Australian Cattle Dog

Bred To Work

The ACD is stocky with a body that is slightly longer than it is tall. The head of the Australian Cattle Dog is wide and they have dark brown, oval-shaped eyes and prick ears. They may be either blue or red speckled, with a dense undercoat and a short, straight overcoat making them ideally suited for enduring harsh weather conditions. Australian Cattle Dogs range from 17-20 inches in height at the withers, and weigh 32-35 pounds. Unlike most breeds, bitches are not much smaller, measuring 17-19 inches high at the withers and weighing 30-35 pounds. The ACD is also a very muscular dog with powerful legs and a broad chest. Despite their muscle mass, however, they are extremely agile dogs and move very well.

Temperament of the Australian Cattle Dog

The ACD is an intelligent and active breed requiring a home that can provide a great deal of both mental and physical stimulation. The ACD is also a working and herding breed, which means that this particular breed will likely not be satisfied leading a sedentary lifestyle. This is a dog that loves to work and can become destructive if not provided an outlet for its physical energy and mental dexterity. Unlike some dogs who are content with daily walks, the Australian Cattle Dog needs to either be working as it was bred to do, or living in an environment that is stimulating.

Their nature is to be loyal, protective and attentive, making the ACD an ideal watchdog. The loyalty of an ACD remains with their owner and they may be wary or suspicious of strangers. Although completely obedient with their owners, they may show more independence with strangers.

Australian Cattle Dogs generally do not do well with children. The exception are those raised from pups around children who tend to be more tolerant. Children should be taught to be respectful of the dogs, because this dominant breed may display herding behaviors such as nipping at the heels of people in an attempt to herd them. Additionally, training from puppyhood should be firm to ensure that the dog understands that the owner is the alpha in the household.

Activities for Heelers

The intended purpose of the dog is to herd. While those who breed herding dogs may only be willing to sell dogs to working homes, there are a number of breeders who breed Australian Cattle Dogs as companion dogs. a Heeler is happiest when it is working though these so-called companion dogs will create their own job. This includes barking at the neighbors, digging, or other undesirable behavior. For this reason, it is not uncommon for owners of ACDs to find themselves becoming involved with a myriad of activities including flyball, agility and obedience. These competitions give the dogs an outlet for their excess energy and also provides them with mental stimulation. It is not at all uncommon to see Heelers excelling in flyball, agility, obedience or any other competition you can imagine such as disk dogs or dock dogs.