Dogs
Australian Cattle Dog
Other names: Queensland Heeler, Blue Heeler, Red Heeler, Hall´s Heeler, Heeler, Aussie
Retrieving, herding, guarding, agility, competitive obedience, performing tricks.
- Origin
- Australia
- Size
- Medium
- Height · Male
- 46–51 cm
- Height · Female
- 43–48 cm
- Weight · Male
- 19–27 kg
- Weight · Female
- 15–22 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10–13 years
- Litter
- 4–8 puppies
- FCI
- FCI group 1 · 1 · n.º 287
- AKC
- Herding Group · #73
Traits
Activity
Social
At home
Care
Training
Guarding
Temperament
The Cattle Dog?s loyalty and protective instincts make it a self-appointed guardian to the stockman, his herd and his property. Whilst naturally suspicious of strangers, must be amenable to handling, particularly in the show ring. Any feature of temperament or structure foreign to a working dog must be regarded as a serious fault.
Care
The Australian Cattle Dog was bred to be active and tireless. This dog needs a lot of physical and mental activity, more than a simple walk on a leash can provide. A good jog or long workout, coupled with obedience lessons or other intellectual challenges, is essential every day. The Australian Cattle Dog is happiest when he has a job to perform. The Australian Cattle Dog needs brushing or combing weekly to remove dead hairs.
The Australian Cattle Dog has an inordinate amount of stamina and requires a great deal of exercise. This breed will become destructive if not sufficiently stimulated. They are not recommended for apartment or city dwelling but do best in a rural setting or in a home with a large securely fenced yard.
Exercise, a job or activity to do, socialization and training.
Health
The Australian Cattle Dog needs weekly brushing with a firm bristle brush. Extra attention should be given to the coat during seasonal shedding. Bathing should only be done when absolutely necessary using a mild shampoo. This breed is prone to such health issues as PRA, deafness, and hip dysplasia.
Training
It is a relatively easy dog to train, because it is intelligent and eager to work. It requires a consequent training along with other canine activities. If it gets bored it finds all sorts of occupations that may not be pleasant for its master, causing damage.
Coat & grooming
The fur of this dog only needs a casual brushing, performed more frequently during the moulting period.
Fun facts
Very good in the obedience ring, and in herding and agility. Firm training from the start and lots of daily attention will produce a fine and happy pet. Some tend to nip at people's heels in an attempt to herd them. Beware of hip dysplasia, PRA and deafne