Australian Cattle Dog Facts

It's ancestor, Hall's Heeler, was a dog developed from a cross of the Scottish Collie and a native Australian dog Dingo. The breed as we know it today was developed in mid 1800s by crossing Hall's Heeler with Australian Kelpie and a Dalmatian. Some experts believe that the Italian Greyhound and the Bull Terrier could have also been used.

Though its name may sound similar to Australian Shepherd, these are two distinct dog breeds.

Physical Characteristics of Australian Cattle Dog

This is a medium sized breed. It has a muscular body that is slightly longer than it is tall, deep chest, a wide head with a large nose and medium sized and erect ears. The tail is long.

It has a medium length double coat consisting of a straight, harsh outer coat and a dense and smooth undercoat. The outer coat comes in two basic colors, blue or red, and many markings and patterns.

Temperament

The Australian Cattle Dog is intelligent, loyal and, like all herding dogs, protective and full of energy.

Though they tend to be one-person dogs, they are friendly and easygoing with those they are familiar with but can be wary with strangers. As they grow older, they become more wary and cautious.

They herd cattle by nipping at their feet and tails. Unfortunately, they will do the same with humans. Good dog chew toys will diminish this annoying behavior.

Though they are good with other dogs, especially herding dogs, fights to establish a social order are quite common.

Best Owner / Living Conditions

The Australian Cattle Dog is not a good dog for an apartment living. It requires an active and experienced owner living in the suburbs.

You also need to be firm in your approach to training.

Unless you establish yourself as a leader or if you allow your puppy to bond with an older dog, you may have hard time controlling your dog when he grows up.

Some Australian Cattle Dog breeders may interview prospective owners to make sure this is the right breed for them.

Activity and Exercise

This is a very active dog. Unless you provide him with plenty of exercise, chances are, he will become bored and resort to a lot of destructive behaviors.

A large, fenced yard will allow your pet to get the exercise that he needs. It's also a good idea to take him for several long walks every day.

Grooming

The Australian Cattle Dog is an average shedder. Use a firm bristle brush and a comb to brush several times a week. Bathe only when necessary.

Health Concerns

Like all dog breeds, the Australian Cattle Dog is susceptible to complications caused by parasites such as dog ticks, fleas, and puppy worms, including tapeworms, roundworms, and heartworms.

Additional health problems may include hip dysplasia and deafness. To learn more about dog diseases and health care, visit dog health problems.

To reduce the risk of the above and many other health problems, buy only from reputable Australian Cattle Dog breeders (visit dog breeders to learn how to identify responsible dog breeders).

No matter how small the risk of health problems is, any puppy may get sick or injured. Many health problems will require an immediate attention from your Vet, but there are many others that will not, and you may handle them on your own.

To save time and money, learn how to diagnose and treat dog health problems that don't require your Vet's attention.

Life Expectancy

The average life expectancy is 12 to 15 years but a dog named Bluey lived to be almost 30 years before he died in 1939. He was the oldest dog that ever lived.

Did you ever consider adopting your next pet?

If this is the breed you are interested in, and adoption appeals to you, consider contacting your local Australian Cattle Dog rescue. There are thousands of pets waiting for a loving home and, yes, it's possible to adopt a purebred dog.