Australian Cattle dogs, also known as Blue Heelers and Red Heelers, are sturdy, medium-sized working dogs used on farms and cattle stations. Intelligent, hard-working and versatile, they need a huge amount of activity and stimulation.
| Recommended for | Active families with older children |
| Breed Classification | Herding group |
| Other names | ACD, Blue Heeler, Red Heeler, Queensland Heeler |
| Lifespan | 12 to 16 years |
| Size | Medium |
| Temperament | Loyal, protective, independent |
| Intelligence | Very high |
| Tendency to bark | Low |
| Maintenance Level | Very high activity needs, low grooming |
| Health Risk | This breed has an around average probability of having health issues in its lifetime, hence it is one of the more affordable breeds to insure. |
Breed history of Australian Cattle Dogs
The first cattle dogs used in Australia were British imports of a breed known as the Smithfield, which was poorly suited to the harsh climate, rough terrain, and vast distances they were required to cover. Therefore, in the 1830’s, stockmen began a long process of trial and error to breed a hardy and hardworking herding dog that could overcome the challenges of the Australian conditions.
To this purpose, they crossed Smithfields with the native Dingoes and other breeds such as the Scottish Highland Collie. Many decades of selective and careful breedings, including the introduction of the Black and Tan Kelpie and the Dalmatian, finally resulted in the present-day Australian Cattle Dog. This breed has worked diligently alongside their owners over many years to develop the beef industry in Australia and is considered by some to be the first successful Australian dog breed.
The popular blue cattle dogs tended to be called ‘Blue Heeler’, while the red cattle dogs of the breed were, not surprisingly, called ‘Red Heeler’. In Queensland they were given the names ‘Queensland Heeler’ or ‘Queensland Blue Heeler’. The term “Heeler” refers to how they nip at the heels of animals when herding.
In 1893, Robert Kaleski began breeding Blue Heelers for show. He drew up a standard for the breed which was approved by the Kennel Club of NSW in 1903. While the “Australian Heeler” was the first accepted name of the breed, it later became
Physical description of Australian Cattle Dogs
Australian Cattle Dogs are working dogs with a sturdy, muscular build designed to maximize strength and endurance. Their oval eyes are dark brown, their ears are pricked and their tail is well brushed.
They have a smooth, double coat comprised of a short, dense undercoat and a close outer-coat, with each hair straight, hard and lying flat, making it water-resistant.
Australian Cattle Dogs are also known as Blue Heelers or Red Heelers, depending on their coat colour. Interestingly, they are born with a white coat that turns either blue-grey or red. Both coat colours may feature distinctive mottling or speckling patterns.
| Weight range | 15 to 22 kg |
| Height range | Male 46 to 51 cm; female 43 to 48 cm |
| Colours | Blue or red |
| Coat length | Short to medium |