Directory of Dogs : Dog Dictionary - reference guide to Australian Cattle Dog

Facts about Australian Cattle Dog

The Australian Cattle Dog, also known as the Queensland Heeler, Blue Heeler, and Red Heeler, is a herding dog developed in Australia for controlling cattle. It is a medium-sized dog with a lot of energy, intelligence and an independent streak.

The breed was developed in the mid-to-late 1800's in Australia. This dog has the stamina to withstand the rigors of the harsh conditions in their country.

The Australian Cattle Dog is a relatively hearty breed and has an average lifespan of twelve to fifteen years. They are a medium sized muscular dog that stands 17 to 20 inches (43 to 51 cm.) at the withers (shoulders). weight range average falls between 30 and 50 pounds (14 to 23 kg). The Australian Cattle Dog comes in two colors: Blue or Red. Australian Cattle Dogs are born white with whatever face and/or body patches they will have in later life. The correct Australian Cattle Dog coat is what is known as a "double coat". The short, straight outer coat is protective in nature, keeping the elements from the ACDs skin while the undercoat is short, kinky and dense. Australian Cattle Dogs are not year-round shedders, instead they lose once a year (sometimes twice in the case of intact females) just before the summer months.

The Australian Cattle Dog personality is often reserved with strangers and even FIERCELY protective when they perceive that their property and/or persons are being threatened. The Australian Cattle Dog is intelligent, but can certainly often be described as hard-headed and stubborn.

The Australian Cattle Dog is an EXTREMELY active breed, with mental stimulation being of paramount importance. A bored Cattle Dog is a destructive Cattle Dog !! The Australian Cattle Dog is a social breed that NEEDS to be with "its people". This is NOT a breed to leave chained or penned in the back yard....such isolation will lead to SERIOUS personality problems !! Because the Australian Cattle Dog is an active breed, a firm commitment must be made to exercise. Australian Cattle Dog make excellent running or biking companions although care must be taken not to over exert a young dog.

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