Australian Cattle Dog breed guide: Care, training, and fun facts
Breed guide overview
About Australian Cattle Dogs
Temperament
Exercise
Grooming
Training
Diet
Health
About the Australian Cattle Dog breed
Australian Cattle Dogs, which unsurprisingly hail from Australia, have been around since the 1800s but didn’t come to the UK until the late 1970s. They were used to handle herds of cattle on ranches and get the name “Heeler” as they would nip the heels of livestock to guide them.
They can make great family pets for responsible owners who understand how much time is needed to give to this breed.
Weight, height and life expectancy
They are a medium breed growing up to 51cm in height for males, and 48cm for females.
They should weigh between 17 and 23kg.
They have an average life expectancy of 12-14 years, but can be more as the current Guinness World Record for the oldest dog went to Bluey, an Australian Cattle Dog who passed away at the age of 29 and a half years old!
What is the temperament of an Australian Cattle Dog like?
This breed is very loyal, highly intelligent and courageous. Their loyalty does mean they are attached to their families, but they may struggle to be comfortable with strangers. As with lots of breeds, if socialised well as pups and are given time and space with new people, they should become more comfortable with others.
As they were bred to nip during their herding responsibilities, they can do this when they get overexcited, especially with children. If you are considering owning an Australian Cattle Dog, do keep this in mind that this should be a priority when training.
Some Aussies can bark quite a bit, as they like to act as guard dogs.
Our Australian Cattle Dog Community
“Riley is a 1 year old Australian Cattle Dog who is small for her breed but has a big personality. Riley loves fetch, tuggy, playing in shallow water, belly rubs, and rolling in the grass.”
Riley’s owner, Katherine from Manchester
“Alfie is the ultimate companion. He is incredibly loyal and intelligent. He is a lot of fun if you are an active person as he will never tire when out with you. He loves to explore and get about.”
Alfie’s owner, Adam from London
How much exercise does an Australian Cattle Dog need?
They are a working breed and are extremely high energy dogs. Adults need over 2 hours of exercise per day and are suited to people who can provide them with this level of physical exercise.
As well as their physical needs, Australian Cattle Dogs require a lot of mental stimulation to keep them entertained. If they get bored they can get up to mischief!
They enjoy going on hikes and exploring nature, agility classes, playing fetch with a ball or a frisbee and when at home engage them with brain puzzles, and treat finding games!
Puppies have specific exercise requirements that should be adjusted according to their age and physical development. Gradually increase the duration and intensity of exercise as your puppy grows. Your vet can provide advice based on your individual pup's needs.
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Do Australian Cattle Dogs need a lot of grooming?
Australian Cattle Dogs have water-resistant double coats. The colours of their coats include blue, blue speckled, with or without black, blue with tan markings and speckled red.
Weekly brushing to get rid of dead hair and dried on mud, and washing them when they are particularly dirty should be enough grooming for the average Australian Cattle Dog. They can cast some hair around the house.
Like any dog, regular tooth brushing with a dog-specific toothpaste twice daily is ideal. If you can’t manage that often, just do it as often as you can.
Are Australian Cattle Dogs easy to train?
The fact that this breed is typically very intelligent and eager to please means they are usually rather easy to train. That said, they are best trained by someone who is familiar with the breed, who can be confident with them, so they aren’t recommended for first time dog owners.
It’s very important to be consistent when training an Australian Cattle Dog and be very patient with them. If they get bored try to change up sessions a bit to keep them mental stimulating, or take a break.
They can really benefit from a lot of socialisation at a young age - so be sure to get them used to different people, dogs, animals, sights and sounds.
They will often instinctively want to herd the group, but be sure to work on preventing them nipping, like they may have done traditionally with the cattle they drove.
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What do Australian Cattle Dogs eat?
Australian Cattle Dogs should be fed a good quality dog food twice daily. Unless working, or exercising to a high level, although traditionally “working dogs”, if your Australian Cattle Dog is more of a pet, they should not need the extra calories of a working dog food.
They are quite prone to being overweight, so be sure to watch the treats and how much dinner they are getting. If you have concerns about your dog’s weight you should check in with your vet.
They should be given puppy food until they are around 12 months old, but as each brand of dog food varies, they should be able to advise on the best time to make this gradual food change.
Are Australian Cattle Dogs healthy?
In general Australian Cattle Dogs are healthy dogs, but like any breed, there are certain conditions they are more prone to than others. These include:
Bones and joints
Hip dysplasia - a condition where the thigh bone and pelvis do not sit together properly at the hip joint
Elbow dysplasia - this condition is where there is an issue with how the bones fit together at the elbow joint
Luxating patella - this is when a dog’s kneecap moves out of where it should normally be
Ears
Deafness - a full or partial inability to hear
Eyes
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) - this is when the retina of the eye, breaks down, leading to blindness
Urinary
Bladder Stones - Stones form in the bladder which can be uncomfortable and cause a blockage
Dermatomyositis - A genetic condition that causes inflammation of muscle as well as skin.
This list is by no means comprehensive, so if you have any concerns about the health of your dog, or if you want to discuss further if an Australian Cattle Dog is right for you, consult with your vet.
Always make sure to have your dog insured, so you don’t get caught out with any unexpected vet bills.
Vet top tip
Training is key for Australian Cattle Dogs, as they are intelligent and highly energetic. Consistent, structured training sessions help harness their natural herding instincts and prevent unwanted behaviours. Incorporate activities that challenge them mentally, like puzzle toys and agility exercises, to keep them happy and prevent boredom-related issues.
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Information on this page should never replace advice given by your veterinarian. Potential health issues presented are given as a guide only and are not meant to be comprehensive. If you ever have any concerns about your dog's health, contact your local vet.
