Contents
- 1 Overview of Australian Cattle Dogs
- 2 Barking
- 3 Breed
- 4 Cancer
- 5 Coat
- 6 Energy
- 7 Genetic Predispositions
- 8 Grooming
- 9 Health
- 10 Infections
- 11 Obesity
- 12 Parasites
- 13 Personality
- 14 Social
- 15 Temperament
- 16 Training
- 17 Are Australian Cattle Dogs difficult to train?
- 18 Are Australian Cattle Dogs good pets?
- 19 Are Australian Cattle Dogs Good With Children?
- 20 Are Australian Cattle Dogs high maintenance?
- 21 Are Australian Cattle Dogs kid-friendly and sociable with humans?
- 22 Are they good with children?
- 23 Are you energetic enough for an Australian Cattle Dog?
- 24 Do ACD’s shed or cause allergies?
- 25 Do Australian Cattle Dogs get along with other dogs or cats?
- 26 Do Blue Heelers Make Good Family Pets?
- 27 Do Blue Heelers shed?
- 28 Do they require a lot of grooming?
- 29 Does an Australian Cattle Dog shed?
- 30 How big do Australian Cattle Dogs get?
- 31 How do I keep my Australian Cattle Dog busy?
- 32 How much do Australian Cattle Dogs eat?
- 33 How much does an Australian Cattle Dog eat?
- 34 How much does the Blue Heeler cost?
- 35 How much exercise does an Australian Cattle Dog need?
- 36 How much food should I feed my Australian Cattle Dog?
- 37 How often do they need to be around humans?
- 38 How often does the fur fall off?
- 39 How often should an Australian Cattle Dog visit the vet?
- 40 How Popular is the Australian Cattle Dog?
- 41 Is an Australian Cattle Dog a good family pet?
- 42 Is An Australian Cattle Dog Right For Me?
- 43 What are the common problems in the ACD?
- 44 What does a Blue or Red Heeler look like?
- 45 What if I have a show dog?
- 46 What kind of dogs are part of your family?
- 47 What’s your primary interest in dogs?
- 48 Where Does the Australian Cattle Dog Rank?
- 49 Who’s the best human for Australian Cattle Dogs?
- 50 History of Australian Cattle Dogs
Overview of Australian Cattle Dogs
Barking
Lastly, while the Australian Cattle Dog is has an independent temperament, they are also known to have very affectionate and loving personality around their family.One notable trait of the Australian Cattle Dog is that they were bred to be silent workers.The original breeders didn’t want them barking excessively and frighten the half-wild cattle they were herding, so barking was considered an undesirable trait.This continues to this day, with Australian Cattle Dogs rarely barking, and often only barking to give warning.
Breed
It is true that they have a double coat, and, some say that the Australian Cattle Dog breed only sheds once or twice a year when he “blows” his fur, however, like most dogs, they shed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year!
Cancer
All suspicious lumps should be tested and any questionable lump should be surgically removed as soon as possible.Many cancers are cured by surgically removing them, so early detection and removal is critical.Mast cell tumors are a particularly nasty type of skin cancer found more often in Australian Cattle Dogs, and the sooner they are surgically removed the better.Trouble is, they often look just like other kinds of skin lumps and lesions, some of which are harmful, and others not.
Coat
Australian farmers and cattle owners loved the result and purchased the dogs from him.Later, two brothers, Jack and Harry Bagust of Canterbury in Sydney bred them with Dalmatians—”to instill the love of horses and faithfulness to master into their dogs.” The Dalmatian cross is what gives some Australian Cattle Dogs their colorful markings, including a coat that comes in either a “blue” tone or a “red” tone.
Energy
Hence, they need homes with securely fenced yards, ranches, or country farms.If you want to have an Australian cattle dog for a canine companion, you have to provide him with a proper outlet for his bright mind and natural energy.
Genetic Predispositions
At the end of the booklet, we have also included a description of what you can do at home to keep your Heeler looking and feeling her best.This guide contains general health information important to all canines as well as the most important genetic predispositions for Australian Cattle Dogs.This information helps you and us together plan for your pet’s unique medical needs.You will know what to watch for, and we will all feel better knowing that we’re taking the best possible care of your pal.
Grooming
As with all dogs, regular attention to nails, ears and teeth will help avoid health problems.Even for the show ring it needs no more than wiping down with a moist cloth.Known as a “wash and wear” dog, the Australian Cattle Dog requires little grooming, and an occasional brushing is all that is required to keep the coat clean and odour-free.
Health
You can minimize serious health concerns in a Australian Cattle Dog by purchasing from a reputable breeder who engages in responsible breeding practices, and through screening for common diseases and conditions.
Infections
Australian Cattle Dogs are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections — the same ones that all dogs can get — such as parvo, rabies, and distemper.Many of these infections are preventable through vaccination, which we will recommend based on the diseases we see in our area, her age, and other factors.
