Australian Cattle Dog

Also known as the Queensland Blue Heeler, Red Heeler, Hall’s Heeler, and Australian Heeler, the Australian Cattle Dog (ACD) came about in the 1800s when Australians crossed Dingo-Blue Merle Collies to Dalmatians and Black and Tan Kelpies.

Personality

• Vigorous and hearty; a tireless and powerful herding dog
• Fearless and agile
• Determined
• Loyal, brave and hard working

Size

• 30-35 pounds
• 17-20 inches tall (at the withers)

Lifestyle

• Most definitely not an apartment dog
• Needs a nice, big yard (if not a farm!) to run about in
• Loyal to their families but very wary of strangers
• Excellent guard dogs that bark to warn of intruders

Training

• Need strong training and a strong leader
• Socialization is extremely important as they tend to be suspicious of humans and other pooches
• They will quickly take the reigns when uncertainty in leadership is displayed
• Require daily training

Coat

• Smooth, short double coat with a short, dense undercoat
• Can be blue with black, blue, tan or red speckled
• Outer coat is weather resistant

Care

• Sheds once or twice a year
• Bathe when necessary
• Does not require much grooming if given the proper nutrition
• Regularly inspect ears and paws for foreign objects or infections

Health

• Prone to hip dysplasia
• Red speckled ACDs are prone to deafness

Lifespan

• 12-15 years

Rescue

• To adopt an ACD, visit the Australian Cattle Dog Rescue Association

PHOTO: mdk572

i Love Dogs, Inc.

i Love Dogs, Inc.’s three websites – ilovedogs.com, ilovedogfriendly.com and findavet.us – provide information and up-to-the-minute news to keep pet parents aware of all things dog. A premium canine vitamins and lifestyle company, i Love Dogs is famous for its line of diamond dog collars. The name says it all — at i Love Dogs, we are committed to the health and happiness of our canine companions.

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