AUSTRALIAN CATTLE DOG: ORIGINALLY BRED FOR HERDING CATTLE, THIS BREED IS HIGHLY TRAINABLE

Australian Cattle Dogs were originally bred in the 1800s for hard work, requiring strength and agility. Their well-conditioned muscles and quick pace were essential for rounding up cattle.

Often called the “Blue Heeler” or “Red Heeler” due to their coloring and their instinct to nip at cattle’s heels, these dogs have since become popular pets. However, their independent and active nature can make them a challenge, especially for first-time dog owners.

That said, with the right environment and training, they can be incredibly rewarding companions. They’re also excellent at canine sports, making them a lot of fun. Thinking of adding one to your family? Let’s dive into more about this breed.

How much exercise does an Australian Cattle Dog need?

As a herding dog breed, Australian Cattle Dogs have very high energy levels and they need as much exercise as you can give them.

“Australian Cattle Dogs were bred for hard work, giving them high endurance levels. Your dog will need at least one to two hours of exercise each day,” explains vet Dr. Rebecca MacMillan.

These dogs also thrive when given tasks to focus on, as they are highly alert and intelligent, making them prone to boredom.

“Being a working breed, Australian Cattle Dogs require plenty of mental stimulation to stay happy,” Dr. MacMillan adds.

Ideally, you’ll need a large, secure yard where your Australian Cattle Dog can run freely and safely, as they are a farm dog breed. Inside, provide plenty of toys—puzzle and tug toys work best. It’s also a good idea to bring toys along on walks and runs. Anything they can fetch, chew on, or catch (a frisbee is great) will help keep both their body and mind active.

Are Australian Cattle Dogs aggressive dogs?

Australian Cattle Dogs were bred to be protective, which means they can be wary of strangers. They are also known to nip and bite—when herding animals, they target the flanks to guide movement, and this instinct can sometimes carry over to humans. With a bite force of 230 to 250 PSI, their nips can be painful. However, Australian Cattle Dogs are generally not aggressive, and with proper training, you can manage their herding and biting instincts. With good socialization, they can get along well with other dogs and animals too.

Are Australian Cattle Dogs easy to train?

The great news is that Australian Cattle Dogs are highly trainable due to their intelligence. Canine psychology expert Stanley Coren ranks them among the top 10 smartest breeds in his book The Intelligence of Dogs. They can learn new commands in fewer than five repetitions and typically obey the first command 95 percent of the time.

Using positive reinforcement is key, and varying your training methods will help keep them engaged and prevent boredom or stubbornness. Early socialization is also essential to reduce their natural instincts to nip, bite, and herd.

Do Australian Cattle Dogs growl and bark a lot?

Australian Cattle Dogs don’t growl more than other breeds, but some owners report excessive barking.

“As herding dogs, Australian Cattle Dogs were bred to use barking to manage livestock and communicate with their handlers,” says Dr. MacMillan. So, what can you do about it?

Meeting your dog’s needs can help reduce excessive barking.

“This includes providing plenty of physical exercise, along with mentally stimulating games and training exercises,” Dr. MacMillan explains. “A happy, tired dog is less likely to bark excessively.”

Early training and socialization are also key to preventing excessive vocalization.

“Owners should focus on positive reinforcement, rewarding their dogs when they’re quiet and calm. This encourages the desired behavior and motivates your dog to repeat it,” Dr. MacMillan adds.

Do Australian Cattle Dogs make good family pets?

Behavior is typically not a concern for Australian Cattle Dogs.

“They are generally friendly and intelligent, especially with proper early socialization,” says Dr. MacMillan. However, their high energy levels and strong herding instincts can be challenging for some families, particularly when it comes to the time required for exercise and training.

“A busy family with young children may find it difficult to meet their needs,” Dr. MacMillan notes. As such, they are better suited to families with older children who can help with exercise. This breed also thrives in larger homes, and since they are prone to separation anxiety, it’s best to have someone around most of the day.

Do Australian Cattle Dogs need lots of food?

Despite their high energy, Australian Cattle Dogs aren’t necessarily big eaters unless they’re actively working. It’s important to provide them with a balanced, high-quality diet that includes animal-based proteins, along with a healthy mix of vegetables, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.

“The amount of food your Australian Cattle Dog requires will depend on the type and brand of diet you choose,” says Dr. MacMillan. “Just ensure you’re feeding them a well-rounded, complete diet that suits their size and life stage.”

Do Australian Cattle Dogs need a lot of grooming?

Australian Cattle Dogs are a relatively low maintenance breed as they only require minimal grooming although, that said, they do shed quite a lot so prepare for some stray hairs in your home!

“They have a thick double coat that gives them protection against the elements. You can try to reduce levels of loose fluff by grooming your dog regularly to remove dead fur,” says Dr MacMillan.

The good news, she adds, is that despite their coat being short and dense, it is generally easy to brush.

“Daily brushing will help keep on top of loose fur, but you may be fine with just weekly grooming,” she says.

Australian Cattle Dogs’ common health problems

Australian Cattle Dogs, like many purebred breeds, are prone to progressive retinal atrophy, an eye condition.

“This inherited condition has no known cure. Affected dogs will start experiencing night blindness, losing vision in low light, which may progress to complete blindness,” explains Dr. MacMillan.

This breed is also at risk for deafness.

“Unfortunately, there is no cure for this either, and affected dogs will require owners to adapt their training methods to accommodate their hearing loss,” Dr. MacMillan adds.

Hip dysplasia is another common issue for Australian Cattle Dogs.

“It’s an inherited condition where the hip socket doesn’t develop correctly, leading to painful lameness and early-onset arthritis in the joint,” says Dr. MacMillan. “Choosing a reputable breeder who screens for these health issues is key to reducing the risk of your puppy inheriting them.”

Should I get an Australian Cattle Dog?

Australian Cattle Dogs are a fantastic breed, especially if you’re looking for an intelligent, loyal companion to match an active lifestyle, perfect for hikes or runs. However, they’re not ideal for busy families with young children – you may want to consider a breed that’s more family-friendly. They also require plenty of space, but with their friendly and protective nature, they can be a true joy to have around.