Australian Cattle Dog is known to work his stocks quietly yet forcefully and is able to drive castles across long distances despite hot weather. This dog is also known as Australian Heeler; where “Heeler” points to its snapping and biting of cattle’s heels. The dog is good at herding, retrieving and guarding and is agile and obedient.
Physical Traits
Area of Origin: Australia
Used for: Herding, Companion
Average Life Span: 12-15 years
Color: Red speckled, blue, blue speckled or blue mottled
Coat: Smooth Double coat and dense undercoat
Average Height: 17-20 inches
Average Weight: 30-62 pounds
Group: Herding, AKC Herding
History and Domestication
Smithfield and Old Smooth Collie were brought by settlers from Europe but these dogs were not able to adjust to the inhospitable climate of this new continent and long distances.
Later on in 1800s, Dingo-clue merle Collies were crossbred with Dalmatians and black and tan Kelpies to create Australian Cattle dog.
However, some argue that Blue Terrier might also be a part of the breeding picture. The breed was fully recognized by AKC in 1980.
Standard Physical Characteristics
The Australian Cattle dog or Australian Heeler is a courageous, robust, tireless and compact working dog. The dog is agile and determined while working. Its body is a little longer than its tail. The front legs are strong and straight and the round bone extends to the feet. It has a black nose and wide ears which prick when alert. Its dark brown eyes are medium in size and oval in shape. The puppies are born white due to their Dalmatian ancestry.
Care, Grooming and Health
They have a shorthaired coat which is weather-resistant and hence needs little care and is easy to groom. Bathe them only when necessary and for brushing their coat, use a brush with firm bristles. The dog may shed once or twice in a year depending on its region and sex.
Australian Cattle dogs have an incredible stamina and tend to enjoy any activity you give them. Regular exercising is important because without enough exercise, they tend to get bored and destructive. And throwing a ball doesn’t count as exercise because they need something to stimulate their brains too. This breed needs to be taken on long daily walks and also makes a good companion for jogging. However, make sure you are the one walking in front because you have to emphasize on the alpha position.
This breed is prone to PRA and hip-dyslexia. Merle-colored ones are prone to deafness.
Living Conditions
This dog does best with a large yard, hence it is not recommended for an apartment life. He also prefers to be busy at something.
Temperament
ACD is loyal and hard working dog. But it needs something to do or else it becomes bored. The dog can be trained well in obedience. As the dog is protective, it makes him an excellent guard dog. The dog is loyal and obedient to his master but if allowed to be the pack leader, can become aggressive.
