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The Canine Chronicles
Directory
Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian Cattle Dog is also known as the Australian Heeler, Blue Heeler,
Queensland Heeler and the Hall's Heeler. It is muscular, agile and very
powerful. The body is long and the legs are very straight. The
head is broad and carries pointed and pricked ears that face forward. The
eyes are oval-shaped and are dark brown. The tail is slightly curved and
reaches the hock. The coat is weather resistant. They come in two
colors, blue or red speckled. Black markings on the body are not
desirable.
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Temperament
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The Australian Cattle Dog needs to be part of the action. They do not do well
alone in a backyard and get into mischief if left alone. They are fiercely
loyal and make excellent guard dogs. They are very obedient and outstanding at
herding, but can be independent. Very suspicious of other dogs and strangers.
Will sometimes nip at human's heels in an attempt to herd them. They are not
good with children whom they haven't known since puppyhood and can be too active
for home life.
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Height, Weight
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Male Height: 17-20" ; Weight: 32-35 lbs.
Female Height: 17-19" ; Weight: 30-35 lbs.
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Health Problems
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Australian Cattle Dogs' most common health problems are elbow dysplasia,
arthritis, pyometra, infertility, and false pregnancies.
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Living Conditions
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The Cattle Dog should not live in an apartment and does best with a very large
yard and with work to do.
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Exercise
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This breed needs an abundant amount of exercise and activities. Exercise is of
the upmost importance. Without enough exercise, they can become bored and
destructive.
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Life Expectancy
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About 12-15 years
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Grooming
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This breed is easy to groom with brushing and occasional wet or dry shampoos.
They shed their coats once or twice per year.
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Origin
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The Australian Cattle Dog was bred with several breeds in order to obtain the
characteristics necessary for a cattle dog. During the 1830s, the running,
biting, barking Smithfield Collie was experimentally crossed with the
silent-working Dingo. This offspring was known as the Timmon's Biters, which
eliminated the barking problem, but accentuated the biting. About 10 years
later, a purebred Scottish import was bred with the Dingo. The half-breeds were
impressive workers. They were hardy, silent drovers with prick ears. The next
breed to be introduced was the Dalmatian, changing the Cattle Dogs to their
current speckled color and adding loyalty to their masters and a rapport with
horses. Introducing the Dingo influenced the breed's speed, keen hearing and
sense of smell as well as general hardiness and ability to withstand heat.
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Group
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Herding
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