The Australian Cattle Dog (also referred to as: Heeler, Blue Heeler, Red Heeler, Queensland Heeler, Queensland Blue Heeler and Queensland Red Heeler) was developed in Australia in the mid to late 1800's to be a silent worker able to control livestock in wide-open spaces as well as in the stockyard. It is believed that the breed was developed using the Native Australian Dog (Dingo), the Dalmatian, the Bull Terrier, and the Australian Kelpie, among others.
For further information about breed history, see ACD Breed History from the Australian Cattle Dog Club of America, Inc. website.
He is a sturdy, agile dog with strength and endurance. He is highly intelligent, loyal, alert, watchful, courageous and protective. The breed makes an excellent watch dog and is extremely loyal to his family. ACDs are known for their devotion to family — often referred to as "velcro dogs", some will bond more closely to one person while others bond to the whole family. Either way, the Australian Cattle Dog absolutely needs to be around the people he bonds to.
He is a superb worker with remarkable reasoning power. The ACD is a high energy, extremely active dog who absolutely requires mental and physical stimulation. Besides the natural herding abilities of the ACD, the breed excels at such sports as Flyball, Agility and Frisbee competition. He is also seen in the Conformation ring as well as in Competitive Obedience.
His double coat may be either red or blue speckle, with or without particular markings.
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Health Issues:
A relatively healthy and long-lived breed, the Australian Cattle Dog's average life expectancy is 12 to 15 years with many living well beyond that age. (The longest-lived dog as recorded by the Guinness Book of World Records is an Australian Cattle Dog — He reportedly lived to 29 years of age.)
The Australian Cattle Dog Club of America recommends that breeders have their breeding stock x-rayed for hips and elbows; CERF testing for inherited eye diseases; BAER testing for deafness; and DNA testing for the detection of PRA.
If you are considering the adoption of a Australian Cattle Dog puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy's parents have all health clearances. Breeding of any dog should not be done until after they have been proven to be free of evidence of significant hereditary diseases. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the main Breed Listing and Breeders page.)
Additional Health Resources:
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Breed Standards:
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Grooming:
The Australian Cattle Dog, known as a "wash and wear" breed, requires minimal grooming — Regular brushing and proper nutrition will help maintain a healthy coat. Toe nails should be kept trimmed and ears clean. The pads under the feet should also be checked regularly for cuts or bruises.
- Grooming Information — See this section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website for additional tips, techniques and information about grooming as well as listings of Groomers from across Canada.
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Training Resources:
- ACD Training Tips — Excellent resource for training information.
- Training — For information on training your ACD, see this growing section of Canada's Guide to Dogs for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada.
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Additional Information:
"Phoenix" — Ch. Dalaussie's Spider's Phoenix and
