The Australian Cattle Dog (ACD) goes by many names. Also known as simply a Cattle Dog, Queensland Heeler, Blue Heeler, and Red Heeler, this highly energetic breed likes to have a job to do and does it well. When Heelers are puppies they’re mostly white and grow into their iconic blue or red-tinted fur.
Heelers were born to work. In the early 1800s, Anglo-Australian ranchers moved inland from the coast, which was perfect territory for cattle ranching. Due to British influence, Australian ranchers originally used the British Smithfield breed for herding. Sadly, they were unfit for the hot weather and often rugged terrain of the Australian grasslands, so breeding between different dogs began.
Smithfields were bred with dingoes (wild dogs that were indigenous to the area), and then later bred with the Scottish Highland Collie. In the 1840s, a man named George Elliot of Queensland bred in Dalmatians. This helped give ACDs their wonderful protectiveness attributes along with their iconic spotted coat.
image from wiki commons
Australian Cattle Dog Puppy Facts
Heelers are known for their energetic spirit, working dog attitude, and beautiful physical attributes. They’re also known to be a little silly. Here are some facts to know before getting your own Australian Cattle Dog puppy:
| Size | Medium. Male Australian cattle dogs reach a height of 46-51 cm (18-20 inches) and weigh 14-23 kg (35-50 pounds), and females are 43-48 cm (17-19 inches). |
| Breed Characteristics | Heelers have some of the most recognisable features a dog could possess. Short double-layered coat, and alert triangular ears, the Blue Heeler comes in a variety of colours, usually mixed together. They’re born with a white coat that will often turn blue or grey-tinted. They may have black patches over their eyes, white patterned spots, and brown markings around their chest and legs. This sturdy and muscular dog is built to work, and work they must! |
| Temperament | ACDs love to herd. Built for agility, speed, and focus, this breed can particularly get hyper-focused on chasing, hunting, and protecting their families. It’s important to keep this dog entertained though, as the Heelers are a curious breed, and can easily get into trouble if they aren’t properly trained and exercised. |
| Grooming and Health Needs | Australian Cattle Dogs love the great outdoors. They have a low-maintenance double coat that protects them from the elements. This coat may only need occasional brushing, however, twice a year, the ACD will shed quite a bit. To avoid any issues, brushing them out thoroughly every couple of days with a comb or brush will help remove the dead hair.
A breeder should be checking for signs of vision issues, deafness, and hip dysplasia. An ACD’s ears should be checked periodically for signs of wax and dirt build-up as well. |
| Training | Happy and ready to work, the Blue Heeler puppy is ready to learn immediately! Socialising and obedience training is necessary for this breed, as they’re highly protective of their owners. Heelers want to work, so daily activities and jobs are essential for this breed’s brain and body development. Early socialisation classes are helpful too, as ACDs tend to protect their families a little too eagerly at times. |
| Energy Level | The Heeler is a highly active dog who needs more than just a quick walk and playtime in the yard. ACDs really need a job in order to remain happy and healthy. Activities like obedience or agility are great ways for Australian Cattle Dogs to thoughtfully channel their overabundance of energy. |
| Life Span | Australian cattle dogs live between 12-15 years on average. |
image from wiki commons
Who Is The Best Human For An Australian Cattle Dog?
Australian Cattle Dogs need a job to do. Due to this, the ACDs are not great apartment dogs as they can get bored easily. Consider having a Heeler in your life if you’re ready and willing to put in the work necessary to train and exert a ton of energy with this delightful pup. If you love to run or hike or have a big garden where you could play frequent games of fetch, this would make the Heeler very happy.
Getting An Australian Cattle Dog Puppy
Whether to adopt or to work with a breeder for your new Australian cattle dog puppy is a personal choice that requires research. Thankfully, there are many resources out there to help you find a rescue or breeder that offers healthy, ethically-sourced Australian cattle dog puppies.
Knowing what you’re in for when you get an Australian Cattle Dog puppy is an important step in being a responsible pet owner. Whether you find a responsible breeder or are planning on adopting, prepare yourself for an energetic and friendly addition to your household.
Finding an Australian Cattle Dog breeder
It may be surprising to know, but adopting an Australian Cattle Dog puppy is possible. Dogs are given up for all kinds of reasons including a change in lifestyle or the breed not being a good fit. What this means for you: there may be adoptable purebred dogs and puppies out there who are looking for a new forever home.
The main difference between a breeder and a rescue charity is that the latter may not always have young puppies to choose from. But the benefits of adopting an older dog normally include them being neutered and, often, they’re already housetrained. You may also find an Australian Cattle Dog mix who has all the traits you want from the breed, but with a little extra thrown in.
The Kennel Club has resources that will help you find a responsible, ethical breeder and avoid puppy farms.
Australian cattle dog puppy resources
After you find the right Australian Cattle Dog puppy, it’s time to prepare your home! Here are a few resources to get you started.
