Australian Cattle Dog Breed Overview
One of the most searched dog breeds on the internet, Australian Cattle Dog belongs to the medium size dog. Also known as Blue Heeler, this breed was discovered first in the Australia. The average lifespan of this dog breed is 12-15 years and is associated with the Purebred dog Group.
Dog Breed Name: Australian Cattle Dog Other Names: Blue Heeler Size: Medium size dog Average Height: Male: 17-20 inches (43-51 cm), Female: 17-19 inches (43-48 cm) Average Weight: 30-62 pounds (13-28 kg) Energy: high energy level Origin: Australia Group: Purebred dog Life Span: 12 to 15 years Dog Breed Overview: The Australian Cattle Dog was bred by 19th-century Australian settlers to herd cattle on large ranches. This breed was instrumental in helping ranchers expand the Australian beef industry by quietly but aggressively herding the sometimes uncontrollable, almost wild cattle with nips and bites.Today's Australian Cattle Dog is the result of many breedings and cross-breedings. Ranchers sought a hardy dog who could handle the harsh climate and working conditions in Australia. Dogs initially brought from England weren't up to the job, so they were bred to the native Dingo. Countless breedings by many different ranchers finally resulted in what's believed to be the ancestors of the present-day Australian Cattle Dog.Blue-colored dogs proved to be the most popular among ranch owners and drovers, and they became known as Blue Heelers. They were especially popular in cattle runs in Queensland, where they were given the name Queensland Heelers or Queensland Blue Heelers.In 1893, Robert Kaleski took up breeding Blue Heelers, and he started showing them in 1897. Kaleski drew up a standard, basing the Cattle Dog on the Dingo, believing that this was the type naturally suited to the Australian outback. (Today's Australian Cattle Dog does look much like the Dingo, except for color.) The Kennel Club of New South Wales approved this standard in 1903.The breed was first known as the Australian Heeler, then later as the Australian Cattle Dog, which is the name now accepted as official throughout Australia and elsewhere. However, some people still call them Blue Heelers or Queensland Heelers.After a period in the Miscellaneous Class, the Australian Cattle Dog was accepted for registration by the American Kennel Club May 1980. He became eligible for show in the Working Group as of September 1980. The breed was transferred to the Herding Group in January 1983. Colours: Blue,Speckled,Red,Mottled Temperament: Aggressive,Energetic,Loyal,Responsive,Alert,Intelligent,Protective Pros:
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Australian Cattle Dog Breed Price
Australian Cattle from regular breeders cost you from $ 500 to $ 700 per puppy.
Australian Cattle Dog Breed Size
The Australian Cattle Dog varies in size: males are normally about 17-20 inches (43-51 cm), in height and around 30-62 pounds (13-28 kg) in weight, while females are normally around 17-19 inches (43-48 cm) in height and 30-62 pounds (13-28 kg) in weight.
Australian Cattle Dog Breed Temperament
Australian Cattle Dogs Breed to perform demanding tasks, the Australian cattle dog is extremely alert, intelligent, watchful and courageous. Highly trustworthy and reliable, they have a tenacious sense of duty. Loyal to their owners and wary of strangers, they are fiercely protective when used as a watch dog, although they are not barkers.
How long does a Australian Cattle live
The average lifespan for an Australian Cattle is 12 to 15 years. That’s because these are medium-sized dogs with a good mix of genes in their blood.
Interesting Facts about Australian Cattle Dog
- The Australian Cattle Dog is extremely active, both physically and mentally. He needs a regular job or activity to keep him busy, tired, and out of trouble.
- Nipping and biting is the Australian Cattle Dog’s natural instinct. Proper training, socialization, and supervision help minimize this potentially dangerous characteristic.
- The Australian Cattle Dog is a “shadow” dog; intensely devoted to his owner, he does not want to be separated from him or her.
- The best way to help the Australian Cattle Dog get along with children and other pets is to raise him with them from a young age.
- To get a healthy dog, never buy a puppy from an irresponsible breeder, puppy mill, or pet store. Look for a reputable breeder who tests her breeding dogs to make sure they’re free of genetic diseases that they might pass onto the puppies, and that they have sound temperaments.
FAQ’s on Australian Cattle Dog
Are Australian Cattle Dog Dangerous Dogs? Are Australian Cattle Dog naturally aggressive?
So, are Australian Cattle Dogs aggressive? Australian Cattle Dogs are generally not aggressive towards their people, although they have been bred to be suspicious of strangers. They are courageous and will do what’s needed to protect their territory.
Are Australian Cattle Dog smart?
Yes, Australian Cattle Dog are a highly intelligent dog breed.
Are Australian Cattle Dog trainable?
They are highly trainable, have the ability to learn complicated tasks, and perform excellently as search and rescue dogs.
Can Australian Cattle Dog be kept with other dogs?
They are suspicious of strangers and will protect the family and possessions with their life. They are not naturally aggressive, but if provoked they will not back down without a fight. The Australian Cattle Dog will get along with other animals in a household as long as they are introduced slowly and without tension.
Do Australian Cattle Dog kill people?
This is a myth. Even when raised improperly, Australian Cattle Dog will not kill a person. When they attack, it is due to them being raised and socialized improperly by the owner. The reason that they can hurt people more than most other dog breeds is the fact that they have strong jaws and have a bad reputation due to which victims are in shock.
Do Australian Cattle Dog have locking jaws?
No, they do not have locking jaws.
Are Australian Cattle Dog safe to keep with kids?
The Australian Cattle Dog: Family Dog and Intelligent Companion. Australian Cattle Dogs, also called Blue Heelers, are extremely alert, pleasant pups with keen intelligence and a fierce sense of loyalty. These faithful friends are not considered aggressive and can be an excellent fit for families with kids.
What should I feed my Australian Cattle Dog?
To cook for your dog, combine 50 percent human-grade animal protein, such as muscle and organ meats, poultry, or oily fish including salmon and tuna, with 25 percent slow-burning, complex carbohydrates. Good sources of carbohydrates include sweet potato, brown rice, barley and quinoa.
At what age is a Australian Cattle Dog fully grown?
Australian Cattle Dog stop growing at around 2 years of age. However, they tend to thicken up until they are around 3 years old.
When does a Australian Cattle Dog mature?
When do Australian Cattle Dogs stop growing? Medium-sized dogs like Blue Heelers typically stop growing around 12 months old. Your puppy should be close to full-weight by their first birthday, but most pups will continue filling out their chest for a bit longer until they reach maturity between 18 and 24 months of age.
How long does a Australian Cattle Dog live?
An Australian Cattle Dog can live anywhere from 12 to 15 years.
