re obese don’t get a heeler, unless you can be outside regardless of the weather, for a minimum or 2-4 hours and I mean where the dog can run at full speed, don’t get a heeler. However if you have livestock I would strongly recommend a Heeler. Incredibly smart & they never quit not ever, they’ll keep you in shape without a doubt!
2 years, 10 months ago
Duke
17 Months
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Play keep away
Tug-of-war
Play
Agility training
Watching tv
Fetch
Dog Parks
Playing in the snow
I got Duke about 17 mnoths ago and he is probably the best dog I've ever had. I was looking for awhile for another dog after my American pit bull passed. I found him on Craigslist he is a amstaff Australian cattle dog mix. but he is so smart and just all around an awesome dog.
2 years, 10 months ago
Diesel and Moo
2 Years
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Herding
Fetch
Hike
Bike ride
Agility training
Both my girls are awesome dogs. Diesel is older and a bit standoffish around little kids and strangers in general, but she is never aggressive towards them and if anything will hide behind me. Moo, however, absolutely adores everyone she meets, little kids to old people, and firmly believes that people were put on earth to pet her! Moo is the higher energy of the two, but she knows when it's time to chill, too. They are both very food motivated, but never has either one gone "countertop surfing". Rarely do I have to groom them, usually just when they blow their coats every spring and fall. They love going horseback riding and herding cows as well. Neither of them have ever started a fight with another dog. Once I build some jumps, I plan to tackle some agility training with Moo!
4 years, 3 months ago
Skipper
9 Months
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Bike ride
Swim
Kayaking
Agility training
Off-leash
I adore this breed! They are super cool and are such a asset to the household! She adores travelling which is good as I also enjoy travelling and am looking at doing a long haul trip! Absolutely amazing and for someone active perfect for them! Especially since they are not the biggest yet still have a decent size which is amazing due to me not wanting a massive dog nor a small one yet still with a lot of energy! They are very forgiving and hardy and she's my first dog so very pleasantly surprised! 10/10 Recommend
4 years, 3 months ago
Luna
1 Year
1 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
training
Walk
Run
Luna is excitable and energizing. She keeps me active and cuddles on her own terms. Truly a companion dog and is loyal to her "pack".
4 years, 3 months ago
Bucky
5 Months
3 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Dog Parks
Hike
I have enjoyed being Bucky’s mother so much! He is such a quick learner and wants to please. I would suggest this breed to anyone who has the time/energy to properly train them. My biggest concern when I got him was to make sure he is people and pet friendly, I suggest exposing to dog parks and meeting people as much as possible while they are young!
4 years, 1 month ago
Mick
10 Weeks
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
playing with other dogs
Tug-of-war
Ball
Walks
Mick is a very good blue heeler and learns swiftly, although this breed isn't for everyone this is a new experience! Of course after playing hard with him he gets tired and takes a long nap but, what kinda puppy doesn't? He's good with kids and is very happy when we come home or wake up. He gets along with our other dogs. He has also just discovered the puppy zoom. We haven it had to groom him in the short time we've had him. He has a LOT if energy that we don't always have time to spend. he reacts well to loud noises after the first time he hears them and he fit right in! This breed, if trained right, then they are loving, helpful, bright, energetic dogs that will follow you to the ends of the Earth.
4 years ago
Jessie
9 Weeks
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
I am impressed by how silent the puppy is. She only burks when I reprimand her. And then mostly to stop the nipping at the feet and heels. She is a greedy feeder.
4 years ago
Chevy
8 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Hiking
Tricks
Parkour
Playing in the water
Agility training
Playing in the snow
Chevy is a red heeler mix but displays most of the heeler traits. He has a strong prey drive and is energetic and always willing to learn. He is very independent as he doesn't love to cuddle but is loyal and protective of myself and my husband. It took us while to get used to this excitable and energetic breed but now we are quite smitten and would probably get another heeler in the future. We love our sassy boy.
3 years, 6 months ago
Athena
5 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
We got ours as a Rescue - She was dropped off at a Friend's farm with a Farm Hand, so we know very little about her past. Two Vets have told us that she was almost certainly abused (She is very nervous in new places and afraid of new people...although she barks and puts up a good front). She kept running out into traffic at the Farm and some Drivers called the Animal Police, so they were going to catch her and take her away. The Farm Owners asked us if we might be interested and here we are!
2 years, 11 months ago
Trump
8 Weeks
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
We have a fig tree and Trump likes eating the figs that have fell to the ground (stem and all), we have to route our walks away from the fig tree. We have never had a dog that likes figs. Haven’t seemed to upset his stomach so far but we still avoid letting him have them.
2 years, 4 months ago
Harley Lyn Benge
6 Months
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
while young, they are very head strong, & absolutely hate any other pet you may have, but on the best side of things things the very smartest dog I've ever seen,& have raised many, stone mountain game fowl Stone mountain 🏔️ north Carolina 😎
2 years, 4 months ago
Chevy
7 Years
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Snack
catch
dinner
lunch
Groom
breakast
eye cleaning
Walking
I have had my acd since nov 6 2015
1 year, 4 months ago
Animal Expert Question Icon
Question - New pet
Question

what breed should i get if i work all day and want to have an outdoor dog? i live in new york, and have a big yard and intend to have a shaded and insulated dog house for when it is hot or cold.

Answer
You would want a robust dog built for outdoor living such as a Siberian Husky or Australian Shepherd.
3 years ago
Animal Expert Question Icon
Question - New pet
Question

How do I now what to do

Answer
Animal Expert Question Icon
Question - New pet
Question

How do I stop my dog from digging holes all the time!

Answer
Animal Expert Question Icon
Question - Other
Question

this may seem a little weird but I was wondering what the general size of cattle dogs’ brains are? I’ve had my little man, Gizmo, for 5 years now and I am constantly blown away by his intelligence (which I swear is rapidly increasing since the pandemic began) almost every other day, if not, daily. He picks up on things that I say that I would never thinks dog would even learn. So yeah, that’s where the question is coming from (I’m not some creepy lady wondering about dogs brains out of the blue) I’ve been searching for an answer on this thought for over2 hours now! Thanks! -gizmos mom

Answer
Are you an Australian Cattle Dog owner?
Share Your Experience
Wag! icon help icon Help Center
App Store logo Play Store logo

Download the Wag! app

Facebook icon Instagram icon Twitter icon Tiktok icon
Facebook icon Instagram icon Twitter icon Tiktok icon
App Store logo Play Store logo

© 2024 Wag Labs, Inc. All rights reserved.

Facebook icon Instagram icon Twitter icon Tiktok icon
Book me a walkiee?
Pweeeze!
Book My Walk!
Sketch of smiling australian shepherd