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Cattle Dog
A Complete Breed Guide for Australian Cattle Dogs
This article is written by Pet Circle's qualified veterinarian,
The Cattle Dog - also known as the Australian Cattle Dog or the Blue Heeler - is an incredibly clever, energetic and stoic dog breed. Originally developed by Aussie settlers to round and muster herds of cattle in the Aussie outback, this breed is still commonly used today as a herding dog. This is a dog who thrives when they have a job to do, bond particularly strongly with one owner or family, and need to be kept mentally stimulated.
As a family pet, the Cattle Dog can make a great companion. Cattle Dogs are extremely loyal and protective of their family, but can be wary of strangers. In addition to herding work, Cattle Dogs do well in canine sports such as agility, obedience, rally, flyball, and flying disc competitions. This isn't a dog for an apartment setting or a household that can't commit time for exercise and attention. Cattle Dogs need a high level of mental and physical activity every day to stay happy and healthy. If your home has some room to run, and your lifestyle is active enough to keep up with such an active breed, then a Cattle Dog may be just the pet for you!
Contents:
At a glance
History
Personality
Top toy recommendations
Health Concerns
Nutrition
Related Breeds
Further reading
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Cattle Dog Facts
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Breed size: |
Place of origin: |
Other names: |
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Medium |
Australia |
Australian Cattle Dog, Blue Heeler, Queensland Heeler, Halls Heeler |
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Breed group: |
Energy level: |
Weight range: |
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Herding Dogs |
Very High |
17-22kg |
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Life expectancy: |
Tendency to bark: |
Height range: |
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12-15 years |
Moderate |
43-51cms height to shoulder |
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Drool factor: |
Social needs: |
Coat length: |
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Low |
High |
Short |
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Shedding factor: |
Overall grooming needs: |
Colours: |
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Moderate to high (seasonal) |
Weekly brushing |
Typically 'blue' or 'red'. Colours may range from blue and red speckle, with black, tan, red or blue markings. |
How big do Australian Cattle Dogs get?Cattle Dog males are typically 43 to 51 cm tall at the shoulder and females are typically 43 to 48 cm. Both males and females can weigh between 17-22kg. |
How much does a Cattle Dog cost in Australia?An Australian Cattle Dog puppy usually costs around $700 AUD, but can be up to $3300 if purchased from a reputable breeder. Cattle Dogs and crosses are frequently available at animal shelters, so it is always worth checking your local rescue centres first - not only will this likely be cheaper than purchasing a dog from a breeder, but you will be saving a life! |
Do Cattle Dogs shed?Australian Cattle Dogs tend to shed in large quantities once a year, or twice a year in entire females. They have a double coat and shed heavily during the change of seasons, and moderately during the rest of the year. Regular hair brushing with a dog comb is essential, as is feeding them a top quality diet to keep their fur silky and smooth. |
Are Cattle Dogs good pets?With the right training, socialisation and exercise regime, Cattle Dogs can make excellent pets. They are loyal, affectionate, playful, and family-oriented dogs. However, because of their history as working dogs loyal to one farmer, they can be unfriendly to strangers. |
How long do Cattle Dogs live?The Cattle Dog lifespan is 12-15 years. As with any breed, they will live much longer if you feed them a premium quality diet, never let them become overweight, and keep their teeth in top condition! |
Do Cattle Dogs bark a lot?A mentally-stimulated cattle dog tends not to bark a lot. They were bred to be quiet, effective herders. However, due to their high intelligence, Cattle Dogs are prone to boredom which can cause excessive barking. They have a characteristic high-pitched loud bark, and they tend to bark when they feel their territory has been invaded. To reduce your Cattle Dog's barking, ensure you train with positive reinforcement from a young age and reduce problem behaviours before they begin! |
How do I choose an Australian Cattle Dog breeder?When looking for an Australian Cattle Dog, your options are to: a) adopt from a rescue (this is our top recommendation!) b) buy from an or online marketplace or pet store (NOT recommended!), or c) Research a reputable breeder. Never purchase a puppy without inspecting the breeder's premises and asking the 10 Breeder Checklist Questions first. Good breeders socialise their animals, house them humanely, allow you to inspect their premises, and selectively breed healthy traits and good temperaments. Read our Guide to Finding a Good Breeder for more tips. |
Are Cattle Dogs good with kids?Despite their size and stature, Cattle Dogs can be wonderful pets for kids due to their energetic, playful energy, and their loyal and protective nature. They are affectionate, playful and big enough not to get injured by kids. However, caution is advised around children unknown to the dog, as Cattle Dogs can be wary of strangers and may perceive the boisterous, confronting energy of children as a threat. |
Cattle Dog History
Cattle dogs herding cattle with drovers. Source: K9rl
An American soldier with a cattle dog in Queensland during WWII. Source: Wikipedia
Bluey, the oldest dog ever verified at 29 years 5 months, circa 1920.Wikipedia
The Australian Cattle Dog has an interesting history, as it is the only dog breed that was intentionally created from crossing domestic dogs with the wild Australian Dingo. Early Australian stockmen required a reliable dog that could herd thousands of animals spread across hundreds of acres in the harsh Aussie outback conditions. British Smithfields were used originally, but they couldn't tolerate high temperatures, lack of water, and challenging terrains.
