| If you are looking for an intelligent dog that will act as a | | | | Ears stand up straight and pointed at the top of his |
| guard dog, then the Australian Cattle Dog may be | | | | broad head. He has intelligent oval eyes that are dark |
| perfect for you! | | | | in color. He has a short double coat that can be either |
| Bred in the 19th century by early settlers, the Australian | | | | red with speckles or blue with speckles. The blue |
| Cattle Dog is a mix of Collies imported from Scotland | | | | variety is sometimes seen with blue, tan or black |
| and Australian dingoes with a few other breeds | | | | markings. |
| thrown in for good measure. This dog, also known as | | | | The Australian Cattle Dog does need a lot of exercise |
| the Blue Heeler, the Australian Heeler in the | | | | and will do well with a house that has a large fenced in |
| Queensland Heeler is one of the best herding breeds | | | | yard. If he doesn't get enough exercise you will |
| known and gets his name due to the fact that he nips | | | | probably see behavioral problems. This breed is very |
| at the heels to herd. | | | | loyal to his master but can be dominant of other dogs |
| That being said, as a pet you may find your Australian | | | | and suspicious of strangers. He will do well with |
| Cattle Dog exhibiting herding behavior. This dog can be | | | | children that he's been raised with since he was a |
| a one-man dog so to speak, and may nip at the heels | | | | puppy but might not be so good with new children |
| of your friends when they come to visit trying to herd | | | | introduced after he is an adult. |
| them. Proper training needs to be done in order to | | | | This breed is easy to grom and just needs brushing |
| have a pet that does not chase off everyone you | | | | with the firm brush and a bath when needed. He''s a |
| know. | | | | moderate shedder, shedding twice a year. Health |
| The Australian Cattle Dog is one of the most intelligent | | | | problems to watch out for include deafness and hip |
| breeds and along with this intelligence comes the need | | | | dysplasia. |
| to be kept busy and useful. If you a lot of time in your | | | | Just like any other dog, the Australian Cattle Dog |
| hands and want to work with a dog for agility training | | | | needs love and attention from his family. Early |
| this breed might be your perfect match. He can be | | | | obedience training as a must and to keep the dog |
| easily trained to be an obedient dog but you must vary | | | | interested it is advised to have activities or jobs for him |
| the training so that he doesn't get bored. | | | | to perform. Agility and ring training are perfect activities |
| The Australian cattle dog is a medium-size dog about | | | | for this dog. With good quality food and proper |
| 17 to 20 inches and around 35 pounds. He is a | | | | veterinary care this dog can live to be around 15 years |
| powerful, compact dog and is very agile on his feet. | | | | of age. |