Australian Cattle Dog: temperament, size, care and health

About the Australian Cattle Dog

The Australian Cattle Dog, often called a heeler, is a compact, muscular dog standing roughly 17 to 20 inches and slightly longer than it is tall. The short double coat is either blue (mottled or speckled, with tan or black markings) or red speckled, and puppies are born white and color up later. The dog is built for durability, with a broad skull, strong jaws and a rugged frame.

It was developed to drive half-wild cattle across large distances in Australia, nipping at the heels to move them and ducking the kicks. That heritage means a dog that is tough, self-reliant and always on guard. Fans appreciate its loyalty and its ability to keep up with an active owner for hours.

Temperament and family life

An Australian Cattle Dog is devoted to its family and often attaches to one person in particular. It is naturally wary of strangers and protective of its territory, which makes it a good watchdog but also means socialization from puppyhood is necessary to prevent suspicion or aggression.

The breed can live with children it knows, but its habit of nipping at heels in order to herd makes it unsuited to toddlers and to rowdy play. Many are dominant with other dogs and have a high prey drive toward cats and small animals. A bored heeler can be destructive, noisy and mouthy, and a dog left alone for long hours will almost certainly find work of its own.

Exercise and training

Heelers need hard daily exercise. Running, hiking, fetch and a task such as herding, agility, flyball or advanced obedience will satisfy most, and an hour's walk is the minimum. Rest days are not wasted if the dog has puzzles and training to occupy its mind.

The breed is intelligent and learns quickly, but it is also independent and can test its owner. Training should be firm, fair and consistent, using rewards rather than force. Teach bite inhibition early, since mouthing can become nipping, and give the dog chew toys. Begin socialization and basic obedience in puppyhood. A secure fence is essential, as the breed will roam if it can.

Grooming and shedding

The coat is easy to maintain. Brush once a week with a firm brush or curry, and more often when the dog sheds its undercoat in heavy periods, usually once or twice a year. Bathe only when needed, as the coat naturally sheds dirt.

Trim the nails, clean the ears and brush the teeth. Check the skin for burrs, ticks and cuts after outdoor work. The short hairs can embed in upholstery.

Health

Cattle Dogs are among the hardier breeds, with a long average lifespan, but known conditions include congenital deafness, progressive retinal atrophy, hip and elbow dysplasia, primary lens luxation and osteochondritis dissecans. Responsible breeders test hearing with a BAER test, and screen hips, elbows and eyes, with DNA tests for some inherited eye conditions.

This is general information about the breed. A veterinarian is the person to ask about any particular dog.

History

The breed was developed in nineteenth-century Australia, where settlers needed a dog that could handle the harsh climate and wild cattle. Thomas Hall, of a New South Wales family, is credited with crossing imported blue-speckled Highland collies with dingoes, and other breeders, notably the Bagust family, later developed the line into a durable cattle driver. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1980.

Is the Australian Cattle Dog right for you?

An Australian Cattle Dog suits an energetic owner with a rural or suburban home, who wants a loyal and hardy dog and has the time for training and exercise. It is a poor choice for apartments, first-time owners, homes with small children or households that cannot offer daily work.

Compare the more people-oriented Australian Shepherd, the more trainable Border Collie, and the smaller heeler-type Lancashire Heeler.