Australian Cattle Dogs

Quick Stats for Australian Cattle Dogs

Height (at the shoulders): dogs 17 – 20 inches (43 – 51 cm) bitches 17 – 19 inches (43 – 48 cm)
Weight: dogs 32 – 35 pounds (15 – 16 kg) bitches 30 – 35 pounds (14 – 16 kg)
Life Expectancy: 12 – 15 years
AKC Group: Herding Group – recognized in 1980
Shedding: seasonal shedder
Living Conditions: not recommended for apartments; large yard recommended

Personality of Australian Cattle Dogs

Australian Cattle Dogs are intelligent, brave, hard working, and have very high energy levels. To prevent them from getting bored, they need to have something to keep them busy.

They are playful and excellent with children.

The ACD is distant and reserved around strangers. But they are somewhat friendly towards strange dogs and other pets. They make an excellent watchdog, and are known family protectors.

These dogs would do best with a family that maintains an active, outdoor lifestyle.

History of the Australian Cattle Dog

As you can probably imagine, the Australian Cattle Dog originated in Australia. Their history has been traced as far back as the 1800s.

Sometime around 1840, a guy known as Hall, began creating a new dog breed that could travel long distances through rough terrain, in extremely hot temperatures. This breed needed to be able to herd cattle without the need to bark, since barking only served to scare the cattle, making them harder to control. He started by crossing Dingoes with several small merle Highland Collies. This breed became known as Hall’s Heelers.

Eventually, breeders began crossing these dogs with the Bull Terrier, the Black and Tan Kelpie, and the Dalmatian dog breed. These dogs became known as the Queensland Blue Terrier. Their name was later changed to the Australian Heeler, and then to the Australian Cattle Dog.

In 1980, the Australian Cattle Dog was officially recognized by the AKC.

Australian Cattle Dog Care and Grooming

These dogs are able to tolerate moderate temperatures, both cool and hot. If necessary, they can live outside. But like most dogs, they love to sleep indoors at night with the rest of their families.

Australian Cattle Dogs must have plenty of daily exercise. Because they were bred to work, and to work tirelessly, a few brisk walks on the leash is just not enough for these dogs. Instead, they need to run and play games that are both physically and mentally challenging and stimulating. They enjoy agility and obedience training.

They have short-haired coats that need very little care. For grooming, a good weekly brushing with a firm bristle brush to remove dead hairs from the coat should be enough. Bathe them only when necessary.

These dogs then to shed their coats once or twice for the year.