Description: The Australian Cattle Dog is a medium-sized dog in the herding group. The dog will measure 17 to 20 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 33 and 35 pounds. The bitch weighs 30 to 35 pounds and measures 17 to 19 inches at the withers. The coat of this dog is short, but it still consists of two layers: an outer protective layer and a dense undercoat. Coat color can be blue, red speckled, or blue speckled. The puppies are born white. The Australian Cattle Dog has its ears pricked up and its tail hanging loose. It has a useful life of about 12 to 15 years. This dog is also known as the Blue Heeler, Queensland Heeler, or Australian Heeler.

History: When settlers arrived in Australia, they naturally brought their dogs, often Smooth Collies, with them. Unfortunately, the hot climate of Australia and the great distances it took for a sheepdog to travel were found to be detrimental to these dogs. Recognizing the need to produce a stronger dog for their new home, the settlers bred Dalmatians and Kelpies along the line. This new breed turned out to be just what was needed to herd cattle on the sprawling Australian ranches.

Temperament: The Australian Cattle Dog is loyal and protective, but cannot be considered a companion dog. This dog was developed to herd livestock regardless of human direction and was never intended to interact closely with a human family. He has a tendency to bite, a tactic he would employ when herding cattle, and will also do so with humans. If you get an Australian Cattle Dog as a puppy and it grows up around children it will probably work fine, but otherwise this is not the best dog for children. This dog needs to work or he will become destructive.

Health problems: The Australian Cattle Dog can suffer from hip dysplasia and slipped patella. This dog may also have progressive retinal atrophy. The gene that causes the blackbird coloration may also be responsible for the deafness in this dog. This is basically a healthy dog.

Grooming: The Australian Cattle Dog’s short coat doesn’t need excessive grooming, but brushing once a week will keep it in tip-top shape. This dog can be bathed or not, depending on the preferences of the owner. Since this dog tends to spend a lot of time outdoors, it’s a good idea to check for ticks and fleas frequently. The feet should also be examined to make sure there are no cuts or abrasions.

Living Conditions: This is definitely not an apartment dog. The Australian Cattle Dog is a working dog and needs an incredible amount of exercise. He doesn’t need too much in the way of human interaction, though he will bond with a person. A long walk is not enough for this dog, he needs to run or jog with his owner or enjoy an active play session. Ideally, this dog’s owner would be someone on a farm or ranch with cattle to herd.