"All About The Australian Cattle Dog"
This is a Blue-Faced Australian Cattle Dog
Alternate Names Appearance Behavior Breed Type Care and Grooming Health Country of Origin
Alternate Names
Australian Heeler
Blue Heelers
Red Heelers
Hall's Heelers
Queensland Heelers
Common nicknames: Bluey, ACD, Cattledog
Appearance:
Body: Strong and compact with a deep, broad chest.
Coat: Short and dense double coat.
Color: Basic colors are blue and red speckle. Can have a variety of markings, sometimes quite striking. Single mask consists of a darker red patch over one or both eyes (for the red speckle coat color). Double mask consists of a black patch over one or both eyes (for the blue coat color). No mask is considered a plain-faced ACD.
Ears: Pricked, moderately pointed, erect, and set wide apart.
Eyes: Dark brown, oval-shaped and alert.
Feet: Broad, strong, and round with black pads and short, strong, well-arched toes that are fit closely together.
Head: Broad skull, slightly curved between the ears with a gradual taper to the nose.
Legs: Forelegs are strong, muscular, well-angled and with rounded bones. Hind legs are powerful with long thighs and well-muscled.
Neck: Very long, well-muscled and powerful.
Size:
Weight: 35 - 50 pounds (16 - 23kg)
Height: 17 - 20 inches (43 - 51cm)
Tail: Set somewhat low and well-brushed.
Behavior
Recommended for experienced owners.
Not recommended for apartment living.
Not recommended around cats unless raised with them.
The Australian Cattle Dog is highly energetic, gentle with it's owner, keenly alert, and very independent in nature. They are also cautious and suspicious of strangers to the point of being timid and wary requiring early socialization and training.
This is a strong-headed breed with a strong work ethic and will require a great deal of exercise and mental stimulation or they may become destructively mischievous. It's best to engage them in dog sports, learning new tricks, or other stimulating activities.
The ACD was bred to heard cattle by nipping at their heels. They may tend to do the same with people, including children. Best with older, respectful children and adults. They are self-appointed guardians by nature, very loyal to their family and can be dominant with other dogs.
Breed Type
AKC Group: Herding Group
Care and Grooming
Exercise: Requires a great deal of exercise and mental stimulation.
Grooming: Weekly grooming is best. Daily grooming may be necessary during shedding season.
Health
Life Expectancy: 12 - 15 Years
Possible Problems:
Deafness
Hip Dysplasia
PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy)
For further information visit:
Australian Cattle Dog Club of America
Country of Origin
Australia
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