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!