Obesity
Instead, give her a hug, brush her fur or teeth, play a game with her, or perhaps take her for a walk.It is a serious disease that may cause or worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain and heart disease.Obesity can be a significant health problem in Australian Cattle Dogs.She’ll feel better, and so will you!Though it’s tempting to give your pal food when she looks at you with those soulful eyes, you can “love her to death” with leftover people food and doggie treats.
Parasites
For years veterinarians simply avoided using ivermectin in herding breeds, but now there is a DNA test that can specifically identify dogs who are at risk for side effects from certain medications.If your Australian Cattle Dog has this mutation, it can affect his processing of many drugs, including substances commonly used to treat parasites, diarrhea and even cancer.Multidrug resistance is a genetic defect in a gene called MDR1.Testing him early in life can prevent drug-related toxicity.
Personality
Many of the characteristics of the Australian Cattle Dog that are so much loved by most owners can cause great stress to someone who is not prepared to handle their extreme personality.
Social
Australian Cattle Dogs are eager to learn and respond well to reward-based training, allowing them to participate in a vast array of enjoyable activities including agility, flyball, and Frisbee that help the dog bond with its family.Australian Cattle Dogs are often characterized by traits that contributed to their original use as herding dogs, including being intelligent, active, energetic, and watchful.Australian Cattle Dogs may also be suspicious of or cautious with strangers, which implies some degree of low level fear or concern about strangers, but socialization can minimize the development of fear-based defensive aggression.However, as with other working breeds, the athleticism and stamina of the Australian Cattle Dog requires physical and mental stimulation in the family environment.However, its herding tendencies can impair this bond as an Australian Cattle Dog may chase moving vehicles or herd children, sometimes by nipping.
Temperament
In this AnimalWised file you will discover all you need to know if you are considering adopting an Australian Cattle Dog, including an overview of their temperament, behavior, necessary care and training tips.
Training
Are Australian Cattle Dogs difficult to train?
ACD’s are well structured to training, particularly if the training is interesting and challenging.Australian Cattle Dogs are intelligent and responsive – both of these traits can be an advantage in training where a structured, varied program is followed, but may lead to unwanted outcomes if training is not consistent, or is repetitive and boring.The Australian Cattle Dog is biddable, and responds well to training.
Are Australian Cattle Dogs good pets?
The Australian Cattle Dogs are good family members that are good with kids if raised together from the start.This breed loves to nip and bite and that can be a problem with the kids, so it’s important to watch every time your kids are playing with the dog.If the play becomes too rough, they will want to bite them and play rough because they do not know how to treat kids correctly.That is why it is so important to teach your kids how to properly approach and play with the dog.
Are Australian Cattle Dogs Good With Children?
Australian Cattle Dogs are known to be great with kids, with one notable exception; they have been known to nip at the heels of running children.This Australian Cattle Dog behavior is mostly due to their long performance as herders.This behavior can be trained out of the Cattle Dog by demonstrating to them that humans are not appropriate for herding.Children should also be trained to not run full speed by your Cattle Dog, so as not to antagonize them.
Are Australian Cattle Dogs high maintenance?
The Australian Cattle Dog was bred to work outdoors and has a smooth, double-layer coat that protects him from the elements.This coat has no odour or oily residue, so an Australian Cattle Dog generally needs just a quick brushing once a week and an occasional bath.
Are Australian Cattle Dogs kid-friendly and sociable with humans?
The Australian Cattle Dog is a good family dog, but he does best with children if he is raised with them and accepts them early on as members of his household.In such cases, he’s very playful and protective.The breed’s tendency to be mouthy — even to nip and bite — can be a problem with kids, however.He may want to herd them with sharp nips, or bite when youngsters play too roughly.
Are they good with children?
The Australian Cattle Dog is a great family dog, but he does best with children if he is raised with them and accepts them early on as members of his household.
Are you energetic enough for an Australian Cattle Dog?
Also known as the Blue Heeler, Australian Heeler, Red Heeler, Halls Heeler, or Queensland Heeler, the Australian Cattle Dog is a unique breed known for its mottled coat.
Do ACD’s shed or cause allergies?
They do shed year around.Frequent baths and blowouts will help accelerate the shedding process and help keep the skin and coat in good condition.
Do Australian Cattle Dogs get along with other dogs or cats?
ACD’s respond well to familiar dogs, but when multiple dogs are present, establishing a pecking order may trigger aggression.It is not a breed that lives in a pack with other dogs.
Do Blue Heelers Make Good Family Pets?
Australian Cattle Dogs make great pets if you can to give them the exercise and mental stimulation they require to stay healthy and happy.
Do Blue Heelers shed?
