Australian Cattle Dog
The tireless blue heeler.
The Australian Cattle Dog, often called the Blue Heeler, is a tough, tireless herding breed built to drive cattle across vast distances. Intensely loyal and energetic, it needs a serious job to be happy.
Great points
- Incredibly hardy and energetic
- Smart and trainable
- Intensely loyal to its person
- Excels at work and dog sports
Things to consider
- Huge exercise and work needs
- Herds and nips at heels
- Wary of strangers
- Not suited to idle or apartment life
The story
Australian settlers crossed herding dogs with the native dingo to create a dog that could drive cattle over rough, hot country. The result was the rugged, hard-working Cattle Dog, also known as the Blue Heeler.
Training
Cattle Dogs are smart, driven and need a job, so consistent training, plus herding, agility or other work, channels their energy and curbs nipping.
Grooming
The short double coat needs only a weekly brush, with more during seasonal sheds. Low grooming effort overall.
Food & diet
About 1.5 to 2.5 cups of quality food a day, matched to a very active lifestyle.
Exercise
Very high. Hours of activity and mental work daily are needed to satisfy this hard-driving breed.
Health to watch
Generally very hardy and long-lived, but watch for deafness, hip dysplasia and eye conditions.
Fun fact. An Australian Cattle Dog named Bluey was one of the oldest dogs ever recorded, living to 29 years.
