Australian Cattle Dog
Also known as: Heeler, Queensland Heeler, Blue Heeler, Red Heeler
Affectionate With Family
Affectionate With Family: Moderate (3 out of 5)
How affectionate a breed is likely to be with family members, or other people he knows well. Some breeds can be aloof with everyone but their owner, while other breeds treat everyone they know like their best friend.
Good With Young Children
Good With Young Children: Moderate (3 out of 5)
A breed's level of tolerance and patience with childrens' behavior, and overall family-friendly nature. Dogs should always be supervised around young children, or children of any age who have little exposure to dogs.
Good With Other Dogs
Good With Other Dogs: Moderate (3 out of 5)
How generally friendly a breed is towards other dogs. Dogs should always be supervised for interactions and introductions with other dogs, but some breeds are innately more likely to get along with other dogs, both at home and in public.
Openness To Strangers
Openness To Strangers: Moderate (3 out of 5)
How welcoming a breed is likely to be towards strangers. Some breeds will be reserved or cautious around all strangers, regardless of the location, while other breeds will be happy to meet a new human whenever one is around!
Note: Scores reflect typical breed tendencies. Individual dogs may vary based on training, environment, and genetics.
Note: Some traits may be unavailable for certain breeds due to limited or inconsistent data from recognized sources.
Care Guide
- ●Australian Cattle Dog grooming requires minimal upkeep due to its weather-resistant, low-maintenance coat
- ●weekly brushing with a quick brush suffices for regular care
- ●baths are only needed occasionally
- ●shedding season demands thorough brushing every few days with a short-bristle brush and comb to remove dead undercoat
- ●nails should be trimmed regularly as part of standard grooming.
Colors & Markings
Colors
Markings
Health Information
Ethical breeders prioritize health testing for Australian Cattle Dogs, screening for deafness, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and hip dysplasia. Regular ear cleaning prevents debris buildup and wax accumulation, while consistent teeth brushing supports overall health.
Recommended Health Tests
📜 History
Frequently Asked Questions
🔗Related Breeds
Breeds similar to Australian Cattle Dog
Overview
About This Breed
The Australian Cattle Dog is a highly intelligent, loyal, and tenacious breed with a strong work ethic. Energetic and alert, they thrive when given a job or purpose, forming a deep bond with their owner while remaining protective and watchful. Their playful and affectionate nature makes them great companions, but their high energy and mental stimulation needs require consistent engagement to prevent boredom or destructive behavior.
🎭Temperament
Purpose
Herding cattle and working on farms in rugged, harsh environments
Breed for
Cattle herding, herding trials
Best Suited For
Active families or individuals with outdoor lifestyles, preferably in rural or spacious settings
Ideal Owner Profile
This breed is best suited for an experienced dog owner or active family who can provide daily physical and mental challenges, preferably in a rural or spacious environment where the dog can work or participate in activities like herding, agility, or long runs.
Training Difficulty
Hard
Care Difficulty
Moderate
Common Challenges
Owners may face challenges with managing the breed's high energy and intelligence, requiring significant time for training and exercise; shedding is also notable during seasonal coat changes.
Trust & Transparency
About Our Data
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Accuracy Assured
Our breed data is standardized using a consistent scoring system across temperament, trainability, and care needs to ensure fair comparisons based on the same criteria.
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We regularly update information as new data becomes available. Our goal is to provide an honest, helpful resource for researching dog breeds and adoption decisions.