Although the Australian Cattle Dog isn’t an excessive shedder, they tend to blow their coat once or twice a year with the seasons’ changing.During this time, they will shed their hair in clumps.
Do they require a lot of grooming?
They require minimal grooming.Routine baths and brush outs are recommended to minimize shedding and keep the skin and coat in good condition.
Does an Australian Cattle Dog shed?
The Australian Cattle Dog has a smooth, double-layer coat which is the key protection for all the elements.The Australian Cattle Dogs can have blue or red speckled coats.Both coat varieties feature distinctive mottling or speaking patterns.The coat is water-resistant and doesn’t shed year-round.They need a quick brush once a week and an occasional bath.Be aware that during shedding season (twice a year) you will need to brush them every few days to remove dead hair.The rest is basic care: trim his nails when needed, brush his teeth weekly and check his ears more often for redness which can indicate infection.
How big do Australian Cattle Dogs get?
Australian Cattle Dogs stand around 17 to 20 inches (43 to 51 cm) tall at the withers and weigh between 30 and 50 pounds (14 and 23 kg).
How do I keep my Australian Cattle Dog busy?
This high energy herding breed thrives when given a job and will need lots of play and exercise to keep entertained.
How much do Australian Cattle Dogs eat?
1-5 – 2.
How much does an Australian Cattle Dog eat?
ACD’s should do well on a high-quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared with your veterinarian’s supervision and approval.
How much does the Blue Heeler cost?
A purebred Australian Cattle Dog puppy can cost anything from $250 to $1,100, depending on the parent’s lineage, the breeder, location, etc.
How much exercise does an Australian Cattle Dog need?
The Australian Cattle Dog is a very active, high-energy dog who needs more than just a quick walk and playtime in the yard.Heeler puppies love to take part in any kind of exercise including agility, chasing balls and Frisbees.He makes the perfect jogging companion.If the Blue Heeler isn’t given enough exercise he will become bored, destructive and may be prone to excessive barking due to their temperament.Going on runs every day is a good outlet for his energy.
How much food should I feed my Australian Cattle Dog?
Due to their high energy levels and active natures, Australian Heelers need dog food full of nutrients and vitamins to supplement their muscles and minds.
How often do they need to be around humans?
The Australian Cattle Dog is a “shadow” dog – intensely devoted to his owner, and does not want to be separated from him or her.Once he bonds, he likes to go wherever his owner goes.In fact, punishment to the Australian Cattle Dog is physical separation from those he loves.
How often does the fur fall off?
The ACD sheds his undercoat twice a year.During shedding season, every few days he will need a thorough brushing-out to remove the dead hair, using a short-bristle brush and possibly a comb as well.As with all breeds, the Australian Cattle Dog’s nails should be trimmed regularly.
How often should an Australian Cattle Dog visit the vet?
Veterinary care is essential to a dog’s health and wellbeing, however the frequency of treatment and checkups will depend on the dog.
How Popular is the Australian Cattle Dog?
The Australian Cattle Dog is currently ranked as the 54th most popular AKC registered breed.Their firm position as a moderately popular breed is most likely a result of their strenuous exercise needs and their suitability for working ranches and farms.This breed will not enjoy, or thrive, in an urban or apartment setting.
Is an Australian Cattle Dog a good family pet?
Although highly devoted and loyal to their families, Australian Cattle Dogs do not make the best choice of dogs for families with small children.
Is An Australian Cattle Dog Right For Me?
The Australian Cattle Dog is a new name for an older breed.You may have known these dogs as Australian Heelers, Blue Heelers, Red Heelers, Queensland Heelers or Hall’s Heelers depending on where you are living.They are a unique dog with a very well defined personality and a determination that is legendary in the herding breeds.
What are the common problems in the ACD?
Some common issues in the breed are Hip and Elbow Dysplasia, PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy), deafness, and OCD (Osteochondrosis Dissecans).
What does a Blue or Red Heeler look like?
Today, Blue and Red Heelers look very similar to wild dingoes, with the coat color being the most apparent difference.
What if I have a show dog?
Whether you have a show dog or a companion dog, the same basic care is given regarding nutrition, socialization, and hygiene.The difference is the conditioning of the dog and conformation training.It is always quite helpful if your breeder can help mentor you to lead you in the right direction upon entering the wonderful world of dog shows.A great place to start is the Australian Cattle Dog Club of America, www.acdca.
What kind of dogs are part of your family?
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Where Does the Australian Cattle Dog Rank?
See where this beloved breed ranks in comparison to other breeds in 7 key categories.
Who’s the best human for Australian Cattle Dogs?
If you like vigorous outdoor exercise, an Australian Cattle Dog could make a great canine companion, since they need a lot of exercise (two or three hours a day).A walk around the block isn’t going to do it, but if you like a morning run, an ACD would likely love to keep you company.