Australian Cattle Dog

Australian Cattle Dog

Other names- Queensland Heeler, Blue Heeler, Australian Heeler, Red Heeler, Hall's Heeler (an earlier variety), Ausralischer Treibhund.

Use-herding semi-wild cattle and some other livestock.

Best known for-cattle herding, high energy in hot climates.

Physical description-upright ears, natural sturdy build with a bushy tail.

Coat- short.

Color-the A.K.C. excepted colors are red speckle and blue (which is black ticked), both are a mottled/roan pattern, not genetically merle. They also come in chocolate (brown ticked), yellow/cream, and white; they can have black, red, or black and tan markings.

Height-17-20".

Weight-Males are 33-35+ pounds; Females are 30-35+ pounds.

Temperament-loyal, brave, wary, strong headed, alert doesn't warm to strangers quickly, hardworking and smart. Many bark and nip a lot.

History-in the mid-1800s Australia needed a dog that would drive hard but not bark and excite the cattle. A lot of breeds went into the mix to create this dog including Bull Terriers, Dalmatians, Kelpies, Collies and even Dingoes (to add endurance and a dog less-likely to bark while working).

Climate-extremely heat hardy

Health/care-deafness tends to run in some strains and some may become blind with age. They live 12-15 years. The oldest dog, according to the Guinness Book of Records, was an Australian cattle dog at 29 years of age.

Reproduction-puppies are born white except for the solid markings. There are usually 1-7 pups in a litter.

Work-they were bred to handle half wild cattle in the hot, harsh land of the Australian outback. Good watch dogs and some make good guard dogs

Notes-

Availability-common and easy to find.