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australian cattle dogs
Breed Overview
Browse All australian cattle dog PuppiesQuick facts
Australian Cattle Dogs are directly related to the Australian Dingo. Breeders crossed Dingoes with Blue Merle Collies. The resulting dogs were then crossed with the Dalmation to create the modern Australian Cattle Dog.
Australian Cattle Dogs are considered one of the ten smartest dog breeds in the world.
Australian Cattle Dogs are on of the most colorful breeds in the world. ACDs are born in a variety of colors and markings which creates a staggering amount of coat and color combinations.
Australian Cattle Dogs have excellent stamina. Thanks to their relation to the dingo, ACDs can run for long stretches of time and have seemingly endless energy.
The oldest dog reportedly on record was an Australian Cattle Dog named Bluey, who lived to an amazing 29.5 years old.
In 2009, an Australian Cattle Dog named Sophie was thrown off the family boat when it was hit by a rogue wave. The resilient pup swam five miles back to shore and ended up on St. Bees Island. Sophie managed to stay alive by hunting feral goats and was eventually nabbed by a ranger and reunited with her family.
At the Ravalli County Fair in Hamilton, Montana, an Australian Cattle Dog named Hailey impressed fair-goers by taking a spin on the mechanical bull. Hailey showed an impressive amount of balance and grace, managing to stay on the bull the entire time before standing on her hind legs for applause.
Australian Cattle Dogs go by a lot of different names including Blue Heelers, Red Heelers, Queensland Heelers, and Australian Heelers.
The name ‘heeler’ derives from the job of driving cattle by nipping at their heels.
Due to their relation with the Dalmation, Australian Cattle Dogs are born entirely white. Their coloring grows in as they mature.
The white patch on a heeler’s head is called a “Bently Mark”. It traces back to dogs breed by a man named Thomas Bently.
Personality & Training
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Physical Characteristics
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Bathe as Needed
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About australian cattle dogs
Just as their name implies, these sturdy, robust dogs are great herders. They are also loyal, loving, affectionate companions. Australian Cattle Dogs come in two varieties – Blue Heeler and Red Heeler – which refer to their most common colors. Aussies are medium sized and active, incredibly intelligent and eager to work.
australian cattle dog Health
The Australian Cattle Dog is generally considered a healthy breed, more susceptible to injury than disease or medical disorder. However, like every breed, the Australian cattle dog is susceptible to a range of health issues.
australian cattle dog Care
Australian Cattle Dogs are smart, adaptable and energetic dogs. They are both terrific workers and amazing family pets. However, they do require a significant amount of care to accommodate their high energy and protective instincts.
Australian Cattle Dogs are as intelligent as they are stubborn, which can make training a challenge, but also a rewarding experience for you and your ACD.
Australian Cattle Dogs also need plenty of social, physical, and mental activity to ward off boredom, which can lead to destructive behavior. If you think you can keep up with their high energy lifestyle, than an Australian Cattle Dog will stand by your side for their entire life.