Australian Cattle Dog

Choosing an Australian Cattle Dog

AKA Blue Heeler, Red Heeler, Queensland Heeler

The Australian Cattle Dog was bred as a herding dog and
used for cattle droving in Australia. This lively dog breed makes a fantastic pet for the right household. As always, when choosing a dog breed it is important to understand breed characteristics to ensure your requirements match the dog’s character! Here is an overview of Australian Cattle Dog behaviour / characteristics, and pros and cons of choosing an Australian Cattle Dog as a pet:

Australian Cattle Dog behaviour / characteristics

• Intelligent
• Loyal
• Protective (of owner/family)
• Alert
• Mischievous (they can be, though training can help with this)

Australian Cattle Dogs as pets

Pros

• Extremely protective of family and very tough, they WILL protect you
• Australian Cattle Dogs do not suffer as much from hereditary health problems as other pure breeds
• Australian Cattle Dogs do not require much bathing as they do not emit a strong 'doggy smell' that other dog breeds are prone to
• Their intelligence makes them easy to train and great for agility and games
• The oldest dog ever was an Australian Cattle Dog, so expect yours to be in the family a long time

Cons

• Without enough exercise and mental stimulation, an Australian Cattle Dog will cause trouble, so they don't make good pets for very quiet households
• Australian Cattle Dogs have been bred to bite, so don't be surprised if you get a little nip now and again (therefore this breed is not ideal for households with small children)
  
• This dog breed is very territorial and will defend what's theirs, no matter how big the challenger is!
• Stubbornness can be a problem though again, with good training from an early age, this can be well managed

Australian Cattle Dog training

Whenever you're choosing a dog breed, it's important to consider training your pet. This benefits both owner and dog - if you're happy, your dog is happy and vice-versa. It is a good idea to consult an expert on Australian Cattle Dog behaviour and training before you take one on as a pet.

Australian Cattle Dogs can be wonderful pets, though this is up to the owner more than the dog - ensure that your household offers a suitable environment and that you can provide the time and commitment necessary to raise a well-behaved pet!

Dog beds

Designer dog beds, cheap dog beds, extra large dog beds and chew proof dog beds - your dog will appreciate a comfortable, supportive dog bed which meets their needs. There's so much choice so here is an overview of different types of dog bed. With some excellent pooch havens available, being sent to the doghouse will be a treat!

Chew proof dog beds

Some dogs make light work of regular dog beds and if yours is partial to destruction, you should definitely consider a chew proof dog bed. These kind of tough dog beds are built to withstand sharp canine teeth and lots of thrashing around! The soft inner cushion is surrounded by a super strong lining made of nylon/plastic and a removable cover makes the bed comfy and great for long naps
If you're still not convinced that there's a dog bed your pooch won't have for breakfast, how about an indestructible dog bed with a lifetime guarantee. Orvis, the makers of the ToughChew dog bed are so confident their creation can withstand any treatment, if your dog does chew through it, they'll replace it!

Extra large dog beds

While very big dogs will have less choice when it comes to beds, there are great extra large plastic, donut, orthopedic dog beds and more. Good dog bed retailers will include measurements and it's essential to measure your dog to ensure they will fit and be comfortable. A dog bed that is too small would be like trying to sleep in a dining chair - impossible!

Orthopedic dog beds

Orthopedic, or therapeutic dog beds are designed for older dogs or dogs with joint pain or other health issues though any dog could sleep on one. An orthopedic bed is designed specifically to provide a physically supportive bed.
They are firmer than other dog beds but a soft cover, like a fleece cover or similar, would add the luxury your dog will love.Often called memory foam beds, this name is more descriptive than orthopedic dog beds! The dog bed becomes tailored to your dog and can offer pain relief for disabled and elderly dogs.
Heated orthopedic dog beds are very beneficial for dogs who reside outdoors or feel the cold more due to their older age. These are generally energy efficient because the heating is activated only when the dog lies it; the dog bed has a pressure sensor in it so as soon as the dog gets up, the bed begins to cool down

Designer dog beds

The haute couture of dog beds; luxury dog beds are wonderfully comfortable and of course most dogs would be happy to sleep on one. But that doesn't mean they are always the best dog beds around. That is to say, you can still get a great dog bed if you have a budget! Designer dog beds certainly look fabulous but, as with all dog beds, ensure it is the right size and an appropriate material for your dog's environment.

Unusual dog breed picture

dog from Kalimpong,
originally uploaded by Sukanto Debnath.

We were trying to find a picture of a dog and Flickr came up trumps! This dog from Kalimpong is incredible! Have you ever seen anything like this? If you have, please let us know, Choosing a Dog Breed is very intrigued.