Cattle Dogs 101

Herding group

The Australian Cattle Dog, also known as the Queensland Heeler or the Red or Blue Heeler, was developed to handle the toughest cattle on vast Australian ranches. The “heeler” refers to their style of moving livestock, brave enough to nip at the heels and agile enough to dodge a kick. They are devoted to their families, but generally not outgoing towards people they don’t know. Cattle Dogs are solidly built and well-muscled, and they need consistent handling and lots of exercise of both body and mind. They excel in any number of dog sports and are popular with horse owners, especially in the western United States.

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Fearlesss, faithful and indefatigable

Energy level
Energy LevelEnergy Level
Bark level
  • bark-very-vocalVery vocal
  • bark-talkativeTalkative
  • bark-as-neededAs needed
Size
17 to 20 inches tall
Group Size Medium
Lifespan
12 to 16 years
020
Weight
35 to 50 lbs
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Mature adult Cattle Dog

5 years to 8 years

Risk level for common Cattle Dog conditions

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Ear hematoma

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Cruciate ligament tear (knee)

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Trauma

Senior Cattle Dog

9+ years

Risk level for common Cattle Dog conditions

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Cushings disease

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Arthritis

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Splenic cancer

Cattle Dog puppy

0 to 6 months

Risk level for common Cattle Dog conditions

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Gastroenteritis

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Trauma

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Foreign body ingestion

Young adult Cattle Dog

7 months to 4 years

Risk level for common Cattle Dog conditions

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Trauma

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Foreign body ingestion

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Conjunctivitis

Mature adult Cattle Dog

5 years to 8 years

Risk level for common Cattle Dog conditions

risk-level-bar

Ear hematoma

risk-level-bar

Cruciate ligament tear (knee)

risk-level-bar

Trauma

Senior Cattle Dog

9+ years

Risk level for common Cattle Dog conditions

risk-level-bar

Cushings disease

risk-level-bar

Arthritis

risk-level-bar

Splenic cancer

Cattle Dog puppy

0 to 6 months

Risk level for common Cattle Dog conditions

risk-level-bar

Gastroenteritis

risk-level-bar

Trauma

risk-level-bar

Foreign body ingestion

Young adult Cattle Dog

7 months to 4 years

Risk level for common Cattle Dog conditions

risk-level-bar

Trauma

risk-level-bar

Foreign body ingestion

risk-level-bar

Conjunctivitis

Australian Cattle Dog introduction

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Australian Cattle Dog introduction

Australian Cattle Dogs are born white, later developing their distinctively mottled red or blue coats.

Australian Cattle Dog coat care and colors

Although they have short coats, Australian Cattle Dogs have an undercoat as well, giving them the ability to thrive in any kind of weather. Regular brushing will keep shedding low.

Cattle Dog exercise & training

Full speed ahead

Exercise level

Australian Cattle Dogs were bred to work all day on massive ranches, so it's no surprise that they need as much exercise as you can give them. They have an effortless gait that chews up the miles, and rapid acceleration that endangers the neighborhood squirrels. They are great running and biking companions, and with their natural affinity with horses, can be seen trotting alongside many trail riders.

Class star

Trainability

Cattle Dogs are very intelligent and learn quickly. They can be independent and even hard-headed when they want to do something other than what you ask of them. Consistent reward-based training will help them see "what's in it for me."

Cattle Dog fun facts

Top girl names for Cattle Dogs

100%

of Cattle Dogs are female

0%

of Cattle Dogs are male

Top boy names for Cattle Dogs

Nationwide loves Australian Cattle Dogs of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer

Other breeds like Cattle Dogs

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