So, throughout the 19th century, Smithfields and later Scottish Highland Terriers were bred with wild Dingoes. A man named Thomas Hall created a breed called 'Hall's heelers' from these mixes which worked well in the Aussie outback and herded cattle well. A while later, two brothers named Jack and Harry Bagust mixed in some Dalmatian traits to help Hall's heelers become more affectionate with humans. The black-and-tan Kelpie was also mixed in to improve its working abilities.
Now, as a testament to their Dalmatian ancestry, most Australian cattle dog pups are born white and develop coat patterns as they mature. After further breeding refinements in the 20th century, the American Kennel Club recognised the Australian Cattle Dog as a pure breed in 1980. They are now as popular in the USA as they are in Australia, partly due to their popularity with celebrities such as Matthew McConaughey and Owen Wilson.
Cattle Dog Personality and Temperament
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Cattle Dogs are known for being loyal, energetic, protective, and independent. They have an incredibly keen intellect, exceptional problem solving skills, and take guarding responsibilities seriously. They create a very strong bond with their owner. They have endless energy and are very agile, and can learn an almost unlimited amount of commands and tricks.
Due to their history as herding and working dogs, the Cattle Dog is very active and independent. They are smart but can also be stubborn and willful. Getting their independent streak under control requires persistent positive training.
Cattle Dogs require a very high level of exercise and mental stimulation. Simply leaving them in a yard to 'run around by themselves' is not enough - at least one hour of high intensity exercise is required each day, and preferably by your side. This may include playing fetch, walking, swimming, or running - in fact, the Cattle Dog is likely to be the best running buddy you've ever had!
Additionally, proper training and socialising are essential for a well-rounded and mentally healthy pup. It's recommended to start socialisation and firm training as early as possible to avoid bad habits and aggression. Their large, strong, muscular frames mean they're very powerful and energetic. They have a great work ethic, so these dogs need to be well stimulated. A Cattle dog can adapt to any lifestyle, when given plenty of attention, training and exercise.
Top toy recommendations for Cattle Dogs
The ideal toys for a Cattle Dog should encourage interactive play and problem-solving to keep them mentally stimulated, and robust enough to withstand some rough playing. Any toy that helps challenge their wits and keeps their mind busy is key - particularly puzzle feeders and ball throwers!
Yours Droolly Entertaineze Treat Ball
Fill the this bouncy ball with some of your dog's kibble to slow their eating or to keep them occupied and out of mischief.
Made with highly visible, fast drying neoprene, this special Wet Wubba is ideal for games of fetch in and out of water.
An extra long ball thrower to help you launch your Rottie's ball further than ever before to satisfy those intense fetch cravings!
This creative contraption doubles as a slow feeder and an interactive puzzle, keeping your cattle dog entertained at mealtime!
Common Cattle Dog Health Problems
Australian Cattle Dogs are generally fairly healthy - after all, they were bred to be resilient, AND have the benefit of inter-species Dingo-Dog hybrid vigor in their DNA! However, they can be prone to deafness, progressive retinal atrophy, and hip dysplasia.
Deafness
Deafness occurs in Cattle Dogs and can be detected from as early as four weeks of age, and is usually hereditary. If you believe your Cattle Dog puppy is suffering from deafness, your vet can perform some tests to determine the extent of their hearing.
