Australian Cattle Dog

Widely recognized as The Blue Heeler, Australian Cattle Dog is a medium-sized herding dog. They are high on stamina and endurance. ‘Heeler’ as they are called, is because they tended nipping cattle at their heels to kettle them up.

The length from their breast-bone to buttocks is longer than the height of their withers which makes them weigh 30-50lbs but is mere 17-20inches in height.

Their broad skull, pricked ears, and athletic shoulders give them a powerful personality.

Muscular and well-built, they are high-energy working dogs. They can work/play the entire day outdoors, and would still start wagging their tail on your slightest cue to going out. If your energy does not call the tune of your ACD, they might resort to entertaining themselves by digging in the trash or your backyard.   

They need somebody who can implement an organized training plan to combat the caution of strangers and control their strong preying instincts. They are the smartest when it comes to obedience training.  

They may not be best with children, and if not exposed to them since puppyhood, ACDs may develop a tendency to nip them as well (all they need is an Achilles’ heels).

ACDs are very protective of their owners and would not leave their side even for a second. Do not forget to chain your relatives on their next trip if your baby is around.

Australian Cattle Dog as a pet is an ongoing adventure for 12-15 years. It doesn’t change the fact that you are a pet parent; it just makes you a wee bit cooler.

History

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Back in the 1800s, Anglo-Australians started re-creating the Australian outback into expansive ranchlands which slowly became the prime-region for the beef industry.

Nevertheless, harsh conditions in that region made it difficult for cattle ranchers to assist their cattle. Necessity being the mother of inventions, with that began a process of deliberate cross-breeding of dogs to find one perfect breed to herd the cattle.

To tailor-make, George Eliot crossed wild Dingoes with Smithfield (now-extinct). Their pooch was further crossed with blue merle Highland Collies. The resultant dog was almost what the farmers wanted. Almost!

Jack and Harry Bagust added the cherry on the top by breeding Dalmatian with some of Eliot’s first set of dogs, giving birth to an Australian Cattle Dog puppy as we know of today.

A perfect herder for the rancher’s cattle, and a perfect Heeler for your heart.  

Australian Cattle Dogs are not only herders but also amazing “cowdogs”. Hailey, a rescue Australian Cattle dog of Montana, once took her owner by surprise by riding a mechanical bull with sheer balance and poise. She has taken up this duty of riding a bull to entertain people around her since then. 

Wild Dingoes totally deserve a toast for ACD’s adaptability, speed, and agility.

Blue Heeler Australian Cattle Dog became more popular especially among the drovers of Queensland and steadily came to known as Blue Heeler or Queensland Blue Heelers.

In 1980, the Australian Cattle Dog was recognized by AKC as a working dog. With the inclusion of Herding Dog as a type in 1983, ACD became a herder.

Facts Theatre

• THE MAD MAX >Facts Theatre 100 doggos that auditioned for the role of “Dog”, Max’s faithful Blue Heeler, in Mad Max 2.
•  IN TIME AND BEYOND – Bluey, an ancient ACD, lived a merry life of 29 years and 5 months, assisting sheep for almost 20 years.
• PSYCHIATRIC SERVICE DOGS – Shadow is a therapist who goes hang gliding with his owner to help him cope with separation anxiety.
• MAX THE MESSIAH – Max, a 17-year-old partially deaf and completely blind, saved the life of a young girl who was lost in the grave mountains of Queensland.
• BROTHERS-IN-ARMS – Owen Wilson’s wingman, Garcia, accompanies him in almost all his shootings. He also gave a cameo in his flick, Marley & Me.

Parenting Guide and Care

• Provide them with exercise and mental stimulation. Being Cattle Dogs, their body is used to the activity. If you fail to direct their energy into sports or exercises, they might develop destructive tendencies.
  You can make them work out since a young age as their body is made for athletics.
• Early socializing is a must. ACDs can become aggressive if not socialized since puppyhood. If you want them to be comfortable around your children, you need to create a bond as a puppy.
• Cannot do without obedience training. Australian Cattle Dogs used to nip the cattle by their heel to drive them. If not trained, he might nip children or other pets. ACDs are mouthy dogs and tend to bite (even while playing).
• Getting them a lot of chewy toys to play with especially while their teeth are coming out can help sober this tendency.
• THEY NEED A LOT OF ATTENTION. ACDs are “Velcro dogs” and they need to be as close to their owner as possible when they are around. Devoid of attention, Australian cattle dog puppy might suffer from separation anxiety.
• If you are working, adopting ACD is not a good idea.
• You can take make your dog participate in canine sports like agility, obedience, flyball, and flying disc. Outdoor activities once a week can uplift your baby’s mood. Carry enough treats and water along because it is going to be a wonderfully hectic doggie’s day out for your ACD.
• ACDs are not apartment-friendly. You need a farm or a massive backyard for them. They like playing outdoors and closed spaces can make them hostile.
• Need for professional training. ACDs need professional training to combat caution for strangers. If done so, they can be wonderful watchdogs. They need a trainer that can look after their needs and can train them accordingly to make them family and society friendly. You may need to reconsider your idea of adopting an ACD is you are a first time owner.

Personality and Temperament

Australian Cattle Dog is a mix of wild Dingo and Highland Collie which can make it a very hostile breed if not let outdoors. They need a lot of exercise and companionship. A non-working dog can participate in dog-sport, athletics, or learning a new activity that stimulates their mind and body.

They are very defensive of what they consider their territory and will do anything to protect it from absolute strangers.

The temperament of Australian Cattle Dog is reserved with strangers and it may turn into a dangerous suspicion if not given proper social training. Heeler puppies should be introduced to the behavior of ‘good men’ so they can recognize these traits in a stranger.

They are smart but sometimes they can bear a sudden grudge against a fellow dog. They may attack and sometimes end up killing cats and other small animals.

Australian Cattle Dogs are versatile dogs but they can stubborn at times. They have a mind of their own and can be dominant to prove a point. Positive and consistent training can help control their I-am-the-boss attitude.

Colors and Grooming